Bedford County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan

Home , Dunning Mountain, Great Eastern Trail, Sideling Hill, Tussey Mountain, Wills Mountain

December 18, 2007

Adopted by the Bedford County Board of Commissioners

Prepared by the Bedford County Planning Commission

With technical assistance provided by

This plan was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnership Program, Environmental Stewardship fund, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

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Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 1-1 Plan Purpose and Value Planning Process Plan Overview by Chapter

Setting and Study Area...... 2-1 Regional Setting County Characteristic and Trends Major Communities and Corridors Significant and Sizable Features Development and Conservation Policy

Open Space Resources...... 3-1 Sensitive Natural Resources Resources for Rural Industries Resources for Rural Character Regulation and Protection of Natural Resources Conclusions and Options

Parks & Recreation Facilities ...... 4-1 State Parks and Recreation Resources Local Public Park and Recreation Facility Assessment Analysis of Parks and Recreation Facilities Trends Conclusions for Recreation Facilities

Recreation Systems ...... 5-1 Recreation Systems Public Needs and Interests Challenges of the Times Pennsylvania Recreation Plan 2004-2008 Recreation in Bedford County Recreation Linkages with Tourism Recreation Analysis Conclusions and Recommendations

The Vision for Parks, Recreation and Open Space...... 6-1 Vision Guiding Principles Goals and Objectives

Action & Implementation Plan ...... 7-1

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Appendix Foundation and Authority for Parks, Recreation and Open Space Planning in Pennsylvania ...... A-1 Maps...... A-5

Open Space Resources Map Fish and Game Resources Map Park and Recreation Facilities Map Trails and Greenways Map Parks, Recreation, Greenways and Open Space Network Map

Reference Maps from the Southern Alleghenies Regional Greenways and Open Space Network Plan Greenway Corridor Composite Criteria Map Regional Greenway Projects Map Bedford County Project Corridors Map

ii CONTENTS

Introduction

Bedford County adopted its Revised Comprehensive Plan in December of 2006. This plan outlined the need for more specific policy and investment regarding the provision of recreation facilities and services and the stewardship of open space lands in Bedford County. These aspects of community life were deemed important by citizens and for citizens. Therefore, this new plan was developed to establish the direction, priorities and partnerships most suited to ensure that recreational opportunities and open spaces meet the needs of residents.

However, this first Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan for Bedford County is timely for several other reasons, as well. Tabulation of the 2000 census was completed, marking the closure of the 20th century. Amendments to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code in 2000 gave new authority, responsibilities, and tools to counties and municipalities for regional planning, farmland preservation, historic resource preservation, and water supply protection, among other items. In 2001, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania completed its first statewide Greenways Plan, Pennsylvania Greenways: An Action Plan for Creating Connections, and began investing in county planning efforts to carry forth its vision. Pennsylvania’s Bureau for Recreation and Conservation had just released its 2004- 2008 State Recreation Plan, including resident survey results by county. In addition, the county has joined with its neighboring counties to develop a five county regional greenway plan to regionalize conservation corridor efforts. To that end the County adopted the Southern Alleghenies Greenway Plan in 2007. Finally, Growing Greener II was proposed by Governor Ed Rendell, and approved in 2005, to make a portion of this $625 million initiative available for projects restoring natural resources, protecting open spaces, and revitalizing older communities. The Bedford County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan project represents an opportunity to synthesize current data with regional and comprehensive planning in order to position the County and its municipalities for action and investment.

PA Greenways Vision Pennsylvania and its many partners will develop an outstanding network of greenways across the Commonwealth, creating an asset highly valued by Pennsylvanians and enhancing the quality of life for all. This network of greenways will connect Pennsylvania's open space, natural landscape features, scenic, cultural, historic, and recreation sites, and urban and rural communities. Greenways will become one of the Commonwealth’s most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and livable communities. - Pennsylvania Greenways: An Action Plan for Creating Connections, June 2001

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Plan Purpose and Value

Purpose

This Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan sets forth a vision and guidelines for parks and facility development, leisure program and service delivery, the operation and management of the parks and recreation system, and the protection of open space and rural character. It provides a start toward meeting the recreational needs of County residents and visitors and securing accessible open space for all County residents.

Value

This Plan defines desirable outcomes, direction and action to sustain and enhance the quality of parks, recreation and open space in the Bedford County. It outlines tangible steps to be taken in meeting Bedford County's future needs. Its success will depend on serious commitment. In doing so, we can help:

• Conserve and protect the county’s unique heritage and resources • Diversify the county’s travel options through land and water trails • Establish a true recreation system, not merely separate facilities and functions but a series of interconnected places and programs. • Strengthen and diversify the county’s economy through collaborative recreation and tourism.

This plan provides a starting framework for making our vision for tomorrow a reality. Looking to the future, Bedford County wants to maintain the rural characteristics that attract people to the County, while enhancing the recreational opportunities and amenities for residents.

Planning was the first challenge, implementation is the next. Again, this is not only the responsibility of public officials but a county wide endeavor of all sectors with a shared vision for the future and a belief that progress requires sustained effort.

The Bedford County Planning Commission will be able to reference this document in their reviews of subdivision and land development plans. Where opportunities to accomplish the Plan’s goals exist and are not recognized by the proposed plan, the Commission and the planning staff should feel confident in requesting further consideration of the identified opportunities by the landowner or developer.

Local municipalities can look to the plan for its data on resources and existing facilities, its ideas for municipal and multi-municipal projects, its listing of project partners and assistance programs and its case studies of approaches to resource management and recreation services, particularly in rural areas. Municipalities can also directly reference the existence and recommendations of the plan in their grant

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applications to funding agencies; this emphasis on consistency with county policy often improves a municipality’s competitiveness for public funding.

The plan has value for many other county partners. School districts may be interested in sidewalk and trail projects that provide safe routes to school, interpretive sites for outdoor education and opportunities to expand recreational facilities. Public and private recreation organizations may be willing to partner on unique recreation facilities or programs. Non-profit community and environmental associations may find new locations for special events in the highlights of existing parks and plans for their enhancement. Because the county’s open space and recreational assets are also attractive to visitors, this Plan will provide a source of information to the Bedford County Visitors Bureau. From the Plan, Bureau staff will see where Bedford County intends to encourage open space protection and recreational development, and can use this information in support of its cultural and heritage initiatives. Finally, business development groups may take interest in projects that will enrich the quality of life for their employees and in sponsorship opportunities that help to market their products. Many of these project partners may be eligible to apply for technical and financial assistance independently or in tandem with the county to accomplish projects more efficiently.

Similarly, the Southern Alleghenies Regional Planning and Development Commission may reference the Plan as it prepares and assists others in preparing studies, initiatives, and programs. Along with the Bedford County Comprehensive Plan, this Plan will characterize the quality of life the county is seeking to provide to those who wish to play a part in Bedford County’s future.

Planning Process

The planning process was conducted through a series of steps to identify the following:

1. Unique and special resources, recreational areas, and organizations 2. Issues and concerns for meeting residents’ needs 3. Goals for the protection of resource areas and corridors, the provision of recreational facilities and services, and the education of residents on these important community topics 4. Strategies for enhancing the management of open space, the establishment and extension of greenways and the development of a recreational network 5. Partners and programs for implementation

The project was developed with an extensive public involvement process. A steering committee comprised of local residents, recreation providers, and conservation specialists met to contribute their local knowledge to the analysis and findings of the project as well as their aspirations to the Plan’s goals and recommendations.

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Resource managers and recreation service providers from the public and private sectors were interviewed to establish a broad understanding of conditions and trends in resources management and recreation. Youth were surveyed for their input to key improvements in recreation that would make Bedford County and attractive place to live. Through the concurrent comprehensive planning process, stakeholders and residents offered their insights to opportunities and concerns for the future of recreation and open space. Finally, the draft Plan was presented at public review sessions before the Plan was finalized.

The Bedford County Planning Commission was the lead agency in preparing the plan. The planning staff administered a grant from DCNR, coordinated meetings, and assisted extensively in the preparation of the document.

Plan Overview by Chapter

The Bedford County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan begins with an introduction to the county and the region in Chapter 2. Chapters 3 and 4 inventory and evaluate the county’s current open space resources and recreation facilities. Chapter 5 identifies the organizations working in the fields of resource management and recreation and evaluates their policies and programs. Chapter 6 presents Bedford County’s vision and goals for parks, recreation and open space. Chapter 7 presents strategies to improve management of current open space and recreation resources and identifies partners, and funding sources to facilitate implementation of the plan. Chapter 8 summarizes priority projects as a blueprint for action. The appendix provides descriptions, eligibility and contact information on technical and financial assistance programs.

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Setting and Study Area

Bedford County lies in the southwestern portion of Pennsylvania, on the eastern edge of the Allegheny Front of the Appalachian Mountains. Since Fort Bedford was established as an outpost on the western frontier nearly 250 years ago, the area known as Bedford County has benefited from its strategic location between the commercial markets of the East Coast and Mid-West. Like much of rural Pennsylvania, natural resources have been the foundation of the County’s economy and way of life since its settlement. Residents today still enjoy a predominantly rural landscape of forested mountains, agricultural valleys, small towns and villages at rural crossroads.

Regional Setting

Bedford County is located along Pennsylvania’s southern border with Maryland. Adjacent Pennsylvania counties include Fulton to the east, Huntingdon to the northeast, Blair to the north, Cambria to the northwest, and Somerset to the west. Allegany County, Maryland, lies to the south. The County is within 100 miles of Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, and 140 miles from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas.

Bedford County is a 6th class county, comprising 38 municipalities, 13 boroughs and 25 second class townships, and containing roughly 50 unincorporated villages. Over the last century the county has grown while other counties in the region have declined. Most of the development has occurred in the townships and along highway corridors in those townships; but not usually adjacent to boroughs or villages with public water and sewer service.

Figure 2-1. Bedford County: Regional Location

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Bedford County is the 10th largest county in land area in Pennsylvania. The highest point in the County is at 3,136 feet above sea level atop Blue Knob. The lowest point is the Juniata River as it exits the County in the northeast.

Bedford County is part of the multi-county service area for the Southern Alleghenies Regional Planning and Development Commission, a local development district (LDD) providing economic and community development services to businesses and communities in its service region. Southern Alleghenies also serves as the rural transportation organization (RPO) for four of the Counties: Bedford Huntington, Fulton and Somerset. In addition the Commission sponsors a planning forum for the six counties and two cities within the region in the form of a Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) where regional and county planning concerns are discussed and addressed.

County Characteristic and Trends

The following characteristics and trends are taken primarily from the Bedford County Comprehensive Plan, 2007. The implications of these trends are noted and directed the investigation and analysis of the resources and opportunities available to County residents to meet their needs.

• Bedford County continues to experience a moderate rate of population growth . The 2000 Census recorded a county population of 49,984, which is a 4 percent increase over the 1990 Census. Estimates from 2005 put the county's total population at 50,091. Population projections show the county's population reaching 54,222 by 2020. This represents an increase of 8.5 percent from 2000 levels. Growth in the resident population indicates a potential need for more recreation facilities and programs, and perhaps more intensive maintenance of existing facilities. More importantly, future growth in the county will require additional water supply from sources that are dependent upon precipitation to infiltrate and recharge the aquifers. Maintaining groundwater recharge and well head protection areas will be critical to protecting groundwater supply and quality for the county's future. • The county's most dramatic demographic change is occurring in the age structure of its population. During the 1990s, total county population increased by 2,066, or 4.3 percent. Growth was highest among the oldest age groups, including a 23 percent increase in the 75-85 age group (representing 542 persons) and a 35 percent increase in the over 85 age group (218 persons). Over the same period, the county experienced a 12 percent decrease in the number of people in the 25 to 34 age group, a decline of 855 persons. This trend suggests that current policies and opportunities should be reviewed to best meet the needs of an older population and consider strategic actions that will support a more balanced resident population. • In the year 2000 Bedford County residents reached higher educational levels than in 1990. Half or nearly 51 percent of Bedford County citizens age 25 and

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over had a high school diploma in 2000. Twenty eight percent had received a bachelor's degree. This was a slight increase from 1990, with only 48.3 percent having high school diplomas and 20.2 percent receiving their bachelor’s degree. The percentage of those with a college education is low due to a lack of employment in the area for those with college educations. This results in a “brain drain” or movement of college educated people out of the county. • Residents’ income rose ahead of inflation and the percentage of residents below the poverty line declined in the 1990s but average affluence is still only 79 percent of the state average. The median household income in the county increased in real value by 5.3 percent from 1989 to 1999, from $21,622 to $32,731. Between 1989 and 1999, Bedford County also experienced a $2,002 or 12.3% increase in real growth per capita income. However, the per capita income and median household levels are still lower than state averages due to the lack of professional employment opportunities. Poverty was down 3.5 percentage points from 1989 to 1999. • Bedford County residents are choosing suburban and rural living over that found in the county’s boroughs. Sixty eight percent of Bedford County’s municipalities experienced population increases between 1970 and 2000. The majority of those municipalities that lost population were boroughs. In just the past 20 years, nearly a third of the county's new housing stock (1,087 units) has been built in three townships along a corridor that traverses portions of US 220, US 30 and PA 56: Bedford (380 units), East St. Clair (379 units) and Kimmel (328 units). This trend in combination with land use change data implies that rural landscapes are increasingly being converted from open space uses to residential development and that longer motorized travel is required to reach established recreation destinations. • Most Bedford County residents live in single-family homes, though a significant percentage live in mobile homes. According to the 2000 Census, the predominant residential type in Bedford County is the single-family detached dwelling, which comprised 72.7 percent of the entire housing stock (compared to the state average of 56 percent). A large percentage (16.7 percent) of Bedford County residents also reside in mobile homes, compared to the state average of 5 percent. • Seasonal residents occupy just over 10 percent of the housing units in the county. Several townships in the south eastern corner of Bedford County have significantly higher seasonal housing units. • Manufacturing is still the county's largest employer . More than 1 in 5 Bedford County workers are employed in some form of production.

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Employment by Industry, 2000 Source: US Census Bureau

Agriculture, etc. Public 5% Other services administration (except public 4% administration) Construction 9% Arts, etc. 5% 8%

Educational, etc. Manufacturing 16% 22%

Professional, etc. Wholesale trade 4% 3%

Finance, etc. Retail trade 3% 13% Information* 1% Transportation, etc. 7%

Figure 2-2. Employment By Industry, 2000

Employment by Occupation for Bedford County, 2000 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Service Management, Occupations Sales and Office Professional, and 14% Occupations Related 21% Occupations 23%

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations 2% Production, Construction, Transportation, and Extraction, and Material Moving Maintenance Occupations Occupations 27% 13%

Figure 2-3. Employment By Occupation for Bedford County, 2000

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• Over 58 percent of Bedford County workers are employed in white-collar occupations. Production, transportation and material moving occupations account for 27 percent, the highest percentage of all county occupations. Fourteen percent of residents are employed in service occupations, and thirteen percent in construction, extraction and maintenance. Only 2 percent are employed in farming, fishing and forestry occupations, which manage large expanses of the county’s landscape. • The county relies greatly on its network of roadways for rural industries, tourism and even recreation . Pedestrian transportation options are limited to sidewalk systems in the boroughs; walking paths and trails, for pedestrians and bicyclists are essentially non-existent. • The vast majority of the county’s land is forested. More than two thirds of the county’s land area is classified as forest/woodland uses. These uses are widespread, however, there is a significant concentration of public woodlands in the southern and eastern part of the county, specifically along the ridgelines. Agricultural land is scattered throughout the county as well, with a noticeable concentration in the north central region. • Forests are a vital Bedford County resource . The value of the county's standing timber is approximately $208 million, with an annual timber harvest value of $8.37 million. The vast majority of the county's forests are privately owned by more than 16,000 land owners. • Although prime agricultural soils represent only 12 percent of the total acreage in Bedford County, agricultural is quite visible across the county landscape. Concentrations of prime soils are found in the areas of Morrison Cove, Snake Spring Valley, Friends Cove, Cumberland Valley, and Dutch Corner. These concentrated areas are target locations for agricultural preservation. Smaller areas of prime farmland soils are on hills, terraces, and flood plains scattered throughout the rest of the county's valleys. These too may be candidates for agricultural preservation in conjunction with other resource conservation programs. Farmland in Bedford County is being converted to other uses. In the last 25 years, 1982 to 2007, the county has lost over 42,000 acres of farmland. The settlement of nearly all boroughs and towns was begun on the best prime farmland in the county. Many roads were also built on prime farmland soils in valleys and floodplains, where they could take advantage of easy grades for horse-drawn vehicles. The county is actively working to minimize the loss of more farmland through programs that protect farmers and preserve farmland. The County jointly with the State and Federal government has purchased the development rights of 2,705 acres of county farmland. These easements allow only the right to develop the property for non-farm uses. In some areas the market value of the eased farmland has increased. There is significant interest (a waiting list of 33 farms encompassing about 5,000 acres) and public support for the program. However, the cost to purchase a perpetual easement is about $900 to $1,500 per acre at the present time.

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Table 2-1 Agricultural Easements Acquired as of July 2008 Easement Property Owner Township Acreage Anthony Wagner Colerain 256 Richard Strickland Colerain 263 Harry Hite Colerain 180 Jane Yoder King/East St. Clair 340 Bernetta Gable South Woodbury 236 P.A. Hershberger * West Providence 172 William Roy Mock * East St. Clair 96 Allen Claar Colerain 230 Frank Otto #1 * East Providence 69 Max Hershberger South Woodbury 103 Jerry Hershberger South Woodbury 310 Ethel Ford * Snake Spring 263 Frank Otto #2 * East Providence 187 Total 2705 Easement Donation *

Currently, farm property owners from nearly all Townships have voluntarily enrolled more than 110,000 acres in the Agricultural Security Areas program. This program protects farmers from ordinances that would restrict normal farming practices and prohibit agencies from condemning ground for public projects. The county's natural environment provides an important setting for hunting and fishing opportunities. There are over 100,000 acres of public land and an additional estimated 150,000 acres of private land open for hunting in Bedford County. The Game Commission reported a harvest of nearly 9,800 white-tailed deer and 94 black bear in Bedford County in 2005. There are several state game lands in the county in addition to the hunting lands available in the Buchanan State Forest. The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Cooperative Farm-Game Program works with farmers to make private lands available to the public for hunting in an effort to reduce the damage game cause to crops and farmland. Bedford County is rich in historic and cultural properties, including 27 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 4 historic districts, 2 National Historical Landmarks, namely the Espy House (Washington Bakery) and the Bedford Springs Hotel, and another 56 properties deemed eligible for the National Register. Many of the historic school sites are still being used as voting places, municipal buildings, businesses and private schools. Programs of Old Bedford Village, The Bedford County Historical Society, The Arts Council, the Everett Foundry and the Fall Foliage Festival in Bedford have preserved our heritage and interpreted local craftsmanship for residents and visitors alike. Sites in Bedford County have played a significant role in county, state and national history. Seventeen sites have been commemorated with state historical markers.

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The county’s 14 covered bridges are a tourism resource. These sites are presented and promoted as driving and biking tours. The Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission is also targeting bus tours for the 6- county region, including Bedford County. The Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor (LHHC) traverses Bedford County. The LHHC works to promote economic development through the promotion of heritage tourism. Also, the LHHC has worked to restore historical buildings and properties, such as the Coffee Pot, and has successfully marked the historic road with road signs and road-side art.

Major Communities and Corridors

Bedford Borough is the county seat. Due to the strong physiographic features, the mountains, most local road corridors travel north-south, and settlement occurred where the few east-west travel routes created crossings. The county has four regional travel corridors: I-76, I-99/US 220, PA 56 and PA 30 (The Lincoln Highway).

I-76, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, transects the county east to west, with exits at Breezewood and Bedford. It roughly parallels US 30, the Lincoln Highway and local east-west connector, which passes through Breezewood, Everett, Bedford, and Schellsburg.

I-99/US 220 is the primary north-south travel route. It enters the county at the north eastern corner of Kimmel Township and travels south through Bedford and Centerville to Cumberland, Maryland.

PA 56 connects US 30 to Pleasantville before traveling on to Windber and Johnstown. This corridor is the primary route for Johnstown bound traffic from the east.

In addition, PA 36 traverses the county from north to south just east of the County’s center. It enters the county north of Woodbury and travels south to Everett where it crosses PA 30 and joins route 26 from Saxton south to Clearville entering Fulton County and Maryland (I-68).

PA 96 traverses the county north-south just west of center and passes through Pleasantville, New Paris, Schellsburg, Manns Choice, and Hyndman en route to Cumberland, Maryland.

Rainsburg is located on PA 326 in Friends Cove, which connects PA 30 just east of Bedford to points south and enters Maryland just east of Cumberland.

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Significant and Sizable Features

Bedford County’s most notable features include the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, the Allegheny Mountains and their valley counterparts, the Bedford Springs Hotel, and the extensive public lands owned by the Commonwealth.

The Raystown Branch of the Juniata River drains the northern two-thirds of Bedford County. It begins in Somerset, Cambria and Blair Counties and meets the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River in Huntingdon County, traversing 126 miles and draining 961 square miles. Outstanding trout fishing can be found in Bobs Creek, Cove Creek and Yellow Creek, tributaries of the river. The Raystown Branch main stem offers excellent bass and panfish. A water trail has been established to identify public access points to the waterway.

The primary mountains in Bedford County are Wills Mountain, Evitts/Dunning Mountain, and Tussey Mountain. These sandstone ridges extend from Bedford County’s southern border with Maryland into Blair County to the north. Polish Mountain, Warrior Ridge, Rays Hill and Little Allegheny Mountain, Chestnut Ridge are secondary ridges that divide the county into its many valleys. Blue Knob, a notable ski resort and recreational area, is also the state's second highest point at 3146 feet/959 m (after Mount Davis in Somerset County to the west).

The largest farm valleys in Bedford County are the Cumberland Valley between Wills Mountain and Evitts Mountain, Friends Cove between Evitts Mountain and Tussey Mountain and Morrison Cove nearly surrounded by Evitts Mountain, Dunning Mountain and Tussey Mountain. These valleys offer the best soils, topography, and drainage for the county’s agricultural industry.

The Bedford Springs Hotel is the premier historic redevelopment project in the county. Built as a health resort utilizing the medicinal qualities of mineral springs near Shober’s Run, the hotel became President James Buchanan’s summer White House and the only meeting location of the US Supreme Court outside of Washington, DC.1 The Bedford Springs Hotel, one of the most visible landmarks of the region’s past 200 years, has been restored and reopened in July 2007.

Public lands abound in Bedford County. Blue Knob, Shawnee and Warriors Path State Parks are located in the northwest, central west and northeast, respectively. The Pennsylvania Buchanan State Forest encompasses a large contiguous portion of Tussey Mountain between Rainsburg and the county’s southern border, as well as smaller tracts on Ragged Mountain to the east. The state forest land includes two natural areas: the Pine Ridge Natural Area and the Sweet Root Natural Area. 2

1 Bedford Spring website, http://www.memberbbb.com/springs.html 2 PA DCNR website, http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/buchanan.aspx

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Development and Conservation Policy

Bedford County updated its 1977 comprehensive plan in 2007. The 2007 comprehensive plan identifies and addresses the following as key issues for sustaining and improving the quality of life in the county: Continued population growth and development and the need to locate that growth adjacent to available public services. Need for economic development and diversity that increases job opportunities Protection of natural and heritage resources from development and their wise use for tourism Need for municipal comprehensive planning. The plan calls for revised development practices that focus new development in and around existing service areas and that protect rural resources from development through contemporary zoning and subdivision and land development techniques suitable for Bedford County. Such innovative techniques will require substantial promotion and explanation to local officials familiar with only conventional single use, single lot size developments. The county has no countywide zoning ordinance. Only Bedford Borough has adopted a municipal Zoning Ordinance to guide the location of land use. The county’s model subdivision and land development ordinance (SALDO) for municipal use is dated. The comprehensive plan recommends a substantial update to these regulations, including supplemental incentives to further encourage effective growth management and resource protection. Amendments to the existing ordinance could be improved in the areas of: street construction; stormwater management; natural resource protection, open space preservation, placement of utilities; and location of parks and recreation facilities. In addition, it recommends provisions and standards for alternative development styles such as cluster housing, conservation design principals, planned residential development and traditional neighborhood development. Thirty-one (31) of the county's 38 municipalities, and the largest portion of county residents, are not guided by a local municipal Comprehensive Plan. Municipalities that have local Comprehensive Plans include: Bedford Township (2007), Bedford Borough (1958), Everett Borough (2001), and Mann, Monroe, Southampton Townships (2003), South Woodbury Township (1993), and Woodbury Township (1983). With substantial amendments to the PA Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) in 2000, only those plans completed since 2000 can be considered reasonably current. Twenty municipalities have adopted and enforce their own subdivision and land development ordinance (SALDO) regulations. These policies are more current than comprehensive planning policies

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Only five of the 20 municipal subdivision and land development ordinances have been updated since the 2000 MPC amendments. All 38 municipalities have sewage facilities plans. Ten have been updated since 2000. Another seven are ten years old or less, and the remaining 21 are much as 34 years old. Some of the county's local municipalities are abandoning a "go it alone" approach in favor of multi-municipal planning and collaboration. The success of the Bedford County Association of Municipalities, formed in 2004 to administer the state-wide building code, may have raised awareness of the benefits of the joint provision of municipal services. Service sharing can extend to other areas beyond community planning and code enforcement, such as water and sewer planning, watershed planning and storm water management. In September 1998, the Bedford County Planning Commission published The Bedford County Natural Heritage Inventory. This document identifies and maps Bedford County’s most significant natural places. The study investigated plant and animal species and natural communities that are unique or uncommon in the county; it also explored areas important for general wildlife habitat and scientific study. The inventory identified 87 sites in the county, then ranked them for their significance and prioritized them for protection.

The inventory does not confer protection to any of the areas listed in the report. It is, however, a tool for informed and responsible decision-making. Public and private organizations may use the inventory to guide land acquisition and conservation decisions. Local municipalities and the County may use it to help with comprehensive planning, zoning and the review of development proposals. Developers, utility companies and government agencies alike may benefit from access to this environmental information prior to the creation of detailed development plans. The county contracted with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to develop the inventory. 3 Beginning in 2004, Bedford County participated in the development of the Southern Alleghenies Regional Greenway Network plan as led by the Southern Alleghenies Regional Planning and Development Commission. This plan identifies conservation and recreation greenways for the five county region of Bedford, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset Counties and incorporates greenways already identified and programmed for Blair County. The plan prioritizes and provides development costs for each of the priority regional and county greenways. Details of this plan are provided in Chapter 3, Open Space Resources.

3 Western Pennsylvania Conservancy website, http://www.paconserve.org/rc/cnhi-bedford.html

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Table 2-2. Plans and Ordinances by Municipality Subdivision & Approved Land Comprehensive Municipal Zoning Act 166 Flood Development MUNICIPALITIES Plan 537 Plan Ordinance Ordinance Ordinance Boroughs Bedford Borough Yes-1958 1999 2001 1983 2001 Coaldale Borough No 1995 No 1984 No Everett Borough 2001 1987 No 1986 2001 Hopewell Borough No 1984 No 1985 No Hyndman Borough No 1973 No 1984 No Manns Choice Borough No 1990 No 1983 No New Paris Borough No 1997 No N/A 2003 Pleasantville Borough No 1993 No 1985 No Rainsburg Borough No 1973 No N/A No Saxton Borough No 2006 No N/A No Schellsburg Borough No 1990 No yes No St. Clairsville Borough No 1993 No 1984 No Woodbury Borough No 1997 No Yes No Townships Bedford Township 2007 2005 No 1985 1993 Bloomfield Township No 2006 No 1984 2001 Broad Top Township No 2001 No 1984 1992 Colerain Township No 2004 No 1984 1999 Cumberland Valley Township No 1973 No 1983 No East Providence Township No 1999 No 1985 1999 East St. Clair Township No 2001 No 1987 1993 Harrison Township No 1973 No Yes No Hopewell Township No 2001 No Yes No Juniata Township No 1973 No 1986 No Kimmel Township No 1973 No 1985 1995 King Township No 2006 No 1984 1999 Liberty Township No 1973 No 1989 No Lincoln Township No 1973 No 1984 No Londonderry Township No 1999 No yes 1999 Mann Township 2003 1973 No Yes 2001 Monroe Township 2003 2003 No 1985 1999 Napier Township No 1999 No 1986 1981 Pavia Township No 1973 No 1984 No Snake Spring Township No 2003 No 1987 No Southampton Township 2003 1973 No 1984 2005 South Woodbury Township 1993 1995 No 1985 1994 West Providence Township No 1996 No 1985 1993 West ST. Clair Township No 1999 No 1985 1999 Woodbury Township 1983 1997 No 1982 2001 N/A: Not applicable; no flood area Source: Bedford County Planning Commission, PA DEP website, Act 537 Official Plan Aging.

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Open Space Resources

Bedford County has abundant natural resources that define its environment, rural industries, and rural character. This chapter presents an overview of resource quantity, quality and distribution in Bedford County. The Open Space Resources and Fish and Game Resources Maps in the appendix supplement this chapter. Further information regarding natural resources and open space can be found in the Natural Resource chapter of the Bedford County Comprehensive Plan.

Sensitive Natural Resources

Sensitive natural resources are those that perform ecological function, have value to human communities, and can be negatively impacted by human activity. These resources can be as broad as geological landscapes, or as specific as individual species of special concern. Depending on the function, rarity, and human use of the resource, sensitive resources can include geologic formations, components of the hydrologic (water) cycle, steep slopes, wetlands and hydric soils, floodplains and unique habitats for rare, threatened, or endangered species.

Geologic Formations and Associated Unique Habitats

Bedford County is situated along the western border of the Ridge and Valley physiographic province, which is characterized by folded and faulted sedimentary rocks of early to middle Paleozoic age. The northwestern border of the county is approximately at the Allegheny Front, a geological boundary between the Ridge and Valley Province and the Allegheny Plateau, which is characterized by relatively flat- lying sedimentary rocks of late Paleozoic age.

Bedford County’s underlying geologic formations shape its topography and determine the characteristics of surface and subsurface drainage, and support specialized wildlife communities. Its ridges consist of quartzite and sandstone, both of which resist erosion. The lower ridges and slopes consist of siltstone and shale. The valleys are, for the most part, limestone. The Appalachian plateau in the northwest portion of the county is comprised mainly of sandstone and shale beds.

Within these subsurface formations are valuable mineral and gas resources. Two coal fields exist within Bedford County. One is the Broad Top Field in the northeastern corner of the county, and the other is the Georges Creek Field along the

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southwestern border. Both fields contain bituminous coal. Along the west flank of Wells Mountain and Dunning's Mountain, and along the east flank of Tussey Mountain, the whole length of the county, run two outcrops of fossil iron-ore beds, once mined at many points and converted to coke for blast furnaces in Hopewell.4 Natural gas fields and storage areas exist in southeastern Bedford County, primarily within folded Devonian rocks south of Breezewood. Another deep gas field exists in the vicinity of Blue Knob on the border with Blair County to the north. Limestone quarries exist in the central and north central areas of the County. The limestone mining industry has continued to support the economy of Bedford County when other sectors of the economy have faltered.

The aquatic life in Bedford County is affected by these geologic conditions. The high impermeability of rock results in water running off into streams, rather than being taken up by soil. Also, the largely siltstone and shale geology is able to hold less water than areas containing carbonate rocks, and water is lost to streams through fractures in rock. These factors contribute to low or no flow during the summer months. Other reasons for low flow include high rates of evapotranspiration, or evaporation from trees, which comprise a large portion of the project area.5 Because the county is in the rain shadow of the Appalachian Mountains, it receives up to four inches less rain each year than surrounding areas – only 34.5 inches. Recent droughts throughout the county have triggered a county-wide appeal for water conservation.

Subsidence is the downward movement of surface material involving little or no horizontal movement. Subsidence can occur naturally due to physical and chemical weathering of certain types of bedrock or as a result of underground mining, excessive pumping of groundwater, or subsurface erosion. Subsidence usually occurs slowly over a long period, but can happen rapidly. Although subsidence is not common in the county, the potential for it exists in its limestone valleys.6

The Three Sisters watershed (See map on page 3-3) in southeast Bedford County contains a unique type of geological formation known as the shale barren. Shale barrens are steep, south-facing, eroding slopes of thinly bedded, weathered shale, having sparse tree cover and little soil. With their southern exposure, steep slopes, and rocky substrate, the habitats they support are very dry. Found in the Ridge and Valley Province, from southern Pennsylvania to southern Virginia, shale barrens support a unique plant community, which in turn hosts a number of specific moths and butterflies. Many rare and endangered plant species grow in these environmentally sensitive ecosystems.7

4 Penn State University Libraries, Description of the Geology of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, http://www.libraries.psu.edu/emsl/guides/X/bedford.htm 5 Three Sisters Watershed Conservation Plan, Draft July 2006. 6 Ibid. 7 Three Sisters Watershed Conservation Plan, Draft July 2006.

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Figure 3-1. Three Sisters Watershed

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 3-3

Groundwater as Water Supply

More than 90 percent of Bedford County residents rely on groundwater for their residential water supply. Groundwater is water held within bedrock beneath the soil surface. Groundwater quantities are dependent upon bedrock type and infiltration at the soil surface. Groundwater stored in confined aquifers tends to deplete quickly. Confined aquifers are those separated from the atmosphere by a layer of impermeable soil or rock, which reduces infiltration and groundwater yields. In unconfined aquifers, water is contained in small pores of the bedrock and groundwater yields are relative to the amount of spaces found between the pores.

Specifically in the Three Sisters watershed, the most common aquifers are confined or intermediate, between confined and unconfined. Here, well yields are considerably smaller, averaging 10 to 30 gallons per minute, compared to those from limestone that yield up to 200 gallons per minute. Groundwater yields are still sufficient for dispersed residential wells, but such yields are generally inadequate for commercial uses or intensive residential uses,8 constraining the land’s development potential.

Groundwater quality is dependent upon the quality of infiltrating waters from the surface, soil conditions, and bedrock chemistry. Groundwater in Bedford County is most heavily influenced by limestone, which tends to allow surface water to permeate the ground quickly through fissures (cracks) in the bedrock, lessening the filtering effects of the soil.

Development typically increases the total amount of impervious surfaces (rooftops, parking lots, roads, etc.), increasing stormwater quantities and decreasing groundwater recharge. If retained, the water filters through the soil and recharges the underground aquifer. If allowed or encouraged to flow across the surface and into surface waterways, these waters can increase the amount of flow and cause or increase flood damages. Storm water can also carry pollutants and sediment into the surface waters, which impacts water quality for aquatic habitat, recreation and public water withdrawals.

Surface Waters as Water Supply and Aquatic Habitat

Surface waters include rivers, streams, and ponds and are dynamic components of the hydrologic cycle and the entire natural environment. They provide aquatic habitat, supply water sources for human activities, carry runoff from storms, and offer recreation and scenic opportunities.

Within its borders, Bedford County has 5 lakes and over 1300 ponds; the headwaters of two river basins, the Susquehanna and Potomac Rivers; and 750 miles of streams and tributaries, totaling over 2,900 acres of surface water.

8 Ibid.

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As part of Pennsylvania’s water quality standards, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) assigns surface waters a “designated use.” Designated uses for streams in Bedford County are shown on the Fish and Game Resources Map in the appendix.

Designated uses are the human and ecological water uses that state law protects. In Pennsylvania, designated uses include the aquatic life uses of Cold Water Fishes (CWF), Warm Water Fishes (WWF), Migratory Fishes (MF) and Trout Stocking Fishes (TSF); the water supply uses of Potable Water Supply, Industrial Water Supply, Livestock Water Supply, Wildlife Water Supply and Irrigation; the recreational uses of boating, fishing, water contact and esthetics; and the special protection categories of High Quality (HQ) & Exceptional Value (EV). The special protection categories are unique in that water quality itself must be protected, rather than maintenance of the use only. Of the special protection waters, EV waters are the most stringently protected.9

When waters are designated as EV or HQ, existing activities are “grandfathered” and can continue in their current form. EV status ensures that new and expanded activities in the watershed do not degrade the existing quality of the water. HQ status provides similar protection except that new or increased activities that require action by the DEP can demonstrate that there is a “social or economic justification” that merits some stream degradation. Municipalities can also use these designations as tools to help guide land use planning and zoning decisions.10

Under applicable regulations, the DEP will not issue permits for discharges into a high quality watershed that will cause any measurable, adverse change in the existing water quality unless the discharge is "justified as a result of necessary economic or social development which is of significant public value." For exceptional value waters, no permit will be issued for a discharge that will degrade the waters to any degree, irrespective of social or economic justification. The highest possible levels of treatment will be required on exceptional value watersheds, if any permits at all are authorized. Yet, development on exceptional value streams is possible. The developer must show, however, that best management practices will be implemented to prevent any adverse impacts to water quality.11

Cove Creek in Colerain Township and the east and west branches of the Sideling Hill Creek in the southeastern part of Bedford County are rated as exceptional value waters by DEP. An additional eighteen creeks and their tributaries in the county are rated as high quality waters by DEP. These are shown on the Fish and Game Map.

Surface water is particularly vulnerable to pollution and excessive sediment from human activities. Surface water quality can be threatened by the direct and indirect

9 PA Campaign for Clean Water News, Volume 1, Issue 1, Summer 2005. 10 Ibid. 11 A Summary Of Environmental Laws And Regulations Affecting Land Development In Pennsylvania, http://library.findlaw.com/2000/Jan/1/129323.html .

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impacts of a variety of human activities, including poor land development, construction, farming and timber harvesting practices, mining, inadequate sewage treatment and disposal, industrial and municipal waste dumping, deficient storm water management, confined animal feeding operations and other pollution sources.

The DEP assesses waterways for excessive impacts or impairments to designated uses. Its findings are reported in the Pennsylvania Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report, which satisfies the requirements of both Sections 305(b) and 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. Current data indicates that deficient agricultural conservation practices, resulting in sedimentation and nutrient loading, particularly in the north central region of the county, are impacting surface water quality. In the south central section of the county, atmospheric pollutants are impacting select streams.

Water quality is susceptible to degradation from low alkalinity, acid rain, and low flow regimes that amplify the effects of nutrient and sediment addition, specifically in the Three Sisters watershed. Low pH, resulting from the effects of acid rain and absence of alkalinity-producing rocks, is one of the biggest threats to aquatic life. Other major threats to water resources include poor planning for single and multi- home developments and dirt and gravel road impacts. The Ridge and Valley Stream Keepers have recorded acidic pH levels in headwater streams as low as 5.0 (Sideling Hill Creek watershed) and 4.0 (Town Creek watershed). Fish and other aquatic life are impaired at a pH of 5.0 and typically die if pH is less than 4.0. 12

Pennsylvania's Storm Water Management Act addresses management of storm water runoff from land development sites. The act requires that storm water management facilities be designed to insure that the maximum rate of storm water runoff from a development site is no greater after development than prior to development activities. This is intended to keep flood elevations from being incrementally increased with each new building permit. This Act requires Bedford County to adopt a watershed storm water management plan for the 19 watersheds in the county. Once the plans are in place and approved, all future construction within the watershed must be consistent with that plan. The municipalities in the watershed are required to adopt ordinances necessary to regulate development consistent with the plan. In practice, the time table for counties to develop watershed storm water management plans has depended upon the availability of state appropriations to fund the work. Historically, the program has been under-funded consequently some counties have such plans in place, but most do not. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reports that the storm water management plans in Bedford County have been prepared for the 2 watersheds of Dunning Creek and Bobs Creek .13

12 Three Sisters Watershed Conservation Plan, Draft July 2006. 13 Ibid.

3-6 OPEN SPACE RESOURCES

Steep Slopes and Disturbance Hazards

By municipal planning standards, slopes with grades of 15 percent or greater are considered steep, and slopes with grades over 25 percent are considered very steep. These slopes are prone to higher erosion rates and subsequent sediment loading in adjacent streams than lesser slopes or grades. The steep and very steep slopes in Bedford County are predominantly found on the mountain ridges throughout the county.

Landslides are heavily concentrated in southwestern Pennsylvania. They can occur as gravity or compression forces rock and soil down steep slopes. Typically, landslides occur along road cuts having unstable bank conditions. Other factors, such as stream erosion, earth-clearing and earth-moving activities, soil characteristics, weakened or fractured rock, mining debris, and weather can influence or even result from the occurrence of a landslide. Due to the risks associated with steep slopes disturbance, these area should be protected from most intensive development activities.

Hydric Soils and Disturbance Hazards

Hydric soils are those soils that retain water during a portion of the year and are one indicator of wetlands. Hydric soils provide water storage and infiltration that naturally improve water sources and flows. Bedford County has over 46,000 acres of hydric soils. The largest areas of hydric soil are found along the base of the mountains. These locations are illustrated on the Environmentally Sensitive Water Features Map of the Bedford County Comprehensive Plan.

Hydric soils are susceptible to compaction and uneven settling when developed. Compaction reduces the soils’ water storage capacity, resulting in higher levels of storm and flood waters. Structures built on hydric soils can experience abnormal and uneven settling. While there are no specific regulations protecting hydric soils from development; wetlands are protected, as described below.

Wetlands and Disturbance Hazards

Wetlands are transitional areas between terrestrial (land) and hydrologic (water) systems. They are defined by open or shallow water sufficient to saturate the soil to the surface for some portion of the year; soils indicative of wet conditions; and vegetation adapted to wet conditions. Wetlands help to maintain surface stream flow and recharge groundwater aquifers by absorbing and releasing flood waters. Wetlands also act as ecological magnets, as documented by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, concentrating a host of different bio-communities, particularly bird populations. The wetlands in Bedford County are associated with the floodplains of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, Lake Shawnee, and located at various depressions and seeps throughout the county.

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Draining, filling, or otherwise disturbing wetlands reduces their water storage capacity and the wildlife habitat they offer. Because wetlands contain hydric soils, they are susceptible to compaction which causes uneven building settlement. The low permeability of hydric soils makes them unsuitable for on-site sewage systems.

Pennsylvania regulates wetlands under its Dam Safety and Encroachments Act. Any fill or structure which is located in, along, across or projecting into a wetland, or any activity which changes, expands or diminishes the course, current or cross-section of a wetland, or other body of water, will require a permit issued by DEP. There are waivers and general permits applicable to minor activities, such as stream crossings. In addition, the federal wetland program must also be complied with, and federal approval obtained for any activity affecting a wetland. The federal program is authorized by Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act. Pennsylvania has a more restrictive wetland regulation program than the federal program in that it establishes criteria for "exceptional value" wetlands. Permits will not be issued for any project which will have an adverse impact on exceptional value wetlands.14

Developers with wetlands existing on potential development property should have a delineation conducted by a qualified wetlands consultant. This delineation should be reviewed by the Army Corps of Engineers, which issue a "jurisdictional determination." Once the limits of the wetlands have been officially determined, the development can be designed to minimize disturbance of wetland areas.15

Floodplains and Encroachment Hazards

Floodplains are lands adjacent to waterways that are periodically inundated with water that exceeds the waterway’s banks. Floods are classified according to their frequency and depth. For instance, there are 10-year, 25-year, 50-year, 100-year, and 500-year floods. A 100-year flood, although less frequent than a 10-year flood, is deeper—and far more destructive. For this reason, the 100-year flood is now more commonly called the “base flood.” Floodplains are associated with flood frequencies, i.e. the 100- year and 500-year floodplain, and are delineated in width and depth. The 100-year floodplain is most commonly used for planning purposes.

Floodplains perform a number of critical ecologic functions. They absorb, store, and release large amounts of water to the surrounding soils and surface and groundwater systems. Vegetation in the floodplain protects water quality by trapping sediment and absorbing excess nutrients from upland surface runoff, and stabilizing stream banks. Floodplains also provide habitat and indirectly regulate aquatic habitat in adjacent waterways. The 100-year floodplain areas in Bedford County are estimated to total approximately 29,500 acres and envelop generally the rivers and streams. These locations are illustrated on the Environmentally Sensitive Water Features Map of the Bedford County Comprehensive Plan.

14 A Summary Of Environmental Laws And Regulations Affecting Land Development In Pennsylvania, http://library.findlaw.com/2000/Jan/1/129323.html . 15 Ibid.

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the federal agency responsible for floodplain designation and management. Floodplain management is the operation of a community program of corrective and preventative measures for reducing flood damage. These measures usually include building requirements and special-purpose floodplain ordinances at the municipal level but may also include the municipal tools of zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances.

Preserving floodplain areas from development disturbances minimizes potential damages to property and risk of injury due to extensive flooding. Allowing the floodplain areas to remain in their natural state will also minimize any major changes to the balance of the hydrologic system. The unplanned encroachment of structures and land filling activities in floodplain areas has the potential of reducing the floodplain land area and water carrying capacity, thus increasing water heights, velocities, and flood hazards in areas beyond these encroachments. Incorporating conservation areas in the landscape along watercourses will be effective in preserving floodplain areas as well as providing additional open space. A community's agreement to adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances, particularly with respect to new construction is an important element in making flood insurance available to home and businesses owners. Additionally, communities can mitigate risk by reclaiming floodplains for open space, as older homes deteriorate or are destroyed by flooding with substantial damage.

Pennsylvania's Flood Plain Management Act requires virtually all municipalities to adopt flood plain management ordinances. These ordinances must, at a minimum, impose the standards necessary to comply with the requirements of the Federal National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. Even though about a third of Pennsylvania's municipalities have no municipal planning or zoning regulations, all municipalities with areas subject to flooding, as shown on maps compiled by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are required by the Flood Plan Management Act to have a flood plain management ordinance. This means that structural development in the floodway of any watershed that would cause an increase in the 100-year flood elevation is prohibited. While the state mandated program generally tracks the minimum standards of the Federal Flood Insurance Program, the Pennsylvania statute exceeds federal requirements in two areas:

1) Any structures housing activities that may endanger human life are prohibited within any delineated floodway area. To implement this requirement the regulations list hazardous compounds that may not be manufactured or stored in new or substantially improved structures in the floodway.

2) The Pennsylvania Act also identifies special hazard facilities (hospitals, nursing homes, jails, and mobile home parks) which cannot be built or substantially improved in a flood hazard area without a special permit.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 3-9

Note also that under Pennsylvania law as interpreted by Commonwealth Court, municipalities may supplement the minimum statutory requirements with additional, local requirements.16

Biological Diversity

Natural Heritage Areas

The Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) for Bedford County provides a preliminary report of the County’s biodiversity. Completed by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in 1998, the inventory identifies and maps the most significant natural places in Bedford County. Plant and animal species, natural communities that are unique or uncommon in the County and areas important for wildlife habitat and scientific study were investigated. The NHI identifies specific areas of biodiversity, termed BDAs, LCAs, and DAs. These designated areas are shown on the Open Space Resources Map in the appendix.

A BDA (or biological diversity area) is an area of land recognized as supporting populations of state, nationally, or globally significant species or natural communities, high-quality examples of natural communities or ecosystems, or natural exceptional native diversity. These areas are typically small and contain a buffer that takes into account the natural community or habitat that is the focus of the site.

A LCA (or landscape conservation area) is a larger area of land that contains minimal human disturbance and allows ecosystems to function on a landscape level. A DA (or dedicated area) is an area of land recognized because of an owner’s specific intention to protect it, which could result in the site improving to become either a BDA in the future or an even better high-quality area within an already designated BDA. Numerous areas in the county could become DAs through landowner agreements, special programs, or other methods.

The NHI identifies 78 BDAs, LCAs, and DAs in Bedford County. As shown on the Open Space Resources Map, these sites are concentrated along the mountain and waterway corridors and tend to occur along creeks and streams; in swamps and wetlands, reservoirs; along upland slopes and ridges; in gaps and gorges; and in mines, caverns and barrens. The largest BDAs are the Sweet Root Gap BDA (#36) and the Upper Bobs Creek Watershed BDA (#77), located in Buchanan State Forest and State Game Lands 26, respectively. Most sites are located on forested lands in private ownership.

While the inventory does not protect these areas, it provides the necessary information to guide land acquisition and conservation decisions. It can also be

16 A Summary Of Environmental Laws And Regulations Affecting Land Development In Pennsylvania, http://library.findlaw.com/2000/Jan/1/129323.html .

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referenced in the development of municipal comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances, as well as in the review of development plans .

Other Biological Diversity Features

The Sideling Hill Creek, Fifteen Mile Creek, and Town Creek watersheds are predicted to have one of the highest levels of mammal diversity in either Pennsylvania or Maryland. Among the 57 predicted species for the project area are the conspicuous black bear and bobcat, as well as uncommon species such as the long-tailed shrew and the spotted skunk. White-tailed deer are particularly abundant. DCNR estimates that deer populations in Bedford County are 15–45 percent above densities needed to maintain healthy forest management, which is not as high as much of Pennsylvania but may still inhibit forest regeneration.17

The shale barren communities in this area are considered to be in good ecological health, though there are some potential threats to these communities. The lichens that are so essential to these communities are sensitive to air pollution and acid rain. Invasive plant species also threaten shale barrens including spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa ), brome grass ( Bromus sterilis ), and others. Other threats include over browsing by deer, damage from roads, and extraction of shale.18

The most significant characteristic of the county with regard to birds are the two Important Bird Areas (IBA), Tussey Mountain and the Allegheny Ridge. Both areas are important as migration routes for many raptor species, including bald and golden eagles. Recently named an Important Bird Area in Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Audubon Society, Tussey Mountain (IBA#81) forms a north/south linear ridge across the central portion of the county. The Allegheny Ridge was listed as an IBA by Audubon in 2006. This ridge follows the Western boundary of Bedford County and extends through states north and south of Pennsylvania.

Threatened and Endangered Species

The Three Sisters Watershed Conservation Plan inventories threatened and endangered species in the watershed. Three federally endangered species are found here: green floater mussel, brook floater mussel, and harperella. The plant harperella is found in both the Sideling Hill and Fifteen Mile Creek watersheds, but currently only in Maryland. A variety of species that are rare, threatened, or endangered in Pennsylvania and Maryland, also exist. There are 63 state-threatened and state- endangered plant species; three state-threatened and state -endangered bird species; one state-endangered mammal species; three state-threatened and state -endangered mussel species; and seven state-threatened and state-endangered miscellaneous invertebrates.19

17 Ibid. 18 Ibid. 19 Three Sisters Watershed Conservation Plan, Draft July 2006.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 3-11

Resources for Rural Industries

Prime Farmland Soils and Preserved Farmlands – A non-renewable resource

Prime farmland, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the land that is best suited to producing food, feed, forage, fiber and oilseed crops. It has the soil quality, growing season, and water supply needed to economically produce a sustained high yield of crops when it is treated and managed using acceptable farming practices. Eleven (11) percent, or close to 70,000 acres, of the total land in Bedford County meets the soil quality requirements for prime farmland. These soils are concentrated in a north to south band of farmland through the center of the county, particularly in the Morrison and Friends Cove areas. The very best of these prime farmland soils are defined by the USDA as Class 1 soils and are concentrated along the streams in the county, particularly Bobs, Dunning, and Wills Creeks as shown on the Environmentally Sensitive Land Features Map of the Bedford County Comprehensive Plan. There is approximately only 2,000 acres of Class 1 soils that remain available for farming.

In a recent survey of aerial maps (2006), approximately 169,000 acres or over 23 percent of Bedford County was classified as active farmland by the Bedford County Planning Commission. These lands included areas of prime and non-prime farmland soils throughout the County with a noticeable concentration in the north central and central region, as shown on the Open Space Resources Map. It is estimated that close to 55,000 acres of farmland in the county has been lost over the past 20 years.

Preserving farmland and protecting farming practices are two means to sustaining the farming industry. More than 110,000 acres in the county have been placed in Township Agricultural Security Areas (ASA). While this designation provides no hindrance to landowners who may want to develop their land, it does encourage continued farming by protecting farmers from nuisance complaints among other non-tax benefits. These areas have not been fully mapped; however current data is illustrated on the Open Space Resources Map. Enrolling land in a township ASA must precede application to the County easement preservation program.

The County, through the Bedford County Agricultural Land Preservation Easement Purchase Program has acquired perpetual easements on 1,945 acres of farmland in the county. Thirty five farm applications, amounting to 5,000 acres, are awaiting easement purchases by this program. The eased farms are also shown on the Open Space Resources Map.

The farming economy remains healthy in Bedford County. Cash receipts from the sale of agricultural commodities as reported by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Agricultural Statistic in 2005 are:

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Table 3-1. Agricultural Products Sales, 2005 Agricultural Products Value of 2005 Cash Receipts Field Crops $7,993,000 Vegetables $428,000 Fruits $2,081,000 Horticulture and Mushrooms $308,000 Poultry, Meat Animals and Misc. Livestock $15,751,000 Dairy $43,388,000 Government Payments $3,764,000 Total $73,713,000.00

Forest Vegetation and Forest Resources Industry – A renewable resource

Forests contain vital resources, vegetation and wildlife, that are part of the County’s history, present character and ecological health. Forest vegetation provides habitat for local wildlife and protects fragile steep slope and mountain top soils from erosion. It circulates nutrients and water between the soil and the atmosphere and moderates air temperature and pollutants. It also stabilizes soils that are prone to erosion and filters nutrients, pollutants and sediment from runoff, along stream banks. According to data compiled by the Natural Resources Extension of Penn State in 2000, forests cover 72% (464,500 acres) of Bedford County.20 A more recent estimate by the Bedford County Planning Commission indicates that forests (areas of tree cover with a density over 50%) amount to 67% of the county, as shown on the Open Space Map. While a portion of forested lands are owned and managed by state agencies, i.e. the state parks, state forest and state game lands, the vast majority of forest land in Bedford County is owned by private landowners.

Most of the forestland in Bedford County exists on or near the mountain ridges. There is a significant concentration of woodlands in the southern and eastern part of the County, specifically along the ridges, and there are smaller pockets of forest and woodlands dispersed throughout the County. The forests are composed primarily of oak, hickory, maple, beech, birch, elm, ash, aspen, and pine

The forest vegetation found throughout the county provides valuable timber resources to those that are willing and able to harvest it. The timber found within the forests provides income to both the owner and the harvester. The 2000 Census states that two thousand households in Bedford County use wood to heat their homes, second only to heating oil and electric.

A considerable amount of timber is sold to intermediaries with the purpose of producing finished lumber used throughout the construction industry both locally and nationally. The Natural Resources Extension reported the following estimates for the value of forestry and wood products in Bedford County in 2000:

20 Economic contribution of Forestry to Pennsylvania, http://rnrext.cas.psu.edu/counties/ExtMap.htm

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26 forestry and wood products establishments in Bedford County nearly 400 forestry and wood products employees a value of standing timber of $208.39 million an annual value of timber harvest of $8.37 million an annual economic contribution from forestry of $13.6 million an annual economic contribution from wood products of $8.1 million.

Mineral Resources and Extraction

The commercially valuable mineral resources in Bedford County are primarily coal and limestone. Bituminous coal has been and continues to be mined through strip and deep mining practices. Currently, close to 640 acres in the county are devoted to mining primarily in the Broad Top coalfield in the northeastern section of the county. Coal reserves in the county are estimated to be around 60 million tons. Limestone is mined commercially and mostly used for concrete aggregate, construction fill and lime.

Mining requires water resources for product washing, sorting and refining, dust control and a variety of other activities, and can also require the removal of water to access subsurface mineral deposits. As such, mineral extraction can pose a threat to groundwater supply and quality. Mineral extraction operations that pump water from quarries and deep mines lower the level of the groundwater table potentially below the wells of adjacent land uses. From a groundwater quality standpoint, removing the natural protection of the overlying strata in a working area, the groundwater is more susceptible to pollution as stormwater runoff will have less of a filtering period. This contamination may be transported by the groundwater and impact surface waters and points downstream.

The short and long term impacts of coal mining on groundwater and surface water have been so severe that the term acid mine drainage (AMD) has been defined. The DEP defines acid mine drainage as, “drainage flowing from or caused by surface mining, deep mining, or coal refuse piles that is typically highly acidic with elevated levels of dissolved metals.” Acid mine drainage is formed by a series of complex geo-chemical and microbial reactions that occur when water comes in contact with oxygen and pyrite in coal, refuse or the overburden of a mine operation. The resulting water is usually high in acidity and dissolved metals. The metals remain in solution until the pH rises to a level where they precipitate or fall out of the water solution. The precipitates form the red, yellow, and orange sediments found on the bottom of streams containing mine drainage. The acid mine drainage can further dissolve heavy metals such as iron, manganese and aluminum, as well as copper, lead, and mercury, from adjacent soils into the ground and surface water resulting in additional contamination. Longs Run, Sandy Run and Six-miles Run in the county are impaired by acid mine drainage.

3-14 OPEN SPACE RESOURCES

Resources for Rural Character

Results from surveys conducted for watershed studies show that although stream health may not be a high priority for the majority of residents, protecting the rural nature of the area is. Fortunately, protecting waterways is compatible, and perhaps even necessary, to ensure that the way of life that residents have come to love continues.21

Forest Environments

The extensive and accessible forest land is one of the defining rural features of Bedford County. The forests on the ridges and mountain sides provide an ever- changing backdrop to activities in the valleys as well as an environment for rural recreation activities, including walking, hiking, bird watching, bicycling, hunting, trapping, camping, etc. Residents enjoy these activities on their own private lands and across the more than 100,000 acres of state lands in the county. In addition, several municipal parks include or are adjacent to woodland tracts.

The abundance of forestland interspersed with plentiful farmland and water sources creates a diversity of habitat types that favors many species of wildlife. White-tailed deer and wild turkey are the most significant game species in the region, but others include black bear, gray squirrel, Eastern cottontail rabbit, and woodchuck. According to the PA Game Commission, fur-bearing species that can be trapped or hunted include beaver, muskrat, red fox, gray fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk, various species of weasel, and coyote. Fifty species of mammals live in the Juniata watershed, including bobcat, porcupine, bats, mice, rats, voles and shrews. One hundred seventy-two species of birds live and breed in the Juniata watershed, including songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors.22 The Juniata valley chapter of the Audubon Society reports that there are 178 species in the Juniata Valley.

Complex Topography

Steep slopes and ridges provide visual borders to the natural and man-made landscape. For those that venture to the ridges, they are offered views that connect them to the regional landscape. For this reason, trails are common to slopes and ridges, including those in Bedford County.

The Mid State Trail is the most significant trail and follows Tussey Mountain through the center of the county. Along the same ridge, Audubon has recognized this mountain chain as an Important Bird Area (IBA), the Great Tussey Mountain IBA. Though not shown on the statewide IBA map, the extent of the Great Tussey Mountain IBA #81 follows the mountain corridor from the Maryland/Pennsylvania border through Centre County Pennsylvania. In addition to a key state and intrastate

21 Juniata River Watershed Fact Sheet, http://www.jcwp.org 22 Juniata River Watershed Fact Sheet, http://www.jcwp.org

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 3-15

flyway for birds, over 6,000 raptors per season have been documented using this “throughway” or migration path. Most notable is the presence of the Golden Eagle.

River and Stream Corridors

River corridors (including creeks and streams) provide refreshing environments for rural recreation. The relative shallowness and gentle course of most of the Juniata River along the base of steep, scenic slopes make it valuable for quiet, recreational pursuits such as canoeing and fishing. The river is noted for its plentiful smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie, and others. Many of the Juniata’s tributaries are noted as high quality cold water fisheries that support trout populations. A variety of plant species grow in and along the Juniata River, including water willow, lizard-tail, and numerous species of pond weeds. The beautiful Jeweled Shooting-star, now classified as a threatened species, can be seen on the moist limestone cliffs along the Juniata.23

Bedford County has over 40 creeks and streams that flow into its two river basins, the Potomac River Basin and the Susquehanna River Basin via the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. The portion of the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River from Bedford past Saxton to the county border is designated as a scenic water trail, perfect for boaters and fishermen alike. The map below was prepared by the Juniata Clean Water Partnership.

There are also public boat access points on Shawnee Lake, Koon Lake and Gordon Lake. There are both cold and warm water fisheries that host a wide variety of fish to be captured. Sixty-three species of fish have been identified in the Juniata watershed, including sunfish, bass, perch, catfish and trout. In addition to fish, aquatic macro invertebrates make up an important part of the ecosystem. Without these populations, overall health of the river would decrease. Numerous aquatic macroinvertebrates live in the Juniata watershed, including mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, dobsonflies, dragonflies and damselflies, as well as water beetles, crayfish, and worms.24

23 Juniata River Watershed Fact Sheet, http://www.jcwp.org 24 Ibid.

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Figure 3-2. Juniata River Water Trail Map

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 3-17

Regulation and Protection of Natural Resources

Evidence suggests that the strategies necessary to maintain the way of life in the county are changing. Improved highway infrastructure has increased development pressures. Farms are becoming less common, increasing the likelihood that farm properties could be sold for other, more intensive uses. Advances in communication, such as improved Internet and cell phone services, could help local businesses to be financially competitive or create additional opportunities for new businesses to develop. Incentives and planning tools are necessary to protect sensitive land from development and maintain open space in the face of these changes.

County Projects and Programs

The Bedford County Agricultural Land Preservation Easement Purchase Program preserves the highest quality and most viable farmland soils for future agricultural use by purchasing easements and receiving easement donations from farmland owners. The Program for identifying the most viable farmland was approved by the State in 1996 and recertified in 2004.

The Bedford County Water Supply Plan and Wellhead Protection Program, completed in 1995, was a general effort to identify and characterize all public wells, delineate a general wellhead protection area for each well and to provide information, education and methods to protect water supply areas. Two (2) well fields and their respective wellhead aquifer recharge areas were hydrologically described in engineering detail: the Hyndman (and Londonderry Township) water supply area and the Fishertown/Pleasantville water supply area. Using funds from the EPA and with the assistance of PADOT, educational signs were erected on major highways leading into two sensitive recharge areas (1) located on US 30 and I70 on the outskirts of Breezewood and (2) on Route 96 north and south of Hyndman Borough’s well field, alerting travelers to the sensitivity of the water recharge areas to chemical spills.

The Bedford County Hazard Mitigation Partnership, also known as Project Impact, is a disaster resistance initiative with a mission “to identify risks and take actions which eliminate life threats and reduce financial losses” for residents of Bedford County. Nearly 200 individuals and organizations have joined as partners and/or advisors to this organization since its inception in 1998. The Partnership involves local, state, and federal participants in technical and educational projects, such as flood hazard mitigation, retrofitting and acquisition for various communities; GIS Vulnerability Analysis Database (VAD); and Partnership Development and Community Awareness programs.

State Plans

Pennsylvania’s Greenways: An Action Plan for Creating Connections was a State initiative aimed to connect Pennsylvania's open space and natural landscape features; scenic,

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cultural, historic, and recreation sites; and urban and rural communities through direct state investment and through public and public-private partnerships. Pennsylvania’s Greenways outlined major greenway corridors of statewide and regional value and has provided funding to counties and regional partnerships to develop plans for a second tier of greenway connections. The only major greenway corridor in Bedford County identified by the state plan was the Raystown Branch Water Trail from Bedford to Raystown Lake. Other major greenways in proximity to Bedford County’s borders included the Great Allegheny Passage through Somerset County and into Maryland to the southwest, and Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal through Blair and Cambria Counties to the north.

Figure 3-3. Pennsylvania Major Greenway Corridors Map

Available online at http://www.pagreenways.org/greenwaysnetworks.htm

Regional Plans and Projects

Beginning in 2004, Bedford County participated in the development of the Southern Alleghenies Regional Greenway and Open Space Network plan as led by the Southern Alleghenies Regional Planning and Development Commission. The goal of the project is to establish a regionally interconnected network of greenways that promote and encourage the creation of outdoor recreation as well as promote conservation of natural resources. This plan identifies conservation and recreation greenways for the five county region of Bedford, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset Counties and incorporates greenways already identified and programmed for Blair County.

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In the six county Southern Alleghenies Regional Greenway and Open Space Network plan the location of greenways was determined through a criteria-based process that identified the presence and weighted the value of various resources for greenways. Corridor criteria and their weighted scores are listed below.

Figure 3-4. Corridor Criteria from the Southern Alleghenies Regional Greenway and Open Space Network Plan

In this six county regional plan, the Greenway Corridor Composite Criteria Map illustrates the richness of greenway resources across the six-county region. The Greenway Corridor Projects Map illustrates the location of greenways corridors and designates them as either resource preservation or recreation greenways. These maps, as well as the map of Bedford County Project Corridors, are located in the appendix.

Of the eleven regional greenway corridors proposed, 5 cross Bedford County and are highlighted on the table below. See the 2007 Bedford County Greenway Plan for more detailed information.

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Table 3-2. Regional Greenway Project Candidates REGIONAL GREENWAY PROJECT CANDIDATES Overall Bedford County Input Regional Input MAP % of Rank* No. Project Name Votes % of total Rank* total 4 Quemahoning Greenway - 0% 7 16.1% 1 10 The Allegheny Crossing 22 30% 2 14.0% 2 2 Main Line Canal Greenway - 0% 7 13.6% 3 9 Tuscarora Greenway - 0% 7 12.8% 4 7 Mid-State Greenway 20 27% 3 9.7% 5 6 Five Mountains Wildlife Corridor 27 36% 1 8.4% 6 8 S&N Potomac to Raystown Greenway 1 1% 5 6.2% 7 5 Allegheny Front Wildlife Corridor 3 4% 4 6.1% 8 11 Great Allegheny Passage - 0% 7 5.6% 9 1 Ghost Town Trail Connector 1 1% 5 4.2% 10 3 Laurel Hill Greenway - 0% 7 2.2% 11 2 Ridge Rider Connector - 0% 7 1.1% 12 *Rank denotes popular results of one public meeting held in each county.

The Allegheny Crossing is a 77 mile recreational corridor extending from the Allegheny Highlands Trail, near Meyersdale, in Somerset County to the Tuscarora Trail in Fulton County. The eastern portion of this corridor includes the Pike to Bike Trail. While the corridor is envisioned to include a land trail, the corridor includes an existing portion of the Lower Juniata Water Trail. The Allegheny Crossing provides connections with seven other regional corridors as well as access to Indian Lake, Shawnee Lake, Buchanan State Forest and State Gamelands #97 and #81. As a major east-west connection across the region, the Allegheny Crossing could be considered a state-wide mega-trail.

The Mid State Greenway is a recreational corridor that runs north/south through Bedford, Blair and Huntingdon counties. The 91 mile corridor includes the Mid State Trail and Mid State Trail Extension, both existing improved land trails that together run the entire length of the corridor. These trails are part of a larger network that extends into both Maryland and Central Pennsylvania, near State College. The Mid State Greenway offers access to State Gamelands #97, #73 and #118 as well as Rothrock State Forest and Buchanan State Forest. The Mid State Greenway interconnects the Main Line Canal Greenway™ and the proposed Allegheny Crossing. This Greenway is also defined by the Pennsylvania Audubon Society as Important Bird Area #81, The Great Tussey Mountain IBA, a flyway for many species of birds, including raptors (6,000 + preseason) as well as the Golden Eagle.

The Five Mountains Wildlife Corridor is a preservation corridor situated within Bedford, Blair and Huntingdon counties. The corridor passes near Bedford and Altoona on its 118 mile north/south journey from the Maryland border to Centre County. State Gamelands #48, #41, #147 and #166 are accessible along the Five Mountains Wildlife Corridor. The corridor travels along the ridges of Bald Eagle

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Mountain, Brush Mountain, Lock Mountain, Dunning Mountain, Evitts Mountain and other smaller mountains on its north/south path. Like the Allegheny Front Wildlife Corridor, the Five Mountains Wildlife Corridor is envisioned to contain limited access open space without improved trails.

The Potomac to Raystown Greenway encompasses approximately 60 miles within Fulton, Bedford and Huntingdon counties. It is divided into two sections by the Allegheny Crossing which it follows to cross over Rays Hill. The northern portion covers 37 miles from the Allegheny Crossing to Raystown Lake while the southern portion covers 23 miles from the Allegheny Crossing, near Huntingdon, south to the Fulton County / Maryland State line. The corridor provides access to Raystown Lake, a major recreational attraction within the region and could potentially extend a short distance through Maryland to reach the Potomac River. The greenway also includes a large portion of the Lower Juniata Water Trail south of Raystown Lake. The Potomac to Raystown Greenway interconnects the Main Line Canal Greenway™ and the Allegheny Crossing and provides access to State Gamelands #128, #65, #261, #78 and #67 as well as Rothrock State Forest, Buchanan State Forest and Trough Creek State Park.

The Allegheny Front Wildlife Corridor is planned to protect nearly 84 miles within Cambria, Blair, Bedford and Somerset counties. The corridor follows the Allegheny Front, the geological feature that divides the Appalachian Plateau from the Ridge Valley province of the Appalachian Mountains, and extends from Centre County, PA to Maryland. This north/south preservation corridor accesses several sensitive BDAs, Gallitzin State Forest, Blue Knob State Park as well as numerous State Gamelands. The corridor is envisioned to contain limited access open space areas without formalized or improved trails to maximize the protection of sensitive resources within the corridor. This Greenway was recently (2006) defined by the Pennsylvania Audubon Society as Important Bird Area #83, The Allegheny Front IBA, a flyway for many species of birds, including raptors (6,000 + preseason) as well as the Golden Eagle.

Within Bedford County, the highest priority greenways as established by the Planning Commission are as follows:

1. Pike 2 Bike Trail (a segment of regional project corridor #10—the Allegheny a. Crossing) See regional projects list above.

2. The Raystown/ Huntingdon and Broad Top Greenway, a portion of the Potomac to Raystown Greenway (regional project corridors 8N and 8S). See regional projects list above and the report on the following page.

3. Bedford to Old Bedford Village Trail (a segment of project corridor B-5— Dunning Creek Trail) The Dunning Creek Trail runs nearly 14 miles northwest from Bedford to Gallitzin State Forest. This recreation corridor, which is intended to someday accommodate a maintained dirt trail, intersects the New Paris Connector and Bob’s Creek Trail.

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4. Bedford to Everett Trail (a segment of regional project corridor #10—the Allegheny Crossing) ) See regional projects list above

5. Dunning Creek Trail (project corridor B-5) See above #3.

6. Bob’s Creek Trail (B-2) Bob’s Creek Trail is an approximately 7 mile recreational corridor than stretches southeast from Blue Knob State Park and the proposed Allegheny Front Wildlife Corridor to Osterburg and Reynoldsdale. The corridor, which is intended to include a maintained dirt trail, also intersects the Mud Run Trail and the Boiling Spring Run Trail.

7. Tussey Mountain Connector (B-12) The Tussey Mountain Connector extends 8.5 miles south from Bedford and links to Buchanan State Forest. The recreational corridor, which is intended to be a maintained dirt trail, also connects to State Gameland #97 as well as the Mid State Greenway, Evitts Mountain Wildlife Corridor and Evitts Mountain South Trail.

8. Evitts Mountain South Trail (B-22) Evitts Mountain South Trail runs from the intersection of the Mid State Greenway and the Tussey Mountain Connector to the County’s southern border. This nearly 10.5 mile recreational corridor is intended to include a maintained dirt trail that travels through Buchanan State forest for most of its length.

9. Sideling Creek Valley Crossing (B- 21) This recreational corridor stretches through the southeastern portion of the County linking the Mid State Greenway, Buchanan State Forest and State Gameland #49. The approximately 8 mile corridor is envisioned to consist of a maintained dirt trail and is largely situated within either Buchanan State Forest or State Gameland #49.

Figure 3-5. Sideling Hill Creek

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The Raystown/ Huntingdon and Broad Top Greenway

The Raystown/ Huntingdon and Broad Top Greenway is an initiative of the Juniata Clean Water Partnership (JCWP). 25 A Greenway Resource Plan, which outlines existing natural, historical, and recreational resources within the 5-mile wide river corridor, as well as specific projects that could enhance these resources and their select use by the public, was completed in December, 2001.

In addition to the extensive data already compiled on the watershed by the JCWP, the greenway plan documents heritage resources of the Raystown Branch including its use by Native Americans and European settlers and later by the 75-mile Huntingdon and Broad Top (H&BT) Mountain Railroad in the early 1850s as it exported coal and agricultural products.

The plan states that “the Raystown Greenway is feasible through completion of many recommended projects and through their connection via land conservation, riparian forest buffers, land trails, and water trails” and lays out a vision for how the greenway could “become the centerpiece for the Raystown watershed,” serving the Raystown corridor communities through:

Conservation of natural and historical resources of the 5-mile wide and 100-mile long study corridor from Bedford to Huntingdon Interpretation of natural and historical resources for environmental education and appreciation Enhancement of the health and appearance of the rivers and lands in order to provide a high quality recreational environment Improvement of the quality of life for the people and towns located along the corridor Promotion of appropriate economic development Promotion of the corridor and the region for recreational and historical qualities

The plan outlines six general recommendations that apply to the entire corridor and should be considered during implementation of any of the more specific recommendations:

1) Where possible, the historic industrial resources of the corridor should be protected and interpreted; 2) Where possible, conservation areas should be established so that mature forests, wetlands, and other habitat can be conserved and degraded lands can regenerate native vegetation;

25 Juniata Clean Water Partnership website, http://www.jcwp.org/rays_greenway.htm

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3) Where possible, riparian forest buffers should be conserved and reestablished with native vegetation to provide riparian habitat and to improve water quality; 4) Where possible, water trails and points of access should be established so that human communities can reconnect to the streams; 5) Where appropriate, land trails and trailheads should be established for human enjoyment and for interpretation of resources; and 6) All entities involved in individual community projects and greenway establishment along the corridor should participate in the R/H&BT Greenway Partnership.

Landscape-scale options are offered, describing how to implement each general recommendation within each portion of the corridor.

Linkage to the Great Eastern Trail

In the 1960s, the builders of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) became concerned that pressures from population, road projects, and military installations would threaten the continuity of their trail. These concerns spawned two major trails to the west of the AT, the Benton MacKaye Trail linking Georgia with the Great Smoky Mountains, plus the Tuscarora Trail crossing parts of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Originally conceived as potential replacements for the AT, these trails have now prospered in their own right. The Benton MacKaye and Tuscarora trails joined a growing number of existing and planned trails through eastern mountains. Recently, the trails community, including representatives from the American Hiking Society and the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program, gathered to propose a “Great Eastern Trail” (GET) that would connect these trails with the Florida National Scenic Trail to the south and the North Country National Scenic Trail to the north.26

Within Pennsylvania, the Tuscarora, Link, and Midstate trails (See Regional Greenways section above) combine to carry the hiker all the way to New York. Expect rugged going, with many rocky sections. A number of ridges are crossed rather than followed, increasing the challenge for the hiker. Just south of Bedford County, the trail joins the historic C&O Canal Towpath for an eight mile run. The Towpath and the Great Allegheny Passage are two segments of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which when complete will link Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Towpath and the Great Allegheny Passage lie just to the south of Bedford County Trail connections

As conceived, the Great Eastern Trail stretches approximately 1,600 miles. However, it directly connects to some 10,000 miles of other trails, creating possibilities for endless exploration. Imagine being able to walk from Pennsylvania’s dense forests of hemlock to primeval cypress swamps, or the vastness of the Great Plains. The

26 The Great Eastern Trail website, http://www.greateasterntrail.org , contains the text of an article originally published in the Spring 2006 Edition of American Hiker magazine .

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connections are coming to make these dreams a reality. The first step for trail planners is to link existing trail segments together. This will be a slow but very exciting process. Which communities will embrace the trail? Which landowners will step forward and befriend the path? Where will the route be predetermined by things such as the need to cross a major river or highway? These and many other issues need to be dealt with. A coalition of trail groups is coming together to do just that. Speaking of the trail and its importance, former Midstate Trail President Tom Thwaites said, “Creating the Great Eastern Trail will open up new areas to exploration and give a number of lesser-known trails the recognition they need to thrive into the next century.” Looking ahead to future challenges, American Hiking Society’s Southeast Trail Programs Director and GET Coordinator Jeffrey Hunter added, “The vision for a long- distance trail running parallel and west of the Appalachian Trail has existed for a number of years in a variety of forms. American Hiking Society hopes to nurture this dream and shepherd the various trail groups towards our goal of a completed Great Eastern Trail.” For more information about the Great Eastern Trail, contact Jeffrey Hunter at Figure 3-6. Projected Route of the Great [email protected] or Eastern Trail (423) 266-2507.

State and Federal Conservation Programs

The Pennsylvania Rivers Conservation Program (RCP) conserves and enhances river and stream resources through preparation and accomplishment of locally initiated plans. The program provides technical and financial assistance to municipalities and river support groups to carry out planning, implementation, acquisition and development activities. Rivers conservation planning has additional benefits in that completed rivers conservation plans help qualify conservation organizations and local governments for future funding.

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The NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) was implemented in 1990 to recognize and encourage community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP standards. Details are available in the Natural Resources Profile of the Bedford County Comprehensive Plan, or online at http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/crs.shtm.

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP), based in Bellefonte, Centre County, is a collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Western Pennsylvania Watershed Protection Program and Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited. The Coldwater Heritage Partnership provides coordination, technical assistance, and funding support specifically for the evaluation, conservation and protection of Pennsylvania's coldwater streams and watersheds. Organization start-up, planning studies, restoration/mitigation, and educational projects are eligible for Partnership funding.

Growing Greener and Growing Greener II funding programs tie together economic and community development with environmental initiatives. Established by Governor Ridge and continued by Governor Rendell, the Growing Greener programs fund projects that return contaminated industrial sites and other polluted sites to productive use; protects farmland and open space from development; cleans up polluted streams and reclaims abandoned mines; and improves state and community parks and green infrastructure for fish and wildlife. Growing Greener is also a source of state farmland preservation funds allocated to counties for agricultural conservation easements. Recently, 1 million dollars was allotted to Bedford County to earmark for capital projects. These monies were used to fund one farm preservation easement, recreation improvements to the municipal park in Pleasantville Borough, trail development at the Juniata Woolen Mill and restoration of the Magnesia Spring Pavilion and access bridge at the Bedford Springs Hotel.

Growing Greener is also a collaborative program of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services and The Natural Lands Trust, with additional direction provided by state and local agencies including the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension, and the private sector. Growing Greener: Conservation By Design™ is a state-wide program that builds conservation principles into the development process. Based on the approach developed by Randell Arendt at the Natural Lands Trust, this program targets the community development designers (developers) and decision-makers (municipal officials). Municipal officials can amend the process into their development regulations and developers can apply the approach to their design process.

The program’s four components:

1. Enable participants to envision the built-out condition of their communities under current regulations and assess the potential for private conservation efforts to conserve open space and valued resources.

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2. Encourage communities to identify preferred open space lands geographically in their comprehensive plans. 3. Promote reasonable zoning regulations that provide options rather than prescriptions for development. 4. Provide municipal officials and developers with a subdivision process that conserves open space and allows economic growth.

The program is recognized for its non-confrontational approach that protects a portion of each traditionally defined parcel, “builds” open space into new development, and requires little to no land acquisition or easement costs.

The Important Bird Area (IBA) program aims to help combat threats to bird populations and the habitats we often share with them, by conserving the most essential and vulnerable areas with voluntary management efforts. Eighty-three (83) IBA sites have been designated in Pennsylvania; two of these are in Bedford County. These are the Allegheny Front IBA and the Greater Tussey Mountain IBA. The program is open to additional site nominations. Details about the nomination process can be found in the online IBA Book: A Guide to Critical Bird Habitat in PA. 27 Audubon Pennsylvania, a private, non-profit organization, is the lead organization for this program.

Agency grants and private donations are used to develop an IBA database, write conservation plans, implement conservation actions, develop volunteer training for monitoring programs, and engage local communities in conservation activities.

The Important Mammal Areas Project (IMAP) aims to ensure the future of Pennsylvania's wild mammals, both game and non-game species, through voluntary habitat management. IMAP is being carried out by the IMAP Partnership—a broad based alliance of sportsmen, conservation organizations, wildlife professionals, and scientists. The PA Game Commission passes wildlife funding to the alliance to maintain IMAP. DCNR supports and advances this project by awarding additional rating points to IMAP-designated sites when scoring grant applications, thus increasing the likelihood of a grant award. However, there are no important mammal area sites identified in Bedford County at the time of this report.

Pennsylvania Water Trails Program is a joint initiative of DCNR, the Fish and Boat Commission, and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) to encourage tourism and economic revenues to local communities, to provide water-based recreation, and to foster environmental stewardship among paddlers. 28 The program provides guidelines to communities and organizations that want to develop a designated water trail, technical assistance in the development process, and marketing of designated water trails through Paddle Pennsylvania, a print and online publication.

27 http://pa.audubon.org/iba/facts_info_site_book.html 28 http://www.pecwest.org/watertrails.dwt .

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Organizations

The organizations listed below are working in Bedford County to protect and foster private stewardship for open space resources. They are identified here as active partners in protecting and managing open space and providing recreational opportunities for residents. Their projects or initiatives provide the foundation for this plan.

Susquehanna River Basin Commission

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) is an interstate compact commission established by Congress and the Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York legislatures in 1970 to enhance public welfare through comprehensive planning, water supply allocation, and management of the water resources of the Susquehanna River Basin. Each member is represented by a commissioner who serves as the spokesperson for the government that he or she represents. In the case of the federal government, the commissioner and his alternate are appointed by the President of the United States. For the three states, the commissioners are the governors or their designees. The governors also appoint alternate commissioners. Pennsylvania’s Commissioner is Kathleen A. McGinty, supported by Alternate Cathy Curran Myers, and Alternate/Staff Advisor William A. Gast. The commissioners, or their alternates, meet periodically to act on applications for projects using water, adopt regulations, and direct planning and management activities affecting the basin's water resources. Each of the four commissioners has a single vote.

The Commission’s Comprehensive Plan, originally adopted on December 13, 1973 and currently in the update process, provides a basin-wide strategy for water resource management. The Commission implements programs and projects on floodplain management, water supply and water quality, watershed protection and management, recreation, fish and wildlife and cultural and other resources. In addition, SRBC offers educational presentations on a variety of environmental conservation topics. Under the leadership of an Executive Director, technical, administrative, and clerical personnel support the daily operations of the Commission.

Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin

The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) is an interstate compact commission established by Congress in 1940 to help the Potomac basin states and the federal government enhance, protect, and conserve the water and associated land resources of the Potomac River basin through regional and interstate cooperation. The ICPRB is represented by appointed commissioners from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the federal government. Pennsylvania’s commissioners include John T. Hines, Rep. Stephen R. Maitland, and William I. Plank (Executive Committee Member), as well as Lori Mohr, Rep. Bob Bastian, and Roger C. Steele, as alternates.

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The compact established ICPRB as the single administrative agency for effective and economical direction and coordination of the interstate aspects of water resources and related land resource management activities of its signatory members, local governments and private enterprise in the basin. The ICPRB is uniquely qualified to carry out its mission because the natural boundaries of the river basin rather than the political boundaries of the states define its focus. It is becoming widely recognized that the best approach to managing water resources is on a watershed basis. Strengthening ICPRB's leadership role will better enable it to accomplish its mandate/mission and result in greater support from the public and its signatory members.

The Commission staff of 24 people includes professionals from various disciplines, many with advanced degrees. Two of the staff members work exclusively with the Chesapeake Bay Program. Staff includes environmental engineers, aquatic ecologists, biologists, and professionals in communications. The ICPRB offices are located at 51 Monroe St, Suite PE-08, in Rockville, Maryland.

Bedford County Conservation District

Since 1956, the Bedford County Conservation District has promoted the wise use of natural resources through public education and technical assistance to landowners. As such, the conservation district has reached a 50 year service milestone. The conservation district offers the following services:

Environmental education activities including speakers, field days, demonstrations, and watershed forums. Processing of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for projects involving earthmoving activities of 5 acres or more. Review of erosion and sediment pollution control plans. Processing of general permits on behalf of the DEP for activities encroaching on streams and wetlands. Nutrient Management planning and plan reviews. Technical assistance in implementing agricultural best management practices (BMPs) , including conservation plans and stream bank fencing Coordination of recycling services. Dirt and Gravel Roads Program administration. Gypsy Moth and West Nile Virus Programs administration

Southern Alleghenies Conservancy

The Southern Alleghenies Conservancy (SAC) is a regionally based non profit, non government corporation with 501 (c) (3) tax status organized to assist local organizations throughout the Southern Alleghenies region to carry out resource conservation activities which are first suggested by local communities. The Southern

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Alleghenies Conservancy acts as a land trust and grant recipient / administrator throughout the six county project area which include the counties of Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset. The Conservancy cooperates with the Southern Alleghenies Resource Conservation and Development Area of the US Department of Agriculture. Directors of the Conservancy are chosen by the Conservation District Directors and confirmed by the County Commissioners from the Counties of Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset. Its office is located at 702 W Pitt Street, Fairlawn Court, Suite 8, in Bedford, PA.

The conservancy’s resource conservation programs address water quality protection and improvements; protection and creation of wetlands; protection of significant habitats; creation of linear and water-based recreational parks; preserving the natural beauty of stream corridors, flood plains, and scenic vistas; making all parks handicapped-usable; promoting forest stewardship and urban forestry; promoting solid waste management; promoting soil stewardship for sustained agricultural production without environmental degradation; and preservation of cultural and historic resources. SAC is involved in abandoned mine drainage abatement projects; wetland delineation and protection, habitat acquisition, stream restoration and related endeavors.

Central Pennsylvania Conservancy

Central Pennsylvania Conservancy (CPC) is a non-profit, tax exempt land trust dedicated to the preservation of lands with natural, scenic, cultural, and agricultural value. Its primary area of operation is within the Central Pennsylvania counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Perry, Huntingdon, and Mifflin. With interests in adjacent Huntingdon County, the CPC may be a potential partner for projects in northeastern Bedford County.

To date, the conservancy has preserved 860 acres of land. Purchase or easement purchase of Halifax Twp Park and Conservation Area in Dauphin County (174 acres), the Half Falls Mountain Conservation Area in Perry County (131 acres), and the Boyd "Big Tree" Conservation Area Addition (80 acres) are pending. All or portions of the conservancy’s three nature preserves are open to the public. Central Pennsylvania Conservancy also protects important historic sites such as the 1,000 Steps site in Huntingdon County and the Walnut Street Bridge, a 19th Century iron bridge that connects Harrisburg's east shore of the Susquehanna River to Camp Hill and Wormleysburg on the west shore.

Funding for the CPC's operations and projects comes from membership dues, donations, and grants. Through these contributions, CPC is able to acquire and protect new tracts of land throughout the state. The conservancy is led by a 13- member board of directors and a small administrative staff. The conservancy is also

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aided by more than 50 regular volunteers. The conservancy’s office is located at 114 Walnut Street in Harrisburg.29

Western PA Conservancy Freshwater Conservation Center

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) protects, conserves and restores land and water for the diversity of the region's plants, animals and their ecosystems. The WPC’s Freshwater Conservation Center is an organization that is available to provide technical, scientific, legal, education, and administrative assistance to local watershed organizations in western Pennsylvania. The center provides the following services to local watershed organizations:

▪ Legal ▪ Technical and Administrative Training ▪ Organization Promotion ▪ Data management ▪ Project analysis and prioritization ▪ Funding source identification ▪ Proposal preparation ▪ Project assistance ▪ Technical document preparation ▪ Engineering

The main office of WPC’s Freshwater Conservation Center is located at 246 S. Walnut St. in Blairsville, PA. The Sideling Hill Creek Center is located in Clearville, PA. Its projects and programs are carried out by a 12-member staff assisted by 5,400 volunteers.30

In 1999, WPC dedicated a fulltime staff member to oversee conservation programs in Pennsylvania’s Potomac River tributaries. WPC identified several streams in Bedford and Fulton counties that displayed exceptional quality and biodiversity. Sideling Hill Creek in Southern Bedford and Fulton counties is home to unique ecosystem features including shale barrens, rare freshwater mussel species, and a freshwater sponge. Near the point where Sideling Hill Creek meets Piney Creek, WPC owns two properties dedicated to conservation of these communities. Sideling Hill along with Fifteen Mile Run is also home to the endangered harperella, a plant that grows on rocky shoals of flashy seasonal streams. Adjacent Town Creek has been identified as a key target for stream restoration.

29 http://www.centralpaconservancy.org/index.html 30 http://www.paconserve.org/

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Pennsylvania’s Potomac River tributaries are under threat from several sources. WPC and its partners have identified preeminent threats to these stream systems, including the prospect of large scale residential development, runoff from dirt and gravel roads, failing septic systems, poor forestry practices and nutrient turnoff from agricultural operations. The surrounding forest landscape is also threatened by development pressure and forestry practices. Invasive species threaten forest and riparian areas.

In 2003, WPC was awarded a grant from the DCNR C2P2 program. Utilizing this funding, a Watershed Conservation Plan for Sideling Hill, Fifteen mile, and Town Creek watersheds is being developed. These individual watersheds all flow across the Pennsylvania/Maryland border to the Potomac River in Maryland. The three watersheds share many characteristics, and have collectively been called the Three Sisters watershed. The mission of the plan, as determined by the steering committee states, "The purpose of the Three Sisters Watershed Conservation Plan is to include residents as active participants in conserving their communities' natural resources and maintaining the rural character of the Sideling Hill, Fifteen mile, and Town Creek watersheds."31

Working with county conservation districts, WPC has been actively engaging the local farming community to encourage the use of cover crops and other agricultural best management practices to reduce the effects of nutrient and sediment runoff. WPC has also been actively involved in efforts to promote land use planning at the township level, including the adopted joint comprehensive plan for Mann, Monroe, and Southampton Townships, Bedford County, which clearly identifies watershed conservation as a key consideration in future land use decisions.

Juniata Clean Water Partnership

The Juniata Clean Water Partnership is dedicated to building and sustaining local capacity through education, assistance, and advocacy in order to enhance, restore, and protect the natural resources of the Juniata watershed. The Juniata Clean Water Partnership (JCWP) is a regional coalition of citizens, community groups, non-profit conservation organizations, county planning offices, and county conservation districts. The JCWP is working to address the environmental and natural resource issues, along with other political and social obstacles affecting the Juniata River watershed.

The JCWP was formed to develop a Rivers Conservation Plan under the funding support of PA DCNR. The overall goals for the group were to develop a watershed plan for communities in the Juniata River watershed, to identify projects in need of funding, to build public awareness of watershed issues and threats, and to foster communication and cooperation between communities for natural resource improvement. As JCWP neared completion of the watershed plan, it adjusted its goals and added the following for the tributaries of the Juniata River:

31 WPC website, http://www.paconserve.org/rc/wac-rcp.html .

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 3-33

▪ Assisting communities in implementing the watershed plan, ▪ Increasing public awareness and education on watershed issues, ▪ Conducting watershed-wide studies and modeling as needed, and ▪ Assisting in the establishment of successful watershed associations

In the fall of 2000, the JCWP completed the Juniata Watershed Management Plan. The plan serves as a starting point for watershed residents and grassroots organizations to carry out projects including stream bank stabilization, greenway and trail development, and water monitoring. The present primary task of the JCWP is to assist in implementing the recommendations outlined in the plan. These efforts will be crucial to improving water quality and quantity and providing for a clean and healthy future for ourselves and future generations.

Other organizations engaged in resource industries and conservation include the Woodland Owners of the Southern Alleghenies with members from Bedford and Fulton Counties.

Pennsylvania Agencies

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is charged with maintaining and preserving the 116 state parks; managing the 2.1 million acres of state forest land; providing information on the state's ecological and geologic resources; and establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space and natural areas. 32 DCNR recognizes that its conservation mission extends well beyond the boundaries of public lands and seeks the assistance of advocates in the public and privates sectors to foster stewardship among local communities, sister state agencies, non-profit conservation organizations, and private landowners. DCNR is also the lead agency advancing the State Greenway Plan and the Susquehanna Greenway. The Bureau of Recreation and Conservation and the Bureau of Forestry, and the Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey are the primary outreach divisions of DCNR that interface with local government and the private sector.

The DCNR's Bureau of Recreation and Conservation is responsible for fostering, facilitating and nurturing the great majority of these partnerships through technical assistance and grant funding from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2). A priority goal of the bureau is to develop and sustain partnerships with communities, non-profits and other organizations for recreation and conservation projects and purposes.

To carry out its mission of ensuring the long-term health, viability and productive of the Commonwealth’s forests and conserving native wild plants, the Bureau of

32 Pennsylvania’s Recreation Plan 2004-2008, April 2004.

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Forestry employs a Service Forester in the county. The Service Forester gives professional guidance and technical assistance to private landowners, assists community organizations with urban forestry and assists schools with forestry education programs. The Service Forester implements the Forest Stewardship Program. The program provides information, education and technical assistance to encourage, help and recognize private forest landowners who keep their lands and natural resources productive and healthy. The program includes a written management plan and provides cost-share money to pay help for the preparation of such a plan.

The Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey is tasked with collecting, preserving, and disseminating impartial information on the Commonwealth's geology, geologic resources, and topography in order to contribute to the understanding, wise use, and conservation of its land and included resources. The Bureau maintains information on groundwater, sinkholes, karst hazards, energy and mineral resources, and aerial photography.

DCNR also acknowledges that recreation planning is an increasingly complex responsibility for local communities, as demands for recreation services increase, as communities age, and as developers and environmentalists debate land values and purposes. In the midst of these challenges, “recreation offers real hope in the face of society’s real problems — that it can have a substantial role in improving health and fitness, reducing substance abuse, stimulating tourism and economic growth and, in general, making life better for Pennsylvania citizens.” 33 DCNR has researched and published white papers on several major issues to help communities understand and deal with these issues. These papers can be accessed at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/info/shapefuture/whitepapers.aspx.

To address these challenges, DCNR has focused its support for local parks and recreation on creating healthy and livable communities that include open space, linkage of public space, and recreation facilities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state agency largely responsible for administering Pennsylvania's environmental laws and regulations. Its responsibilities include reducing air pollution; making sure our drinking water is safe; protecting water quality in our rivers and streams; making sure waste is handled properly; managing the Commonwealth's recycling programs; and helping citizens prevent pollution and comply with the Commonwealth's environmental regulations. DEP’s priority open space initiative is Growing Greener, described below under “Joint Initiatives.”

DEP also coordinates the Citizens' Volunteer Monitoring Program through its Bureau of Watershed Management. The program offers organizational and technical assistance to citizens interested in environmental monitoring. Various publications address protocols, monitoring programs, quality assurance; the program also offers

33 Ibid.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 3-35

training sessions and conferences. Data collected by citizen volunteer monitors is compiled and posted DEP’s website.

The Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, within the Department of Community and Economic Development’s 34 has served since 1999 as the principal state entity responsible for land use assistance and monitoring. The center encourages communities to plan wisely for future growth and development while preserving and protecting the environment and natural resources. The Governor’s Center promotes the preservation of open space and the provision of recreational opportunities as important components of sound community planning, as established by the provisions of the Municipalities Planning Code and the cooperative technical and financial assistance of DCNR.

The Center offers educational programs through the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs and the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors to local government officials and staff, as well as technical assistance with land use management techniques. The Shared Municipal Services program and Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program are the center’s financial assistance services that promote cooperative service agreements and planning, respectively.

The Center’s priorities include its partnerships with its sister state agencies to fund cooperative initiatives to support sound land use planning and promote recreation, greenway, and open space planning to local governments.

▪ Funding to the Natural Lands Trust to promote the integration of conservation by design concepts into local plans and regulations. ▪ Funding to The Conservation Fund to develop a Pennsylvania-based “Better Models for Development” book. ▪ Funding to assist counties in completing Natural Heritage Inventories.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is responsible for meeting the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. While the public’s perception of PennDOT is often focused on highways, PennDOT also provides transportation programs and funding for bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as transit riders. With this multi-modal responsibility, PennDOT was one of the sponsor agencies for Pennsylvania’s greenway initiative.

PennDOT’s current priorities include its Home Town Streets/Safe Routes to School program, which reimburses communities for sidewalk and trail improvements, and context sensitive solutions, which promotes the design of transportation facilities that meet travel needs and support other community development goals, such as visual character and pedestrian mobility.

34 Ibid.

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The Pennsylvania Bureau of Farmland Preservation is the state agency responsible for farmland preservation. The agency provides guidance and authorizes county programs to purchase easements on farmland. To date Pennsylvania leads the nation in farmland preserved. Bedford County has preserved nearly 2,000 acres of farmland working in concert with this state agency and farmland owners.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is the sole agency responsible for the protection, propagation, and distribution of game fish, fish bait, bait fish, amphibians, reptiles, and aquatic organisms. The Commission is also responsible for managing recreational boating in the Commonwealth. 35 While other agencies focus on land-based linkages and recreational experiences, PFBC focuses on the water- based environment.

PFBC launched the water trail program in response to increased demand for information on fishing and boating opportunities and the need for associated boating safety information to boaters. The water trail program is a co-sponsored program, described below under “Joint Initiatives.”

In July 2005, the PFBC initiated the Boating Facilities Grant Program to fund local projects to develop, improve, or rehabilitate public recreational boat launches and encouraged eligible public entities to apply for a second round of funding through the Boating Facilities Grant Program.

The PA Game Commission (PGC), a sister agency to the PFBC, is responsible for non-game mammals and birds and well as game species. All endangered, threatened, and species of special concern that are mammals or birds come under their jurisdiction.

The PGC has recently adopted a new management approach. Wildlife management units (WMUs) are now the geographic basis for management techniques and decisions by the Game Commission. Bedford County lies within WMUs 2C and 4A. The Game Commission monitors the habitat and harvest of bear, antlered and antlerless deer, and various small game in Bedford County and across the state. In 2005, the PA Game Commission in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission began a new program to help landowners manage their lands for non- game species. PGC established a Wildlife Diversity Biologist position in each of its six regions. These biologists provide technical assistance to landowners and help develop habitat management plans related to landowner objectives and species of greatest concern. They are also able to conduct workshops on and facilitate conservation easements.

35 Pennsylvania’s Recreation Plan 2004-2008, 2004.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 3-37

Conclusions and Options

Sensitivity and Connectivity

There are extensive natural resources that perform critical ecological functions in Bedford County. These land, water, and biological resources are closely interconnected; the quality of one affects the quality of another. The quality of these resources can be negatively impacted by human activity. Certain natural features should be protected from the direct and indirect impacts of human activity.

Water resources are perhaps the most sensitive. Water supply and quality have been and continue to be issues of concern for local residents and public agencies. Water supply is threatened by development that prohibits the infiltration of rain water to underground aquifers. Surface water quality is threatened by erosion and sedimentation as well as exposure to chemicals and other pollutants as it flows across the built and cultivated landscape. Human activities, including land development, construction, traditional farming and confined animal feeding operations, clear-cut timber harvesting, mining, sewage treatment and disposal, industrial and municipal waste, and storm water management, contribute to the distribution and quality of the water resource network.

The interconnectedness of ecological systems should also be preserved. The critical interconnections of natural resources can be maintained through linear corridors, or greenways, that follow linear features, e.g. ridges, valleys or waterways. The Bedford County Greenways Plan identifies both regional and county preservation greenways including the Raystown/Huntingdon and Broad Top Greenway. See the Greenway section of this chapter for more detail.

Rural Industries

Farming and forestry are a large part of Bedford County’s economy. The land utilized for farming has been decreasing over the years, as lands revert to forest and as farmland and forestland is developed into other uses. There is also some concern over poor farm and forest management practices that degrade the overall quality of the natural environment.

Agriculture and forestry engage the natural resources of the county in food and wood products industries. Mismanagement of these operations can negatively impact resource quality in the short and long term. Various voluntary programs exist to assist farmers and forest land owners in best management practices. Both technical and financial assistance is available. Additional programs provide incentives to landowners to maintain their lands in these uses rather than converting them to more intensive uses.

3-38 OPEN SPACE RESOURCES

Character

Bedford County’s rural character is evident to residents and visitors as they travel the highways and local roads in the county, viewing the expansive agricultural and forested landscapes. Views along roadways can tell of the history and culture of the county, as well. The management of natural resources is predominantly in the hands of private landowners. Programs are available to assist communities in protecting, and if desired promoting, these landscapes.

Regulation and Protection

While development can negatively impact the natural resources in the county, smart development can ensure that sensitive environmental features are protected. Minimizing or prohibiting intensive development in floodplains, on steep slopes, on prime farmland soils and hydric soils, and on wetlands, is essential to protecting the natural environment in the county. Municipal officials have the authority to protect resources through local ordinances but often lack professional staff to enforce regulations. Through the County Planning Commission and Conservation District, the county can provide technical assistance to municipalities to provide consistent protection for these natural resources.

Several projects and programs mentioned earlier have emerged to foster resource conservation across Bedford County and the surrounding region. While still relatively young, they have diligently increased awareness for the sensitivity of various open space resources to development pressure and its impacts. Continued efforts are needed to thoroughly educate the citizens, officials and development community about the value of these resources and the benefits of their conservation.

There are several other organizations that are taking the responsibility to monitor and protect the sensitive, productive and scenic resources of Bedford County and the region. The State of Pennsylvania has protected over 100,000 acres of forest lands for water resource management, timber products, wildlife and recreational purposes. The Juniata Clean Water Partnership has a broad management plan to address the diverse direct and indirect impacts of human activity on the watershed. The Bedford County Agricultural Land Preservation Board fosters the protection of prime agricultural soils for future farming purposes. However, county and matching state funding streams are limited

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 3-39

Intentionally Blank

3-40 OPEN SPACE RESOURCES

Parks & Recreation Facilities

Bedford County has a wealth of recreational resources and opportunities. As a rural county, Bedford County has large expanses of open space that are conducive to self- directed recreational activities such as hunting or fishing. At the same time, its communities provide places for traditional organized team sports and community group meetings through municipal sites, school facilities or community organizations.

In additional to the narrative descriptions of parks and recreation resources below, Table 4-1 presents summary information of the state recreation lands in Bedford County. Table 4-2 presents a summary of parkland acreage in each of the school districts and across the county. Table 4-3 presents a detailed acreage and facility inventory of municipal parkland in Bedford County. The Park and Recreation Facilities Map and Trails and Greenways Map are located in the appendix.

State Parks and Recreation Resources

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania manages three state parks, four major state forest areas, eight state game lands, and 28 fish and boat related areas in Bedford County. State owned lands are shown on each of the plan’s maps in the appendix.

Blue Knob State Park, Shawnee State Park, and Warrior Path State Park are located in Bedford County and managed by the Bureau of State Parks in Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. State Parks are natural resource based parks offering major outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities suitable for whole day and overnight park visitation. They encompass several hundred acres at minimum and draw visitors from an hour’s travel time or more depending on the nature of the facilities and the quality of the resources.

Of the three state parks, Blue Knob State Park is the “big mountain park,” encompassing over 5600 acres of woodlands. The park contains picnic facilities, tent and trailer camping sites, a swimming pool and seventeen miles of hiking trails through various forest types. Many of these trails are open to equestrians and mountain bikers. In the winter the trails are used by snowmobile riders and cross country skiers. The park leases the downhill skiing area to Blue Knob Recreation, Inc., which operates the Blue Knob Resort, one of the most challenging ski resorts in Pennsylvania. Hunting and fishing are also allowed within the park.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-1

Shawnee State Park is the “small lake park” with 3900 acres surrounding a beautiful 451 acre lake and 15 miles of hiking trails. The Lakeshore trail is an easy 3.5 mile walking and biking trail. Additional trails are designated for moderate to moderately difficult hiking and mountain biking. Camp sites are available for tents and trailers. Picnic facilities are included or can be rented separately. The park offers lake swimming from its beach seasonally and lake fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, muskellunge, pickerel, catfish, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, sunfish, sucker, bullhead and carp. An ADA accessible fishing pier is available. Three boat launch sites, 183 mooring sites, and boat rentals are available. Ice fishing and sledding are popular winter activities.

The 349 acre Warriors Path State Park is a seasonal day use area for picnicking and short hikes open from mid-April through the end of October. At other times of the year, visitors must park near the main gate and walk into the park. This finger of land is bounded on three sides by the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, which empties into Raystown Lake approximately one mile downstream. The unique shape of the park was formed as a result of river meandering. This section of the river exhibits some of the best examples of natural stream meandering in the state.

State Forests are mandated to: provide a continuous supply of wood and other forest products; protect watersheds and conserve water; regulate rivers and stream flow; and furnish opportunities for healthful public recreation36. Portions of the Buchanan State Forest are located in Bedford County and managed by the Bureau of Forestry in Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission manages State Gamelands for the protection, conservation and management of wild birds and mammals and their habitats; wildlife education, and recreation opportunities for consumptive and non- consumptive uses of wildlife; and maintenance and promotion of Pennsylvania’s hunting and trapping heritage. Trails are located where compatible with wildlife management objectives. State Gamelands 26, 41, 48, 49, 73, 97, 104, and 261 are located within the county.

The Fish and Boat Commission provides fishing and boating opportunities through the protection and management of aquatic and terrestrial resources in Pennsylvania.37 The Fish and Boat Commission maintains the Reynoldsdale Fish Culture Station and six boat access/launch ramps, in addition to its management of public waterways in Bedford County.

36 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (2005). Bureau of Forestry. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry . 37 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (2005). http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/boatinf.htm.

4-2 PARK & RECREATION FACILITIES

Table 4-1 State Parks and Recreation Resources Inventory Map Number and Facility Name Blue Knob State Park Shawnee State Park Warrior Run State Park Buchanon State Forest (total ) State Game Lands Reynoldsdale Fish Hatchery FishPA Boat& Commission Access points Sub total Acreage 5.314 3,983 349 83,482 71,279 130 n/a 159,232.30

Active Recreation Facilities Swimming pool 1 1

Passive Recreation Facilities

Open Passive Space Hiking/cross country trails 1 9 yes 1 12 Trails (miles) 26 16.5 6 103 100.5 Snowmobile trails (miles) 8 11 26 45 Hunting/trapping (acres) 5000 3000 yes 849 Picnic Pavilion 7 5 2 14 Picnic sites 200 yes 2 202 Lake/Pond (acres) 451 451 Swim beach 1 1 Boat Launch 3 1 4 estimated 6 Mooring sites 183 183

Support Facilities Cabins/camp sites 45 293 338 Lodge 1 1 2 Restrooms yes yes yes Yes

In addition, US Route 30, the Lincoln Highway, was designated as a Pennsylvania Heritage Area in 1995. This 200 mile corridor through the six southern counties of Adams, Franklin, Fulton, Bedford, Somerset and Westmoreland, is the focus of an effort to preserve, enhance and promote the heritage resources that exist within the corridor of Pennsylvania's section of the first transcontinental highway. While not in the Commonwealth’s ownership or management, the corridor provides access to many public lands and tourism attractions. The Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor installed 150 Lincoln Highway signs along the Corridor; completed an Interpretive Plan, and is in the process of implementing the 200-mile Roadside Museum with interpretive exhibits and murals.

Finally, Bicycle PA Routes G and S crisscross the county. Route G follows PA 96 north to PA 31 and to the old Route 220 alignment, heading north to the New York border over a total of 235 miles. Route S follows US Route 40 and US Route 30 for 435 miles across Pennsylvania from West Alexander in Washington County to

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-3

Washington Crossing in Bucks County. As these corridors parallel highway alignments, they are under ownership and management of the state. However, they entail no specific resources, only the vistas and access roads to such resources.

County Parks and Recreation Resources

County parks typically provide resource-based park lands that serve residents countywide. Bedford County does not own any public park land.

Regional Parks and Recreation Resources

Regional resources offer parks, recreation facilities or trails serving multiple municipalities. These can include larger parks that offer multiple active and passive activities or specialized (single use) facilities. There are no regional parks in Bedford County, primarily due to the rural nature of the county, its low density population, and the relatively local access to various state owned lands. The Mid State Trail is the only regional recreation corridor. The Mid State Trail goes through Bedford County and runs over 160 miles, from the Maryland border, all the way to Pine Creek Gorge.

The public school facilities, however, provide indoor and outdoor recreation and environmental education facilities that would not otherwise be available in the county. As such, they act as regional recreation facility owners and managers, though they do not provide recreation services or programs to the residents at large. Programs offered by the school districts are limited to student athletic programs and the facilities are generally available for use by service providers, as athletic program schedules allow. The most collaborative facility and program partnership in the county is that of the Bedford Park Authority, which administers recreation programs that Figure 4 -1. School Districts Map are held in the municipal Source: www.wikipedia.org parks or at school district facilities. See Chapter 5,

4-4 PARK & RECREATION FACILITIES

Recreation Systems, for more details on service providers and programs. As a result of the importance of public school lands, the recreation elements of this plan are organized at the school district level. This organization is reflected in the text, tables and maps.

Municipal Parks and Recreation Resources

Municipal parks are close to home recreation facilities that provide for the daily needs of the citizenry. They range in size from quarter acre mini-parks to large community parks with 100 acres or more. Municipal parks can also include trails, historic sites, special facilities such as golf courses, swimming pools, community centers, ice rinks and so on, depending on the size of the community and its interest in these specialized facilities. There are numerous municipally-owned parks within the County. These sites and their recreation facilities are inventoried in Tables 3-2 and 3-3, including the School District Inventory Tables 3-3 A-E.

Table 4-2 Parks and Recreation Type and Land Acreage Summary Local Number of Regional Number of Number of Number of Public Special/ Recreation School District Region Municipal School State Parkland Private Land Facilities Sites Parks Acreage Parks Acreage Bedford Area School District 9 5 168.7 0 1 173.0 Chestnut Ridge School District 5 3 193.1 2 0 6067.2 Everett Area School District 3 5 107.9 0 1 108.5 Northern Bedford School District 1 1 74.0 0 0 74.0 Tussey Mountain School District 0 4 10.0 1 2 399.6 Claysburg-Kimmel School District 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 Bedford County Totals 18 18 553.7 3 5 6987.9

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-5

Table 4-3 Parks and Recreation Facility Summary

School District Region Bedford Bedford Chestnut Everett Northern Tussey County Area Ridge Area Bedford Mountain Total Active Recreation Facilities Baseball - 60’ 18 7 2 4 1 32 Baseball -90’ - 2 - 1 1 4 Softball 2 - - - - 2 Field Hockey ------Football 1 1 1 - - 3 Soccer full size 2 1 2 1 1 7 Practice area 1 - 2 2 - 5 Open play field 2 - 1 - - 3 Outdoor Basketball 16 1- 2 5 1 34 Golf course 1 - - - - - Gym 4 3 2 - - 9 Tennis 11 1 2 3 5 22 Playground Equipment 4 3 4 2 2 15 Swimming pool - 2 - - 1 3 Volleyball 4 - - - 1 5 Exercise trail ------Concession Stand 5 - - - 3 8 Running Track 2 - - 1 - 3 Passive Recreation Facilities Open Passive Space ------Pavilion 9 1 2 1 - 12 Fire Pit 1 - - - - 1 Benches ------Paths/walkways ------Pond 1 - 2 - - 3 Support Facilities Storage Buildings - 2 - - 1 3 Port-a-Potties - - 2 - - 2 Cabins ------Restrooms 1 3 - - 1 5

4-6 PARK & RECREATION FACILITIES

Table 4-3A Bedford Area School District Parks and Recreation Facility Inventory Map Number and Facility Name 1. Egolf Park 2. Snake Spring Community Park 21. Fort Bedford 23. Colerain - Rainsburg Recreation Park 27. Hyndman - Londonderry Elementary School 28. Hyndman Middle and High School Complex 29. Bedford Elementary School Subtotal 1 Acreage 10.2 40.0 2.7 8.6 10.5 4.0 7.0 83 Type MP MP PR MP SR SR SR Active Recreation Facilities Baseball - 60’ 4 3 2 9 Baseball - 90’ 0 Softball 1 1 Field Hockey 0 Football 0 Soccer full size 0 Practice area 1 1 Open play field 0 Outdoor Basketball 1 1 1 2 (H) 2F 5H 12 Golf course 0 Gym 1 1 2 Tennis 2 2 4 Playground Equipment C 1 2 4 Swimming pool 0 Volleyball 3 3 Exercise trail 0 Concession Stand 2 1 3 Running Track C 1 Passive Recreation Facilities Open Passive Space Pavilion 1(L) 2(S) 1(S) 2 6 Fire Pit 1 1 1 Benches C C - Paths/walkways 0 Pond 1* 1 Support Facilities Storage Buildings - Port-a-Potties - Cabins - Restrooms 1 MP: Municipal Recreation SR: School Recreation SP: State Recreation PR: Private Recreation

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-7

Table 4-3A Bedford Area School District Parks and Recreation Facility Inventory (continued) Map Number and Facility Name 30. Bedford Middle School 31. Bedford High School Craig B. Ashe Memorial Park Bedford Township Fields Bedford Borough Green Cumberland Valley Park Manns Choice Field Hyndman Field Bedford Historic Memorial Park Subtotal 2 Acreage 19.6 1.5 3.0 5.1 5.2 17.0 32.9 4.1 2.3 90.6 Type SR SR MP MP MP MP MP MP PR Active Recreation Facilities Baseball - 60’ 1 2 2 1 2 1 9 Baseball -90’ 0 Softball 1 1 Field Hockey 0 1 (LT) 1 Football Stadium Soccer full size 1 I(L) 2 Practice area 0 Open play field 1 1 2 Outdoor Basketball 2(H) 1 1 4 Golf course 0 Gym 1 1 2 Tennis 3 4 7 Playground Equipment 0 Swimming pool 0 Volleyball 1 1 Exercise trail 0 Concession Stand 1 1 2 Running Track 1 1 Passive Recreation Facilities Open Passive Space 0 Pavilion 1 2 3 Fire Pit 0 Benches - Paths/walkways Pond Support Facilities Storage Buildings - Port-a-Potties - Cabins - Restrooms 3 MP: Municipal Recreation SR: School Recreation SP: State Recreation PR: Private Recreation

4-8 PARK & RECREATION FACILITIES

Table 4-3B Chestnut Ridge School District Parks and Recreation Facility Inventory Map Number and Facility Name 13. Pleasantville Park 14. Blu+e Knob State Park 15. Schellsburg - Napier Township Park 16. Shawnee State Park (To Park Memorial Imler 17. Be Constructed) 18. Chestnut Ridge Ballfield 19. New Paris Elementary School 20. Schellsburg VFW Recreation Area Chestnut 33. RidgeCentral Elementaryand High School Complex 34. Chestnut Ridge Middle School Subtotal Acreage 9.2 5,874.0 3.4 3,983.0 19.0 6.2 15.1 20.0 48.6 71.6 6067.2 Type MP SP MP SP MP MP SR MP SR SR Active Recreation Facilities 2 Baseball - 60’ 1 1 2 1 7 (1LT) 1 Baseball -90’ 1(LT) 2 (LT) Softball 0 Field Hockey 0 Football 1 1 Soccer full size 1 1 Practice area 0 Open play field 0 Outdoor Basketball 1 3(H) 2 (H) 2 2 (H) 10 Golf course 0 Gym 2 1 3 Tennis 1 1 Playground 3 Equipment Swimming pool - Volleyball 0 Exercise trail 0 Concession Stand 1 - 1 Running Track - (GR) Passive Recreation Facilities Open Passive 0 Space Pavilion 1 (s) 1 Fire Pit 0 Benches - Paths/walkways - Pond - Water Access 3 3 Support Facilities Storage Buildings 1 1 2 Port-a-Potties - Cabins - Restrooms 3 MP: Municipal Recreation PR: Private Recreation SR: School Recreation SP: State Recreation

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-9

Table 4-3C Everett Area School District Parks and Recreation Facility Inventory Map Number and Facility Name 3. Everett Elementary School 4. Tenley Park 5. Everett High School 6. Everett Train Station 24. Chaneysville - Cove Elementary School 25. Mann - Monroe Elementary School 32. Breezewood Elementary School Artemas Community Park Artemas Ballfield Subtotal Acreage 15.0 57.0 5.0 0.6 5.0 3.5 4.0 13.0 1.0 est. 109.5 Type SR MP SR PR SR SR SR MP MP Active Recreation Facilities Baseball - 60’ 2 1 1 3 Baseball -90’ 0 Softball 0 Field Hockey 0 Football 1(LT) 1 Soccer full size 1 1 1 3 Practice area 2 2 Open play field 1 1 2 Outdoor Basketball 1 1 2 Golf course 0 Gym 1 1 Tennis 2 2 Playground Equipment 5 Swimming pool 0 Volleyball 0 Exercise trail - Concession Stand 0 Running Track v - Passive Recreation Facilities Open Passive Space 1 Pavilion 1(S) 1(S) 1 3 Fire Pit 0 Benches 2 Paths/walkways 1 2 x .5 2 Pond acres Support Facilities Storage Buildings - Port-a-Potties 2 Cabins - Restrooms - MP: Municipal Recreation SR: School Recreation SP: State Recreation PR: Private Recreation

4-10 PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

Table 4-3D Northern Bedford School District Parks and Recreation Facility Inventory Map Number and Facility Name 12. Northern Bedford School Complex Woodbury Township Park Subtotal Acreage 70.0 4.0 74.0 Type SR MP Active Recreation Facilities Baseball - 60’ 3 1 4 Baseball -90’ 1 1 Softball Field Hockey Football Soccer full size 1 1 Practice area 2 2 Open play field Outdoor Basketball 6 (H) 2(F) 5 Golf course Gym Tennis 3 (L) 3 Playground Equipment C 1 2 Swimming pool Volleyball Exercise trail Concession Stand Running Track C C Passive Recreation Facilities Open Passive Space Pavilion 1 1 Fire Pit Benches Paths/walkways Pond Support Facilities Storage Buildings Port-a-Potties Cabins Restrooms MP: Municipal Recreation SR: School Recreation SP: State Recreation PR: Private Recreation

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-11

Table 4-3E Tussey Mountain School District Parks and Recreation Facility Inventory Map Number and Facility Name 7. Saxton Pool Center 8. WarriorsPath State Park 9. Saxton - Liberty School 10. Tussey Mountain School 11. Saxton - Liberty VFW Complex 35. Defiance Grade School 36. Robertsdale Grade School Subtotal Acreage 1.5 349.0 10.0 23.0 7.6 3.5 5.0 399.6 Type PR SP SR SR PR SR SR 399.6 Active Recreation Facilities Baseball - 60’ 1 1 Baseball -90’ 1 1 Softball 0 Field Hockey 0 Football 0 Soccer full size 1 1 Practice area 0 Open play field 0 Outdoor Basketball 1 1 Golf course 0 Gym 0 Tennis 2 3 5 Playground Equipment C C 2 Swimming pool C - Volleyball 1 1 Exercise trail 0 Concession Stand 2 1 3 Running Track C - Passive Recreation Facilities Open Passive Space 0 Pavilion 0 Fire Pit 0 Benches 0 Paths/walkways 1 0 Pond 0 Water Access 1 0 Support Facilities Storage Buildings 1 Port-a-Potties - Cabins - Restrooms 1 MP: Municipal Recreation SR: School Recreation SP: State Recreation PR: Private Recreation

4-12 PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

Private Recreation Resources

Several private organizations own and manage non-profit and commercial recreation facilities in Bedford County. Although not specifically analyzed in this plan, privately-owned facilities do play an important role in meeting residents’ recreation needs and supplementing tourism potential.

▪ The Blue Knob All Seasons Resort is by far the largest commercial recreation operation in the county. Blue Knob offers the highest skiable mountain in Pennsylvania. Downhill and cross country trails, as well as snow tubing are popular winter activities. In the spring, summer and fall, golf, hiking and mountain biking are premier attractions. Tennis courts and swimming pools round out the resorts year round activity program. A conference and banquet center is located on-site. ▪ The Majestic World Lodge & Retreat is located near the Blue Knob Resort and offers elk, red and whitetail deer, and buffalo hunting on its private grounds. ▪ The Green Ridge Horse Ranch is located in south eastern Bedford County, high atop with a fantastic view of three states. The ranch offers guided horseback riding through the scenic and sometimes rugged mountains. ▪ The Bedford Springs Hotel is the premier historic redevelopment project in the county. Built as a health resort utilizing the medicinal qualities of nearby Schober’s Run, the hotel became President James Buchanan’s summer White House and the only meeting location of the US Supreme Court outside of Washington, DC. 38 The Bedford Springs Hotel, one of the most visible landmarks of the region’s past 200 years, has a new hope of renovation and restoration as a recreational resort. In 2005, the final pieces of a $90 million, public-private financial package to restore the facility were announced at a public ceremony on the front lawn of the historic but seriously deteriorating landmark. It was announced that renovations are to be completed in time for a May 2007 opening. 39 ▪ There are six public/private golf courses located in Bedford County. 1. Down River Golf Course on US Route 30 East of Everett 2. Mountaintop Golf Course at Blue Knob All Seasons Resort in Claysburg 3. Bedford Elks Golf Course on US Business Route 220 South of Bedford 4. Bedford Springs Golf Course on US Business Route 220 South of Bedford 5. King Valley Golf Course west of US Route 220 North near the village of King 6. Iron Masters Golf Course in Bloomfield Township just north of Bakers Summit off PA Route 867.

38 Bedford Spring website, http://www.memberbbb.com/springs.html 39 Bedford Springs Hotel website, http://www.bedfordcounty.net/springs/index.htm

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-13

▪ There are three private campgrounds in the county: 1. Friendship Village Campground and RV Park off of US Route 30 west of Bedford Borough. 2. Shawnee Sleepy Hollow Campground, located next to Shawnee State Park on US Route 30 3. Woy Bridge Campground, a riverside campground located on the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, east of Everett then north off US Route 30 toward Graceville. ▪ Bowling is offered by the Bedford Elks Lodge off US Business Route 220 south of Bedford. ▪ Roller skating by the Moon-Glo Skating Rink, one mile north of Bedford on US Business Route 220. ▪ Outdoor swimming is available at the Saxton Pool Center and at Shawnee State Park and Blue Knob State Park. ▪ Two fitness gyms are located in Bedford: Summit Quest and Pro Care, as well as one martial arts school, Goss Joe Karate School. ▪ Wildlife attractions include a small museum at the Reynoldsdale Fish hatchery and the Bison Corral and Acorn Acres Deer Farm northwest of Bedford. Many of these sites are part of our "Bison, Fish, Fawn and Fowl" tour. ▪ Coral Caverns offers guided tours of the only fossilized coral reef cavern known to exist. This towering fossil wall, containing the fossil remains of coral and other sea-creatures buried over 400 million years ago when Pennsylvania was partially covered by "The Great Inland Sea." 40 ▪ Bedford County Arts Center is a unique venue for artists to display their talents with numerous art shows throughout the year. The Center is located on east Pitt Street in Bedford. The Bedford County Arts Council operates the center and provides the following services: offers free monthly arts and crafts activities for children and presentations on arts and humanities topics for adults; publishes Art Matters, a monthly newsletter advertising regional opportunities and events, and exhibiting the prose and poetry of area authors; and provides rent-free space for other community service activities such as flu shot clinics, literacy tutoring, scout leader training, and meetings of other non-profit organizations. ▪ Twenty four Community Centers offering a variety of social and recreational services include the Circle of Love Community Center in Bedford, the Harrison Manns Choice Community Center in Manns Choice and the Woodbury Community Center.

40 http://www.coralcaverns.com/

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▪ Promotion of hunting and fishing opportunities has taken place through the Outdoors Guide: Hunting and Fishing Guide for South Central PA and the Juniata River Guide Map. ▪ Promotion of unique natural, cultural and heritage resources has occurred through the publication and distribution of three local driving tours. The Covered Bridge & Gravity Hill Tour is reportedly the county’s most popular driving tour, featuring 8 of the 14 covered bridges and the often talked about, but seldom found, Gravity Hill The Bison, Fish, Fawn and Fowl a.k.a. "Critter Tour" of various wildlife attractions. Designed as a kids tour, this tour is also popular with adults. The Morrison's Cove Tour is a tour through the farm country of northern Bedford County, even into southern Blair County. This Morrison's Cove driving tour includes a beautiful overlook and a visit to a lovely limestone valley with historic villages, country churches, one-room schoolhouses and pristine farmsteads. Additionally, commercial retailers support recreation and economic development in the county through sales of recreation services and equipment. ▪ Grouseland Tours offers sales, service and tours for mountain and road biking. ▪ Fat Jimmy’s Outfitters, located on the Lincoln Highway in Breezewood, sells bicycles, skies and snowboard, and canoes and kayaks. ▪ Adventure Marine Canoe and Kayak, located on the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River at the Woy Bridge Campground offers boat rentals and sales, livery service for boaters and camp sites. ▪ Hooked Up Guide Service in New Paris offers guided fishing and river/stream tours.

Local Public Park and Recreation Facility Assessment

The purpose of the assessment was to determine if recreation needs are being met and to project how the system should change to meet the present and future recreation needs. The analysis of parks and recreation facilities was based on seasonal fieldwork, existing plans and studies, interviews, stakeholder workshops, and a community survey.

Existing public facilities throughout the County have been assessed to determine the number and diversity of recreation opportunities as well as facility conditions. Service areas of the County were reviewed to determine if citizens in all parts of the county have access to parks. Connections between parks, schools, communities and other destinations were explored. As a result of the importance of public school lands, this plan is organized at the school district level. This organization is reflected in the text, tables and maps.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-15

Five Factor Assessment

Five factors guided the park and recreation facility assessment in Bedford County. They included:

1. Amount of parkland 2. Location and distribution of facilities 3. Connection between parks 4. Type and number of recreation facilities 5. Facility conditions

Park Factor 1: Amount of Parkland

Bedford County has approximately 553 acres of local public parkland within 36 parks and school sites. This equates to approximately 11 acres of parkland per thousand citizens.

Over the past 30 years, it has been the accepted practice within the recreation and park profession to adopt a uniform national land standard such as 10 acres per thousand. NRPA Park, Recreation, and Open Space Guidelines 1995

The prevailing standard for active parkland acreage is 10 acres per thousand- population minimum. Based on this standard and with an estimated 2005 population of 50,091 residents, Bedford County should have approximately 500 acres of active public parkland. Bedford County has a slight excess of approximately 53 acres based on the minimum standard. At the school district level, four of the districts are at or near the minimum public parkland standard. Only the Tussey Mountain School District and the Claysburg-Kimmel School District regions show strong deficiencies of 30 acres and 15 acres, respectively.

Table 4-4 Local Public Parkland Analysis Minimum Local Public 2005 Recommended Surplus (+) / Parkland Population School District Local Public Deficiency (-) Acreage Estimate Region Parkland Acreage Bedford Area 168.7 17,029 170 -1.3 Chestnut Ridge 193.1 10,829 108 85.1 Claysburg-Kimmel 0.0 1,578 15 -15 Everett Area 107.9 9,875 99 8.9 Northern Bedford 74.0 6,718 67 7 Tussey Mountain 10.0 4,062 40 -30 Bedford County 553.7 50,091 500 53.7 Totals

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Park Factor 2: Location and Distribution of Parks and Trails

Just as the amount of park acreage is important, so is the type of parks available and their public accessibility. Different types of parks provide different recreation opportunities for people who live, work, and visit in Bedford County. Table 4-2 presents the ideal hierarchy of park classification. It shows the range of park types, their benefits, appropriate facilities, and the maintenance levels appropriate for the type of park and resources available.

Some Counties provide regional parks for resource-based passive recreation or preservation of historic and cultural resources. County parks are usually complemented by municipal neighborhood, community, and athletic parks. Bedford County government does not own or manage parklands. Most public parks in Bedford County would most accurately be classified as neighborhood parks. They are small, less than 15 acres, with limited facilities. These parks primarily provide active recreation facilities; a few contain related facilities such as pavilions and barbecue pits.

The school lands are, in many, cases fulfilling local needs for active recreation and certain passive activities, even playgrounds. As a result of the importance of public school lands, the evaluation of park service areas by community is organized in this plan at the school district level. There are six school districts in Bedford County. The following is a listing of facilities by school district.

Trails are also inventoried here and illustrated on the Trails and Greenways Map. Water trails and access points are shown on the Fish and Game Resources Map.

Distribution of Facilities by School District Region

Bedford Area School District

The Bedford Area School District is the largest school district in the County. It includes central Bedford County and extends southwest to the Maryland State line. The district serves ten municipalities and hosts seven municipal parks: the Bedford Memorial Park, Bedford Township Fields, the Bedford Borough Green, Colerain- Rainsburg Park, Cumberland Valley Park, Egolf Park and Snake Spring Park. Fort Bedford, along the Juniata River, is also located in this district. There are several public access areas located along the Juniata River.

There are five school sites: the Bedford Middle School and High School Complex located in the Borough, the new Bedford Elementary School, located at the northern boundary of the Borough, and the Hyndman Middle School and High School Complex and the Hyndman-Londonderry Elementary School, all located in Hyndman Borough.

In addition, there is a baseball field located in Hyndman and a ballfield, playground and basketball court at the Mann’s Choice Community Center.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-17

4-18 PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-19

A portion of Buchanan State Forest is located within the Bedford School District (Colerain Township).

Bedford Area School District has several on-road trails, including Pennsylvania Bike Routes G and S, Mann’s Choice Challenge Route, Whiskey Rebellion Tour (referred to as the Dutch Corner Bike Loop in the Bedford County Bike Loop Map), and Path of Progress Bike Trail. Off-road trails connect the Cumberland Valley Township Recreation Fields and the Hyndman Little League Park; from Fort Bedford to the Everett Train Station; and the Mid State Trail runs along the eastern edge of the district. Additionally, the Juniata River Water Trail connects the boroughs of Bedford and Everett.

Chestnut Ridge School District

The Chestnut Ridge School District is located in the western area of Bedford County. The district serves eleven municipalities. It includes Blue Knob State Park and Shawnee State Park. There are three municipal parks within this school district. Pleasantville Park, Schellsburg-Napier Township Park and the planned, but not yet constructed, Imler Memorial Park.

There are four school sites: the Chestnut Ridge Elementary School and High School Complex, the Chestnut Ridge Middle School Complex and the New Paris Elementary School.

There are several other recreation sites including the Schellsburg VFW recreation area on the site of a former elementary school in Schellsburg and the Chestnut Ridge ballfield.

There are five on-road trails in Chestnut Ridge; Pennsylvania Bike Routes G and S, a trail along Route 30, the Nine Mile Town Historic Tour (referred to as the Shawnee / Schellsburg Bike Loop trail in the Bedford County Bike Loop Map), and the Covered Bridge Scenic Journey, the latter two being enclosed loops.

Claysburg-Kimmel School District

The Claysburg-Kimmel School District is a Blair County based school district which extends into Bedford County to serve one municipality, Kimmel Township. There are no schools or public parks located within Kimmel Township, hence the recreational land deficiency noted earlier in the chapter.

A portion of Pennsylvania Bike Route G runs north-south in the eastern edge of the district near Interstate 99.

Everett Area School District The Everett Area School District serves the eastern and southeastern portion of the County. The district serves six municipalities. There are three municipally-owned park sites in the school district. Tenley Park is a relatively new park that is being

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developed by Everett Borough. Artemas Community Park and the Artemas ballfield are facilities located in Mann Township, in the southern portion of the school district.

There are six school sites: Everett High School, the Everett Elementary and Middle School Complex, Breezewood Elementary School, Mann-Monroe Elementary School, and the Chaneysville-Cove Elementary School.

A major portion of Buchanan State Forest is located within the Everett Area School District.

Everett School District has several on-road trails, including Pennsylvania Bike Route S, the Path of Progress Bike Trail, and the Apple Barrel Orchard Tour (referred to as Jackson’s Mill Bike Loop in the Bedford County Bike Loop Map). The Pike to Bike Trail is proposed to run in the northeast corner of the district. The Mid State Trail runs along the western edge of the district, and is the only off-road trail in this district. Additionally, the district also contains a significant portion of the Juniata River Water Trail.

Northern Bedford School District

The Northern Bedford School District serves five municipalities in the north-central portion of the County. The only municipal park in this school district is the Woodbury Township park, which includes a play area and baseball field. This park is located on Route 36 adjacent to the township municipal building on the northern edge of Woodbury Borough.

There is one school facility campus, the Northern Bedford School Complex, which is centrally located within the school district.

There are two trails in Northern Bedford; the on-road Cove Loop Alt C, and the off- road Mid State Trail.

Tussey Mountain School District

The Tussey Mountain School District is located in the northeast corner of Bedford County and serves four municipalities in Bedford County. Warrior Path State Park is located in the school district. The Saxton Pool Center is the only municipally-owned recreation facility in the school district.

There are four school sites: the Tussey Mountain High School, Saxton-Liberty School, the Robertsdale Grade School (located in Huntingdon County), and the Defiance Grade School.

There is one other recreation site located in the area, the Saxton-Liberty VFW Complex, which has one 60-foot ballfield.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-21

Trails in the district include hiking and cross country trail in Warrior Run State Park and the Juniata River Water Trail.

Distribution of Facilities by Population

The Park and Recreation Resources Map, located in the appendix, illustrates the locations of the parks throughout the County. Analysis of the park locations show that:

▪ Park land is not evenly distributed throughout the County, but the distribution of park land is more consistent with population concentrations, if school sites are included in the evaluation. ▪ Parks and recreation facilities, especially municipally-owned, are concentrated in the central core area of Bedford County. ▪ The school districts play an important role in providing recreation opportunities, especially in the sparsely populated areas of the County. ▪ The State Parks, especially Shawnee, provide the main opportunity for true regional community recreation.

The Bedford Borough Area is the primary population center in the County and has historically been the community, recreation, and commercial center as well. Many County residents travel to Bedford for a variety of activities, including recreation activities. This is supported by the transportation network, which makes the Bedford area reasonably accessible from all areas within the County. The public participation process showed that residents are comfortable with the Bedford area continuing as the hub of recreation activities, especially organized sports. The southern portion of the County will likely continue to look toward Maryland for a portion of its recreation needs.

Distribution of Facilities by Park Classification

Bedford Area School District

The Bedford Area School District has the most varied distribution of park types. The parks range from Memorial Park which is a traditional town square neighborhood park to Snake Spring Park, which is the most well maintained example of a municipally-owned community park in the County. The district also benefits from nearby Shawnee State Park, which provides extensive recreational opportunities on a very large site.

The Juniata River is a regional resource that crosses the school district and provides the opportunity for water-based activities. There are several access points located within the district, including at Fort Bedford, but access to the river’s edge is still limited.

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Chestnut Ridge School District

The Chestnut Ridge School District has a limited amount of neighborhood or community-scaled parkland. Pleasantville Park does serve the main population center within the district. This neighborhood park has been targeted for improvements, which will allow it to better fulfill the need for this type of facility. Most of the residents’ recreation needs are fulfilled at the school complexes, especially the Chestnut Ridge Elementary and High School Complex and the Chestnut Ridge Middle School. The New Paris School has limited opportunities for community recreation, in its current arrangement. The District benefits greatly from nearby Shawnee State Park and Blue Knob State Park. Mann’s Choice Community building has potential for improvements to fulfill local recreation needs.

Claysburg-Kimmel School District

The Claysburg-Kimmel School District has no schools or public parks located within Kimmel Township. Residents of Kimmel Township seem to rely on facilities in the Claysburg area, just north in Blair County.

Everett Area School District

The Everett Area School District has a few neighborhood parks. Everett Borough has been working to develop Tenley Park as a new community park, near the center of the Borough. This park has a pond/stormwater management area and some additional passive recreation facilities, including a playground. More improvements are planned. Mann Township has Artemas Park which functions as a neighborhood park.

Northern Bedford School District

The Woodbury Township park functions as a neighborhood park for Woodbury Borough and Woodbury Township residents. The Northern Bedford School Complex functions primarily as a regional athletic complex, but the inclusion of a major playground structure provides the opportunity for community recreation.

Tussey Mountain School District

The Tussey Mountain School District lacks neighborhood parks, especially in Saxton Borough. The Saxton Pool is a facility that could be expanded to include more active and passive recreation facilities, including an upgraded playground and ballfields. Its location outside of the town hinders it accessibility. Warriors Path State Park serves as a regional park facility, but the site has limited active recreation opportunities, partly due to topographic limitations.

The Saxton-Liberty VFW Complex’s location within Saxton Borough provides it with the opportunity to become another neighborhood park for residents, if a partnership could be formed with the VFW.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-23

Park Factor 3: Connections Between Parks

Trails and greenways provide passive recreation opportunities and green corridors of open space. Easy access to trails facilitates exercise and fitness, as well as safe travel between destinations. Connecting the parks of Bedford County with trails and greenways will add to the livability and quality of life for citizens. Our many rivers and creeks and abandoned rail lines are linear resources that can facilitate connections between parks. The Juniata River connects Shawnee State Park, Fort Bedford, Bedford Borough’s numerous parks and public spaces, potentially nearby Snake Spring Park, Warriors Path State Park, Saxton Borough and the communities in between. The Trails and Greenways Map in the appendix show the location of existing and planned trail and greenway corridors in Bedford County.

Trails

Several plans have been published regarding trails and other multi-modal transit routes. The Heritage Trails Plan of 1995 aimed to develop a regional trails system that would connect Bedford County to adjacent counties through a large network of land- and water-based trails. It envisioned connecting the Mid State Trail, Dunning Creek Rail Trail, and the Juniata River. The District 9 Bicycle Strategic Plan of 1999 examined ways to incorporate bicycle travel into real regional transportation, recommending the use of rails-to-trails, greenways, and on-road routes to connect Bedford and other regional counties to one another. This plan resulted in the preparation of biking tour guides for Bedford County and surrounding counties.

Greenways

The development of the Southern Alleghenies Regional Greenway Network is described in Chapter 3, Open Space Resources. Of the eleven regional greenway corridors proposed, five traverse Bedford County. One of these corridors, The Allegheny Crossing, is a 77 mile recreational corridor that spans three counties and includes both land and water trails. Only 7.3 miles of the corridor has already been committed or secured for greenway development. The remaining corridor right-of- way totaling 21,084 acres would need to be secured. Due to the cost of land acquisition and land and water trail improvements, the Allegheny Crossing is one of the network’s more expensive greenway corridors, estimated between $7,554,000 and $20,525,750 in probable total development costs.

Of the more than twenty Bedford County greenway corridors proposed, nearly all are proposed as recreation corridors. The Cumberland Valley Wildlife Corridor is programmed as a conservation greenway.

The following four county projects were among the top nine county projects recommended:

1. Pike 2 Bike Trail (a segment of regional project corridor #10—the Allegheny Crossing) See regional projects list in Chapter 3.

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2. The Raystown/ Huntingdon and Broad Top Greenway , part of the Potomac to Raystown Greenway (regional project corridors 8N and 8S) See regional projects list and report on this county corridor in Chapter 3.

3. Bedford to Old Bedford Village Trail (a segment of project corridor B-5— Dunning Creek Trail)

4. Bedford to Everett Trail (a segment of regional project corridor #10—the Allegheny Crossing) See regional projects list above.

Figure 4-2 Riverfront Park Opportunities

The Juniata River is under-used as a community resource throughout Bedford County. The river provides opportunities for recreation, environmental education, and interpretation of the culture and history of the County and adds to its scenic quality. Bedford County and its communities should embrace the river and provide expanded access to its shores for residents and visitors. The following are opportunities to embrace the river and all it has to offer.

Maximize lands near the river that are already in public ownership. Give them a presence and identity as riverfront parks through promotion and trail interconnection as a riverfront park system. The parks are already near the river but they have not been maximized through design. Seek additional land for public access . Consider acquisition of land as well as access easements. Working with a regional conservancy may be helpful to secure land. Develop river access areas with facilities to meet community needs and tap community opportunities. Master plan the areas incorporating facilities that may include: - Boat ramps and docks - Stabilized fishing locations - Restrooms - Benches and picnic facilities - Signs that provide information about the culture and history of the area. - Trails parallel to the river that connects to a regional trail system and that explore the ecosystem of the river, adjacent wetlands, and shoreline. - Lighting for trails in the urban area, benches, trash receptacles, and landscaping. - Public spaces for viewing the river and holding community events. Develop a trail that connects Bedford Borough and Shawnee State Park . Provide open visual access to the river from the trail and seating area for viewing the river. Explore public/private partnerships such as leases for a restaurant, canoe/paddler outfitters, and/or boat rental, preferably on the riverfront. Develop a comprehensive wayfinding sign system that will guide residents and visitors to riverfront opportunities. Work with the school districts to identify the types of environmental education opportunities that would enhance the school curriculum. Work with regional partners on the implementation of the Southern Alleghenies Regional Greenways Plan.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-25

Park Factor 4: Type and Number of Recreation Facilities

Bedford Area School District

The school district contains two softball fields, at Bedford Elementary and Middle Schools, as well as eighteen 60-foot baseball fields at Snake Spring Community Park (4 fields), Colerain-Rainsburg Recreation Park (3), Hyndman Middle and High School Complex (2), Bedford Middle School (1), Bedford High School (2), Bedford Borough Green (1), Cumberland Valley Park (2), and Hyndman Field (1). Basketball courts can be found at Snake Spring Community Park, Colerain-Rainsburg Recreation Park, Hyndman-Londonderry Elementary School, Hyndman Middle and High School Complex, Bedford Elementary, Middle and High Schools, and Bedford Borough Green. There are two full-size soccer fields in the school district, one each at Bedford Middle and High Schools. Bedford High School also has a lighted football stadium, the only football facility in the school district. Colerain-Rainsburg Recreation Park (3) and Bedford High School (1) have the four volleyball courts in the district. The school district contains 11 tennis courts; two at Snake Spring Community Park, two at the Hyndman Middle and High School Complex, three at Bedford Middle School, and four at Bedford Borough Green. Finally, playground equipment is located at Fort Bedford, and the Hyndman-Londonderry and Bedford Elementary Schools.

Chestnut Ridge School District

The school district contains seven 60-foot baseball fields at Pleasantville Park (2, one of which is the only lighted 60-foot field in the district), New Paris Elementary School (1), Schellsburg VFW Recreation Area (1), Chestnut Ridge Central Elementary and High School Complex (2), and Chestnut Ridge Middle School (1). Two lighted 90-foot baseball fields can be found in the district, one each at the Chestnut Ridge Ballfield and the Schellsburg VFW Recreation Area. There are three full court basketball courts (one at Pleasantville Park, two at Schellsburg VFW Recreation Area), and seven half-court basketball courts, three of which are located at Schellsburg-Napier Township Park, two at New Paris Elementary School, and two at Chestnut Ridge Middle School. Chestnut Ridge Middle School also contains the only soccer field in the school district, Chestnut Ridge Central Elementary and High School Complex has the only football field, Schellsburg VFW Recreation Area has the district’s only tennis court, and Blue Knob State Park contains the district’s only public swimming pool. Playground equipment is located at Schellsburg-Napier Township Park, New Paris Elementary School, and the Chestnut Ridge Central Elementary and High School Complex.

Everett Area School District

Seven of the nine recreation sites in the Everett Area School District have playground equipment. There are four 60-foot baseball fields: two at the Everett Elementary School, one at the Chaneyville-Cove Elementary School, and one at the Artemas Ballfield. There is an outdoor basketball court at Breezewood Elementary School and a hard court at the Artemas Community Park. Soccer fields are found at the Everett

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and Chaneyville-Cove Elementary Schools and the Everett High School. The high school also hosts the district’s only football field and its two tennis courts. The Everett Elementary School has the only running track.

Northern Bedford School District

The Northern Bedford School Complex contains three 60-foot baseball fields, one 90- foot field, a soccer field, three tennis courts, six half-court and two full-court basketball courts, and playground equipment. The Woodbury Township park, which includes a play area and baseball field.

Claysburg/Kimmel School District

As noted earlier in the chapter, The Claysburg-Kimmel School District has no schools or public parks located within Kimmel Township, and therefore no recreational facilities, publicly or privately owned, for public use .

Tussey Mountain School District

The school district has one 60-foot and one 90-foot baseball field, at Saxton-Liberty VFW Complex and Tussey Mountain School, respectively. A soccer field can be found at Tussey Mountain School as well. The only outdoor basketball court is at Saxton-Liberty School, which also contains the district’s only volleyball court. Tennis courts can be found at Saxton Pool Center (2) and Tussey Mountain School (3). Saxton Pool Center also has the only swimming pool, and is one of two district sites with playground equipment, the other being Saxton-Liberty School.

Park Factor 5: Facility Conditions

Each park site was viewed during the tour of facilities and subsequent fieldwork. Generally the parks appear clean. Many of the parks, and some of the school sites, suffer from outdated equipment and poor maintenance. With the exception of the State Parks, most if not all of the sites have been developed over time, as needs arose and were not formally master planned.

The findings of the facility assessment for each site have similarities that relate to accessibility and the regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the safety guidelines of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and recommendations to enhance the users’ experience through the addition of convenience facilities such as benches, grills, picnic tables, etc. Specific findings of site observations and recreation opportunities include:

Lack of “Park-Like” Settings

Most of the parks in the County reflect layout and design that focuses on the parameters of sports fields with little if any attention given to the comfort and attractiveness of the park to the recreation viewer, i.e. family and friends who attend

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-27

sports events. Occasionally a playground accompanies a ballfield but few sites offer shade trees, adequate benches or bleachers, etc. In general, all of the parks need these types of improvements to transform them from sports fields to true parks.

Each of the parks and school sites has issues related to layout and the functionality of facilities. Several of the smaller parks have too many facilities squeezed into the available land. Few if any have designated paths interconnecting parking areas, rest areas, and individual facilities. Even the larger parks have not configured facilities to the best use of available land. Long-term master planning should evaluate site layouts and redesign them, as needed.

Additional improvements could also aid in unifying the parks into one cohesive system. This initiative should also include the development of an “official manual of park fixtures.” Having high-quality, well designed and uniform fixtures such as benches, lights, signing, etc. is cost effective, efficient and improves the perception of an overall park system. By doing projects jointly at the school district or county-wide level, a value-added component should be gained in their long term maintenance and management.

Outdated Equipment Many of the municipal parks and a few of the school district sites have play equipment or safety elements, such as surface treatments, backstops, etc. which do not meet current industry standards. All of the sites should be upgraded and periodically audited to ensure that they are meeting current standards.

Inconsistent Maintenance

Several of the municipal parks have inconsistent maintenance. For example, several ballfields have large areas without turf and suffer from compacted soils and poor drainage. Unfortunately, Egolf Park has essentially been abandoned, yet it is still technically a public park. Each park should be evaluated for its specific maintenance needs and uniform maintenance practices, based on industry standards, should be adopted.

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Figure 4-3 What is a Good Playground?

Play is the work of children . Through play, children learn skills to develop into happy and well- adjusted human beings. Playgrounds provide a valuable environment for this process. Playground equipment typically focuses on the gross motor skills: running, climbing, and swinging. However, supplemental play stations can support important skills such as socialization, language, creativity, and conceptualization.

Elements of a Good Playground - Play areas designed according to the development needs of specific age groups: 2-5 year olds and 6-12 year olds. Playground equipment must conform to the Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines. This includes safe equipment, design for safety through proper layout, and safe surfaces. Playgrounds should be designed and located within the spirit and standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Superstructure - A play superstructure provides a wide range of experiences not possible in traditional equipment with a singular purpose. Every time a child steps onto a superstructure, a variety of choices are presented. Components of superstructures include decks, bridges, ladders, and climbers. Superstructures are sized to accommodate numerous children at once. Tire Swing - In contrast to the traditional belt swing, tire swings can accommodate up to three children at once. This encourages children to develop a sense of cooperation and teamwork. Sand Area - Children love to play in sandboxes. Sand play fosters cooperative and creative play. Dramatic Play Structures - Structures that resemble items such as houses, town buildings, trains, cars, etc., provide the vehicle for children to develop linguistic and conceptual skills. These structures encourage imagination and social skills. They become props for adventures and activities. Paths and Walkways - Paths for tricycles, in-line skates, or wheelchairs provide a way for children to experience independence. Paths with curves provide physical and cognitive challenges for balancing, steering, and turning, and a sense of the body in motion. Trees and Gardens - Trees and shade are essential components of a playground. Relief from the hot summer sun is important. When supervision is possible, gardens provide learning landscapes for appreciation of the environment and nature. Sitting Areas - Benches and shade are necessary for people of all ages using a playground. Adults supervising children need a relaxing place to sit. Sitting areas provide a gathering place for socialization and story telling. Seating can be imaginative with cutouts in hills, seat walls, etc. Amenities and Support Facilities - Playgrounds should have drinking fountains, trash receptacles, and nearby bike racks. If the playground is to have a supervised recreation program longer than three hours, it should be located with convenient access to restrooms. Water Play Features - Water play is a favorite activity of preschoolers. Where supervision is provided a water play area would be an asset. Water spray fountains near sand play areas add to the imaginative play opportunities. Storage Facilities - Storage facilities are necessary for recreation leaders to store materials and equipment on site.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-29

Analysis of Parks and Recreation Facilities Trends

The way Bedford County residents spend their leisure time, and the activities they enjoy, change over time. Trends emerge and factors change that impact the use of parks and recreation facilities that residents rely on in their communities. The following conditions and trends emerged from the analysis of Bedford County parks and recreation facilities:

▪ The quality of equipment and maintenance in the parks throughout the County is inconsistent and in need of improvement. ▪ Parks could have a more “park-like” setting. Landscaping and comfort amenities are important components of well liked and well used local parks. ▪ There is need for more well designed ballfields. ▪ New sports are emerging that have an impact on facilities. These include: roller hockey, skateboarding, and in-line skating. The parks that exist in the County today are based on a mid-20th Century model of active recreation and are not equipped to support newer activities. ▪ Recreation facilities and activity areas are needed to provide opportunities for fitness and wellness activities for residents of all ages, not just youth. Lifetime recreation activities such as golf, tennis, walking, and bicycling will remain popular in the coming years as baby boomers retire into active lifestyles, where traditional senior services would not provide adequate activity and challenge. ▪ Trails are very popular among all age groups. Existing trails should be linked together and established between parks to form more comprehensive recreation and travel networks. ▪ The Juniata River is an important regional recreation resource and opportunities to increase access should be explored.

Conclusions for Recreation Facilities

All of the parks, athletic complexes and school sites should be evaluated to ensure that their potential, as defined by their on-site natural resources and recreation facilities, is maximized. Parks and recreation sites currently serve a narrowly defined recreation needs, namely youth sports. Long-term master planning should evaluate site layouts and redesign them, as needed, to provide a balance of active and passive recreation opportunities.

All of the sites should be audited periodically to ensure that they are meeting current safety standards.

Each park should be evaluated for its specific maintenance needs and uniform maintenance practices should be adopted based on industry standards.

4-30 PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

Park owners should invest in basic high-quality, well designed and uniform fixtures such as benches, lights, signing, etc.

All of the parks need landscape improvements to transform them from sports fields to true parks.

Additional parkland is needed in the Tussey Mountain School District and potentially in Kimmel Township to serve residents’ close to home recreation needs.

All of the boroughs and major population centers within the County should have comprehensive pedestrian systems which connect residential and commercial areas with schools, parks and other public lands.

Existing trails should be linked together across the county to form more comprehensive networks.

Recreation facilities should be provided within a community to meet the needs of individuals, community groups, and organized leagues. This includes providing year round recreation opportunities for residents of all ages.

Opportunities to increase access to the Juniata River, Bob’s Creek, Yellow Creek, and Sideling Creek Valley should be explored.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 4-31

Intentionally Blank

4-32 PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

Recreation Systems

Many outdoor and nature based recreation opportunities are available in the Bedford County area. The environmental characteristics of Bedford County lend themselves to a variety of enjoyable outdoor activities. Nature based recreation consumptive include activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, motorized sports vehicle use, swimming, boating, horseback riding . Nature based non- consumptive activities include wildlife study, bird watching, photography, picnicking, relaxation and rejuvenation through nature, among others. These opportunities serve both the people who live here and those who visit here.

What is Recreation? Recreation is the voluntary participation in any activity that contributes to the improvement of the general health and well being of both the individual and society .

Recreation Systems

Recreation can take place in a variety of settings, both indoors and outdoors, provided by governmental, private, non-profit and commercial providers. For the purposes of this plan, the focus of recreation will be on outdoor recreation primarily at the county level and, secondarily, the potential for creating a countywide system of parks and recreation through partnerships with state recreation lands managers, school districts, municipalities and others throughout the county. Planning for municipal recreation systems individually needs to happen at the local and regional levels of government, potentially with the assistance of Bedford County. The concept of providing “close-to-home recreation” through an innovative approach in tune with the resources of Bedford County will be explored in the plan.

Outdoor Recreation Spendi ng The American Recreation Coalition reports that sales of outdoor recreation apparel and gear have reached $80 billion annually.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 5-1

Public Needs and Interests

Understanding the public’s underlying motivation for recreation will help Bedford County to plan and be responsive to the needs of both residents and tourists. The assessment regarding recreation needs was determined based upon:

▪ Plan Study Committee Input ▪ Key Person Interviews ▪ Focus Groups ▪ Planning team meetings with key stakeholders in their own locations to determine opportunities and issues first hand ▪ Bedford County Public Opinion Survey

Study Committee, Key Person Interviews and Focus Groups

Key Person Interviews and Focus Groups, in conjunction with the guidance of the Bedford County Planning Commission, provided the identification of specific recreation needs in Bedford County.

The major finding was that citizens, municipalities, school districts and other providers recognize the potential for parks and recreation in Bedford County. The scenic beauty, natural resources, parks, and the notable willingness of people to pitch in to make things happen contribute to this potential. However, recreation and parks are fragmented throughout the County. The level of service reported in the interviews varies in different parts of the County. There is a need to bring groups and interests together. At present there is no organization in place with the capacity to do this. The level of technical assistance required to support the municipalities, school districts and related recreational service providers is high. Bedford County government has a small staff with an extensive workload that constrains the amount of time required despite great effort at outreach and planning.

The response of the recreation providers throughout Bedford County to the work sessions about parks and recreation conducted as part of this planning process in their own communities as well as in the county seat was very positive and favorable for Bedford County. The sessions resulted in actual projects, grant applications and partnerships as a result of the county planning efforts underscoring what can be achieved with additional support in the County. In addition to this finding, the following points were made:

▪ Development of a connected bicycle trail system would be an asset for Bedford County. Determining a management structure for the trail system should be considered. ▪ Citizens and community organizations are concerned about the protection of large natural open spaces of Bedford County.

5-2 RECREATION SYSTEMS

▪ Conservation of hunting and fishing areas, including access to streams is a major concern as some access appears to becoming limited. ▪ Providing more events and activities will serve residents and attract visitors to the County. ▪ Water based recreation activities such as swimming and boating are of interest to both residents and visitors. ▪ Historic and cultural types of programs and tours will help to attract heritage tourism. ▪ Environmental education for all ages emerged as a recreational interest .The school districts have an environmental education program in place that depends in part upon access to natural areas. ▪ Indoor year round recreation needs to be explored given the four season climate of Bedford County. ▪ More active recreation facilities are needed throughout the county especially ball fields, game courts, trails, and natural areas. ▪ School districts are the hub of close-to-home recreation. They are often the main source of local recreation facilities. Recreation, environmental education and fitness emerged as a focal point in all of the school districts. ▪ Municipalities with recreation including facilities such as the swimming pool with limited use and high expense need technical assistance and support to deal with the high cost of operating limited use facilities. ▪ The re-opening of Bedford Springs Hotel in 2007 will be a milestone achievement in Bedford County and the region. It will have a major positive impact on tourism. ▪ Concern is prevalent about the potential construction of wind turbines in Bedford County and the impact they would have on the scenic beauty and rural character that draws tourists as well as how they would impact on the recreation of Bedford County residents. ▪ Shawnee State Park has the potential to play a more significant role in Bedford County recreation. Ideas suggested were to establish a swimming pool there, to create a destination park for our youth in the summer through the design and development of beach-like facilities, a potential indoor recreation center with a swimming pool, and resolve the goose problem.

Survey Findings

Bedford County conducted a public opinion survey in 2006. The findings related to recreation are as follows:

▪ 51 percent of survey respondents agreed that parks and recreation services are adequate in the County. However, Parks and Recreation garnered the lowest in rating regarding adequacy among 13 different choices.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 5-3

▪ According to survey respondents, the most needed recreation facilities in Bedford County include swimming pools, neighborhood parks and playgrounds, and walking, hiking and biking trails.

Figure 5-1 Most Needed Recreation Facilities According to Survey Respondents 0.4

0.35

0.3

0.25

0.2 Strongly Agree Agree 0.15

0.1

0.05

0 Total 50% 50% 50% 48%

Swimming pools Neighborhood Walking and hiking Bike trails/paths parks/playground trails

▪ 30 percent thought that Bedford County should pursue development of bicycle paths on road shoulders. ▪ Large-scale events emerged as high interest, especially concerts at 48%. More cultural and historic tours and theater also emerged as relatively high for nearly two out of five respondents. ▪ Recreational tourism was third only to renewable energy and quality work force in terms of what the County would promote as part of an overall economic development strategy. ▪ Recreation types of improvements were viewed as important activities that would help to stimulate economic development in the Boroughs. After shopping and family style restaurants, recreation captured the next six activities ranging from recreation opportunities to special events, sports, and cultural activities such as theater and concerts. ▪ Satisfaction with county government services ranged from a low of 14 percent (fiscal responsibility) to a high of 29 percent (citizens having opportunities to be heard about county decisions). The highest levels of dissatisfaction went to county fiscal responsibility (45%) and job creation activities (41%) ▪ 46 percent of the respondents supported the idea of “establishing a county parks and recreation department and program even if it would mean a tax increase”. ▪ 72 percent of survey respondents indicated that the out-migration of the county’s young people is a problem.

5-4 RECREATION SYSTEMS

Survey Conclusions

The public recognizes the importance of recreation. They cited recreational tourism including hunting, fishing, camping, and boating to be important contributors to the vitality of Bedford County’s economy. Recreational opportunities also ranked high in terms of helping borough revitalization efforts. Respondents indicated that close- to-home facilities are the most desired with swimming pools; neighborhood parks and playgrounds; and walking, hiking and biking paths as the most desired improvements. The fact that swimming pools emerged as the top preference is most unusual. Typically swimming pools rank out low in public opinion surveys in Pennsylvania. While this finding is important in and of itself, there are other implications. The implications point to the need for year round recreation opportunities and climate related considerations (outdoor pools having a limited season in Bedford County).

Nearly three out of four respondents indicated that the out-migration of young people was Bedford County’s top concern. Quality parks and recreation systems are directly related to attracting and keeping citizens. It is an important planning tool in economic development. Quality of life is a chief factor in entrepreneurial decisions about where to locate or expand a business. Attracting and keeping a quality workforce so often depends upon where people want to live and work and what opportunities are available to them close-to-home during their leisure time.

Level of satisfaction with county government services may have been an influential factor in the 54 percent of the respondents who disagreed with the question of “establishing a county parks and recreation department and program even if would mean a tax increase”. Concerns about fiscal responsibility, jobs and capital projects might have contributed to this response. The question itself had two parts, which included a higher tax component. The high oppositional response could have been due to the tax element. The challenge will be how to organize and manage parks and recreation with respect to the concern about taxes and fiscal responsibility while providing the items the respondents identified as important. These include desired facilities, promoting recreation as a chief asset of Bedford County and making close- to-home recreation possible. Making the case for the importance of parks and recreation as a tool in economic development and tourism is vital. The County will not be able to take advantage of the power of parks and recreation as a planning and economic development tool unless the responsibilities for this essential public service are assigned to a specific person or department. Parks and recreation often has a halo effect on government services often improving the citizens’ perception of government services overall. In fact, parks and recreation is often the only contact many citizens have with government. This may be particularly true for counties, which deal primarily with mandated functions such as prisons, nursing homes and the court system. Parks and Recreation reaches a much broader citizen base and in fact helps to keep people out of prisons, nursing homes and the court system!

The survey results show that locating parks and recreation facilities and services close to home in Bedford County is clearly the preferred direction by the citizens.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 5-5

About 45 percent of the survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the availability of parks and recreation in the community is adequate. While this is a favorable place to start given the fact that this is the County’s first park, recreation and open space plan, it shows that much work has to be done in this area. The goal to strive for in citizen ratings for parks and recreation would be a rating of 80 percent. This is a reasonable and achievable goal. The next time a public opinion survey is undertaken as this plan is implemented, the County should be on the road to 80 percent over the next five to ten years with targets of 60, 70 and 75 percent as informal surveys are undertaken. It would not be that difficult to get to 60 to 70 percent – but the next ten percent to get to 80 percent is a challenge. A starting place could be to develop strategies for creating more parks and recreation opportunities close to home. Finding ways of providing parks and recreation opportunities for people close to where they live should be a main objective of this plan.

While parks and recreation elements ranked relatively low in terms of the need for additional improvement compared with other county services, the finding that 64 percent of the respondents recommend promoting Bedford County’s recreational tourism indicates that the citizens have a high positive regard for the tourism types of recreation in the County. About 57 percent of the survey respondents chose the maintenance of the county’s covered bridges as the second most important county project right after township and borough road maintenance and above other highway and public transportation initiatives. This is a favorable position on which to build parks and recreation into overall county and economic development planning. Citizens recognize that recreation is a top asset of Bedford County.

Challenges of the Times

Despite increasing participation in recreation, new sports and activities, and a broadening of the participation base from younger males to both males and females of all ages, there is a conundrum regarding recreation. That is, that obesity and the lack of physical activity in the United States are at an all-time high.41 The United States Surgeon General issued a report in 1996 that physical inactivity among Americans is the number one public health issue.42 Obesity costs the United States $238 billion annually in expenses associated with diseases such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease not including the cost of treating the obesity itself.43

41 U.S. Center for Disease Control. (1999). CDC’s Guidelines for School and Community Programs Promoting Lifelong Physical Activity. . 42 Surgeon General. (1996). Physical Activity and Health. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Public Health Service, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. . 43 Fox, Maggie. (1999). Obesity costs U.S. $238 Billion A Year – Survey. Reuters: Science Headlines. .

5-6 RECREATION SYSTEMS

Outdoor Recreation Participation Nearly half of all American families say they spend time together outdoors at least once a month. Recreation is important to families with young children. In 1994, seven out of ten Americans participated in outdoor recreation at least once annually. By 2000, participation had increased to eight out of ten.

The Center for Disease Control has stated that public park and recreation departments have a primary role in addressing this issue. They can provide attractive and safe places for people to walk, hike, bike, and enjoy other active pursuits.

Another challenge facing both private enterprise and all arenas of public recreation is that the rapid demand for facilities is outpacing current availability and the resources to develop and manage new facilities. Combined with rapid development in the metropolitan areas of Pennsylvania, in rural areas the available open space is dwindling and land costs are escalating. There is an ever-present concern that recreation opportunities for the public in the future may succumb to a large demand and/or tight budget constraints.

It will become increasingly important to find creative ways of offering recreation opportunities to facilitate a healthier active lifestyle of county residents.

Pennsylvania Recreation Plan 2004-2008

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PADCNR) conducted a strong public participation process as the foundation for the Pennsylvania Recreation Plan. This included a statewide survey and focus groups held regionally throughout the Commonwealth. The findings apply to the Bedford County Recreation, Parks, Greenways, and Open Space Plan. Table 5-1 presents the recreation participation rates for the PADCNR planning region that includes Bedford County.

Facility Preference for Improvement and Increase

The state survey also found the top areas that citizens believe need to be improved. These include:

▪ Picnic areas ▪ Playgrounds ▪ Ballfields ▪ Senior centers ▪ Fishing ▪ Camp grounds with hookups

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 5-7

Table 5-1 Participation Rates in the Bedford County Planning Region of PADCNR 2003 Activity Participation Rate (%) Walking for Pleasure or Fitness 69.1 Sightseeing or Driving for Pleasure 56.5 Picnicking 53.4 View Natural Scenery 53.4 Swimming 47.8 Visit Natural or Wilderness Areas 45.0 Nature Walks 39.6 Fishing 35.6 Hiking 31.4 Camping 28.9 Sledding 27.0 Activity Participation Rate (%) Jogging 24.5 Wildlife Watching 24.2 Boating 23.1 Hunting 20.6 Bird Watching 19.9 Bicycling 19.5 Basketball 16.9 Golf 15.5 ATVing 10.9 Softball 10.4 Football 9.7 Four wheel driving 9.4 Baseball 9.3 Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding 8.7 Soccer 8.3 Sports Shooting 7.2 Ice-skating 6.9 Mountain Biking 6.9 Horseback Riding 5.8 Roller Blading 5.8 Canoeing or Kayaking 5.5 Off-Road Motorcycling 4.7 Snowmobiling 4.3 Tennis 4.0 Water-Skiing 3.9 Cross Country Skiing 2.9 Skateboarding 2.2

5-8 RECREATION SYSTEMS

The top facilities in the state survey cited for increase include the following: ▪ Community recreation centers ▪ Sledding ▪ Swimming – indoor and outdoor ▪ Ice skating ▪ Skateboarding/rollerblading

To increase recreation enjoyment and participation, the implications of the Pennsylvania Recreation Plan 2004-2008 for Bedford County include the following:

1. Provide areas for indoor recreation. 2. Provide close to home facilities for year\ round recreation. 3. Locate facilities for people to engage in winter sports 4. Consider swimming facilities especially in light of the current facilities and how the pool is used. 5. Provide natural areas for people to experience wilderness, study nature and engage in resource based low impact activities especially swimming areas and hook-ups for visitors in camp grounds. This was supported in the interview with the Shawnee State Park Superintendent.

Recreation in Bedford County

Bedford County has vast outdoor recreation resources. The inventory of parks and recreation facilities presented in chapters three and four show about 160,000 acres of state parks, forests and game lands. To put the vast recreational resources in perspective, this area covers about 250 square miles of Bedford County or 25% of the County’s land area. This is larger than Pennsylvania’s two smallest counties: Montour County with 131 square miles and Delaware County with 191 square miles.

The activities available in the state parks and game lands include: hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife watching, photography, nature study, environmental education, relaxation and refreshment, experiencing tranquility, off-road vehicle riding, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, social gatherings, camping, and scenic enjoyment.

Bedford County government does not own any parks or recreation facilities.

Trails

Bedford County has the makings of a premiere countywide trail system. Major planning initiatives have been undertaken including such projects as the Pike-2-Bike Trail, varied linkages such as to Old Bedford Village, several routes touring the 14 covered bridges and bike tours developed by bicycle tourism entrepreneurs. One such trail is a “century” tour, a hundred mile loop through four states and traversing

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 5-9

Bedford County. The main problem is that no organizational structure has been put into place to oversee the planning, management operation, ownership and promotion of trails. Without a designated organizational structure, the County is limited in developing its trails even though much planning has been accomplished. Securing grant funding for trails requires that there is an ownership and management plan for the trail. Providing for trail management would be an investment not a cost. The York Heritage Rail Trail generates over $10 million annually in economic development for York County. It has been the catalyst for new businesses and increasing property values.

York Heritage Rail Trail Authority The York Heritage Rail Trail Authority (YCRTA) is a private non-profit organization charged with the planning, and development of trails as well as forming partnerships to own and maintain them. The Authority also serves as a technical assistance organization for municipalities to work with in establishing their own trails. The York County Visitors Bureau is providing $50,000 a year funded by the hotel tax over ten years to support the YCRTA. YCRTA also does fund-raising, partnerships, sponsorships and grant writing.

Other Providers

There is no YMCA in Bedford County. Feasibility studies conducted by the YMCA organization to determine if a Y could successfully be operated in Bedford County determined that they could not. Several private fitness and wellness organizations currently operate facilities in the County.

The Bedford Senior Center is a magnet for senior adults in the Bedford Borough area. About 60 people ages 60 to 90 use the center daily. There are also five other senior centers in Bedford County serving close-to-home populations. One of the main findings is the need of senior adults for information about recreation. Transportation to recreational facilities and programs is also an issue in Bedford County for senior adults.

In the County there are 24 community social halls owned by municipalities or volunteer fire companies. These facilities are used for a variety of civic and social activities and provide an important close-to-home resource

Close to Home Recreation

Nearly half of all recreation experiences in Pennsylvania take place in municipal parks. In rural communities, in which recreation programs and services are available, they are usually provided by numerous volunteer, municipal, school and faith based institutions. Activities are typically focused on youth, sports, summer recreation and community festivals. Little coordination is achieved because the efforts are rooted in volunteerism and there is no single entity responsible for overseeing community recreation overall. The parks and recreation inventory of close-to-home parks and recreation facilities found 17 municipal parks ranging in size from 1.5 acres to 57 acres totaling 258 acres. Ten of the 17 parks are ten acres or less. The six school districts have 18 sites that totaling 296 acres. Together these areas

5-10 RECREATION SYSTEMS

along with the indoor school facilities provide the local parks and recreation facilities. The school districts serve as the hub of community recreation. Based upon the interviews, field visitation and focus groups, it was apparent that the analysis of local recreation made the most sense when it was assessed by school district. The following section presents an overview of recreation by school district.

School District Overview

While each school district is unique in Bedford County, they have many things in common.

1. They all serve as the hub of community recreation. 2. They are the major provider of recreation facilities. 3. They devote staff time to recreation in the community. 4. Partnerships are of great interest to all of the districts. They are at varying levels of partnership development ranging from a 25-year formal multi- municipal/school district recreation agreement to informal agreements to working with independent autonomous recreation organizations. 5. They would like to see the County take more of a role in recreation in areas such as providing technical assistance, planning and developing trails, and continued parks and recreation planning. They lauded the county efforts in undertaking this plan. 6. They appreciated the County going out to meet with them on this project and providing assistance in steering them towards grants. 7. A swimming pool was the number one facility, which they would like to be developed. 8. They would like to see a countywide system of trails developed. 9. They provide a fine example of how municipalities with very small populations can provide parks and recreation through partnerships and school district involvement. The following section describes findings in each school district.

Bedford Area School District

Ten municipalities and the Bedford Area School District are partners in parks and recreation in the Bedford Area Board of Parks and Recreation. The Board was formed in 1972 to administer recreational programs for the residents of the Bedford Area School District. Each municipality appoints a board member as does the school district. The Board has a part time year round recreation coordinator. According to the School District’s WEB site link to Parks and Recreation: Bedford Parks and Recreation provides basic instruction for children and adults who are interested in learning the skill needed to play various sports and activities. We do NOT provide for tournament teams or all-star teams. Table 5-2 presents the board membership, population of the municipality and the budget for 2005-2006. The per capita

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 5-11

investment is about $1.07 average by the municipalities and about $1.19 by the School District for a total per capita annual investment of about $2.26. This arrangement demonstrates how even small municipalities with a population of 146 can provide parks and recreation by partnering with other.

Table 5-2 Bedford Area Board of Parks and Recreation Membership Population, and Budget 2005-2006 Partner Population 2004 2005 2006 Actual Budgeted Budgeted REVENUES Bedford Area School District $22,500 $22,500 $22,500 Bedford Boro 5,127 3,769 3,769 3,769 Bedford Twp 5,417 6,500 6,500 6,500 Colerain Twp 1,147 1,376 1,376 1,376 Cumberland Valley Twp 1,494 0 1,793 1,793 Harrison Twp 1,007 1,208 1,208 1,208 Hyndman Boro 1,005 1,206 1,206 1,206 Londonderry Twp 1,760 2,112 2,112 2,112 Manns Choice Boro 291 349 349 349 Rainsburg Boro 146 175 175 175 Snake Spring Twp 1,482 1,778 1,778 1,778 Total 18,876 18,447 20,268 20,268 TOTAL Partners 40,947 42,768 42,768 Other Revenue Donations 3,941 1,000 1,000 Program fees 1,312 EXPENDITURES Sports Programs 27,378 36,380 36,380 Summer & Winter Programs 3,005 2,700 2,700 Adult Programs 0 700 700 Administration 9,118 10,700 10,700 $39,501 $50,480 $50,480

The Parks & Recreation Board staff is housed in donated office space in the high school. The Recreation Coordinator with support from the parks and Recreation Office Manager provides about 50 programs and 21 leagues annually. The programs include arts & crafts, cooking, computers, sports, aquatics and league sports. The target audience is youth in grades one through eight. Adult volleyball and soccer is also offered. Nearly 2,000 participants are involved in these programs annually.

The Bedford Area School District has established an environmental center with $400,000 in grant funding since 1997. The 25-acre site provides community recreation through the pavilions, amphitheater and log cabin. Citizens use the site for walking and nature enjoyment

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Chestnut Ridge School District

The facilities of the Chestnut Ridge School District are made available to the public as much as possible. This is the only school district in the County without tennis courts. Although this school district has two state parks within its borders, there is a shortage of land for active, close-to-home organized recreation. Sports groups report needing more fields. Although there is a need for more parkland for recreation facilities, finances are tight. The School District reports having the lowest tax base in Bedford County and the 12th lowest in Pennsylvania. Efforts have been made to unify parks and recreation but there is a strong sense of autonomy among various community organizations. There are a number of organized sports leagues in the Chestnut Ridge School District area. As customary with organized sports, they operate across municipal boundaries. The sports groups use the varsity fields. Typically school districts reserve varsity fields for high school level play. The fields are overused. The need is for additional recreation fields, especially practice areas. The School District is dedicated to community outreach projects such as helping municipalities with trails, trying to get parks and recreation going, and environmental education planning. There is no pool in the School District. This is a concern because of all of the water bodies in Bedford County and they have no means of teaching children how to swim.

Everett Area School District

The Everett Area School District is highly interested in parks and recreation. With a broad perspective regarding programs and facilities, the District is looking to see how the role of the traditional Athletic Director could evolve into a broader role that could incorporate recreation. While this concept is totally theoretical at this point, it demonstrates the level of attention the school district is giving to public recreation. They have worked with numerous community sports organizations to determine how to make the best use of resources. Each coach’s job description requires him or her to run a summer camp for elementary school students. This illustrates the district’s philosophy that they have to make the best use of the people they have. Their limited resources have spurred innovative approaches to bridge education and recreation. The District works collaboratively with private enterprise including renting pool time in Maryland to provide swimming lessons and partnering with a private golf course for student golf.

The School District works closely with the municipalities. The District sponsors an annual dinner with elected officials and the municipal managers where everyone shares new ideas or programs are germinated and issues are moved toward resolution. Indoor recreation facilities for fitness and aquatics are needed. In the meantime, the District secured a grant for fitness equipment. Students use it before and after school, there is always a line for the cardio equipment. The School District would like to see trails developed, more summer recreation programs, year round fitness programs, activities for 12 to 16 years olds, and convenient access to recreational opportunities throughout the District. Students in the southern end of

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 5-13

the District live 26 to 30 miles away. This is too far for students to go back to school for recreation in the evenings and weekends

Northern Bedford School District

The Northern Bedford School district is housed on a campus that serves as the hub of community recreation. There is only one municipal park in this school district so the school campus is the recreational center of the community. Private benefactors with allegiance to the school district donated substantial funding to develop the Panthers Community Stadium. With “Community” a key part of the facility’s name, the purpose of the project was to serve the entire community, not just school students. Facilities included a walking track, lighting and fields.

The School District reports that facility requests greatly exceed the supply available. People get upset when their request is denied. The greatest need is for soccer fields. Damage to the fields is extensive due to overuse. In addition to sports facilities, the School District wants to establish walking trails for life-long recreational use and a picnic area. Previously the District had a walking trail with ten environmental stations. The trail had trees representing every species found in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately the trail, environmental stations and the picnic area are no longer there.

Claysburg Kimmel School District

Most of the recreation opportunities available in this area of the County are provided by the School District. Some recreation activities occur in the local parks but these activities are primarily little league baseball. Communities that Care, a collaborative social services program, runs some after school recreation programs that also have an educational focus. The municipalities and the School District operate independently of each other. The School District is also in the scholastic sports division with Blair County, not Bedford County, which changes the orientation of the citizens more towards Blair County. Straddling two counties makes for complex operations. The School District turned over a school in Queen for community recreation to be provided in the municipality. This building also has a baseball field and a walking track on site and is being developed by the Kimmel Township Supervisors into a community center. The School District is supportive of any partnerships that would provide more opportunities for children to develop more healthy and active life-styles.

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Recreation Linkages with Tourism

Outdoor Traveler Study 44

In 1997, about 14 percent of travel in Pennsylvania was for outdoor recreation and accounted for 23 percent of the total travel dollars spent. The trend is towards increased travel for outdoor recreation at a growth rate of about 2 percent annually. Between 1995 and 1997, Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation travelers’ expenditures grew at more than double the rate of Pennsylvania total travelers’ direct expenditure. Visitors to public lands such as game lands, parks and forests accounted for about 34 percent of the revenues generated by Outdoor Recreation Travel or about 11.5 percent of all leisure travel in Pennsylvania.

Strong growth in the outdoor rec re ation market is a becoming an increasingly critical component of Pennsylvania’s tourism and future economic well being. DCNR Outdoor Traveler Study

Further analysis of the PADCNR Outdoor Traveler Study showed:

▪ A higher share of travelers age 50 and older and the highest average traveler age, 48.7 years. ▪ Over half (53%) of travelers originated in Pennsylvania. New York was the next highest state of origin at 13 percent. ▪ A high share of couples travel (40%) and the lowest share of family travel (30%). Also, the highest share of adults traveling alone (13%). ▪ Shortest average stay length along with the Philadelphia countryside (2.9 days vs. 3.9 in the Pocono Mountains.) ▪ Third highest representation of outdoor travel on state lands at 41 percent, next to Lake Erie at 41 percent and Allegheny National Forest at 63 percent. ▪ Travelers to the Valleys of the Susquehanna region spent about $49 per day. ▪ The Laurel Highlands (Bedford County and surroundings) ranks fifth in outdoor recreation travel volume among Pennsylvania’s tourism regions.

44 Shifflet, D.K. and Associates. (1998). DCNR Outdoor Traveler Study. Harrisburg: Pennsylvania Department of Conservations and Natural Resources.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 5-15

Figure 5-2 Volume of Outdoor Recreation Travel by Pennsylvania Regions in 1997 (millions of person-trips)

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Hershey/Dut Pocono Philadelphia Pittsburgh Laurel Lake Erie Allegheny Valleys of

Series1 6.9 2.32 2.16 1.5 1.29 0.72 0.61 0.41

Source : Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Travelers Study. p5.

Pennsylvania Heritage Tourism Study 45

Closely related to Outdoor Travel is Heritage Tourism. The Pennsylvania Heritage Tourism Study conducted in 1999 found considerable crossover between heritage travelers and outdoor recreation travelers. The main difference was that heritage tourists tended to be older. This study used the same planning regions as the Outdoor Travelers study. It found low recognition among all of the regions except the Lancaster/Dutch Region. Although recognition of heritage regions was low, satisfaction was high among those who had visited at least one of the regions. About one in four of Pennsylvania’s leisure travelers is a heritage tourist.

Heritage Tourism The Pennsylvania Heritage Tourism Study defines Heritage Tourism for Pennsylvania as a broadly defined travel market that encapsulates a wide variety of historic, cultural and outdoors activities. The most popular attractions are Pennsylvania’s historic towns/districts, the Liberty Bell, Gettysburg’s battlefields, Amish country and various museums and attractions throughout the state.

Heritage tourism is important to Pennsylvania’s economy. It is also in a growth mode: from 1996 to 1997, heritage tourism increased 23 percent while spending increased by 15 percent. A typical Pennsylvania heritage tourist is:

▪ 43.2 years of age. ▪ Among households with the highest average annual household-income levels. ▪ Employed in white-collar positions such as professional or managerial.

45 Shifflet, D.K. and Associates. (1999). Pennsylvania Heritage Tourism , Harrisburg: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

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▪ Married. ▪ Traveling as a family or in an adult party of three or more.

Fishing, Boating, and Hunting Numbers in Bedford County

The Fish & Boat Commission tracks fishing and boating licenses purchased in Pennsylvania according to the county in which the licenses were purchased. There is no tracking of where people fish or boat after they purchase their license.

Annually, there are about 18 million fishing trips in Pennsylvania. A study by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service determined the value of these trips translates into $1.3 billion dollars in the Commonwealth’s economy. According to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, licensed fisherman make an average of about 10 fishing trips per year. This equates to about $72 per trip. Based on these very rough figures and projections, the value of fishing for those licensed in Bedford County is about $1.4 million in the economy, although exactly where they spend their money is unknown. No information is available on just where fishermen are fishing or who comes into Bedford County to fish. These are only general figures to give some sense of the economic benefit of fishing.

Table 5- 3 Fishing, Boating, & Hunting Licenses Purchased in Bedford County License Number in 1996 Number in 2006 Change Fishing 7,455 7,678 3% Watercraft 1,635 1,914 17% Hunting 39,536 23,548 -68%

In reference to Table 5-3 above, care should be taken in putting too much stock in the massive percent drop in licensed hunters. There were still 23 thousand licensed hunters in the county in 2006. Some reasons could be a drop in out of state hunters due to the increase in auto fuel prices; the avoidance of licensing due to the increased license costs, etc. Further study would be necessary to determine if the trend was primarily a consumer preference choice for other recreational outlets.

Recreation Analysis

Outdoor recreation is a hallmark of Bedford County. With its scenic mountains, forests, and streams, Bedford County offers a variety of outdoor opportunities, such as, hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, nature study. Outdoor recreation is important for the quality of life and an essential factor in the county’s economy. Tourism is an important industry in Bedford County.

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An analysis of recreation in the County found the following:

1. Recreation providers operate completely independently. Communication among various providers could help to deliver services more efficiently and effectively. Collaboration could also help to package individual recreation components in a manner that would create a “critical mass” of recreation. 2. Bedford County government does not have a parks department. The County government has indicated that it would be important to examine ways of providing parks and recreation management in a way that recognized the fiscal limitations and the existing staff workload. A management structure is needed for Bedford County trails. 3. The self-directed resource based recreation opportunities in Bedford County could be “branded” as unique to Bedford County in a way that would raise recognition and awareness of the County as a special place in which to live, work or visit. 4. County government could be the unifying force to bring various recreation providers together in a common vision of providing quality recreation services to the people of Bedford County throughout their lifetime. The County could serve in a leadership capacity to assemble the various providers under an umbrella organization. The goal of the organization would be to foster communication, planning and program implementation regarding recreation among different independent organizations who would continue to operate independently but in concert with the overall mission of a countywide system of recreation. This role would not require the County to own land but rather serve as a facilitator in regional and local recreation as well as tourism. 5. Advertising recreation opportunities to residents and visitors is important. Getting the word out about what is available and where would advance recreation and facilitate participation. Consideration should be given to a recreation WEB site perhaps in conjunction with the Tourism Bureau, Bedford County and the school districts. 6. Using recreation opportunities and Bedford County’s great outdoors to promote quality of life as part of the county’s economic development planning would foster both goals: recreation and economic development. 7. Since the County is primarily rural, municipal recreation is a challenge. The School Districts are the organizing entities for parks and recreation at the local level. Close-to-home recreation opportunities are important. Interviews and work sessions revealed that there is a need for close-to-home recreation including facilities and programs. These should include a mix of park and recreation facilities such as ball fields, game courts, bike paths, indoor recreation facilities and natural resource areas. Regional collaboration in parks and recreation should continue. There are several fine examples operating in Bedford County now. They could be used as models to spur similar operations throughout the County.

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8. The School Districts and the municipalities need assistance in planning and developing close-to-home parks and recreation systems. The school districts could become partners in a countywide effort. The School Districts with their service area configurations make logical organizational units for potential multi- municipal partnerships in recreation. 9. There is a need for additional municipal recreation facilities throughout the county. The need for sports fields is especially pressing. Citizens are going outside of the County to play in leagues elsewhere as well as to request the use of ball fields in other communities in counties regionally. 10. The need for a swimming pool was a recurring issue throughout the public participation process. It came from all quarters: citizens ranked it the top need in the survey. School districts indicated that they do not have a pool. There is no YMCA. So there is no means for teaching children how to swim other than in the summer at Shawnee or by renting pools out of state during the winter months. The outdoor pool in Saxton is struggling with low attendance as an example of how outdoor pools are impractical in this county. With Bedford County’s climate, the need for year round recreation, limitations on school use, the expanding aging population and the increasing obesity problem, the establishment of indoor recreation facilities should be explored. This could be in conjunction with the school districts or with Shawnee State Park. 11. Exploration of the issue of the wind turbines should include consideration of the potential impacts on tourism.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Bedford County has some of the best outdoor recreation areas in Pennsylvania for fishing, hunting and other resource based activities. Unplanned development could threaten the size, location and contiguity of these large natural resource areas. Bedford County government in collaboration with its municipal partners could foster sensitive land development planning and practices to protect these large areas in the future. That is where the County government’s strength in recreation appears to be. At this point, County government does not appear to be in a position to launch a countywide park system on its own. Outreach efforts for this plan found many organizations throughout the county are willing and eager to undertake more parks and recreation projects and programs – but they need technical assistance and leadership. Although Bedford County government has seasoned professionals on staff, they are too few in number and have extensive workloads thus making parks and recreation outreach nearly impossible. Bedford County government has a small, dedicated staff and operates within a climate of fiscal austerity. Nevertheless recreation is vitally important both for the quality of life and for economic development. Based upon this premise, the following recommendations could be considered:

1. Apply for a Peer Study to explore the potential to hire a parks and recreation professional under the Circuit Rider Program. A Peer Study is a one-year

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 5-19

project funded by PA DCNR to work with County government to determine if a full-time parks and recreation professional is needed. Topics to be explored would include role, responsibilities, funding, expectations, concerns, and future outlook on making the position stable and supported through a variety of financing that could be supported through partnerships. The grant would be for $9,000 with a $1,000 match to be provided by Bedford County (2007 estimate). It is essential that the Peer Study develop the process and procedures for recruiting, interviewing and choosing the Circuit Rider. This should include as much detail as possible including the knowledge, skills, qualities, and aptitudes for the job description, where to advertise, the interview panelists, and the interview questions. 2. If feasible, apply for a Circuit Rider Grant. Should the feasibility study produce findings in support of a parks and recreation position, Bedford County government could consider applying for a Circuit Rider grant. The Circuit Rider is a parks and recreation professional who could work countywide on parks, recreation, trails, partnerships and especially on outreach to build capacity among other providers such as school districts and municipalities. The grant would be for four years that would cover the salary in decreasing amounts from 100 percent to 75 percent to 50 percent to 25 percent as County government would pick up its share in increasing percentages. The Circuit Rider would work over the four years towards securing a stable source of revenues for the budget. The main areas of focus for this positions could be: Trail planning, management and technical assistance Partnership forging Parks and recreation grants Outreach and technical assistance to the school districts and the municipalities to build capacity for parks, recreation, open space conservation and trails. Exploring major parks and recreation initiatives such as indoor facilities, partnerships with Shawnee State Park for regional recreation and so on. Sixty percent of the Circuit Rider’s time should be out in the field building capacity; 20 percent should be working within the county on county focused issues in parks and recreation and 20 percent should be spent on the day to day management of operations required by this position. 3. Make a decision on trail ownership and management. Consider designating Bedford County government as the owner of county trails. Each trail would have to go through a “sanctioning” process for County government to determine if the trail merits public ownership. Consider two options for trail management: either house trail management under the auspices of the potential Circuit Rider or create a Trail Authority similar to the York Heritage Rail Trail Authority cited earlier. Work towards securing a partnership with the Bedford County Visitors Bureau to provide funds for the Authority. Trail visitors are likely to increase overnight stays in Bedford County.

5-20 RECREATION SYSTEMS

4. Form regional consortiums with the school districts and municipalities in addressing local parks and recreation to facilitate the development and provision of close-to-home recreation. Support existing multi-municipal/school district partnerships such as the Bedford Area Board of Parks and Recreation. Work with the others to establish a regional organization tailored to their school district and its municipalities. Strive to get each region to develop a parks, recreation and open space plan. Apply to PA DCNR for a planning grant to promote and support the regional plans. 5. Work with the Bedford Tourism Bureau in promoting recreation opportunities in the county. Invest hotel tax funds in creating recreation opportunities that will attract overnight stays. 6. Coordinate recreation opportunities and planning with economic development planning in Bedford County. Include recreation as part of Bedford County government’s strategic planning to attract and retain businesses. Seek and use case studies that demonstrate how recreation is a key factor in economic development. 7. Explore how indoor recreation could be provided in Bedford County. Develop a pilot project in a school district Use a school district campus as a community recreation center hub. 8. Create an advisory board on natural resource management. Natural resources are an essential factor in economic development through tourism. Preserving and enhancing recreational and heritage resources including improvements to parks, game lands, forests, trails, greenways, fishing and boating areas and historic sites is essential. This is, in fact, one of the Pennsylvania’s Keystone Principles for Growth Development, and Conservation. 9. Strive to make planning for parks and recreation an on-going process. By making parks and recreation planning routine, the county and its partners will make great gains in delivering parks and recreation services and facilities to those who live, work or visit here. This plan should be reviewed annually prior to budget season to review achievements, assess changing needs and look at emerging opportunities.

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The Vision for Parks, Recreation and Open Space

Without a clear, defined vision of what a community wants to achieve, there is no significant probability that it will achieve the desired results. Defining a vision enables the community to imagine that its quality of life can be different and even better than it is today. Bedford County envisions working together for excellence in resource conservation and recreation.

Vision

Residents of Bedford County clearly value the abundant natural resources and the current recreational opportunities available in the county. They also believe that more could be done to protect and manage resources more effectively, to enhance the quality and diversity of recreation, and to coordinate public and private sector efforts in these areas.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 6-1

These beliefs begin to describe how residents would like the future to be different, and in fact better, than the present. Residents are looking for assurance that the county’s rural character will not change dramatically and may, in fact, be enhanced in terms of the quality of the natural environment. Due to this emphasis on values for the natural environment, and the functional quality of natural systems, systems- and values-based approaches were integrated into the vision, goals, and action plan.

These values frame a vision for an even better quality of life for residents in the future. It is of the utmost importance for residents to agree on what they ultimately want to accomplish for themselves and for future generations. A vision statement serves this purpose.

Vision for Parks, Recreation and Open Space in Bedford County By the year 2016, Bedford County offers an exceptional setting in which to live, work, invest and visit. Communities are nestled in Bedford County’s unparalleled scenic landscape characterized by miles of uninterrupted forested mountain skylines, remote yet accessible stream corridors, and functioning wildlife habitat. Access is conveniently available to: the outdoors for nature based recreation; close- to-home parks for active recreation; and a trail system that connects community and recreational hubs. Sound ecological stewardship and vibrant recreation opportunities make Bedford County renowned as a destination rich in outdoor opportunities in a pristine environment. Bedford County meets the highest standard of excellence in pubic service through collaborative partnerships with the 38 municipalities, six school districts, local business and service organizations, and other regional partners. Together, conservation and recreation contribute to the renewal of the human spirit and a robust economy in Bedford County.

Guiding Principles

The following guiding principles begin to set the direction for multiple aspects of the countywide parks, recreation and open space system. They reflect the assets, opportunities, and even potential threats to the future development of the system.

These guiding principles, like the vision statement, can be a reference to which individuals, agencies and local government partners compare their activities and decisions. Will this action promote the protection of sensitive environmental sites? Will this approval foster sound growth and development in our community? Will this new park help to reflect the available natural resources to park visitors? If the answer is yes, partners should feel confident in advancing their actions and approvals. If the answer is no, they should consider what alternatives could better align with these principles.

6-2 VISION FOR PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE

Open Space and Natural Resources • Bedford County has exceptional scenic and working landscapes that should be conserved as assets to environmental quality, the local economy, and the overall quality of life. • Expansive views, uninterrupted skyline, contiguous forest cover, and clean streams are vital resources for Bedford County’s identity and need to be protected. • The County has limited time to take effective action toward conserving open space, as the Southern Alleghenies regions is already being marketed to a mid- Atlantic audience for its rural beauty, large tracts of land and comparatively low real estate costs. • With every proposed development there is an opportunity to set aside a portion of the affected land as open space for passive recreation and/or active recreation.

Nature Based Recreation • Bedford County can be a leader in providing enjoyable, educational and inspirational outdoor recreation environments for present and future generations through the stewardship of natural resources. • Bedford County is important statewide for its outdoor recreation opportunities in the thousands of acres of state owned game lands, parks, forests, and water access areas. • Interconnecting state and local recreation lands through preservation and recreational greenways is as important as their conservation and enhancement. • Outdoor recreation contributes to the local economy through expenditures related to the sport and support services such as food, lodging and other products and services. • Access to natural areas helps to develop an appreciation of the function and value of the natural environment.

Close-to-Home Recreation • The hub of community recreation is largely the school districts. Supporting multi-municipal recreation organized around school districts would make the best use of limited resources and harness important community partners. • Providing technical assistance in planning, developing, funding and operating parks and recreation systems to municipalities with limited financial and staff resources is vitally important. • Parks within a 15 minute walking or bicycling distance will help to meet the most common and most frequent recreational needs of citizens. • Year-round indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities are critical for the health of individuals and the community, providing locations, programs and support for organized and individual pursuits. Opportunities should not be limited to competitive and intramural sports but rather include the performing

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 6-3

and cultural arts, fitness, nature, special events, self-improvement, social activities and volunteerism.

A Countywide System of Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space • Bedford County will have a county-wide system of parks, recreation, trails and open space in which partners at the federal, state, county, regional, and municipal levels of government along with public and private partners will collaborate toward the 2016 vision. • Trails are a hallmark of Bedford County. They play a strong role in tourism, attracting business and industry, and in providing the top recreational facility preference for the citizens. “Bike Bedford” is a compelling campaign theme to promote the countywide network among citizens and visitors.

Partnerships • A lead organization is needed to facilitate the planning, development and operation of parks and recreation services, though a county-owned park system is not desirable at this time. • Regional partnerships are essential in this county with a dispersed population of about 51,000. • Communication and strategic outreach is fundamental to building and enhancing partnerships for all aspects of the system; promoting the need and methods for conserving open space and developing parks and trails; and implementing the park, recreation and open space plan. • Tourism is a major industry in Bedford County. A productive working relationship between Bedford County and the Bedford Visitors Bureau is essential. Recreation, cultural heritage and eco-tourism all need to be promoted and managed in sustainable ways.

6-4 VISION FOR PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE

Financing • Financial resources are tight at the county and municipal levels. • Some municipalities see the value of pooling resources as evidenced by the Bedford Area Recreation Authority. • Bedford County is interested in pursuing a creative mix of tax and non-tax financial support for parks and recreation. • Land preservation costs money, but development costs more and operations and maintenance, still more. It is relatively easier to get funds for one-time acquisition or construction than for on-going operations and maintenance. However, 75 percent of the cost of parks and recreation facilities is in operations. Maintenance of parks, recreation facilities and trails is essential in order for them to be an asset to Bedford County. Based upon the facts listed above, it seems that a sound fiscal course would be to encourage passive recreation and open space preservation initiatives over hard institutional facilities that require additional O&M costs. • Parks and recreation is an investment on returns, not a cost. For every municipal dollar invested in parks and recreation another $1.12 to $1.42 is spent in the local economy. Parks and recreation increases property values, attracts businesses, protects the environment, creates a sense of community and provides lots of things to do to enrich citizens’ lives and extend visitors’ stays.

Goals and Objectives

Open Space Goal: Conserve resources in support of agricultural, forestry, recreation and tourism industries.

Objectives 1.1. Promote programs in support of voluntary land preservation 1.2. Recognize working lands as rural development, not undeveloped lands; manage operations in coordination with state and federal agencies. 1.3. Encourage the sustainable management of working agricultural and forestry resources. 1.4. Protect scenic viewsheds and corridors from inappropriate development.

Natural Resources Goal: Protect, interconnect and interpret the County’s water resources and unique natural habitats.

Objectives 2.1. Protect surface water resources. 2.2. Protect groundwater resources.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 6-5

2.3. Manage stormwater as an integral part of the water cycle. 2.4. Conserve riparian areas, namely floodplains and wetlands, for natural filtration for water quality, infiltration for groundwater recharge and habitat for wildlife. 2.5. Encourage managed conservation of natural habitats and use of best management practices for community landscaping. 2.6. Assist municipalities in maintaining plans and ordinances towards the protection and enhancement of the County's natural resources. 2.7. Protect and enhance preservation greenways.

Recreation Facilities Goal: Provide a system of parks and recreational trails in relation to population centers and open spaces.

Objectives 3.1. Provide adequate parkland for current and future residents. 3.2. Provide close to home recreation opportunities for every resident within 15 minutes of home. 3.3. Optimize school facilities for community recreation. 3.4. Partner with the DCNR to expand active recreation opportunities within the State Parks, especially Shawnee. 3.5. Provide access to recreation in the great outdoors within 30 minutes of every home. 3.6. Develop an interconnected countywide trail system. 3.7. Provide every resident with year-round indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. 3.8. Explore how indoor recreation could be provided in Bedford County.

Management and Financing Goal: Facilitate the planning, development and operation of parks, recreation, and open space among community partners.

Objectives 3.1. Foster investment in parks, recreation and open space through planning leadership. 3.2. Strengthen the working relationship among local municipalities and school districts in proving parks facilities and recreation programs. 3.3. Strengthen the working relationship between County, its recreation and open space partners, and the county’s economic development and tourism promotion agencies.

6-6 VISION FOR PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE

Action & Implementation Plan

For Bedford County to achieve its vision of a parks, recreation and open space system that is fully integrated with the natural and cultural environments and physical development of the county, new, continued and expanded efforts by County government and its many partners are needed. Together, they must answer this question: “How can we change what we do today in order to become the community we want to be?” The recommendations build on the goals and objectives outlined in Chapter 6 answer this question. Each recommendation includes a list of partners responsible for implementing or at least initiating each item, as well as funding sources and a timeframe for implementation.

Action Plan

Open Space Conservation

Goal 1: Conserve resources in support of agricultural, forestry, recreation and tourism industries.

Trends and Findings • Bedford County’s rural character is dependent, in large part, upon agricultural and forested landscapes.

• Agriculture and forestry engage the natural resources of the county in food and wood products industries.

• Management of these operations can negatively impact resource quality in the short and long term. • Various voluntary programs exist to assist farmers and forest land owners in best management practices. Both technical and financial assistance is available.

• Additional programs provide incentives to landowners to maintain their lands in these uses rather than converting them to intensive uses.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 7-1

Objective 1.1: Promote programs in support of voluntary land preservation.

Recommendations

1.1.1. Continue the Bedford County Agricultural Preservation Program. Continue to acquire additional easements, particularly in the two major valleys to sustain agricultural industry concentrations in these regions. Increase funding to reduce the waiting list and to further incentivize farmland preservation. Consider program modification to address concentrated animal feeding operations as described in the Bedford County Comprehensive Plan Action 7.6.1. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 1.7.4) 1.1.2. Encourage property owners to enroll agricultural lands in the Bedford County Agricultural Preservation Program. Direct special outreach toward property owners adjacent to existing ASAs. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Actions 1.7.4 and 7.6.5) 1.1.3. Educate, promote, and provide technical assistance to municipalities for the establishment and expansion of Agricultural Security Areas. (similar recommendations are listed as Comprehensive Plan Actions 1.7.4 and 7.6.4) 1.1.4. Promote the Forest Legacy Program which provides grants to states for the purchase of conservation easements and fee acquisition of environmentally- sensitive or threatened forest land. The county should monitor the start-up of the Forest Legacy Program in Pennsylvania and become familiar with the grant process in order to compete effectively for this funding. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.7.2) 1.1.5. Actively publicize the organizations that provide support and protection for agricultural and forest industries.

Objective 1.2: Recognize working lands as rural development, not undeveloped lands; manage operations in coordination with state and federal agencies.

Recommendations 1.2.1. Protect agricultural areas from incompatible public facilities, e.g. public utilities and major road improvements. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.6.6) 1.2.2. Encourage the delineation of designated intensive agricultural areas by municipality in land planning ordinances. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.4.6) 1.2.3. Provide a model agricultural zoning ordinance that supports the use of lands in agricultural districts for agribusiness and includes provisions for intensive livestock operations. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Actions 7.4.9 and 7..6.3)

7-2 ACTION & IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

1.2.4. Ensure that all existing, new or enlarged Concentrated Animal Operations and Resources Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Agriculture’s Industrial Revolution: A Guide for comply with the most current State and Pennsylvania’s Local Leaders, Federal nutrient management regulations. Chesapeake Bay Foundation, (similar recommendation is listed as 717-234-5550 Comprehensive Plan Action 7.4.7) 1.2.5. Regarding mineral extraction activities, Best Management Practices provide provisions for compliance with state (BMP) Manual for Pennsylvania Livestock and Poultry and federal regulations and permitting, Operations, State Conservation require development/extraction plans, Commission, establish operational performance standards 717-772-3895 and reclamation performance standards, require/permit inspections, and require analysis of transportation access.

Objective 1.3: Encourage the sustainable management of working agricultural and forestry resources.

Recommendations 1.3.1. Promote the Forest Stewardship Program. The Forest Stewardship Program encourages private landowners to manage their forestland in a way that grows more timber as well as improves other values such as wildlife habitat. Educate landowners and loggers about the Program and encourage them to enroll forest lands (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.7.1) 1.3.2. Develop forest stewardship plans for county and municipal forest land. 1.3.3. Establish an Agriculture and Forestry Economic Development Task Force to assist in identifying strategies that help to sustain the industry and to protect the workers of these rural industries from undue nuisance complaints. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 3.5.1) 1.3.4. Promote the use of BMPs when logging. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.4.3) 1.3.5. Promote conservation tillage practices to reduce sediment and nutrient loading in surface waters. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.4.8a) 1.3.6. Encourage large scale operations that are not CAOs to complete and fully implement voluntary Nutrient Management Plans. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.4.8b) 1.3.7. Work with farmers to implement livestock and land management BMPs such as conservation tillage to keep operations from adversely affecting water quality. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.4.10)

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1.3.8. Research and inform about alternative storage options for waste and alternative management techniques. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.4.11) 1.3.9. Promote existing stream bank fencing programs and provide assistance for new stream bank fencing projects. Give priority to the Yellow Creek watershed. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.5.5) 1.3.10. Provide education on stream bank fencing and the programs available. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.5.6) 1.3.11. Provide assistance for permanent easements along streams. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.4.4) The Yellow Creek Coalition has proposed the establishment of a public access corridor along the Yellow Creek through the acquisition of easements. 1.3.12. Provide funding and technical assistance to implement agricultural conservation practices, particularly to those waterways impaired by agricultural sources. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.4.5) • Yellow Creek, impaired by nutrients and siltation from agricultural sources. • Spicer Brook, impaired by siltation from agricultural sources. • Stone Creek, impaired by nutrients and siltation from agricultural sources, as well as nutrients from other sources. • Tributaries to Dunning Creek, impaired by siltation from agriculture, specifically from crop production. • Cumberland Valley Run, impaired by siltation from agricultural and residential sources. • Evitts Creek, impaired by nutrients from agricultural sources as well as flow modifications, resulting in thermal impacts. • Sand Spring Run and tributaries to Wentling Hollow, impaired by atmospheric deposition, resulting in low pH values. • Pigeonroost Run, Wildcat Run, Flintstone creek, and Lost Run, impaired by nutrients and siltation from agricultural sources, specifically from crop production. Lead Partners : Bedford County Planning Commission, Bedford County Agricultural Easement Board, Bedford County Conservation District Supporting Partners: USDA NRCS Funding Sources: DCED LUPTAP for ordinance(s) Timeframe: Ongoing for education and outreach For funding increase to agricultural easement program 2008-2010 forward for model ordinance

7-4 ACTION & IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Objective 1.4: Protect scenic viewsheds and corridors from inappropriate development.

Trends and Findings

• Bedford County’s rural character is evident to residents and visitors as they travel throughout the county.

• Views along roadways can tell of the history and culture of the county, as well.

• Programs are available to assist communities in protecting and promoting corridors.

Recommendations 1.4.1. Conduct a scenic resources study to identify scenic corridors and viewsheds. Designate corridors and viewsheds for protection based on criteria, such as:

• ecological sensitivity • established land management plans • historic sites • cultural recreation and tourism attractions • scenic quality • accessibility • threats to scenic quality. 1.4.2. Develop corridor management strategies for designated corridors consistent with resources and land owner objectives. Consider the 14-point corridor management plan outline, if statewide tourism promotion of the corridor is desired. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 1.6.1)

• Promote scenic corridors locally for recreation and tourism consistent with established management objectives of property owners. • Develop interpretive sites for the visible resources to explain their significance to the natural environmental and local culture and heritage. • Identify non-motorized improvements for scenic corridors, e.g. bike lanes, interpretive signage, etc. 1.4.3. Restrict billboards from scenic corridors, particularly if statewide tourism promotion of the corridor is desired.

Lead Partners: Bedford County Planning Commission, Municipalities Supporting Partners: PennDOT, Southern Alleghenies RPDC Funding Sources: PA Byways Program, Transportation Enhancements funds Timeframe: 2012-2016

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 7-5

Natural Resource Protection

Goal 2: Protect, interconnect and interpret the County’s water resources and unique natural habitats.

Trends and Findings • Bedford County has extensive land, water, and biological resources of high quality.

• These resources are functionally interconnected; the quality of one affects the quality of another.

• The physical connectivity of these resources varies; development has fragmented large

forest patches.

• The quality of these resources can be negatively impacted by human activity. • Certain natural features should be protected from the direct and indirect impacts of human activity.

Objective 2.1: Protect surface water resources.

Recommendations 2.1.1. Continue to monitor the development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) reported by DEP for impaired streams in Bedford County. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.1.1.)

2.1.2. Expedite watershed assessment (305(b)) to identify impaired waters (303(d)) and establish TMDLs. (similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.1.5.)

2.1.3. Implement a range of stream and reservoir assessments, including chemical, biological, and habitat. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.1.6.)

2.1.4. Identify streams that need to be monitored. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.1.2.)

2.1.5. Organize and implement a consistent and comprehensive water monitoring/sampling program by watershed. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.1.3.)

2.1.6. Assist the County Watershed Coordinator in the formation of water monitoring groups, e.g. Senior Environment Corps, and watershed associations. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.1.4.)

7-6 RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

2.1.7. Assist in improving public access to rivers, streams and reservoirs within the County. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.1.7.)

2.1.8. Regulate automobile junkyards to prevent hazardous substances from leaking into ground or surface water. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.4.15.)

2.1.9. Actively support the Dirt & Gravel Road Program, which provides funding and assistance to townships to improve and protect water quality through the proper maintenance of publicly owned dirt and gravel roads. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 4.12.)

Lead Partners: Bedford County Conservation District Supporting Partners: Juniata Clean Water Partnership, Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), and the Interstate Commission of the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB), Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, Canaan Valley Institute, Stroud Water Research, The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring, Citizens Volunteer Monitoring Resources A Municipal Official's Guide to Program, Trout Unlimited Managing On-Lot Sewage Funding Sources: Howard Heinz Disposal Systems - PSATS Endowment/Western PA (717) 763-0930. Watershed Protection Program Timeframe: 2008-2011

Objective 2.2: Protect groundwater resources.

Recommendations 2.2.1. Update the Bedford County Water Supply plan. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7.2.1.)

2.2.2. Action 7.2.2: Develop available surface water sources to supply drinking water in areas with inadequate groundwater supply or quality. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 2.2.)

2.2.3. Action 7.2.3: Develop wellhead protection areas for public wells. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 2.3.)

2.2.4. Action 7.2.4: Develop and enforce on-lot disposal management districts to ensure that systems are adequately maintained by property owners. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 2.4.)

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 7-7

2.2.5. Action 7.2.5: Require site-specific analysis of soil capability for new development. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 2.5.)

2.2.6. Action 7.2.6: Support implementation of recommendations in the Broad Top Soil and Water Conservation Project which was updated in 2001. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 2.6.)

Lead Partners: Bedford County Planning Commission, Bedford County Conservation District Supporting Partners: Broad Top Area Task Force, Broad Top Area Ambassadors Group, Citizens Volunteer Monitoring Program, PA DEP, PSATS, Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), and the Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring Funding Sources: Timeframe: 2008-2011

Objective 2.3: Manage storm water as an integral part of the water cycle.

Recommendations Objective 7.3 of the Bedford County Comprehensive Plan and its 7 action items address storm water management. Recommendations include:

2.3.1. Develop an Act 167 storm water management plan or plans for the unplanned watersheds in the County. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 3.1.)

2.3.2. Incorporate storm water management requirements in local subdivision ordinances. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 3.3.)

2.3.3. Identify and prioritize storm water infrastructure improvements that would improve water quality. For example,

• Provide assistance for the construction and updating of storm water management facilities (emphasizing alternative systems) and drains. • Install filters at storm drains to clean runoff. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 3.4.)

2.3.4. Restore and construct wetlands to hold and clean storm water runoff. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 3.5.)

7-8 RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

Lead Partners: Bedford County Conservation District, Bedford County Planning Commission Supporting Partners: Municipalities/SEOs, Bedford County Hazard Mitigation Partnership, Watershed groups/associations, PA DEP, Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) Funding Sources: PENNVEST, DEP Timeframe: 2010-2013 for storm water planning and municipal regulations; 2014-2017 for projects (restoration and improvements)

Objective 2.4: Conserve riparian areas, namely floodplains and wetlands, for natural filtration for water quality, infiltration for groundwater recharge and habitat for wildlife.

Recommendations 2.4.1. Carry out detailed studies to accurately map floodplains and flood elevation levels and to update the present approximate studies. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 4.1.)

2.4.2. Encourage municipalities that have not already done so, to create, implement, and enforce Resources floodplain ordinances. Ensure that A Conservation Catalog: municipalities that have been identified as Practices for the Conservation flood-prone have enacted floodplain of Pennsylvania’s Natural regulations that, at a minimum, meet the Resources requirements of the National Flood Insurance Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Program (NFIP). (similar recommendation is Control Manual for Agriculture listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 4.2) (Draft), PA DEP, Bureau of Water Quality Protection, 717- 2.4.3. Incorporate riparian buffer requirements in 787-2666 local subdivision and zoning ordinances. (Similar recommendation is listed as Controlling Erosion and Sedimentation from Timber Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 5.2.) Harvesting Operations, Penn State Cooperative Extension, 2.4.4. Implement riparian buffer (re)vegetation 814-863-3438 or incentive programs for private landowners. 814-865-6713 (PSU (Similar recommendation is listed as Publications Distribution Center) Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 5.1.) Wetland and Riparian 2.4.5. Promote the Conservation Reserve Program Stewardship in Pennsylvania: A Guide to Voluntary Options for and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Landowners, Local Program (CREP). (Similar recommendation is Governments and listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 5.3.) Organizations, (717) 236-8825.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 7-9

2.4.6. Promote bio-engineering for stream restoration projects when possible; use “hard armoring” only when necessary. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 4.12.)

Lead Partners: Bedford County Planning Commission, Bedford County Conservation District, Juniata Clean Water Partnership, Municipalities, Watershed Groups/Associations Supporting Partners: PEMA, FEMA, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Southern Alleghenies Conservancy, Penn State Cooperative Extension, PA DEP Bureau of Watershed Conservation, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Funding Sources: Howard Heinz Endowment/Western PA Watershed Protection Program, PA DCED, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Timeframe: 2008-2011 for studies; 2010-2013 and on-going for volunteer programs; 2012-2015 for ordinances

Objective 2.5: Encourage managed conservation of natural habitats and use of best management practices for community landscaping.

Recommendations 2.5.1. Promote the development of stewardship plans for institutional land management, including schools and hospitals. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 4.13.)

2.5.2. Inform and engage landowners in conservation practices. Encourage the development or enhancement of property management plans to address biodiversity, e.g. the use of integrated pest management techniques over chemical pest controls (herbicides, insecticides, etc.) for cultivated landscapes, such as farms and residential and commercial lawns. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 4.14.)

2.5.3. Support regional and state programs to control the spread of invasive species. (Similar recommendation is listed as Comprehensive Plan Action 7. 4.16.)

Lead Partners: Bedford County Conservation District, Juniata Clean Water Partnership, Municipalities, Watershed Groups/Associations Supporting Partners: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Southern Alleghenies Conservancy, Penn State Cooperative Extension, PA DEP Bureau of Watershed Conservation, PA DCNR Bureau of

7-10 RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

Forestry, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Funding Sources: Howard Heinz Endowment/Western PA Watershed Protection Program, PA DCED, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Timeframe: 2010-2013 and on-going for volunteer programs

Objective 2.6: Assist municipalities in maintaining plans and ordinances towards the protection and enhancement of the County's natural resources.

Recommendations 2.6.1. Assist municipalities in preparing municipal or multi-municipal parks, recreation and open space plans. Alternatively, assist municipalities in adopting the relevant portions of the county’s parks, recreation and open space as their own.

2.6.2. Provide and review model ordinances to protect natural resources with municipal officials. Such ordinances may include:

• Conservation by Design, which is a subdivision and land development approach that reserves lands containing specified natural and cultural features as open space and “fits” development onto the remaining lands of the sites. • Mandatory dedication of parkland, as this subdivision and land development tool may help to protect natural resources in certain instances.

Lead Partners: Southern Alleghenies RPDC, Bedford County Planning Commission Supporting Partners: PA DCNR Bureau of Conservation and Recreation, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry, Bedford County Conservation District, Natural Lands Trust Funding Sources: DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) Timeframe: 2008-2017 working with one school district or other feasible planning

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 7-11

Objective 2.7: Protect and enhance preservation greenways.

Trends and Findings • The critical interconnections of natural resources can be maintained through linear corridors, or greenways, that follow linear land features, e.g. ridgelines, or waterways. • The Southern Alleghenies Regional Greenways and Open Space Network Plan identifies the following priority resource preservation greenways in Bedford County Regional preservation greenways :

• Five Mountains Wildlife Corridor

• Allegheny Front Wildlife Corridor • Potomac to Raystown Greenway County preservation greenways : • Cumberland Valley Wildlife Corridor

2.7.1. Educate municipal officials and the public about greenways: purpose, types of greenways, greenways benefits, etc.

2.7.2. Assist municipalities located along preservation corridors in reviewing and revising ordinances to preserve lands along preservation greenways. (see also recommendation 2.6.2 above)

2.7.3. Encourage the preparation and implementation of stewardship plans and BMPs for public and private properties along preservation greenways.

2.7.4. Assist landowners in implementing agricultural, forestry and land management BMPs.

Lead Partners: Southern Alleghenies RPDC, Bedford County Planning Commission Supporting Partners: PA DCNR Bureau of Conservation and Recreation, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry, Bedford County Conservation District Funding Sources: DCED LUPTAP, DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) Timeframe: Ongoing

7-12 RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

Parkland and Recreation Facilities

Goal 3: Provide a system of parks and recreational trails in relation to population centers and open spaces.

Trends and Findings

• Bedford County is fortunate in having almost 160,000 acres of state, parks, forests, game lands and fish & boat sites. These provide resource based outdoor recreation opportunities for residents as well as tourists • Bedford County does not have any county parks. Shawnee State park actually functions as a county-type park in addition to its traditional mission as a state

park.

• School Districts are the hub of community recreation in Bedford County. The school districts form the planning areas for recreation planning purposes in this plan.

• For close to home recreation, municipal parks total 553 acres countywide. Most of the parkland is located near population centers. However not all municipalities have a park. Additional parkland is needed in the municipalities with the school districts of Bedford, Tussey Mountain and Claysburg Kimmel.

• Existing municipal parks and recreation facilities have highly inconsistent levels of maintenance and investment. Parks emerged over time as needs arose. They generally have not been planned and as a result lack “park-like” settings.

• Working together regionally would help municipalities and school districts to

secure and operate the amount of parkland, types of parks, recreation facilities

and connections needed more efficiently and effectively than any of the small rural municipalities could do independently. • Trail initiatives underway could help to establish Bedford County as a premier place to hike and cycle in the region and the state. Trails, including the Pike to

Bike Trail, could become the foundation for a county system.

Objective 3.1: Provide adequate parkland for current and future residents.

Recommendations 3.1.1. Establish 10 acres per 1,000 residents as the minimum acreage for parkland in Bedford County.

3.1.2. Establish a park classification system for Bedford County. Configure parks to offer a variety of park types, facilities and lifelong recreational opportunities. Table 4-5 presents the characteristics of the proposed park classification system for Bedford County.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 7-13

3.1.3. Plan regionally, as recommended in 2.6.1 above. For each park and recreation-planning region in Bedford County, contiguous with the school district service areas, a park system should include a mix of:

• Mini Parks in town centers and urbanized neighborhoods. • Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds near population centers. • Community Parks that serve municipal-wide recreation needs. • Community School Parks in which school facilities are used for community recreation by people of all ages. • Regional Parks that serve each park and recreation planning district in Bedford County. • Greenways for conservation. • Greenways with trails for recreation. • County Trail Network for non-motorized recreation and transportation. • Regional and municipal Trails that provide connections to the County trail Network.

3.1.4. Strive to add 272 acres of parkland for close-to-home recreation countywide. While total parkland meets the minimum parkland, not all parkland is developed for recreation and the distribution of current parkland is variable. Focus distribution and development of new parkland to achieve at least one park in each municipality, as shown in Table 7-1.

7-14 RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

Table 7-1 Close-to-Home (non-State) Parkland Acreage: Existing and Needed by 2020 Existing Minimum Projected 2020 Recommended Public Parkland Parkland Acquisition/ Parkland Needed by Surplus(+)/ Distribution by Acres 2020 Deficiency(-) 2020 Chestnut Ridge School District East St. Clair township 126 31 96 Juniata Township 0 12 -12 12 King Township 19 11 8 Lincoln Township 0 4 -4 4 Napier Township 0 21 -21 21 New Paris borough 15 2 13 Pavia township 0 4 -4 4 Pleasantville Borough 9 2 7 Schellsburg Borough 20 3 17 St. Clairsville Borough 0 1 -1 1 West St. Clair Township 0 19 -19 19 Total (net) 190 110 80 61 Everett Area School District East Providence township 4 18 -14 14 Everett Borough 78 18 60 Mann Township 4 4 -1 1 Monroe Township 13 12 1 Southampton Township 5 11 -6 6 West Providence township 0 32 -32 32 Total (net) 103 95 8 53 Northern Bedford School District Bloomfield Township 0 10 -10 10 Hopewell Township 0 19 -19 19 South Woodbury Township 70 23 47 Woodbury Borough 0 3 -3 3 Woodbury Township 4 15 -11 11 Total (net) 74 69 5 42 Tussey Mountain School District Broadtop Township 9 18 -10 10 Coaldale Borough 0 1 -1 1 Hopewell Borough 0 2 -2 2 Liberty Township 8 14 -6 6 Saxton Borough 35 7 28 Total (net) 51 42 8 19 Bedford County Total (net) 591 498 93 272

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 7-15

Objective 3.2: Provide close to home recreation opportunities for every resident within 15 minutes of home.

Recommendations 3.2.1. Promote the County’s willingness to partner in various ways to accomplish park improvements.

3.2.2. Assist municipalities in the preliminary assessment and prioritization of park conditions. Suggestions are provided in Tables 7-2 through 7-6 and organized by school district. Specifically, work with municipal partners to establish a routine safety and maintenance review program. This review could occur by one of several means:

• A certified playground safety inspector (CPSI) could perform this as an annual, semi-annual, or seasonal service. • Provide information to school districts and municipalities about playground safety inspections and the means to get an employee(s) certified as playground safety inspector(s) to inspect parks and playgrounds and perform the reviews. Such certification lends itself to multi-municipal sharing of that position or certified employee. Ideally, there should be several employees trained and certified to provide a back-up with in the county system. This is a major step in demonstrating a commitment to safety and deterrence of litigation. • A park/playground equipment company could provide an assessment, particularly if new equipment is desired. • Complete this task by working with municipal partners to program safety improvements to ensure that all facilities meet current safety standards and the universal facilities are available in each planning region. 3.2.3. Develop an approach to expand existing parks through strategic land acquisitions, e.g. adjacent properties, properties with special features. These tasks could be assigned to a county or multi-municipal recreation planner, as described under Goal 4.

• Continue to evaluate opportunities for acquisition of lands adjoining parks and schools on an on-going basis. • As the primary hub in the county, partner with the Bedford Area Board of Parks and Recreation to upgrade its existing parks, with special attention to park maintenance. Develop a strategy to prioritize maintenance initiatives and master planning and provide geographic balance for all improvements. In other words, decide which parks should be addressed first. Determine the needs for each park: maintenance, upgrades and improvements, and additions or enhancements.

7-16 RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

• If safety and maintenance are the primary concerns, inspect the park per the CPSI (Consumer Product Safety Commission) playgrounds standards, program improvements, seek funding, and construct the improvement(s). • If more comprehensive improvements are desired, provide information about the importance of park master planning. Assist in the preparation of master plans, and/or in the implementation of park improvement projects. • Focus on ball fields as a priority upgrade throughout all of the parks for safety and playability reasons for current park users. After improving recreation facilities to a baseline level of quality conditions, move into “park-ifying” the parks through the addition of facilities that can be used by park visitors of all ages and abilities. This would include trails and paths for bicycling and walking, gathering area for families and friends, and beautification for the enjoyment of nature, rest and de-stressing. Additional suggestions for parks in the Bedford Area are provided in Table 7-2. • Assist other municipal partners and planning regions in improving parks. Consider use of the Bedford Area Board of Parks and Recreation as a model for multi-municipal partnerships across the county. Suggested park improvements are listed by school district in Tables 7-3 through 7-6. Lead Partners: Bedford County, through the addition of a dedicated position for parks, recreation and open space such as a Circuit Rider. Supporting Partners: Municipalities, School Districts Funding Sources: Municipal funds as well as private sponsorship Timeframe: 2008/09 forward

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 7-17

Table 7-2 Recommendations for Parks in the Bedford Area School District Envision the park as a Safety / Maintenance Improvement / Additions / Expansion Enhancement 1. Egolf Park Mini Park 1. Provide routine 2. Create entry to park with 4. Create seating and maintenance for lawn plantings and sign picnicking sites areas, pavilion, and 3. Improve pavilion 5. Create walking trail parking lot conditions 2. Snake Spring Community Park Community Park 1. Enhance entry to park 3. Create seating and with plantings and sign picnicking sites in 2. Connect parking to multiple locations various facilities with a 4. Add volleyball court walking trail(s), possibly 5. Expand lightning for designed as a fitness or extended evening use exercise trail 6. Add amphitheatre 23. Colerain - Rainsburg Recreation Park Neighborhood Park or small 1. Upgrade/replace 2. Add walking path(s) and Community Park playground equipment to support facilities: meet current safety a. shade trees standards b. picnic shelters/pavilions c. park benches and tables #. Bedford Township Fields Neighborhood Park, possibly 1. Upgrade/replace 2. Create entry to park site 3. Add/enhance native linked with the nearby playground equipment with plantings and plantings at perimeter Bedford Borough Green to meet current safety possible relocation of and provide interpretive along the steam corridor or standards sign. signage for via a designated (on-road) environmental education walking/biking trail # Bedford Borough Green Neighborhood Park, possibly 1. Upgrade existing tennis 3. Create seating and linked with the nearby and ball field support picnicking sites in Bedford Township Fields facilities multiple locations along the steam corridor or 2. Enhance entry to park 4. Connect parking to via a designated (on-road) with plantings specific facilities with a walking/biking trail walking trail(s), possibly deigned as a fitness or exercise trail # Cumberland Valley Park Community Park 1. Create a walking trail for fitness/exercise and/or environmental education 2. Add playground #. Manns Choice Field Small Community Park 1. Provide routine 2. Upgrade existing ball 3. Add walking path(s) to maintenance for clean, field and support connect parking with functional equipment: facilities facilities playground equipment, 4. Add support facilities: basketball nets, lights a. shade trees b. picnic shelters/pavilions c. park benches and

7-18 RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

Table 7-2 Recommendations for Parks in the Bedford Area School District Envision the park as a Safety / Maintenance Improvement / Additions / Expansion Enhancement tables # Hyndman Little League Field Neighborhood Park 1. Upgrade/replace 2. Add/enhance native playground equipment plantings at perimeter to meet current safety and provide interpretive standards signage for environmental education 21. Fort Bedford 1. Upgrade/replace 2. Add signage about the 3. Add shade trees and playground equipment Raystown Branch picnic shelters/pavilions to meet current safety Greenway, its resources standards and recreational activities (paddling, parks, trails, etc.) # Craig B. Ashe Memorial Park Mini Park 1. Provide routine maintenance # Bedford Historic Memorial Park Mini Park 1. Provide routine maintenance

Table 7-3 Recommendations for Parks in the Chestnut Ridge School District

Envision the park as a Safety / Maintenance Improvement / Additions / Expansion Enhancement 13. Pleasantville Park Neighborhood Park 1. Upgrade/replace 2. Continue improvement 3. Add walking path(s) and playground equipment of support facilities: to meet current safety Play areas shade trees standards Ball fields picnic shelters/pavilions Game Courts park benches and tables Community gardens 4. Add/expand lighting to extend evening use 15. Schellsburg - Napier Township Park Neighborhood Park 1. Upgrade/replace 2. Add walking path(s) to 3. Add support facilities: playground equipment connect to recreation picnic shelters/pavilions to meet current safety and support facilities in park benches and tables standards adjacent Shawnee State Park

17. Imler Memorial Park Small Community Park 1. Continue development 2. Add/enhance native of active, passive and plantings at perimeter support facilities and provide interpretive Playground and open signage for areas environmental education Organized sports facilities – fields, courts Amphitheaters

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 7-19

Table 7-3 Recommendations for Parks in the Chestnut Ridge School District

Envision the park as a Safety / Maintenance Improvement / Additions / Expansion Enhancement Parking Trails Pavilions Permanent restrooms Lighting 18. Chestnut Ridge Ballfield Neighborhood Park 1. Add support facilities: picnic shelters/pavilions park benches and tables 20. Schellsburg VFW Recreation Area Small Community Park 1. Add walking path(s) and support facilities: shade trees picnic shelters/pavilions 2. park benches and tables Add/expand lighting for non field activities to extend evening use

Table 7-4 Recommendations for Parks in the Everett Area School District

Envision the park as a Safety / Maintenance Improvement / Additions / Expansion Enhancement 4. Tenley Park Community park 1. Provide routine 2. Continue development 3. Add/enhance native maintenance for clean, of active, passive and plantings at perimeter functional equipment: support facilities and provide interpretive playground equipment, Organized sports signage for storm water basin facilities – fields, courts, environmental education etc. Amphitheaters Parking Trails Pavilions Permanent restrooms Lighting #. Artemas Community Park Neighborhood park 1. Provide routine 2. Add/enhance native maintenance for clean, plantings at perimeter functional equipment: and provide interpretive playground equipment, signage for ballfields, etc. environmental education 6. Everett Train Station Mini Park 1. Upgrade/replace playground equipment to meet current safety standards 2. Provide routine maintenance for clean, functional equipment: playground equipment, benches

7-20 RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

Table 7-5 Recommendations for Parks in the Northern Bedford School District Envision the park as a Safety / Maintenance Improvement / Additions / Expansion Enhancement #. Woodbury Township Park Neighborhood park 1. Upgrade/replace 3. Add lighting to ballfield 5. Add support facilities playground equipment for extended evening Port-a-potties or to meet current safety use restrooms, not available standards 4. Consider additional at nearby Township 2. Provide routine facilities, as space Building maintenance for clean, allows: benches functional equipment: basket ball court playground (full or half) tennis court volleyball exercise trail

Table 7-6 Recommendations for Parks in the Tussey Mountain School District

Envision the park as a Safety / Maintenance Improvement / Additions / Expansion Enhancement 7. Saxton Pool Center Neighborhood Park 1. Provide routine 2. 3. Add benches near tennis maintenance for clean, courts and playground functional equipment: tennis courts, nets; pool 11. Saxton - Liberty VFW Complex Neighborhood Park 6. Add lighting to ballfield 8. Add play areas for extended evening 9. Add walking path at use perimeter 7. Add/enhance native 10. Add support facilities plantings at perimeter Port-a-potties or and provide interpretive restrooms signage for benches environmental education picnic shelter/pavilion

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 7-21

Objective 3.3: Optimize school facilities for community recreation.

Trends and Findings

School sites fulfill a vital role in providing recreation opportunities in many portions of the County. School sites are currently primarily focused on scholastic athletic needs, yet opportunities exist to expand the type and amount of facilities to serve a broader community audience.

School districts are better equipped to provide quality maintenance of facilities than many of the local governments.

Recommendations 3.3.1. Undertake a pilot partnership project with one of the County’s school districts to enhance a school site into a regional community park. Strive to make the school grounds more campus- or park-like. Add amenities such as

• entry plantings and shade trees • walking paths • picnic shelters or pavilions • park benches and tables

3.3.2. Based upon lessons learned, target the enhancement of additional school sites as regional community parks where municipal governments are limited. Suggestions for school sites in each district are provided as a starting point for discussion and consideration:

a. Bedford Area School District: Bedford High School, Hyndman Middle and High School Complex

b. Chestnut Ridge School District: Chestnut Ridge Central Elementary and High School Complex

c. Claysburg-Kimmel School District: to be determined by local or regional planning efforts; see Recommendations #12 for further explanation

d. Everett Area School District: Everett Elementary School

e. Northern Bedford School District: Northern Bedford School Complex

f. Tussey Mountain School District: Saxton - Liberty School or Tussey Mountain High School Complex

7-22 RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

Lead Partners: Bedford County, School Districts Supporting Partners: Municipalities Funding Sources: Municipal funds, PADCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) Timeframe: 2012-2016

Objective 3.4: Partner with the DCNR to expand active recreation opportunities within the State Parks, especially Shawnee.

Trends and Findings

The State Parks represent the largest public parks within the County.

The ability of municipal and county governments to acquire new parkland is limited; therefore existing lands need to be fully capitalized.

Recommendations 3.4.1. Physically connect and functionally integrate the Napier Township Park with the adjacent Shawnee State Park. Create connecting trails

3.4.2. Develop active recreation fields and facilities within state parks.

3.4.3. Work with the Park Superintendent to create a summer hub of outdoor recreation for Bedford County youth. This could include camps, beach activities, and programs to foster experiences in the great outdoors. Coordinate these programs with Pennsylvania’s initiative to create connections between citizens and the outdoors for nature-based recreation.

3.4.4. Advertising and promotion of parks and recreation should include Shawnee State Park facilities and programs. Getting the word out to citizens about the facilities and programs in eh park would be a major step in public service. Lack of information is one of the chief blocks to recreational use.

Lead Partners: Bedford County Planning Commission, Bureau of State Parks Supporting Partners: Municipalities adjacent to state parks (Pavia, Lincoln, and Kimmel Townships; Broadtop Township; Napier and Juniata Townships) Funding Sources: State and Municipal funds Timeframe: 2012-2014 for Shawnee State Park 2014-2016 for Warrior Path State Park 2016-2018 for Blue Knob State Park

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 7-23

Objective 3.5: Provide access to recreation in the great outdoors within 30 minutes of every home.

Trends and Findings PA in top 5 states for outdoor recreation; 2 nd only to Montana for hunting and

next to New York for fishing. Bedford County is a top county in Pennsylvania with respect to availability of outdoor recreation areas, game lands, forests, and places to fish.

Recreational tourism for outdoor recreation is an economic development engine.

Recommendations 3.5.1. Promote public access to public waterways.

a. Form an advisory/outreach team to educate river-and streamside property owners regarding state laws on public waterways.

b. Develop a strategic plan for acquisition of river and stream access points.

3.5.2. Establish an working relationship with the directors of the state parks, forests and game lands to collaborate on land, facility, program, service and promotional efforts to enhance recreational opportunities for people who live, work and visit in Bedford County.

a. Acquire parcels adjacent to state lands. Buffering or separating private development could be used to increase the huntable area within the forest by moving the safety zone outside the state land and to increase the true forest interior habitat.

b. Encourage formation of a Friends of Shawnee State Park organization to supplement public efforts with private donations and contributions.

7-24 RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

Objective 3.6: Develop an interconnected countywide trail system.

Trends and Findings • Trails are the most heavily used recreation facilities as well as the least expensive to operate and maintain. People of all ages and abilities use trails throughout their lifetime.

• Trails stimulate economic development. The York Heritage Rail Trail generates over $10 million annually in the York County economy. • As a relatively undeveloped county, Bedford County government has the opportunity to plan and develop a countywide network of trails that is most difficult in the more developed counties.

• Getting to and from parks and schools sites via sidewalks, hiking and bicycle

paths is a legitimate non-motorized way to travel for residents of all ages and a

desirable form of recreation itself.

Since school sites serve an important role as community parkland, all development within walking distance should be connected via sidewalks or walking/biking paths.

Reasonable walking distances in urban areas are defined as 1/4 to 1/3 mile. This

distance should be extended to 1/2 mile in rural areas where destinations are more widely spaced.

Recommendations 3.6.1. Implement planned improvements to existing regional trails and develop new planned regional trails. Specifically,

a. Implement the management plan for the Pike2Bike.

i. Establish ownership (authority and responsibility for the Pike2Bike) so that grant applications can be made for the Pike2Bike’s improvement.

ii. Remove the reversion clause that would permit the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission from taking back the Pike2Bike.

b. Designate and develop Juniata River Greenway as the county trail spine(s). Establish the greenway in phases.

i. Focus on connecting Bedford Borough with Shawnee State Park with a bike/walking path and water trail as a first phase.

ii. Explore the creation of a biking/hiking trail along the abandoned railroad ROW east of Bedford Borough.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 7-25

iii. Increase physical river access for boating and riverside fishing and visual access for passive recreation, such as picnic sites and walking/biking trails.

iv. Develop an acquisition and easement program to enhance visual and physical access to the river and to maintain an undeveloped character within the greenway.

v. Establish riparian buffer provisions in the municipal subdivision and land development ordinances to protect this corridor and other corridors.

3.6.2. Work with municipal partners and planning regions to designate and develop local recreation trails that connect with the county spine(s).

a. Designating and developing the Raystown Branch greenway on county maps to promote its location and conservation. A core segment of the Allegheny Crossing from north of Manns Choice to the narrows east of Bedford includes the Five Mountains Wildlife Corridor and would immediately supplement recreation in the heart of Bedford County.

3.6.3. Work with municipal partners and planning regions to develop pedestrian and trail linkages from population centers to park and recreation facilities.

a. Adopt a subdivision and land development ordinance provision that requires all new development within boroughs and within a ½ mile radius of schools, to construct sidewalks or walking paths that expand the existing bicycle-pedestrian network. Such a provision may initially result in disparate sections sidewalk or path segments but will ultimately create an interconnected system.

b. Prioritize and construct missing pedestrian and bicycle linkages or linkages in disrepair.

3.6.4. Work with community partners to develop trails.

a. Develop trail linkages from population centers to tourism attractions, such as the Old Bedford Village to Fort Bedford Trail, or a trail connecting Bedford Borough and the Bedford Springs Hotel

b. Develop public access trails along the streams and rivers of the County, e.g., the Yellow Creek Coalition has proposed partnerships with landowners through cooperative conservation agreements that will assure public access along Yellow Creek

7-26 RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

Lead Partners: Bedford County Planning Commission, Juniata Clean Water Partnership Supporting Partners: Municipalities, Conservation organizations, Bedford County Economic Development Corporation, PA State Parks, PA Fish and Boat Commission Funding Sources: State and Municipal funds as well as grants Timeframe: 2008 on

Objective 3.7: Provide every resident with year-round indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities for organized and individual pursuits.

Trends and Findings • Obesity is the number one public health issue in America. It is considered to be an epidemic. Its associated illnesses of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes have reduced the life expectancy of our children making them the first generation that will not live as long as their parents. • The U.S. Surgeon General has stated that municipalities have an important role in combating this epidemic by providing facilities and activities that foster physical activity. • Having lots of “things to do” helps to attract and retain businesses because the decision to locate a business is based in part on high quality of life rooted in leisure time opportunities. • Recreation reduces the isolation of the elderly, improves health and wellness and helps to keep people independent of nursing care. • Programs help to create strong family bonds, the foundation of our society. • Recreation provides people with positive experiences that they cannot get in any other aspect of their lives including a sense of mastery, relief from stress, self-esteem, joy, a sense of accomplishment, and treasured memories. • Recreation in Bedford County should focus on fitness and wellness and nature- based recreation but include other opportunities such as the performing and cultural arts, special events, self-improvement, social activities and volunteerism, as need is documented through regional planning efforts.

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN 7-27

Recommendations 3.7.1. Provide trails for walking and bicycling and promote their locations in conjunction with the benefits of walking and bicycling.

3.7.2. Coordinate with PANA (Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity) to develop initiatives for activity in Bedford County. Include the School Districts in any efforts that focus on physical activity.

3.7.3. Coordinate with the School Districts regarding environmental education and their initiatives examples include grant advice to advance nature based facilities close to schools and other environmental education efforts.

3.7.4. Coordinate efforts for outdoor recreation experiences in state and municipal public lands. Get involved with Pennsylvania’s program to create connections to the outdoors.

Lead Partners: Bedford County Commissioners, Bedford County Planning Commission, School Districts Supporting Partners: Municipalities, community organizations, Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity, PA DCNR Bureau of State Parks, PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry, PA DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Funding Sources: PADCNR grant for feasibility study project. $20,000- $25,000 grant to be match equally with Bedford County funds. Timeframe: 2009/10

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Objective 3.8: Explore how indoor recreation could be provided in Bedford County.

Trends and Findings

• The climate of Bedford County warrants indoor recreation facilities to foster active healthy life-styles among the citizenry. • Citizens beyond school age need access to indoor recreation facilities.

There are no pools in school district facilities in Bedford County. Swimming pools emerged as the top recreation preference of the survey respondents. The pool at Saxton is struggling to the limited season, the weather, limited facilities and location.

Partnerships with other governmental and non-governmental organizations

offer the means to develop and operate indoor facilities.

Recommendations 3.8.1. Create an advisory group charged with studying the potential to create an indoor recreation center.

3.8.2. Undertake a feasibility study to assess the level of support, building program, development costs and most importantly operating costs and revenue sources. Ascertaining potential partners should be a key feature of the process. Consider a central location such as between Bedford and Everett as a desirable community recreation center location.

a. Create a public participation process to involve the public throughout every aspect of the study.

b. Visit other community recreation center and indoor pools.

Lead Partners: Bedford County, School Districts Supporting Partners: Municipalities, community organizations Funding Sources: PADCNR grant for feasibility study project. $20,000- $25,000 grant to be match equally with Bedford County funds. Timeframe: 2009/10

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Recreation Planning and Management Goal 4: Facilitate the planning, development and operation of parks, recreation, and open space among community partners.

Trends and Findings Parks and recreation is not a public service provided by Bedford County.

Bedford County has limited funding for operations. Many counties in Pennsylvania have a county park system.

With dedicated staff time and expertise, Bedford County has tremendous potential for parks, recreation and tourism that would serve as an economic development engine.

A parks and recreation professional funded by PADCNR would give the

County a relatively low cost way to establish county level parks and recreation functions through a combination of county and non-county support. The position would provide the County with the staff time to do outreach of potential parks and recreation partners and providers.

The Circuit Rider could harness the scattered parks and recreation entities to assist them and to spur them to work towards a common vision for Bedford County.

It would enable the county to seek and secure more grants for parks and recreation. Trails can be a major tourism attraction. The Pike to Bike trail offers an experience unique to Bedford County not available anywhere else, perhaps nationally. No one owns the Pike to Bike Trail. Designating ownership is crucial

for future funding as well as for risk management purposes.

Trail implementation in other counties demonstrates the need for dedicated staff. It is too big of a responsibility to add it on to an existing position.

Objective 4.1: Foster investment in parks, recreation and open space through planning leadership.

Recommendations 4.1.2. Formalize a policy that Bedford County government will be a facilitator of public recreation programs and services but not a direct provider.

a. Bedford County government will serve and support the efforts of direct providers of recreation programs and services. This includes participating in task forces and advisory committees to harness countywide resources towards common interests and initiatives.

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b. Bedford County government will serve as a clearinghouse of information regarding recreation, parks and trails to support the efforts of other county organizations dealing with parks and recreation. This includes assistance in grant applications and administration, as staff time allows, access to data and reports 4.1.3. Undertake a Peer Study to explore the feasibility for a full time parks and recreation professional in Bedford County funded by PADCNR and Bedford County.

a. Apply for a state grant (Peer Study) to assess the potential for the establishment of the Circuit Rider. Provide $1000 match for the $9000 grant.

b. Establish a Peer Advisory Board for this project.

4.1.4. If the Peer study determines the Circuit Rider position is feasible, create the position and apply for funding under PADCNR and Bedford County.

a. Apply for a Circuit Rider grant. Provide the match of about $120,000 over four years to match PA DCNR’s grant of $120,000

b. Recruit, interview through a rigorously defined process and select the best professional for the job.

c. Establish a Bedford County Parks, Recreation & Open Space Consortium as an advisory board.

4.1.5. Establish a policy that Bedford County may own trails but that each trail would go through a sanctioning process to determine if the trail merited county ownership.

4.1.6. Consider establishing a Bedford County Trail Authority, a private, non-profit organization charged with trail planning, development, partnership development and fund-raising. Alternatively or in the interim, make trails a responsibility of the Circuit Rider

4.1.7. Formalize ownership-management-maintenance agreements with adjacent counties for trail facilities that span county borders.

Lead Partners: Bedford County, PADCNR Supporting Partners: School Districts, Municipalities, Trail Organizations, Southern Alleghenies Conservancy, Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor Funding Sources: $9,000 PA DCNR. $1,000 Bedford County. For Peer study; $120,000 PA DCNR. $120,000 Bedford County over four years. Timeframe: 2007/2008 for peer study; 2008-2012 for circuit rider

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Objective 4.2: Strengthen the working relationship among local municipalities and school districts in providing park facilities and recreation programs.

Trends and Findings

School Districts provide close-to-home parks and recreation opportunities.

Municipal parks and recreation is minimal, as expected in a rural county with small communities. Bedford Area Board of Parks and Recreation is a fine example of regional parks and recreation.

School districts are better equipped to provide quality parks and recreation opportunities than many of the local governments. • Other counties such as Monroe have demonstrated that regional recreation can be a successful way to harness small rural communities in the common effort of providing parks and recreation.

• The municipalities in Bedford County are too small to provide parks and recreation on their own. The School Districts are already successful parks and recreation providers and are viewed by their citizenry as the hub of community recreation.

Recommendations 4.2.1. Conduct outreach to get the municipalities and the school districts to collaborate on recreation planning, development and services.

4.2.2. Form regional consortiums for parks, recreation and open space conservation planning and development. Consider School Districts the organizing structure, particularly for close-to-home parks and recreation for people of all ages.

4.2.3. Work with PADCNR to fund a block grant for incentivizing partnerships for local parks and recreation planning and development.

4.2.4. Assist each consortium in exploring the potential to establish a Circuit Rider position within the District. A Peer Study could be used to assess the potential for establishing a Circuit Rider Position.

4.2.5. Assist each consortium in selecting a lead partner that would be responsible for managing the delivery of local parks and recreation services as a municipal/school district partnership.

Lead Partners: Bedford County, PADCNR, School Districts Supporting Partners: Municipalities, School Districts, community recreation organizations

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Funding Sources: Staff and volunteer time in the County and Municipalities, PADCNR, PADCED Timeframe: 2007 forward

Objective 4.3: Strengthen the working relationship between County Government, its recreation and open space partners, and the county’s economic development and tourism promotion agencies.

Trends and Findings

• Parks, trails, recreation facilities, cultural heritage areas are a powerful economic development tool and crucial to tourism. R e• Economically distressed areas in Pennsylvania have used parks and recreation c to attract business to the area. The citizens of Bedford County believe that recreation related improvements could help to revitalize boroughs.

• Trails and other facilities create overnight stays in hotels and contribute millions of dollars to the local economy. • Counties elsewhere are using hotel tax revenues to fund parks and recreation initiatives that contribute to the tourism economy.

• Coordination would align Bedford County with the ten major planning initiatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and help to position the County for grant funding.

Recommendations 4.3.1. Continue to work with the Bedford County Visitors Bureau to determine an appropriate distribution of hotel tax revenue for tourism and recreation programs.

a. Seek a legal opinion from the county solicitor, if desired. b. Determine how to use such revenues, if available, for park, recreation and trails development. Consider using such revenue as matching funds for grants and/or developing a grants program to distribute the funds to municipalities.

Lead Partners: Bedford County Supporting Partners: Bedford County Visitors Bureau, Southern Alleghenies Conservancy, Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor Funding Sources: Hotel Tax proceeds (portion) Timeframe: Before the Bedford Springs Hotel opens.

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Appendix

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RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION

Foundation and Authority for Parks, Recreation and Open Space Planning in Pennsylvania

The complex nature of local government in Pennsylvania suggest the need to explain the jurisdictional authority for parks recreation and open space planning at the county and local levels. The Environmental Advisory Council Handbook (http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/local_gov/EACHandbook/Ntbook13.htm ) published by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection provides an overview of the authority given to municipalities for environmental and recreation planning.

The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC)

The MPC gives local governments the power to engage in comprehensive development planning and to enact zoning, subdivision/land development, planned residential development, and official map ordinances.

The 1988 revisions to the MPC made by Act 170 added several provisions that improve the ability of municipalities to manage growth and assure a more livable environment. However, municipal planning authority is made clearly advisory by virtue of MPC Section 303(c), which provides that no municipal action may be challenged on the grounds of inconsistency with the comprehensive plan. Despite this change, comprehensive planning remains critically important because it can provide the statement of community development objectives required by Section 606 that are to be implemented by an adopted zoning ordinance. The statement of community development objectives can include a goal of controlling "the location, character and timing of future development." Thus, the comprehensive plan is important as a sound and rational basis for zoning regulation that can be sustained because of its comprehensive consideration of the needs, uses and resources of the municipality.

The real power of municipalities over land use is the zoning power. The 1988 revisions give municipalities additional power to zone to protect natural resources and farmland, to provide for the transfer of development rights through the land market from areas to be preserved for agriculture and open space uses to areas planned for more intensive development, and to do joint planning and zoning with other municipalities.

The Comprehensive Plan

The comprehensive plan, described in Section 301 of the MPC, consists of maps, charts, and text.

In addition to the requirements of Section 301 of the MPC, other plans should be prepared by municipalities. These include an open space and recreation plan (particularly if the municipality intends to require developers to dedicate land for

BEDFORD COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN A-1

public purposes as a condition for subdivision/land development), a plan for the intensity of land use, a plan for the character of land use, a circulation plan, a growth phasing plan, and a sewage facilities plan. Municipalities are also responsible for implementing the county storm water management plan through the adoption of a storm water management ordinance or through provisions related to storm water management contained within the Subdivision and Land Development ordinance.

Comprehensive Planning Provisions in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (a) The municipal, multi-municipal or county comprehensive plan, consisting of maps, charts and textual matter, shall include, but need not be limited to, the following related basic elements: (3) A plan for movement of people and goods, which may include expressways, highways, local street systems, parking facilities, pedestrian and bikeway systems, public transit routes, terminals, airfields, port facilities, railroad facilities and other similar facilities or uses. (4) A plan for community facilities and utilities, which may include public and private education, recreation, municipal buildings, fire and police stations, libraries, hospitals, water supply and distribution, sewerage and waste treatment, solid waste management, storm drainage, and flood plain management, utility corridors and associated facilities, and other similar facilities or uses. (6) A plan for the protection of natural and historic resources to the extent the municipalities are not limited by other federal or state statutes, these resources include, wetlands, aquifer recharge zones, woodlands, steep slopes, prime agricultural land, flood plain, unique natural areas and historic sites. The plan shall be consistent with and may not exceed those requirements imposed under the following: (i) Act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, No.394), known as “The Clean Streams Law”. (ii) Act of May 31, 1945 (P.L.1198, No.418), known as the “Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act”. (iii) Act of April 27, 1966 (1st SP.SESS., P.L.31, No.1), known as “The Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act”. (iv) Act of September 24, 1968 (P.L.1040, No.318), known as the “Coal Refuse Disposal Control Act”. (v) Act of December 19, 1984 (P.L.1140, No.223), known as the “Oil and Gas Act”. (vi) Act of December 19, 1984 (P.L.1093, No.219), known as the “Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act”. (vii) Act of June 30, 1981 (P.L.128, No.43), known as the “Agricultural Area Security Law”. (viii) Act of June 10, 1982 (P.L.454, No.133), entitled “An Act Protecting Agricultural Operations from Nuisance Suits and Ordinances Under Certain Circumstances”. (ix) Act of May 20, 1993 (P.L.12, No.6), known as the “Nutrient Management Act,” regardless of whether any agricultural operation within the area to be affected by the plan is a concentrated animal operation as defined under the act.

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(7) In addition to any other requirements of this act, a county comprehensive plan shall: (iii) Identify a plan for the preservation and enhancement of prime agricultural land and encourage the compatibility of land use regulation with existing agricultural operations. (d) The municipal, multi-municipal or county comprehensive plan may identify those areas where growth and development will occur so that a full range of public infrastructure services, including sewer, water, highways, police and fire protection, public schools, parks, open space and other services can be adequately planned and provided as needed to accommodate growth. MPC Article III, Section 301

The MPC and the Protection of Natural Resources

The MPC enables municipalities to zone to protect natural resources within their jurisdictions. These provisions authorize a municipality to adopt ordinances protecting farmland, wetlands, aquifers, woodlands, steep slopes, and flood plains from development. To do this, a municipality must first establish a sound and rational basis for such protection—including the development of an environmental resource inventory —and be sure that housing needs and other uses are provided for through its comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances.

There is a realization today that much of the large-lot zoning that municipalities have enacted over the last thirty years has resulted in a "cookie-cutter" approach to development that often does not lead to functional, livable communities or to protection of connected open space that is important to environmental quality. More creative approaches are being tried by some communities, which are using the power of zoning to accomplish quality of life and resource-protection objectives. Such approaches include mixed-use development with significant open space requirements, hamlet and village zoning, agricultural zoning, transfer of development rights provisions, performance zoning for natural resource protection, urban growth boundaries, and other measures.

Official Map

Article IV of the MPC authorizes counties and municipalities to develop and adopt official maps that show the exact, surveyed locations of existing and proposed public streets, watercourses, and public grounds, including widening, extensions, diminution, openings, or closings. The official map is an important tool for notifying all landowners of existing and proposed public lands [including recreational lands] and rights of way. The effect of such notification is that landowners do not have to be compensated for buildings put on such lands after the adoption of the official map. This tool has been little used because of cost, but may be used more since Act 170 allows mapping of all or "only a portion" of a municipality.

Mandatory Dedication of Land

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Section 503(11) provides the standards for mandatory dedication of land within a subdivision for parks or the construction of recreational facilities, or alternative payment of fees. Such standards may not be implemented, however, without the adoption of a municipal open space and recreation plan.

Transfer of Development Rights

Section 619.1 of the MPC, newly enacted in 1988, creates a new property interest, transferable development rights (TDRs), and authorizes municipalities to enact TDR programs allowing transfer of development rights within the municipality.

TDRs enable a community to protect resources and agricultural land and concentrate development for more efficient use of infrastructure. They reduce the intensities of housing and nonresidential development in rural or resource protection areas, encourage more intense development in appropriate areas served by public infrastructure and provide for a system of compensation for land owners who are restricted from development.

TDR programs allow for landowners in rural or resource protection areas to sell their development rights to entities wishing to develop in other locations determined by the municipality to be suitable for increased development. The sale of development rights leaves the rural landowner in possession of title to the land and the right to use the property as farmland, open space or a related purpose. However, it removes the owner’s right to develop the property for other purposes. The transfer of development rights allows the purchaser of development rights to develop another parcel more intensely than would otherwise be allowed.

There is no single best design for a TDR program; rather, a program can include a variety of elements to achieve the community’s particular objectives, as specified in the comprehensive plan. However, all TDR programs have three basic elements. The first is the allocation of some amount of transferable development rights to designated "sending" areas. These areas are parcels or portions of parcels on which the community wishes to curb more intensive development. The second element of a TDR program is the designation of "receiving" sites, and a determination of the additional amount and type of development that will be permitted at those sites through the use of TDRs. Receiving areas are designated areas, parcels, or portions of parcels that can accommodate and are otherwise appropriate for additional development. The third element of a program is the selection of a method of transferring rights from one parcel to another, or from one portion of a parcel to another portion. The methods may range from a simple recording system to the use of a third-party holding entity or "bank" to hold rights for transfer to future developers.

These provisions outline the authority given to municipalities to protect natural resources through planning, regulations and optional growth management techniques. These provisions, in addition to the goals and objectives from Chapter 6, provide the framework for the following recommendations.

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Maps

Open Space Resources Map Fish and Game Resources Map Park and Recreation Facilities Map Trails and Greenways Map Parks, Recreation, Greenways and Open Space Network Map

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