Perkiomen Trail

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Perkiomen Trail PROTECTING SIGNIFICA NT VIEWS ALONG THE CIRCUIT: A VISUAL ASSESSMENT OF LAND CONSERVATION PRIORITIES FOR VIEWS HEDS ALONG THE CIRCUIT TRAILS PERKIOMEN TRAIL March 2019 PREPARED BY: APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB Catherine Poppenwimer Appalachian Mountain Club, March 2019 Patricia McCloskey, AICP 1 Dave Publicover PROTECTING SIGNIFICANT VIEWS ALONG THE CIRCUIT Contents Acknowledgments............................................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2 The Circuit ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Protecting Views Along The Circuit ................................................................................................................................ 2 The Perkiomen Trail ...................................................................................................................................................... 3 Study Area Landscape ............................................................................................................................................... 3 Results for the Perkiomen Trail ........................................................................................................................................ 5 Perkiomen Trail Viewshed ............................................................................................................................................ 5 Study Area Key Observation Points ....................................................................................................................... 6 Parcel Value Assessment ............................................................................................................................................... 7 Perkiomen Trail Viewshed Resources .................................................................................................................... 7 Visual Resources ........................................................................................................................................................ 9 Scenic Character ......................................................................................................................................................... 9 Key Observation Points ......................................................................................................................................... 11 Ownership Fragmentation ..................................................................................................................................... 14 Combined Parcel Value .......................................................................................................................................... 14 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Appendix A: Key Assumptions and Known Data Limitations ................................................................................. 18 Appendix B: Methodology .............................................................................................................................................. 20 Study Area ..................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Approach ....................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Analysis Components .................................................................................................................................................. 21 Combined Parcel Value Score .................................................................................................................................... 26 Additional Information ............................................................................................................................................... 26 List of Tables Table 1: Study Area Municipalities ................................................................................................................................... 3 Table 2: Visual Assessment Summary ........................................................................................................................... 16 Appalachian Mountain Club, March 2019 PROTECTING SIGNIFICANT VIEWS ALONG THE CIRCUIT List of Maps Map 1: Study Area............................................................................................................................................................... 4 Map 2: Viewshed Area ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 Map 3: KOP Locations and Viewshed ............................................................................................................................ 6 Map 4: Visibility Resources ............................................................................................................................................... 8 Map 5: Scenic Character Resources ............................................................................................................................... 10 Map 6: KOP Resources, KOPs 1-4 ............................................................................................................................... 12 Map 7: KOP Resources, KOPs 5-7 ............................................................................................................................... 13 Map 8: Combined Parcel Value ...................................................................................................................................... 15 Map 9: Highest Ranked Parcels ...................................................................................................................................... 17 Map 10: Circuit Trails Included in the Study................................................................................................................ 20 List of Figures Figure 1: Visual Resources................................................................................................................................................. 9 Figure 2: Scenic Character Resources .............................................................................................................................. 9 Figure 3: Combined Parcel Value ................................................................................................................................... 14 Figure 4: Visibility Resources .......................................................................................................................................... 22 Figure 5: Scenic Character Resources ............................................................................................................................ 24 Figure 6: Key Observation Point Resources ................................................................................................................ 25 Figure 7: Ownership Resources ...................................................................................................................................... 26 Figure 8: Methodology Flow Chart ................................................................................................................................ 27 Appalachian Mountain Club, March 2019 PROTECTING SIGNIFICANT VIEWS ALONG THE CIRCUIT Acknowledgments The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) would like to acknowledge the many contributors who provided their time and input to the development of Protecting Significant Views Along The Circuit: An Assessment of Land Conservation Priorities for Viewsheds Along The Circuit Trails. Funding for this project was generously provided by the William Penn Foundation. AMC wishes to thank its partners and key stakeholders for their help and support. Berks Nature Friends of Chester Valley Trail Sarah Chudnovsky Tim Lander Brandywine Conservancy Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation Sheila Fleming Becky Taylor Bucks County Planning Commission Montgomery County Planning Commission Paul Gordon Henry Stroud Chester County Planning Commission Natural Lands Rachael Griffith Carol DeWolf Delaware River City Corporation Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee Jim Fries Michael Lane Delaware County Planning Department Schuylkill River Greenways NHA Steven Beckley Robert Folwell Julie Delmuto Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Shawn Megill Legendre Cover photos credit: Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Area: https://delawareandlehigh.org/blog/image-gallery/ Appalachian Mountain Club, March 2019 1 PROTECTING SIGNIFICANT VIEWS ALONG THE CIRCUIT Introduction AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region. AMC believes these resources have intrinsic worth and provide recreational opportunities, spiritual renewal, and ecological and economic health for the region. Because successful conservation depends on active
Recommended publications
  • Warner Spur Multi-Use Trail Master Plan
    Warner Spur Multi-Use Trail Master Plan Chester County Tredyffrin Township Prepared by: December 2019 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Prepared for the In partnership with Tredyffrin Township Chester County Board of Commissioners Plan Advisory Committee Michelle Kichline Zachary Barner, East Whiteland Township Kathi Cozzone Mahew Baumann, Tredyffrin Township Terence Farrell Les Bear, Indian Run Road Association Stephen Burgo, Tredyffrin Township Carol Clarke, Great Valley Association Consultants Rev. Abigail Crozier Nestlehu, St. Peter's Church McMahon Associates, Inc. Jim Garrison, Vanguard In association with Jeff Goggins, Trammel Crow Advanced GeoServices, Corp. Rachael Griffith, Chester County Planning Commission Glackin Thomas Panzak, Inc. Amanda Lafty, Tredyffrin Township Transportation Management Association of Tim Lander, Open Land Conservancy of Chester County Chester County (TMACC) William Martin, Tredyffrin Township Katherine McGovern, Indian Run Road Association Funding Aravind Pouru, Atwater HOA Dave Stauffer, Chester County Department of Facilities and Parks Grant funding provided from the William Penn Brian Styche, Chester County Planning Commission Foundation through the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Regional Trails Program. Warner Spur Multi-Use Trail Master Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 | Background 3 | Conceptual Improvement Plan Introduction 1-1 Conceptual Improvement Plan 3-1 History and Previous Plans 1-1 Conceptual Design Exhibits for Key 3-8 Connections and Crossings Study Area 1-2 Public and Emergency
    [Show full text]
  • Geospatial Analysis: Commuters Access to Transportation Options
    Advocacy Sustainability Partnerships Fort Washington Office Park Transportation Demand Management Plan Geospatial Analysis: Commuters Access to Transportation Options Prepared by GVF GVF July 2017 Contents Executive Summary and Key Findings ........................................................................................................... 2 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 6 Methodology ................................................................................................................................................. 6 Sources ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 ArcMap Geocoding and Data Analysis .................................................................................................. 6 Travel Times Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 7 Data Collection .......................................................................................................................................... 7 1. Employee Commuter Survey Results ................................................................................................ 7 2. Office Park Companies Outreach Results ......................................................................................... 7 3. Office Park
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Struble Trail Feasibility Study Chester County, Pennsylvania On
    Northern Struble Trail Feasibility Study Chester County, Pennsylvania On the Brandywine Creek DECEMBER 2015 Northern Struble Trail Feasibility Study Chester County, Pennsylvania BRC-TAG-19-129 December 2015 This study was financed in part by The William Penn Foundation and in part CHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants Terence Farrell Cycle 2015-2016, Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, under the Kathi Cozzone administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Michelle Kichline Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. In-kind support is also acknowledged from Chester County Planning Department STUDY COMMITTEE MEMBERS: and the Brandywine Conservancy. Catherine Tomlinson, Chester Co. Park and Recreation Board and Upper Uwchlan Township Supervisor Betty Randzin, Wallace Township Manager Barbara D’Angelo, Wallace Township Supervisor Mary Wasko, Wallace Township Trail Preservation Board Michael Wagoner, East Brandywine Township Planning Commission Sandra Moser, East Brandywine Township Planning Commission Steve Landes, Honey Brook Township Manager (formerly Toni Antonini) Susan Ward, West Nantmeal Township Board of Supervisors James Wassell, Manager Marsh Creek State Park Robert Bonney, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission; Struble Lake Jeanne Jenzano, Council member Honey Brook Borough Joe Stoyack, Upper Uwchlan Township Supervisor John Goodall, Agricultural protection specialist with Brandywine Conservancy Beth Burnam, Consulting
    [Show full text]
  • 2020 Comprehensive Plan Update
    2020 Comprehensive Plan Update UPPER FREDERICK TOWNSHIP Montgomery County, PA Updated November 2020 by Tackett Planning, Incorporated Originally prepared January 2008 by CHPlanning Limited Upper Frederick Township Comprehensive Plan Upper Frederick Township Comprehensive Plan Upper Frederick Township Comprehensive Plan UPPER FREDERICK TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Troy Armstrong, Chairman William Tray, Vice-Chairperson Sean Frisco, Member TOWNSHIP MANAGER Jackie Tallon PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS Richard Buckman, Chairman Joseph Buick Robert Keenan William O’Donnell Jared Landis Township Building 3205 Big Road Obelisk, Pennsylvania 19492 Upper Frederick Township Comprehensive Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS: Chapter 1: Introduction & History...................................................................................... 2 1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Community Background ...................................................................................... 2 1.3 Regional Setting .................................................................................................. 4 1.4 Population ........................................................................................................... 7 1.5 Community Issues Survey .................................................................................... 9 Chapter 2: Resource Protection .....................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Keystone Fund Projects by Applicant (1994-2017) Propose DCNR Contract Requeste D Region Applicant Project Title # Round Grant Type D Award Allocatio Funding Types
    Keystone Fund Projects by Applicant (1994-2017) Propose DCNR Contract Requeste d Region Applicant Project Title # Round Grant Type d Award Allocatio Funding Types Alverthorpe Manor BRC-PRD- Region 1 Abington Township Cultural Park (6422) 11-3 11 Development $223,000 $136,900 Key - Community Abington Township TAP Trail- Development BRC-PRD- Region 1 Abington Township (1101296) 22-171 22 Trails $90,000 $90,000 Key - Community Ardsley Wildlife Sanctuary- BRC-PRD- Region 1 Abington Township Development 22-37 22 Development $40,000 $40,000 Key - Community Briar Bush Nature Center Master Site Plan BRC-TAG- Region 1 Abington Township (1007785) 20-12 20 Planning $42,000 $37,000 Key - Community Pool Feasibility Studies BRC-TAG- Region 1 Abington Township (1100063) 21-127 21 Planning $15,000 $15,000 Key - Community Rubicam Avenue Park KEY-PRD-1- Region 1 Abington Township (1) 1 01 Development $25,750 $25,700 Key - Community Demonstration Trail - KEY-PRD-4- Region 1 Abington Township Phase I (1659) 4 04 Development $114,330 $114,000 Key - Community KEY-SC-3- Region 1 Aldan Borough Borough Park (5) 6 03 Development $20,000 $2,000 Key - Community Ambler Pocket Park- Development BRC-PRD- Region 1 Ambler Borough (1102237) 23-176 23 Development $102,340 $102,000 Key - Community Comp. Rec. & Park Plan BRC-TAG- Region 1 Ambler Borough (4438) 8-16 08 Planning $10,400 $10,000 Key - Community American Littoral Upper & Middle Soc/Delaware Neshaminy Watershed BRC-RCP- Region 1 Riverkeeper Network Plan (3337) 6-9 06 Planning $62,500 $62,500 Key - Rivers Keystone Fund Projects by Applicant (1994-2017) Propose DCNR Contract Requeste d Region Applicant Project Title # Round Grant Type d Award Allocatio Funding Types Valley View Park - Development BRC-PRD- Region 1 Aston Township (1100582) 21-114 21 Development $184,000 $164,000 Key - Community Comp.
    [Show full text]
  • Circuit Pipeline - November 2015
    Circuit Pipeline - November 2015 Philadelphia Trunk Trail Trail Segment Type Mileage County Study Cynwyd Parkside Cynwyd Trail Trail 1.50 Philadelphia In progress Cresheim Cresheim Creek Trail Trail 2.20 Philadelphia Complete Tacony Frankford Greenway Trail, Phase 3 Trail 0.84 Philadelphia In progress Pennypack Fox Chase Lorimer Trail 0.42 Philadelphia In progress Pennypack State & Rhawn Trail 0.06 Philadelphia Complete SRT Ivy Ridge Trail Trail 0.60 Philadelphia Complete SRT Wissahickon Gateway Trail 0.31 Philadelphia Complete SRT Boardwalk from Christian to Gray's Ferry Trail 0.42 Philadelphia Complete SRT Bartram's to Fort Mifflin Trail 3.58 Philadelphia In progress ECG K&T, Phase 2 Trail 0.85 Philadelphia Complete ECG Delaware Avenue Extension, Phase 1B Trail 0.28 Philadelphia Complete ECG Sugar House Casino to Penn Treaty Park Trail 0.30 Philadelphia Complete ECG Spring Garden Street Greenway Cycletrack 2.15 Philadelphia Complete ECG Delaware River Trail Sidepath - Washington to Spring Garden Trail 1.90 Philadelphia Complete ECG Cobbs Creek Segment B Trail 0.80 Philadelphia Complete/On-going Total trail mileage 16.21 Bucks Trunk Trail Trail Segment Type Mileage County Study Neshaminy Upper Neshaminy Creek Trail -- Turk Rd to Dark Hollow Rd Trail 6.10 Bucks Complete Neshaminy Upper Neshaminy Creek Trail -- Chalfont/New Britain Gap Trail 1.35 Bucks Complete D&L/ECG Delaware Canal Tunnel (Falls Township) Tunnel 0.05 Bucks ? ECG Bridge Street Crossing Structure 0.10 Bucks Complete ECG Bensalem - Cramer to Birch Trail/Sidepath 0.38 Bucks
    [Show full text]
  • Pennsylvania's Return on Investment in the Keystone Recreation, Park
    Pennsylvania’s Return on Investment in the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund Pennsylvania’s Return on Investment in the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund Right cover photo: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Printed on 100% recycled paper. ©2013 The Trust for Public Land. Project support was provided by The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds (FPW) in partnership with Richard King Mellon Foundation. FPW is an environmental nonprofit serving Pennsylvania’s water quality needs. To learn more about FPW, visit pennsylvaniawatersheds.org. Table of Contents Executive Summary 6 Introduction 9 Conservation 12 Investment in Land and Water Conservation 12 Natural Goods and Services 12 Highlighting the Economic Value of Natural Goods and Services 14 Return on Investment 16 Methodology 16 Results 17 Tourism and Outdoor Recreation 18 Visitor Spending 18 Outdoor Recreation 19 Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife Watching 20 State Parks 21 Enhanced Property Values 22 Reduced Local Taxes 22 Quality of Life 23 Leveraged Private and Local Dollars 23 Parks, Trails, and Recreation 24 Job Creation 24 Visitor Spending 25 Enhanced Property Values 26 Cultural Institutions 28 Libraries 28 Job Creation 28 Additional Economic Benefits 28 Historic Preservation 31 Direct Economic Impact 31 Tourism 31 Property Values 33 Higher Education 33 Conclusion 34 References 35 Appendix: Methodology 38 Executive Summary The Trust for Public Land conducted an economic analysis of the return on Pennsylvania’s investment in land and water conservation through the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund and found that every $1 invested in land conservation returned $7 in natural goods and services to the Pennsylvania economy.
    [Show full text]
  • Chester Valley Trail West Feasibility Study and Master Plan
    Chester Valley Trail West Feasibility Study and Master Plan Public Meeting 2 March 1, 2018 Chester Valley Trail WEST Agenda • Review project progress since last public meeting • Brief project overview • Findings from public survey • Trail planning considerations- opportunities and constraints • Overview of alignment alternatives • Open House- feedback on alignment alternatives Chester Valley Trail WEST Project Schedule Chester Valley Trail WEST Development Process Feasibility/ $ Secure ROW/ Master Plan Easements $ PHASE 1 Design & Bidding & Project Engineering $ Construction $ Completion $ Design & Bidding & Project PHASE 2 Engineering $ Construction $ Completion Chester Valley Trail WEST Project Background Chester Valley Trail WEST Project Background Schuylkill River Trail Harrisburg Lancaster Philadelphia Chester Valley Trail WEST Project Background Schuylkill River Trail Harrisburg Northwest Lancaster Co. Lancaster River Trail Enola Low Chester Grade Trail Valley Trail Philadelphia CHESTER VALLEY TRAIL WEST Chester Valley Trail WEST Project Background Chester Valley Trail Extension Chester Valley Trail WEST Project Background Chester Valley Trail Enola Low Grade Trail 375,000+ annual users 70,000+ users NW Lancaster Co. River Trail River Co. Lancaster NW 150,000+ annual users Chester Valley Trail WEST Trail Towns Trail Towns: • Are walkable and bike-friendly • Have amenities for trail users (bike shops, cafes & restaurants with outdoor seating, hotels/B&Bs, etc.) • Have wayfinding systems for both trails and businesses Frostburg, MD
    [Show full text]
  • Pennsylvania Outdoors Ec R the Keystone for Healthy Living Or Do Ut O E Iv Ns He 20 Pre 09– Om 2013 Statewide C
    lan n P tio rea Pennsylvania Outdoors ec R The Keystone for Healthy Living or do ut O e iv ns he 20 pre 09– om 2013 Statewide C www.paoutdoorrecplan.com lan into action. his p ut t o p e t ast d h an om isd w The preparation of this plan was financed in part through a Land and Water ith Conservation Fund planning grant and the plan was approved by the National Park k w Service, U.S. Department of the Interior under the provisions for the Federal Land or w and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (Public Law 88-578). uld We sho National Park Service – Joe DiBello, Jack Howard, David Lange and Roy Cortez September 2009 Contents Acknowledgements........................................................................................................2 Governor’s.Letter............................................................................................................3 Executive.Summary........................................................................................................4 Introduction.....................................................................................................................6 Public.Participation.Process.........................................................................................10 Research.and.Findings:.What.Pennsylvanians.Say.About.Outdoor.Recreation.........12 Goals.and.Recommendations.......................................................................................46 Funding.Needs.and.Recommendations....................................................................... 94
    [Show full text]
  • Susquehanna Greenway & Trail Authority Case Study, August 2014
    Susquehanna Greenway & Trail Authority Case Study August 2014 Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Table of Contents Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 1 Trail Organization Types ............................................................................................................................... 3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Trail Ownership Structures .................................................................. 21 Trail Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................... 23 Potential Cost‐Sharing Options ................................................................................................................... 25 Potential Sources and Uses ......................................................................................................................... 27 Economic Benefits ....................................................................................................................................... 32 Two‐County, Three‐County, and Five‐County Draft Budget Scenarios ...................................................... 38 Recommendations ...................................................................................................................................... 54 Attachment 1 .............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 0X0a I Don't Know Gregor Weichbrodt FROHMANN
    0x0a I Don’t Know Gregor Weichbrodt FROHMANN I Don’t Know Gregor Weichbrodt 0x0a Contents I Don’t Know .................................................................4 About This Book .......................................................353 Imprint ........................................................................354 I Don’t Know I’m not well-versed in Literature. Sensibility – what is that? What in God’s name is An Afterword? I haven’t the faintest idea. And concerning Book design, I am fully ignorant. What is ‘A Slipcase’ supposed to mean again, and what the heck is Boriswood? The Canons of page construction – I don’t know what that is. I haven’t got a clue. How am I supposed to make sense of Traditional Chinese bookbinding, and what the hell is an Initial? Containers are a mystery to me. And what about A Post box, and what on earth is The Hollow Nickel Case? An Ammunition box – dunno. Couldn’t tell you. I’m not well-versed in Postal systems. And I don’t know what Bulk mail is or what is supposed to be special about A Catcher pouch. I don’t know what people mean by ‘Bags’. What’s the deal with The Arhuaca mochila, and what is the mystery about A Bin bag? Am I supposed to be familiar with A Carpet bag? How should I know? Cradleboard? Come again? Never heard of it. I have no idea. A Changing bag – never heard of it. I’ve never heard of Carriages. A Dogcart – what does that mean? A Ralli car? Doesn’t ring a bell. I have absolutely no idea. And what the hell is Tandem, and what is the deal with the Mail coach? 4 I don’t know the first thing about Postal system of the United Kingdom.
    [Show full text]
  • Upper Frederick Open Space Plan Identified Three Primary Goals
    Upper Frederick Township Open Space Plan UPPER FREDERICK TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS Township Building 3205 Big Road Obelisk, Pennsylvania 19492 TOWNSHIP MANAGER Jackie Tallon BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Robert C. Young, Chairperson Peter D. Webster, Vice-Chairperson Michael J. Frederick OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE Peter D. Webster Jay Discianni Desra Keenan John Plasterer Kevin Murray Upper Frederick Township Open Space Plan Table of Contents Table of Contents....................................................................................................i List of Maps ...........................................................................................................ii Plan Audit..............................................................................................................1 1994 Open Space Plan.......................................................................................1 1994 Plan Goal 1...............................................................................................1 1994 Plan Goal 2...............................................................................................2 1994 Plan Goal 3...............................................................................................2 Chapter 1: Community Background .......................................................................4 Section 1-1: Regional Setting..............................................................................4 Section 1-2: Existing Land Use............................................................................7 Section
    [Show full text]