green way (gren -wa )

greenways connect greenways tie together people, parks, historic sites and natural areas

greenways are created through local initiative greenways help improve water quality

greenways are an economic asset

greenways preserve natural areas

Creating a Greenway in Oneida County: Part of the Mohawk River Corridor

Prepared by peter j. smith & company, inc. Buffalo, NY for the Oneida County Department of Planning Utica, NY

Amended November 2008 The plan title and certain references to the Mohawk River corridor have been amended to clarify that this report presents a greenway corridor concept for the Oneida County portion of the Mohawk River corridor and Oneida Lake Plain. Other than minor title references, the overall content and context of this plan remains the same as found in the June 2008 version.

Acknowledgments peter j. smith & company, inc., gratefully acknowledges the assistance and input provided by the residents of Oneida County, NY who participated in public meetings, focus groups or who otherwise participated in the preparation of this Greenway Plan. We would also like to acknowledge the members of the project Working Group, who provided insight, guidance and feedback during the course of work.

Working Group Jessica Breiten, Oneida County Department of Planning Steven Heerkens, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Heather Pritchard, NYS Department of Transportation Joe Homburger, Citizen, retired NYS DEC Brian Dam, Citizen, Oneida County EM&WQC

Photo credits: photos in this document are by peter j. smith & company, inc. or Oneida County Department of Planning unless otherwise noted.

This project was made possible through the FY 05-06 Quality Communities Grant program offered by the NYS Department of State.

What is a Greenway? 1.0 green•way (gren’-wa’)- - n. Greenways connect. They tie together people, parks, historic sites, and natural Introduction to areas. They follow streams and rivers, ridgelines, abandoned rail lines, hedgerows, canals, and other transportation corridors. All are unique, created through local initiative and reflecting a consensus of Greenways community needs and concerns. green•way (gren’-wa’)- - n. Greenways can take on a number of characteristics, including pedestrian or bike paths, interpretive trails, ecological reserves, parks, campground or picnic areas or strips of land with native cover linking a combination of these features. A greenway can be a mix of private and public lands with or without public access. green•way (gren’-wa’)- - n. 1 Greenways are corridors that follow natural features like the floodplain of creeks, or human made features such as utility corridors, roads or railroad beds. When designed along Did you know... creeks and rivers, greenways help improve water quality and reduce the effects of flooding in flood plains. 2 Greenways provide alternative transportation choices. 3 Greenways are recognized as an Greenways have their roots economic asset. Greenways have been proven to increase real estate values of adjacent properties, in historical precedents. In and to attract tourists, and to produce tourism revenues. 4 Greenways help protect flora and fauna by the late nineteenth and preserving natural areas and facilitating movement along natural corridors. early twentieth centuries, linear open spaces were first Greenways are linear networks of open space. As one can see from the above definitions, a greenway designed as parkways, which can serve a wide variety of purposes. Greenways are often categorized into three types: ecological, often tied together urban park recreational, and historic and cultural, but it is important to note that these categories are not mutually systems. During the same exclusive. period, broad greenbelts were first used to encircle cities and limit urban sprawl. What is a Greenway Plan? Since the 1960s, landscape architects, planners and scientists have recognized The variety of functions served by a greenway development and preservation of the Oneida Lake the need to protect corridors underscore the importance of a comprehensive Plain and Mohawk River Corridor in Oneida and for the preservation of natural plan to guide the greenway development process. Herkimer Counties, NY. This specific plan focuses features and the protection This Greenway Plan for the Mohawk River Corridor on Oneida County. However, it is the desire of the and management of plant is part of a series of plans that, when presented Working Group to undertake similar efforts along and animal biodiversity. collectively, offer a strategy for the long-term the Mohawk River through Herkimer County.

 Spitzer, William T. Preface. How Greenways Work: A Handbook on Ecology. By Jonathan M. Labree, National Park Service Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program and QLF/Atlantic Center for the Environment, 1997.  “Greenway On The Red: What is a greenway?.” Prairic Public: River Watch. 1 November 1997 .  City of College Station, TX. Greenway Implementation Task Force. A Network of Greenways for College Station: A Master Plan Document, February 1999. College Station: City of College Station, 1999. 1. 20 December 2007 .

 peter j. smith & company, inc. Why Create a Greenway Along the Mohawk River Corridor? A greenway along the Mohawk River in Oneida future publicly held land within the Mohawk River County will provide opportunities to protect Corridor in Oneida County. The Plan will also valuable resources, enhance recreation, act as a guide for municipalities and private encourage ecological and cultural education, landowners within the greenway to collectively minimize flood damage, and spur compatible develop and manage lands according to a economic development. broadly accepted plan. The Greenway Plan provides the framework to: There exists a multitude of publicly held lands along the Greenway Corridor. There is an • Identify networks of land, which comprise Planning Partners opportunity to mass and link these lands to the spine of the greenway create a body of land for the benefit of the Landscape Architects and Planners from the environment and the public. Formation of • Identify opportunities within the corridor firm of peter j. smith & company, inc. led the this greenway not only provides opportunity to (ecological, recreational, historic/cultural) development of this Greenway Plan for the Mohawk River Corridor. They worked closely Oneida County communities, but also brings • Accommodate multiple uses while with an advisory Working Group, which was led New York State one step closer to the creation minimizing impacts to natural processes by the Oneida County Planning Department. of the “Empire State Greenway”, a series of three and wildlife This Working Group includes representatives linked greenways (the Erie Canal, Niagara, and • Identify themes and develop a from public agencies who own or manage Hudson Valley Greenways) outlined in the 2006 land within the corridor and are interested marketing concept NYS Open Space Conservation Plan. in partnering with the County to maintain • Develop greenway interpretation and the land for multiple purposes, including the Vision wayfinding plans protection of the corridor’s natural resources. Represented agencies include the NYS The broad vision for the Mohawk River Corridor • Provide policy recommendations, Department of Environmental Conservation, Greenway in Oneida County includes the implementation strategy and action NYS Department of Transportation, and establishment of a network of land along the plan Oneida County Environmental Management river corridor and Erie Canal, which preserves and Water Quality Council. The public • Provide a management plan, which and highlights the unique environment of the participated in the planning process through includes recommendations for Mohawk River. The focus of the greenway is to public meetings and focus group information coordinating multi-agency and multi- protect and enhance natural features, natural gathering sessions. jurisdictional methods for managing processes and wildlife habitat, while providing greenway lands opportunities for recreation and appreciation of the area’s cultural and historical significance. More details about the framework of this Greenway Plan and the greenway project overall Purpose can be found in the Goals and Objectives The purpose of this project is to develop a written section. plan to organize and manage existing and

peter j. smith & company, inc.  Why is this Area Unique? 2.0 Geologic Context Context Geologic forces have shaped the upstate New York region, causing uplifting and erosion, which has influenced the landscape we experience today. Of the geologic process at work in the area, glaciation leaves the most significant signature on the Greenway Corridor.

The ice age in upstate New York began 1.6 million years

ago and ended about 10,000 years ago. Advancing and The study area for the Mohawk River Greenway includes retreating glaciers, ancient lakes and mighty rivers sculpted portions of the Mohawk River and Erie Canal in Oneida Rediscovering Nature... the land. Glaciers more than a mile high covered this part County, central New York State. There are two major waterways of the state. As the glaciers started to melt and retreat northward, ice dams, glacier deposits and rock within the Greenway Corridor: formations held back vast areas of fresh water. These ancient lakes existed for thousands of years and the Mohawk River and the covered much of upstate New York. One such lake, Erie Canal. Because of the glacial Lake Iroquois, covered (and exceeded in presence and proximity of size) what is now Lake Ontario and extended into the Canal, the River has been the eastern portion of the study area. At one point engineered and altered in history, the outfall from this lake discharged in over time. Adding to this the vicinity of Rome, in central Oneida County. degradation, the river is often Vast amounts of fast moving water, rocks and overshadowed by the more sand flowed eastward from here, creating the prominent canal. However, Mohawk Valley. As the glacier continued to recede within the corridor there are northward, the lower elevations of the St. Lawrence a few remaining vestiges of Valley were exposed and the outlet of the lake its original character; these coursed eastward through these lower elevations, dropping the lake level below the outlet at Rome. include meandering stretches The above figure shows the historical extent of glacial Lake Iroquois. with ox bows and wetland areas. The creation of the What is left behind in our study area is a low level Lake Plain area (west of Rome) and the Mohawk River greenway will help to protect Flats, rich flatlands created by sedimentation of the glacial-age Mohawk Valley (east of Rome). Rome the remaining river ecosystem forms the Divide between these two landscape character areas and also between two watersheds: with its associated wildlife and the Oneida Lake watershed (part of the greater Oswego River basin and subsequently the Great Lakes wildlife habitat. drainage basin), and the Mohawk River watershed, part of the greater Upper Hudson River basin and subsequently the Mid-Atlantic drainage basin). To the west of this divide the lake plain area is characterized by a broad wide floodplain and extensive wetlands; to the east the Mohawk Flats is characterized by the present day Mohawk River and a narrower flood plain with marsh areas and ox bows.

 peter j. smith & company, inc. Left: This figure illustrates Modern Context the three landscape character areas within the The outflow from glacial Lake Iroquois created the greenway study area. Mohawk River Valley, the only low-level route between Below: The modern the Appalachian Mountains and the Adirondack context of the greenway Mountains. As such, the Mohawk River Valley became study area. a natural transportation corridor. Native American paths utilized the valley and, in turn, these were utilized for the Erie Canal, the New York Central Railroad and the earliest highways. The New York State Thruway (I-90) brings millions of cars through the region today and parallels the river and Erie Canal. In our study area, portions of the Mohawk River merge with the engineered banks of the Erie Canal; in other portions the river retains its natural meandering path and attendant wetland areas. The Mohawk River traverses eastern and central New York State, flowing from Oneida County to the Hudson River at Albany. It is the largest tributary to the Hudson. The cities of Rome, Utica, Amsterdam and Schenectedy are built upon the Mohawk’s banks. People and events in the Mohawk Valley have shaped the history of America. This is the homeland of the Mohawk and Oneida nations of the Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois Confederacy. They first controlled this strategic gateway to the west, putting them at the center of European battles to control the North American continent. Additionally, pivotal battles of the American Revolution were fought at both ends of the valley, including the successful defense of Fort Stanwix and the bloody massacre at Oriskany, both of which occurred within the greenway study area. Ground was broken for the Erie canal in present day Rome. Portions of the Erie Canal follow the Mohawk River. The Canal was built between 1817 and 1825, a significant engineering marvel that revolutionized trade and travel between the Northeast, Midwest and Great Plains. The Canal stretches from Buffalo to Albany, connecting the Great Lakes to New York City via the Hudson River at Albany. It was expanded from 1905 to 1918 as the New York State Barge Canal and is still in operation today.

peter j. smith & company, inc.  What Will This Study Accomplish? 3.0 Study Goal 1: Study Goal 2: Goals & Identify the Greenway Promote the Greenway Identify the structure of the Mohawk River Develop an identity for the Mohawk River Objectives Corridor Greenway Corridor Greenway R identify critical environmental resources, R determine character areas that help such as unique natural features, create themes for the greenway waterways, wetlands, and significant and summarize its character and The following goals and objectives habitat areas, for protection and/or opportunities enhancement reinforce the vision for the Mohawk R develop a marketing program, which River Corridor Greenway in Oneida R identify scenic views, which are important identifies potential users/visitors, and County. to the character of the greenway engages them through a variety of promotional tools Study Goals support the broader R identify existing nodes within and adjacent to the greenway that provide Greenway Goals and are the important recreational, historic, specific products of this Greenway educational or economic resources Study Goal 3: Plan for the Mohawk River Corridor. R identify existing corridors within and Realize the Greenway Greenway Goals present the adjacent to the greenway that provide connections between greenway Develop a strategy for implementation and overall purpose for creating the resources, for people and nature or for stewardship of the greenway greenway. nature alone R establish standards for land acquisition, R target opportunities for additional nodes facility development and multi-agency/ or corridors, which would enhance the multi-juristictional management of resources within the greenway or the greenway lands connection between greenway resources R establish standards to preserve and/or enhance the quality of the greenway’s critical environmental resources R identify and prioritize projects to implement the vision R identify funding opportunities

 peter j. smith & company, inc. What Will The Greenway Accomplish?

Greenway Goal 1: Greenway Goal 3: Greenway Goal 4: Preserve and Enhance Nature Connect Nature’s Resources Promote Nature’s Benefits Preserve and enhance the natural features, Link nodes within the greenway and Promote the benefits of the Mohawk River natural processes, and habitat for fish and adjacent municipalities to create a system Corridor Greenway. wildlife within the Mohawk River Corridor. of habitat areas, recreational opportunities and historic resources. • educate the public about the • create a continuous network of land (in potential environmental benefits public ownership or having easements), • utilize existing nodes and target of greenways, in general, and this which is managed to support healthy, locations for new nodes within the greenway in particular functioning ecosystems greenway boundary, which provide • increase awareness of the natural, • protect wetlands and riverine lowlands habitat, recreational, historic, cultural and historic resources of the as areas vital for the management of educational or economic opportunities corridor stormwater and floodwater • utilize existing corridors (roads, multi- • use the corridor as a “living laboratory” • protect or improve water quality by use trails, water routes, etc.) and target for educational and investigative maintaining wetland functions and natural locations for new corridors that: (1) purposes vegetation along water bodies create a variety of experiences for users with varying physical abilities and/or • monitor the qualities of the greenway • protect and improve habitat vital to fish interests; (2) create safe, continuous environment and ecology to ensure its and wildlife recreational routes between nodes/ overall health and assess effectiveness of management activities • identify, preserve and/or enhance scenic resources; and (3) create connected views natural areas for the enhancement of • create a framework for economic natural processes and wildlife habitat development opportunities related to • target locations for new access points use of the greenway by local residents Greenway Goal 2: that create convenient opportunities to and visitors access areas that are currently difficult Use Nature with Sensitivity to access by trail, boat or car Enhance the potential public use and • target locations for the preservation or enjoyment of the greenway, while minimizing enhancement of natural processes and potential impacts to natural processes and wildlife, with little or no public access wildlife. • develop a consistent greenway signage program to help identify the • design and locate trails or other greenway greenway, raise awareness, aid with features so as to minimize potential navigation, interpret features and impacts to natural process and wildlife educate users • create opportunities for environmental appreciation and education

peter j. smith & company, inc.  Where is the Greenway Corridor? 4.0 Due to the unique physiography in Oneida County, two greenway corridor boundaries have been defined: The Greenway Corridor Greenway and the Riverine Lowland Area. The first aims to limit the geographic area included within the corridor to a realistic and manageable size, while the second is based primarily on the Boundary natural features and topography of the area. Each has its own purpose as part of the greenway planning process. The difference between the two corridors is less evident in the The boundary of the greenway is eastern portion of the county where topography and easily influenced by physical features of identifiable boundaries such as roads, floodplains, or developed the area including topography, versus undeveloped areas, are nearly congruent. In the eastern floodplains, wetlands and roads. section, the defined corridor is relatively narrow and includes consideration of natural features, made-made features, and land ownership patterns. In this area, most people could easily identify the Greenway Corridor as the low-lying floodplain area, parallel to the Mohawk River and Erie Canal, located at the base of the slope that creates the Mohawk Valley (i.e. the “Mohawk River Flats”). The boundaries here are generally defined by Routes 5 and 49 on the north and Routes 5s and 69 on the south. Once “The Divide” is crossed near Rome, the difference between It should be recognized the two corridor boundaries becomes more evident. In this that any further reference to western section of the greenway, the narrower Greenway Corridor the corridor, Mohawk River was developed with the primary intent to limit the width of the Corridor, Greenway Corridor, corridor in order to maintain a similar sized corridor throughout the canal corridor, or study area entire County. Consideration was given to identifying boundaries in this plan is intended to be that were recognizable to the general public such as Wood Creek representative of only those on the north and local roads on the south. areas within Oneida County, unless otherwise noted. After further analysis of environmental elements, a broader corridor area was defined in the western section that more closely follows the lowland topography of the river and lake plain. This area is referenced as the “Riverine Lowland Area”. Additional areas were incorporated into the corridor here because of the recognition of the importance that wetlands, floodplains, wildlife habitat and other ecological processes offer to the value of the greenway.

10 peter j. smith & company, inc. INSERT 8-1/2 X 17 BOUNDARY MAP (back of map) What Is the Character of the Greenway? 5.0 Intrinsic Resources The Erie Canal traverses the corridor: an unparalleled transportation system that helped fuel the westward Intrinsic resources are attractions, sites and Resource movement. Before its construction, Wood Creek, facilities that relate to the inherent character of the with its associated Upper and Lower Landings, corridor. Intrinsic resources have been grouped and the infrastructure of the Western Inland Lock into categories that include: Profile Navigation company were important links in the • culture and history (such as cemeteries, east-west transportation route. Archeological churches, plaques, architecture, districts, remnants of these historic locks can be found within peter j. smith & company landmarks, and monuments) the greenway. There are numerous cemeteries in conducted an inventory of the • natural resources (such as significant or adjacent to the corridor that include grave sites existing character of the corridor. habitats, wetlands, wildlife, waterways, and of historic figures. Museums of note include the Erie This included a drive-through water bodies) Canal Museum, Oneida County Historical Society survey of the corridor to locate and Museum, and Children’s Museum. The corridor • recreation (such as parks, commons, golf categorize resources. Resources also contains many architectural jewels, such as courses, indoor recreational facilities, picnic were categorized as either intrinsic Union Station, Utica Hotel, the Lackawanna Freight areas, playgrounds, field sports) or scenic resources. There were House and an old train roundhouse. Many areas over 200 resources inventoried. • tourism (such as farm markets, restaurants, within the corridor were also the stage for important Intrinsic resources are attractions, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and defenses and battles, such as Fort Stanwix National sites and facilities that relate to the theme attractions) Historic Site and the Oriskany Battlefield National inherent character of the corridor. • circulation (such as railroads, highways, Historic Landmark & State Historic Site. Scenic resources are views with trail heads, trails, and bike routes) A listing of the corridor’s Cultural and Historical sites strong visual appeal. • water access (such as fishing access, can be found on page 22. overlooks, parking areas, boat launches, marinas, and shoreline trails) Cultural & Historical Resources As the region’s main east-west route through the Appalachian Mountains, the Mohawk Valley is rich in cultural history. It has stories of indigenous peoples, an emerging nation’s struggles for independence, and an expanding commerce and developing transportation route. Almost one third of the resources inventoried are categorized as cultural and historic resources.

Right: One of the many historic sites inventoried in the greenway.

peter j. smith & company, inc. 13 Natural Resources The area’s landscape was This section of A large number of the recreational resources formed by the advance and Mohawk River and floodplain noted include trails or trail head access points, retreat of glaciers and the exhibit the that primarily host hiking, biking, and cross associated glacial Lake Iroquois. river’s natural country skiing activities. Although, it was noted, character (left) These forces were instrumental breaks in the trail system greatly reduce its in creating a valley with rolling present viability. hills and rich bottomland soils. Trails at Verona Beach State Passive recreational opportunities within the As a result, the greenway today Park are used corridor include picnicking, nature viewing/ contains extensive wetlands. year round appreciation, and bird watching. Lock 20 Wetlands are categorized (below) Canal Park near Marcy is a good example by the NYS DEC from Class I of a facility that offers passive recreation for to Class IV, representing the viewing canal lockages and picnicking. Utica greatest to least amount of value and benefit, Marsh, Oriskany Flats and Rome Sand Plains are respectively. The majority of the corridor’s popular destinations for bird watching. wetlands are defined as Class ll. Oriskany Flats (800 acres) and Utica Marsh (200 acres) The area adjacent to the corridor also offers are NYS DEC Wildlife Management Areas important recreational resources. For example, (WMA) that are part of the river floodplain and in the western portion of the corridor, camping contain both Class l and ll wetlands. Just north is a popular activity offered by at least eight of the corridor are the unique pine barrens camping areas. One of these sites, Verona and wetland system of the Rome Sand Plains Beach State Park offers camping and other (including the Oneida County Reforestation year round recreational uses. lands and holdings of The Nature Conservancy Recreational Resources and the Izaac Walton League). Other significant wetland assets within the corridor include areas The corridor’s recreational resources include within the Mohawk River Flats that are owned waterways, municipal and state parks, by the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority playgrounds and trails. During the inventory (OHSWA), the NYS DOT wetland mitigation sites of resources, it was found that there is a between Utica Marsh and Oriskany Flats, and recreation component to almost half of all the NYS DEC Rome WMA. intrinsic resources inventoried. Some of the more significant recreational resources within The corridor’s natural resources and wetland the corridor include the Erie Canal, the Mohawk complexes are noted for their importance to River and its tributaries, the NYS Canalway Trail, migrating birds. The North American Waterfowl and existing Wildlife Management Areas. Fishing

Management Plan identifies the Oneida and boating are popular activities on the Erie The canal locks offer pleasant setting for passive recreation. Lake Plain as an important area for migratory Canal and Mohawk River. Popular fishing sites waterfowl and recommends habitat protection occur where tributaries connect with the river and creation. and canal.

14 peter j. smith & company, inc. Tourism Resources Access to Water Resources Tourism resources are designed to attract, serve Perhaps the most important and defining and entertain visitors. These resources include character of the Greenway Corridor is the farm markets, interpretive and information presence of the Mohawk River and Erie centers, accommodations (inns, motels, Canal. These two resources are central to and hotels), theme attractions, theaters, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, sightseeing shopping (including antiques) and restaurants. and other popular activities within the corridor. Approximately one quarter of the resources As such, access to the water is an important inventoried are geared toward the tourism consideration within the greenway. This industry. The inventory noted numerous places category of intrinsic resources includes fishing to lodge, a large number or unique eateries, access, boat launches and parking, marinas, and many theme attractions (including Sylvan Rome Railroad Station overlooks, and shoreline trail. Several marinas Beach Amusement Park, Fort Rickey Children’s industry. and boat launches were inventoried, yet the Discovery Zoo, The Children’s Museum, Old Erie uneven and sometimes sparse presence of Canal Village, and more local attractions such Circulation Resources these facilities was noted. The western portion as Scotty’s Funland Park). Also noted were a The resources used to move about the corridor of the corridor (closest to Oneida Lake) had myriad of farm stands, picturesque scenery also contribute to the inherent character of the a higher concentration of marinas and boat and wildlife, and a burgeoning canal excursion area. Many of the primary transportation routes launch facilities. parallel the greenway boundaries and promote an east-west movement. There are relatively few north-south connections throughout the length of the greenway. Additionally, in the eastern and central portions of the Greenway Corridor, the NYS Thruway presents an obstacle to easy north-south movement. The canal itself adds to the east-west movement of users through the greenway, as does the Amtrak railroad. Other significant rail oriented resources include the Utica and Rome railroad stations Trail, parking and water access along the Canalway Trail. A local farm and many trails. stand (above) and The More information on these Children’s resources can be found on pages Museum (right) add to the 25-26. greenway’s tourism resources.

peter j. smith & company, inc. 15 Scenic Resources Scenic resources are defined as views with strong The majority of scenic views ‘overlook’ the corridor visual appeal. Scenic resources were inventoried and and were viewed from bridges crossing the canal categorized based on the following characteristics: and/or the river. It was noted that approximately half of the scenic views need no enhancements or • views remediation, only preservation from detriment. Nearly (distant, enclosed, overlook, panorama, one quarter of the locations with scenic views have tunnel effect) nearby public access to the water. Further, almost • condition half of all scenic views are rated well above average (preserve, enhance, remediate, expose) in terms of quality. Locks 21 and 22 afford some of the most scenic views. Scenic Resources are noted • water access on the accompanying map. (public, private) Two of the many • quality scenic views recorded during the There were over 75 scenic views inventoried and greenway resource evaluated during the drive-through survey. These inventory. views were documented with a representative photograph and their locations were mapped. The views inventoried were significant views that relate to the proposed greenway area (either viewing into or from the area). Only above average views were inventoried and each was assigned a quality rating. Visual quality ratings are based on factors such as the distance of the view, its comparison with the range of scenic resources in the region, and whether it is affected by unattractive features such as industrial sites, commercial signage, etc. The following table indicates the visual quality ratings given to the views with five being the highest:

Quality of Scenic Resources

Quality Rating 1 (lowest) 2 3 4 5 (highest) Total Average Views 2 13 23 24 14 76 3.46

16 peter j. smith & company, inc. INSERT 8-1/2 X 17 RESOURCES MAP (back of map) Where Are Significant Places and Connections? A greenway is a composite of nodes and corridors. The following sections highlight the existing significant nodes (places) and corridors (connections) that contribute to making the Mohawk River Corridor Greenway an important natural resource and a destination for recreation and for the appreciation of the area’s cultural and historical significance. Existing Nodes Natural Areas At its core, a greenway is a linear network of open The corridor’s distinctive natural areas are also space. As such, it acts as a connector, creating important nodes. The greenway provides physical linkages between nodes. These nodes are assets: connections between the various natural area pockets of dynamism which use the greenway nodes within and adjacent to the corridor; this to supply and convey vital resources. Identified can begin to restore historical wildlife corridors and nodes include communities, natural areas, and complete a recreational trail system for the region. cultural/historical sites. These nodes are highlighted Important natural areas within the corridor include below and on the Existing Nodes map. DEC Wildlife Management Areas, DOT wetland mitigation sites and other publicly held property. Communities Minor nodes outside the corridor include municipal Did you know... As a node, communities require a system to parks and open space, such as Hazelton Wright provide access to other resources. The greenway Park in Rome and Roscoe Conkling Park in Utica. Efforts are underway in the Rome Sand Plains to enhance corridor creates a natural connection among Some of the more significant natural area nodes blue lupine populations. Blue the communities of the region. There are two include: major cities, Rome and Utica, as well as other lupines are flowering plants communities located within or adjacent to the • Rome Wildlife Management Area essential to the survival of the corridor. Creating links between the corridor • Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area Frosted Elfin Butterfly. New York and these community nodes enhances access • Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area State and other states list the Frosted Elfin as an endangered to outdoor recreation and opportunities for the • Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority species. appreciation of the area’s nature and heritage. (OHSWA) property Some of the larger communities in and around • NYS DOT wetland mitigation sites the Greenway Corridor include: • Verona Beach State Park • Rome • Utica • Rome Sand Plains Resource Management • Slyvan Beach • Verona Area (including Oneida County Forest, Nature Conservancy, Izaak Walton League lands) • Vienna • Oriskany • Whitestown • New York Mills • Delta Lake State Park • Yorkville • Whitesboro • Municipal parks & open space • Floyd • Marcy

peter j. smith & company, inc. 19 Cultural/Historical Sites A third type of node encompasses cultural and historic sites. These nodes capture the local flavor of the area’s way of life and history. They can be notable architecture, museums, theaters, historical locations, popular attractions, churches, and cemeteries. The area in and around the proposed greenway corridor is rich in these resources. Some of the cultural and historical nodes within the There are additional, noteworthy cultural and historic Greenway Corridor are marked on map at right and sites outside the Greenway Corridor, these include: are listed below: • Theaters • Oneida Carrying Place Nodes - Stanley Theater (Utica) - Fort Bull - Capitol Theater (Rome) - Wood Creek Canal historic locks - Rome Community Theater - Lower Landing • Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute - Upper Landing • Mohawk Valley Ballet (Utica) • Utica Historic District Nodes • Shako:wi Museum and Cultural Center - Children’s Museum of Utica - Union Station (stop for the Adirondack Scenic • Utica Symphony Orchestra Railroad) • Rome and Oneida County Historical Societies • Erie Canal Nodes • Saranac Brewery - Rome Harbor • Turning Stone Casino and Vernon Downs Racino - Utica Harbor • Sports - Erie Canal Village, Erie Canal Museum - NYS Canal Corporation Locks 20, 21, & 22 - National Distance Running Hall of Fame (Utica) - New London Dry Dock - NYS Sportsman Hall of Fame (Utica) - International Bicycle Hall of Fame (Utica) • Oak Orchard - International Halls of Fame for Rowing, • American Revolutionary Nodes Canoeing and Kayaking (Utica) - Fort Stanwix National Monument - Rome Sports Hall of Fame and Museum - Oriskany Battlefield National Historic Site • Utica Zoo - Old Fort Schuyler • Adirondack Scenic Railroad • Sylvan Beach Amusement Park • Erie Canal Cruises (Herkimer) • Fort Rickey Children’s Discovery Zoo

20 peter j. smith & company, inc. INSERT 8-1/2 X 17 EXISTING NODES MAP (back of map) Existing Corridors In general, a corridor is a narrow passageway • State Route 46 – parallels Old Erie Canal Bike Routes or route, identified by a specific common • Scenic Byways – Black River Trail (State Existing and proposed bike routes are also an characteristic or purpose. Corridors make Routes 46 & 12), Central Adirondack Trail important consideration when looking at the connections allowing materials, animals, and (State Route 365), and the Revolutionary movement of people within the greenway or people to get from here to there. Significant Byway (State Routes 69 & 49) bringing people to the greenway. There are corridors within the greenway are highlighted Trails two types of designated on-road bike routes; below and on the Existing Corridors map. those with separate bike lanes, or those where Numerous trails exist and continue to be Roads bikes share the road or shoulder. Bike routes proposed within the greenway. Similar to road that may be separate from roads are discussed Perhaps the most used form of transportation corridors, trail corridors are one of the most used in the preceding trails section. and movement of people within or through the for the movement of people within the greenway. greenway involves the existing roads. Many Linking trail segments to form continuous trail Railways roads run east-west, forming the northern and corridors improves opportunities to experience There are a few active and abandoned rail southern limits of the Greenway Corridor. This the greenway’s assets. Continuous trail corridors lines that are within or traverse the greenway. orientation is likely due to the presence of the are also beneficial to wildlife. These rail corridors may encourage movement wet, lowland topography, which makes it more Some of the trails within the greenway include: of wildlife as well as create connecting corridors costly to build across the corridor. As a result, for recreationalists. there are relatively few roads that cross the • Canalway Trail - the greenway contains greenway in a north-south direction. Those completed and proposed portions of Some of the active rail corridors include: existing north-south roads are generally raised this trail, which (when complete) will to minimize flooding impacts and allow boat stretch from Albany to Buffalo • CSX Transportation, Inc. (Mohawk SUB, traffic to pass underneath. Utica IT, Herkimer IT, and DeWitt Yard) • Old Erie Canal State Park trail - runs along Major road corridors include: the old canal route and connects to the • Genesee & Mohawk Valley Railroad Co. (Rome IT) • NYS Thruway (I-90) – major east-west greenway corridor interstate route through Onieda County • Mohawk River Trail - in the design/ • Mohawk, Adirondack & Northern Railroad Corp. (Lyons Falls Line and Utica • State Routes 8 & 12 – one of the development phase; will connect Delta Yard) gateways to the corridor from the Lake State Park to Rome Harbor and the Adirondacks Canalway Trail system • New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway Corp. (Utica Main Line, Central • State Route 365 – east-west road • Rome Harbor to the Old Erie Canal NY IT, New Hartford IT, New York Mills IT, traversing the corridor, connecting Village (in planning phase) Fay Street Branch, and Utica Yard) municipalities • Interior trail systems - Verona Beach State • NYS DOT (Adirondack Railroad) • Interstate 790 (I-790) – crosses corridor, Park, Rome Sand Plains, Oriskany Flats connecting Utica to NYS Thruway and Utica Marsh • Oneida County IDA (Lyons Falls Line) • State Routes 69 & 49 – inter municipal • Local trails - Rayhill Memorial Trail, Judd • United States Air Force (Griffiss Industrial routes that parallel corridor Road Trail, Whitestown Pedestrian Trails Park)

peter j. smith & company, inc. 23 Waterways Stream and river corridors act as conduits. They create Some of the major water corridors include: circulation routes and links for people, as well as routes/links between the various riparian ecosystems • Oneida Lake – western end of greenway for wildlife and plant life. It is also important to note • Erie Barge Canal – east-west corridor bisecting that streams and rivers facilitate the movement of the greenway water, nutrients and sediments. As such, they also • Old Erie Canal – historic route of the Canal distribute municipal and industrial waste and non- point source pollution from upstream and local • Mohawk River – flows through the eastern half communities and agricultural fields into the linked of the greenway water systems. The greenway is part of two major • Fish Creek – located at the eastern end; one watersheds, the Mohawk River watershed and of the major streams that flows from the north the Oneida Lake watershed. Watersheds can be into the greenway further subdivided into subbasins, or subwatersheds; nine of the watersheds’ subbasins are wholly or • Oneida Creek – flows into Oneida Lake from partially within the greenway. These nine subbasins the south and forms part of the county line drain into the greenway, hydraulically linking • Wood Creek - flows along the northern edge approximately 620 square miles. In draining this and into the greenway corridor east of Oneida land area, over 20 water courses flow directly into the Lake and was a historic transportation route greenway corridor. • Oriskany Creek - one of the major streams that flows northward into the greenway corridor at Whitestown • Ninemile Creek - one of the major streams that flows southward into the corridor east of Rome • Sauquoit Creek - one of the major streams that flows northward into the corridor east of Utica

The Mohawk River at Oriskany Flats

24 peter j. smith & company, inc. INSERT 8-1/2 X 17 EXISTING CORRIDORS MAP (back of map) What Activities are Available? 6.0 Consumptive Activities Use Profile The region’s supply of fish and wildlife were among participants in a range of activities that include the attractions that brought the Native Americans hunting, fishing, trapping, bird and wildlife watching and later the European settlers up the region’s and boating. waterways. Today, the consumptive activities of In addition to the natural, physical hunting and fishing are enjoyed by many enthusiasts Among outdoor recreation enthusiasts, those and scenic resources existing in the Mohawk River Corridor Greenway with more participating in consumptive activities tend to take within the Greenway Corridor, it than 41,000 Oneida County residents licensed to their stake in land management and conservation is necessary to obtain a good hunt and fish, more than 13,000 of whom hold very seriously. In fact, many leading conservation understanding of the existing use licenses that cover both hunting and fishing. Fishing organizations were founded by hunters, trappers patterns and activities currently access along the region’s waterways includes and anglers. These enthusiasts have a significant taking place. The policies of various fishing access areas and boat launches along the role to play in the conservation and stewardship of agencies who manage resources greenway’s waterways (see Waterside Trail Users on the greenway through advocacy for the protection, within the greenway also influence the following page for more details on access). The enhancement and acquisition of open space. the types of usage activities that Erie Canal and Mohawk River provide opportunity While general societal mores tend to be more occur. for a wide range of warm water species such as reflective of attitudes of participants in non- bass (large and smallmouth), walleye, tiger musky, consumptive activities (because there are more and northern pike. Brown trout are stocked in the of them) the decline of hunting can actually harm greenway’s waterways including Wood Creek, wildlife populations. Hunting is an important wildlife Saquoit Creek and the Mohawk River. management tool, which takes surplus wildlife from There are large areas of open space in farms the landscape every fall. Over population of a and fallow areas that species, such as white tail deer and beavers, can are attractive to the contribute to conflict, region’s hunters. These negative interaction privately owned lands with people, and are available to hunters damage to both public by permission only, and private property. whether or not they are Additionally, because posted. There are also hunters, trappers and significant public lands, anglers have more including the three interaction with wildlife, Wildlife Management they are likely to be Areas managed by the among the first to NYS DEC that welcome notice when wildlife Recreation enthusiasts can engage in multiple activities. threats such as disease peter j. smith & company, inc. 27 Non-Consumptive Activities Landside Trail Users Bicyclists tend to be more active than most miles of trails; some of these trails are outdoor recreation enthusiasts and participate near the greenway. Local snowmobilers in a wide variety of activities. These activities are likely to have experienced greenway include hiking, climbing, paddling, swimming, activities already, mainly consumptive jogging and golfing. Shopping and dining are recreational activities, including bicyclists’ favorite culture and entertainment hunting, fishing and boating. activities when they travel and they also enjoy Waterside Trail Users historic sites, museums and art galleries. They are not as interested in cultural events and The Mohawk River Corridor Greenway performances, but they enjoy theme parks, fairs welcomes boaters and paddlers at four and festivals as well as casinos. Enthusiasts tend state boat launches in the greenway on not to bike when away from home, but with bike the Erie Canal and Mohawk River: one rentals and equipment available, biking could in Rome and three in Utica (including be among the range of activities that would two in Utica Marsh). The Rome launch attract visitors to the greenway. and one of the Utica Marsh launches Bicycling along the Canalway Trail is a popular activity. have ramps and limited parking is available. not as popular as driving, walking and bicycling. Walking for pleasure is the most popular The Rome launch has a finishing dock with They remain, however, very popular outdoor outdoor recreational activity in the nation and handicapped access. There are a number of leisure activities, with swimming and visiting the the region. However, in the Unites States (unlike marinas, including destinations in Marcy, Rome, beach in the top 10 or 15 most popular activities, other regions such as the British Isles), cross Sylvan Beach and Verona Beach. motor boating in the top 30 and paddling in the country walking is not promoted as a pastime top 50. Motorboaters and paddlers are both and there are not events for walkers such as While the Erie and Barge Canals are promoted year-round outdoorsy types, participating in a the annual Erie Canal bicycle tour. The annual as a blueway, there was frustration expressed wide variety of greenway activities including Boilermaker running race in Utica attracts more among participants in public input for the wildlife viewing, fishing, bicycling and winter than 10,000 professional and citizen runners Greenway Plan that there are not sufficient put- sports. from around the world to compete in the 15- in/take-out sites and that this forced paddlers kilometer event which is one of the most popular to take shorter out-and-back paddles or to running races of this distance in the nation. commit to longer site-to-site trips than they felt Hikers’ demographic and activity interests are they wanted to do. closely allied with those of paddlers, below. There are two groups of water trail users: Snowmobilers are also important trail users in motorboaters and paddlers. The demographics the Greenway Corridor. The potential impact for paddlers, as noted above, are closely of snowmobiling on the Mohawk River Corridor associated with hikers. Among the activity Greenway cannot be dismissed with more than modes included in this study, visiting the beach, 8,000 snowmobilers registered in the County. swimming, paddling and motorboating are all Within the County, there are appriximately 55

28 peter j. smith & company, inc. State Parks The table below shows the breakdown of Verona Beach State Park photo source: http://www.nysparks.com/parks/info.asp?parkID=26 state parks along the Greenway Corridor and the number of visitors to each from the 2001-2002 through the 2006-2007 fiscal years. Attendance at the parks fell off immediately following the 2001 terrorist attacks; this is consistent with all leisure travel at that time. The tourism and travel economies have improved in the years after the attacks, but gasoline prices have risen, providing a new disincentive for travel. Weather can also be a factor. In June 2006, severe flooding closed the canal and may have impacted park attendance figures in the Greenway Corridor. The state historic sites and historic park located in the greenway have recovered and even increased attendance over the period. This indicates the strong potential for heritage and culture activities in the greenway. Delta Lake State Park photo source: http://www.romenewyork.com/image _ gallery.asp?key=95

Attendance (in thousands)

Facility Type Acres 2006-2007 2005-2006 2004-2005 2003-2004 2002-2003 2001-2002

Verona Beach State Park 1,735 139 161 149 174 195 206

Oriskany Battlefield Historic Site 77 24 19 13 16 14 21

Von Steuben Memorial Historic Site 64 5 6 2 3 2 5

Old Erie Canal * Historic Park 1,065 109 97 96 110 99 92 Total 2,941 **277 283 260 303 310 324

* Located in Oneida, Madison and Onondaga counties -- approximately one-third of the park is located in Oneida County

** Severe flooding along the Canal in June 2006 may have impacted visitorship

peter j. smith & company, inc. 29 Who Manages the Resources?

There are two aspects of Waterside Management Agencies management of the Mohawk River Corridor Greenway: waterside and New York State Canal Corporation NYS Department of State, Coastal Resources landside. A public benefit corporation of New York State and Division subsidiary of the New York State Thruway Authority; Coastal Zone Management on the inland On the water side, there is direct day-to-day manager of the canal for waterways, floodplain management, waterfront an assortment of state and activities such as navigation and recreation planning and revitalization federal agencies responsible for permitting, regulating and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Oneida County Soil & Water Conservation monitoring the Mohawk River and District (SWCD) The EPA administers the Clean Water Act (CWA) the canal. With the exception which is charged with protecting and restoring Promotion of Best Management Practices (BMPs) of the Canal Corporation, the the nation’s water; the CWA’s storm water program to protect soil and water resources through the agencies’ responsibilities are requires control of runoff from urban areas reduction of agricultural and non-agricultural non- generally related to state and and construction sites; the CWA also regulates point pollution sources federal water quality and hazard discharge of fill and dredged materials mitigation regulations. Oneida County Department of Health On the land side, land uses are US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Regulation, permitting and review of drinking water, regulated by towns, villages and USACE has a role in management and permitting water quality, waste water systems cities through their zoning and in the nation’s navigable waters including flood Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive subdivision regulations. Several damage control programs, shoreline protection, Planning Program (HOCCPP) of the agencies responsible for wetland delineation, wetlands and waterways Watershed management planning waterside management are also permitting and navigation, dredging, streambank active in management of the stabilization, and wetland and stream restoration land side of the corridor. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flooding, flood control, flood management NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Flooding, flood control, flood plain management; administers State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit system required under the CWA to control point-source discharge of pollutants; construction in wetlands; filling and grading; drainage; fishing regulation and licensing; boat ramps

30 peter j. smith & company, inc. Landside Management Agencies National Parks Service (NPS) Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission (MVHCC) The NPS and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission The MVHCC oversees the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor, which oversee the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, which encompasses stretches along the Mohawk Valley from Albany west to Oneida Lake Oneida County. The NPS also operates Fort Stanwix National Monument, and partially overlaps with the Greenway Corridor. which is in the greenway. In addition to these agencies, transportation organizations are important New York State Canal Corporation to the management of the land resources in the Greenway Corridor. The Canal Corporation is responsible for management of more than These agencies include the town, village and city highway departments 4,000 acres of land that it owns in Oneida County, including the canal as well as Oneida County Highway Department. Additional important right of way with parks, parking areas and recreation facilities; developer transportation managers include: and owner of the Erie Canalway Trail. NYS Thruway Authority NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Manager of the I-90, the NYS Thruway The DEC’s Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources manages three Wildlife Management Areas in the Corridor totaling over 2,000 acres: NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) Utica Marsh, Oriskany Flats and Rome. Hunting and trapping are allowed Responsible for state road system, partner in development of on-road on the Oriskany Flats and Rome WMAs. The DEC also regulates hunting trails and multi-use systems, rails, traffic and transportation planning, throughout the state including hunting on privately owned lands through administers federal highway policies and programs its statewide hunting and trapping regulations and licensing Herkimer Oneida Counties Transportation Study (HOCTS) NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHC) HOCTS is a cooperative effort by local, state, and federal agencies The OPRHC is responsible for management of Old Erie Canal State Park in transportation planning; prepares the Transportation Improvement and Oriskany Battlefield Historic Site as well as Verona Beach State Park; Program (TIP), Unified Planning Work Program, and Long Range uses in these parks include trails, fishing, picnicking and camping. Transportation Plan; gathers a publishes trail data including a Bike and Pedestrian Plan, bicycle and multi-use trail map and bike atlas Oneida County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) There are myriad private organizations interested and active in the Natural resources conservation services to landowners, farmers and stewardship of the greenway. These include natural resources, recreation communities and conservation groups. Important private organizations that may Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program provide stewardship of the greenway and their potential roles are Provides planning and technical assistance to communities including described on pages 67-69. the areas of land use, zoning, economic development and human services

peter j. smith & company, inc. 31 What Are the Current Management and Use Issues? Current issues relating to Information and Coordination management and use of the Perhaps one of the largest issues potentially there is great potential for conflicts among users, greenway’s resources center impacting the development of the greenway is such as motorized and non-motorized uses or on... the presence of multiple management plans and hunters and hikers. This issue is further compounded • Information and the involvement of many individuals and agencies by the fact that rules and regulations for public Coordination at the local, county, state and federal levels. Each use vary by landowner. For example, the Canal agency and organization has developed individual Corporation prohibits use of motorized vehicles on • Public Use plans with a specific purpose in mind - whether portions of the Canalway Trail, yet certain adjoining • Ecological Integrity that purpose is for local land use management, lands and trails permit motorized vehicles. Given national heritage, development of a canal-side the lack of signage, it is difficult for the general • Wildlife Management trail, wildlife management, or general economic public to know the exact bounds for where and • Aesthetics development. It must be emphasized that these what type of use may be permitted. uses are not and should not be mutually exclusive. • Cultural & Historic Lack of public access is another issue impacting There is a need to share ideas, create a unified Resources use of the greenway, especially in relation to water approach and coordinate implementation efforts access to and from the Mohawk River and Erie • Education & Interpretation whenever possible. Canal. Although motorized boating is relatively • Land Use & Development It is also recognized that the greenway is lacking well accommodated along the canal and is a single entity to act as steward and to promote planned for within the NYS Canal Recreationway the potential multi-purpose enhancement of Plan, access for non-motorized boats is lacking. the Greenway Corridor. A single management The very nature of non-motorized boating requires entity may provide leadership to coordinate and a higher number of access points, spaced closer implement projects consistent with the greenway together along the waterway to allow for shorter goals and objectives. A management entity one-way trips or circuits. From a public safety might also serve as the central point of contact perspective, it is also important to have multiple to address information dissemination, funding, portages with emergency communication. implementation activities and planning. Public safety is a concern in remote areas of the Public Use greenway, especially those areas serviced by public roads that are not well travelled. These There are four primary issues associated with areas are known to attract party-goers and other public use within the greenway. These include illegal activities. Some trail users have expressed user conflicts, varying rules and regulations, lack concern that relatively long expanses of trails of adequate public access to the greenway and through remote areas that may be unlit, may not public safety. be heavily used, or lack emergency phones may As the greenway is further enhanced and utilized, be a unsafe.

32 peter j. smith & company, inc. Ecological Integrity Preserving the ecological integrity of the Most of the greenway has been identified as an Such habitat can benefit many species of fish Greenway Corridor is at the heart of the important focus area for protection of wetland and wildlife. Waterfowl, river otter, least bitterns, greenway’s success. This includes protection resources. The greenway is identified as part of and northern pike all benefit from an increase of wetlands, flood plains, habitats, unique the Oneida Lake Plain focus area in the North in wetland habitat. lands and threatened or endangered species; American Waterfowl Management Plan and, preventing continued fragmentation of habitats; therefore, protection and creation of wetland There are several programs available to assist and ensuring that wildlife habitat projects habitat on both private and public lands for private landowners with developing wetland or are promoted and realized throughout the migratory waterfowl such as mallard ducks, grassland habitats on private properties. These greenway. It is also important to address the black ducks and wood ducks is encouraged. programs are administered by the United States prevention and elimination of invasive species NYS DEC lands in the greenway are being Department of Agriculture (USDA). There are and harmful exotic species. managed for wetland habitat enhancement also many less formal ways landowners can and creation opportunities. create wildlife habitat on private property that There are few areas of the original river bed are promoted by conservation groups such as remaining in the greenway. Many portions of Beginning in the 1970s, the DEC created the National Wildlife Federation. the Mohawk River were destroyed or altered several plans for land acquisition and habitat Key to maintaining the ecological integrity when the 1913 Barge Canal was completed. enhancement along the Mohawk River of the greenway is the acquisition (or other Additionally, past land use practices resulted in corridor. Oriskany Flats, Rome, and Utica Marsh methods of protection such as conservation the clearing of land for agricultural use; a 1938 Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) were all easements, purchase of development rights aerial photo of Oriskany Flats shows that 90% of created from this plan. All three WMAs have and local land use regulation) of sufficient the land around and along the Mohawk River written plans that call for the creation and lands to allow ecological processes to continue had been cleared. These lands were heavily enhancement of flood plain wetland habitats, to function. Acquisition or other methods of ditched and tiled to drain spring and fall flood as well as the protection of riparian forests along land protection may benefit the ecological waters off the land to facilitate planting. the river corridor. Protection efforts focus on integrity of the greenway by providing sufficient ensuring that development does not damage As the human population in the Greenway acreage for ecological processes, establishing the last remaining stretches of the river bed Corridor and surrounding areas grows, continuous linkages throughout the length and on providing an upland buffer to protect development pressure on the corridor’s of the greenway, protecting sensitive areas against future development. Current efforts land increases. Direct development in the and acquiring key or valuable resources. The are underway in the Oriskany Flats and Utica flood plain is not practical due to the flood decision to protect and/or acquire specific Marsh WMAs to create, enhance, and manage frequencies that occur along the river system. lands within the greenway should be based on wetland habitat. The wetland creation projects However, development has and continues the extent to which such lands meet certain focus on the elimination of the old drainage to occur at the very edge of the flood plain. defined criteria as discussed further in Section ditches, allowing flood water to remain in Such development fragments the corridor and 8.0, Land Acquisition & Protection. inhibits the natural cycles associated with the certain locations along the greenway and greenway. providing open water and hemi-marsh habitat.

peter j. smith & company, inc. 33 Wildlife Management The Mohawk Valley has rich fish and wildlife Like in many regions of New York State, the Fisheries resources. The abundant wetland and greenway’s wildlife live in and around people. The greenway is rich with many water bodies that riparian nature of the valley provides wetland Although much of the floodplain along the provide recreational opportunity for fishermen. dependant species such as great blue herons Mohawk River and Erie Canal is not built upon, The Erie Canal and Mohawk River provide and wood ducks with high quality habitat. Past homes and industry have been constructed opportunity for a wide range of warm water and present agricultural practices outside the right up to the edge. Wildlife have adapted and species such as bass (large and smallmouth), river corridor enhance habitats for early and move freely in and among these developments. walleye, tiger musky, and northern pike. Fish mid-successional species like the American This sometimes promotes conflict between Creek has a vibrant brown trout population, woodcock, whitetail deer, and wild turkey. Fur human residents and wildlife. Species such as especially closer to its head waters, and efforts bearing animals like river otter, grey fox and beavers, Canada geese, and whitetail deer have been made to re-establish Atlantic Salmon raccoons also utilize the valley and surrounding can cause problems with both commercial into Fish Creek. Lake sturgeon have been area. The Mohawk River, Erie Canal and various and residential land users. Coyotes and skunks stocked into Oneida Lake and have done very trout streams are home to many game fish cause anxiety for residents who believe such well, with anglers taking the occasional sturgeon species. animals are dangerous. Wildlife is also prone to while fishing the canal. The greenway also has mortality from vehicles on the many roadways Working with partners within the greenway and many trout streams that are stocked annually that crisscross the greenway. DEC staff answer nearby, managers can implement policies by the NYS DEC Rome Fish Hatchery. Oriskany many questions from residents living within to address wildlife management, including Creek, Saquoit Creek, Mohawk River, and Nine the greenway regarding the management resource and habitat protection/enhancement, Mile creek receive thousands of brown trout of nuisance wildlife, hunting and trapping introduction/reintroduction of species, and which provide ample fishing opportunity close opportunities, and general wildlife questions. reduction of conflicts between humans and to several major population centers. wildlife. In 2005 Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was discovered in the Town of Verona and Wildife Westmoreland. CWD is a fatal disease of the The greenway’s wildlife and fishery resources central nervous system found in members of are managed by NYS DEC. Game species the Cervid family (Deer). After the discovery are managed on both a zone and wildlife of the disease in 2005, an intensive sampling management units (WMU) basis. The greenway effort was initiated with a mandatory check is found in several DEC WMUs. Whitetail deer, of all hunter harvested deer taken within the turkey, ringneck pheasant, waterfowl and CWD Containment Area (over half of the 750 cottontail rabbits are popular species to hunt square mile area is found within the greenway in the fall. Most hunting seasons and harvest boundary). At this writing no new positive CWD quotas are established by the DEC on an annual cases have been discovered in the greenway. basis for the various WMUs, while waterfowl hunting seasons are developed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). There are many non-game species that are protected at the federal level and the state level. Many trout streams within the greenway are stocked annually.

34 peter j. smith & company, inc. Aesthetics Cultural and Historic Resources Education and Interpretation The level of comfort that greenway users The cultural and historic resources within the The overall level of public knowledge and experience is directly tied to the attractiveness Greenway Corridor are important pieces in awareness of the greenway, its resources and of the Greenway Corridor. Maintaining and the evolution of the region and are typically potential for enhancement is relatively low. enhancing its visual image is an important referenced as part of the Revolution, westward Efforts are needed on a number or fronts to concern. settlement and canal development. There build awareness, especially since an aware are existing interpretive efforts surrounding public is one that will support and participate During the 1900s, a common and unfortunately Fort Stanwix, the Erie Canal National Heritage in the protection and enhancement of the accepted practice involved dumping debris in Corridor and the Mohawk Valley Heritage greenway. Coordination of education and wet, undevelopable areas. To this day, similar Corridor. interpretation efforts and partnerships between types of unsightly land use continue to be the various agencies and organizations sited in these locations. Concern has been Before the construction of the Erie Canal, Wood managing similar greenway resources is expressed about the aesthetics of abandoned Creek and early locks, including the infrastructure needed. These agencies and organizations industrial sites, scrap metal recycling facilities, of the Western Inland Lock Navigation may include local governments, economic junk yards and mining in the Greenway Corridor. Company, were important links in the east-west development agencies, tourism agencies, Also, there is concern regarding litter and debris transportation route. Today, historic markers in schools and colleges, environmental and along roads within the corridor. Rome identify the Upper and Lower Landings, sportsmen organizations, and recreation-based portage points between the Mohawk River and While cleanup events occur annually, such as organizations. Wood Creek known as the Old Oneida Carrying those within Utica Marsh, there is a need for Place. Archeological remnants of historic locks additional programs and strategies. are hidden within the greenway. Dr. Phil Lord Land Use and Development of the New York State Museum has performed extensive studies of these early navigation sites As a Home Rule state, the individual and the Rome Historical Society houses some municipalities within the Greenway Corridor maps and interpretative information, but lack have the power to regulate land use within of protection and general knowledge of these their respective boundaries. The result is that sites leaves these archeological complexes at land use controls can vary dramatically from risk. one municipality to the next. To compound this issue, each municipality has adopted its As explained in Section 2.0, Context, the geology own comprehensive plan on which to base and ecology of the Mohawk River Valley played these land use regulations. Each municipal a key role in defining the area’s culture and comprehensive plan treats the greenway area history. Some greenway planning partners differently and establishes different goals and would like this link between the greenway’s objectives. However, municipalities within cultural and historic resources and its geologic the corridor generally recognize the need to and ecologic context to be more fully explored integrate and coordinate land use controls with and interpreted. adjoining municipalities. There is a need for municipalities to address the greenway in future A series of shallow ponds, like this one along Reber Road, are updates to their comprehensive plans. remnants from past gravel mining.

peter j. smith & company, inc. 35 How Would I Know I’m on the Greenway? 7.0 Creating an identity for the Mohawk River Corridor Greenway is essential for the protection, development, Creating an acceptance, and promotion of the greenway. The identity can create “place recognition” for potential users and can also help steer future development. Identity Part of creating the greenway’s identity is to make people aware that the greenway exists, where its boundaries are, and what resources are available. Creating a successful identity will also require the development of tools for interpretation and understanding of the greenway’s resources. The creation and identification of Themes and various Gateways can help achieve this identity.

Resource-Based Themes These are: the Oneida Lake Plain, the Divide, and the Mohawk River Flats. These themes are Based on the information contained in Section 5.0, influenced primarily by the geologic context of the Resource Profile, an interpretation of the greenway’s study area as described in Section 4.0, Greenway resources helps to reinforce the greenway’s identity Boundary, and are shown on the following and facilitate usage of and/or respect for these Greenway Identity map. resources. Three themes are proposed, which interpret the landscape character of the greenway within Oneida County.

Did you know... The Mohawk River Corridor Greenway includes or is close to some of the most well- developed trail systems in New York State. Additionally existing attractions and destinations accommodate walkers, hikers, bicyclists, boaters and paddlers, snowmobilers and automobile tourists.

This figure illustrates the three landscape character areas within the greenway study area.

36 peter j. smith & company, inc. Gateways Gateways are entry points into the Greenway Interpretative Gateways Regional Gateways Corridor and can be used to reinforce the Interpretative Gateways are the most developed Regional Gateways should be located where greenway’s identity and facilitate awareness of of the four gateway types. These gateways major, through roads enter the Greenway the greenway. The development of gateways should incorporate various interpretative tools Corridor. Through roads are roads on which may include a number of features, but at a to introduce local residents and visitors to the vehicles travel to reach a non-local destination. minimum they should include wayfinding signs greenway’s resources. Gateway facilities may Most of the proposed regional gateways are with an common iconic logo. Gateways may consist of a staffed storefront or a kiosk located located on state highways. These gateways also be more developed to include, perhaps, at a highly visible location, panels with maps should be more developed than local gateways, a roadside pullout for vehicles and a kiosk with and information about the history and natural since they may be a visitor’s first contact with interpretive panels, maps and information environment of the corridor, and information the greenway corridor. The following is a list of about local history or natural features of the about related tourist features (such as the Erie suggested regional gateway locations: area. The level of development of a gateway Canalway, Scenic Byways, bike routes, boat - State Route 13 near Sylvan Beach may depend on the physical characteristics of launches, accommodations, restaurants, and the site location, the land that is available, and shopping). Three Interpretative Gateways are - State Route 46 near Stacey’s Basin the presence of nearby significant places and proposed, one for each of the three theme - Rome (west)/Erie Canal Village near the connections. areas; the development of the Interpretative intersection of State Routes 49 and 69 There are several types of gateways that are Gateways should emphasize the gateway’s - Rome (south) near the intersection of proposed: respective interpretative theme: the Lake State Route 365 and South James Street Plain, the Divide, and the Mohawk River - Stanwix near the intersection of State Interpretative Gateways Flats. Locations for the proposed Interpretative Routes 233 and 69 Regional Gateways Gateways are shown on the Greenway Identity - Rome (east) near the intersection of State Local Gateways map. Routes 49 and 365 Thruway Gateways The development of these Interpretative - Utica (east) near the intersection of State Gateways should be coordinated with the Route 5s and Culver Avenue locations for “Canal Ports” as may be proposed - Utica (north) near the intersection of State in the State and Regional Canal Plans, thereby Routes 12 and 49 creating an opportunity for co-location and joint funding.

peter j. smith & company, inc. 37 Local Gateways Thruway Gateway Local Gateways should be located where roads with Thruway Gateways are the final type of proposed predominantly local traffic enter the corridor. Local gateway. These two gateways should be placed where Gateways can be less developed than Regional the New York State Thruway crosses the Greenway Gateways since their most important function is to Corridor from the east and the west. Although the identify the presence and boundary of the greenway Greenway Corridor is not directly accessible from the and provide more local wayfinding. Suggested Thruway, it is visible and a gateway feature consisting locations for Local Gateways include: of signage would be seen by thousands of vehicles daily. Examples of similar signage along the Thruway - Sylvan Beach near the intersection of include the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and Higginsville Road and Vienna Road Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor. - Rome Sand Plains near the intersection of Lauther Road and State Route 49 - Oriskany Flats near the intersection of River Street and State Route 69 - Oriskany (west) near the intersection of River Street and State Route 49 - Oriskany (east) near State Route 291 and Oriskany Boulevard (State Route 69) - Marcy near State Route 291 and River Road - Whitesboro near Mohawk Street and Oriskany Boulevard - Marcy near Mohawk Street and River Road - Utica near Oriskany Street West and Barnes Avenue

 It should be noted that placement of any signage along the NYS Thruway must be in compliance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which specifies the style, color, size and materials for signs that are within the right-of-way. The proposed gateway signs would be categorized within the manual as “Recreational and Cultural Interest”, with the subcategory of “General Directional Guide Signs”. Specific information on this type of sign is available online at http://mutcd.fhwa. dot.gov/pdfs/2003r1r2/ch2f _ 2i.pdf.

38 peter j. smith & company, inc. INSERT 8-1/2 X 14 GREENWAY IDENTITY MAP (back of map)

40 peter j. smith & company, inc. How Could I Explore the Greenway?

As discussed earlier, it is important for users to know what resources are available and where they are located. One tool that can be used for wayfinding and interpretation is the development of interpretative trail routes. Two interpretative trail routes have been proposed within the greenway corridor. These include the Nature Trail Route and the Historic Route. These routes have been proposed after consideration of the corridor’s existing resources and incorporate already existing trail routes and/or roads. This reduces the need to develop additional infrastructure specific to the greenway, yet will provide connectivity between corridor themes and resources. The Nature Trail Route emphasizes opportunities for landside trail users, whether on foot or bicycle, including both local residents and visitors. If properly planned, the route can also provide corridors that can be utilized by wildlife to travel between the various natural area nodes and ecosystems within the greenway. The Historic Route caters more to the driving tourist, who are categorized as knowledge seekers or heritage and culture seekers. Nature Trail Route The Nature Trail Route is proposed as a The proposed Nature Trail Route and linkages continuous route that visitors (primarily walkers, to other existing trails are illustrated on the hikers and bikers) can follow to obtain the following Wayfinding map. A large portion of maximum exposure to the natural environment the Nature Trail Route is proposed to incorporate within the Greenway Corridor and the immediate the Canalway Trail once complete. Specific Did you know... surrounding area. The route includes a mixture of linkages from the Canalway Trail to important existing and currently proposed trails, pathways natural areas should be further developed and The wet area know as Utica and bike routes. The Mohawk River and the Erie enhanced. Some of significant natural areas Marsh resulted from the Canal, important natural corridors themselves, that are linked by the proposed Nature Trail construction of the New York are subsets of the Nature Trail Route and provide Route include: Verona Beach State Park, Wood State Thruway and the Horatio additional opportunities for waterside trail users Creek, the Erie Canal, the Mohawk River and Arterial (Route 12) in the and linkages to tributaries. Rome Sand Plains, as well as the Rome, Oriskany 1950s and the building of the Expressway in the 1970s. All of Though the proposed Nature Trail Route is Flats and Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Areas, these projects restricted the continuous, it also includes secondary side flow of floodwaters. loops and spurs necessary to reach significant natural resources not on the main trail. These secondary routes create variety and interest for the user and provide the option for shorter hikes within the larger route.

peter j. smith & company, inc. 41 Historic Route The Historic Route is proposed as a continuous vehicular route that links the maximum number of historical and cultural resources in the corridor. The route includes a network of existing roads and therefore requires only the specific designation as the Historic Route of the greenway. Like the Nature Trail Route, the Historic Route includes spurs to reach significant sites that may be located adjacent to the corridor boundaries. Some of the historic and cultural sites that are linked by this proposed route include: the Sylvan Beach Amusement Park, Lock 21, Erie Canal Village, Fort Stanwix, the Upper and Lower Landings in Rome, the Oriskany Battlefield, and the historic district in Utica.

Did you know... Historical accounts of westward travel along Wood Creek include the following: “We spent the night in scratching rather than in sleep for mosquitoes and small gnats are more numerous and troublesome along the banks of Wood Creek than any other part of the wilderness. We were obliged to send for water to a spring, which was known to the people on board our vessel, which was three miles away. This water, though bad in itself, was excellent in comparison to the muddy and stagnant water of Wood Creek, and with rum was drinkable.” (1799)

Liancourt, Duke De La Rochefoucault. Automobile tourists along the Historic Route will have the opportunity to stop and Travels Through The United States of North engage in activities that interpret the greenway’s natural, cultural and historic America... London, 1799. in G. Martin resources, such as this cruise along the canal near the Erie Canal Village. Sleeman. Early Histories and Descriptions of Oneida County. Utica, 1990. p 36.

42 peter j. smith & company, inc. INSERT 8-1/2 X 14 WAYFINDING MAP (back of map) What Could I Do While in the Greenway? Potential Development Concepts An identity for the greenway can also be supported by the types of activities that are offered and promoted within the corridor. Prior to implementation of specific activities, broad-based development concepts must be identified and directly linked to the resource potentials available. As stated in the greenway Vision, the focus of the greenway is to protect and enhance natural features, natural processes and wildlife habitat, while providing opportunities for recreation and for appreciation of the area’s cultural and historical significance. Thus, the identity for the greenway should include development concepts that emphasize nature, culture and recreation. The following, proposed development concepts are shown in relation to the greenway’s existing resources on the Potential Development Opportunities map. Nature-based Concepts Potential development opportunities that emphasize the protection of nature include activities and sights geared toward individuals interested in exploring the area’s natural environment. The development concepts listed below could potentially improve the users’ experience of nature while protecting and enhancing the ecosystem. The concepts are intended to encourage public use and education, limit access to sensitive natural areas and improve existing wildlife and plant habitat.

“The Mohawk Wildlife Center” “The Geologic Zone” Establish and construct a centrally located wildlife Use the geologic and ecological or nature education center including exhibit significance of the Rome Sand Plains and and classroom building, observation platforms, surrounding area to develop a “back-in- walking trails, educational programs, etc. Potential time adventure” type of atmosphere, locations could include areas near Reber Road, including an education center, programs Oriskany Flats, or at the Oneida-Herkimer Solid and tours. Educational programs and Waste Authority property near Wurtz Avenue. attractions could emphasize the historic The center could incorporate NYS DOT wetland geology of Lake Iroquois, receding mitigation sites and could be linked to canoe glaciers, ecosystem succession, and kayak activities (discussed under the following protection and re-introduction of Recreation-based Concepts). threatened/endangered species, etc. this area could also be linked to canoe and kayak activities.

Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area.

peter j. smith & company, inc. 45 Culture- and History-based Concepts Potential development opportunities that reinforce cultural and hictoric resources relate to present/past human society, including elements of the way people work and play. These opportunities are intended to promote and make better use of the existing built environment. These development concepts may strengthen the local economy and improve the “quality of life” factor.

“Historic Amusement Park and Beach Resort” “Native American Heritage Village” Enhance the historic nature of the Sylvan Beach Amusement Park Coordinate efforts with the Oneida Indian Nation to create a replica village to create a “Coney Island” type atmosphere, including boardwalks, within the greenway, similar to the theme/atmosphere found at facilities village shops, restaurants, beach concessions, etc. Coordinate with such as the Jamestown Settlement the Canal Recreationway Plan recommendations for enhanced Powhatan Village or Farmers Museum. boat tie-up marinas to encourage additional visitation from Include educational programs about waterside users. Native American culture and history and Create linkages linkages to nature. Potential development to the greenway concepts might also offer present-day and ecologically shops of local Native American crafts, significant areas etc. around Verona Powhatan Village photo source: http://travel.webshots.com/album/ Beach State Park. “Regional Farmers’ Market” 559481998PWLzHj Sylvan Beach Amusement Park Build upon the vibrant agricultural community within and adjacent to photo source: the greenway, particularly in the western portion of the corridor. Create a http://www.sylvanbeach.org/ amusementpark/fun.html regional farmers’ market to provide residents, canal transients, and landside visitors access to locally grown produce. Local and organic produce is an expanding market niche. Buying direct from local farmers has additional “Little Italy on the Mohawk” benefits such as keeping revenue within the community, providing access to Emphasize the role of Italian immigrants in the setlement of the fresh food, and helping to reduce fuel consumption and associated impacts. Greenway Corridor. Recreate Italianate architecture, restaurants, A potential location for this market might be in the vicinity of State Routes 46 culture, outdoor market etc. in a waterfront setting. A potential and 49, which may be convenient for motorists, trail users and boaters alike. location could be along the canal waterfront in the City of Rome and could emphasize the link of Italian heritage in the development “Outdoor Concert and Event Center” of the canal. Linkages could be provided to Bellamy Harbor Park, Establish a facility within the greenway that offers seasonal outdoor concerts stores, shops, restaurants, or other cultural and historic attractions. and events. Develop a smaller-scale or mini-”Saratoga Performing Arts Center“ atmosphere. Potential locations might include Lock 20 Canal Park in Utica or Utica Marina. Enhance events such as “Betsy the Barge” and provide related support services and facilities such as a band shell, performance barge or stage, seating, concessions, restrooms, etc. Saratoga Performing Arts Center photo source: http://www.spac.org/support.cfm

46 peter j. smith & company, inc. “The Northeast Conference and Events Center” The greenway’s central location in New York State and the relative ease of access via the Thruway, rail, etc. may provide an opportunity to develop a site within the greenway for a “Northeast Conference and Events Center”. This concept could offer an array of privately operated, large-scale conference facilities. A potential location might include the areas surrounding Utica Harbor and could incorporate waterfront development on both the canal and the river, coordination with the City’s gateway district and downtown development, and numerous support services such as restaurants, public transportation services, shopping, etc. A public waterside park could encourage use by visitors as well as residents. The park could be combined with the development of one of the proposed greenway gateways, which would provide linkages to and promote other greenway resources. “The Boat Works” Provide for the rehabilitation of the canal dry dock located in New London and use of the facility as an outdoor, working museum that includes replica canal boats, demonstrations of boat construction and maintenance activities, educational programs on the workings of locks, etc. The historic nature of this facility could easily be linked to the Old Erie Canal State Park and Erie Canal Village.

Conceptual view of the proposed Boat Works.

peter j. smith & company, inc. 47 Recreation-based Concepts Potential development opportunities that emphasize recreation would focus on the use of and/or improvements to the greenway’s existing physical environment and for the enjoyment of its users. The following recreational development concepts might also act as an inducement for businesses to locate in the area and provide support services to many of the other development opportunities.

“Canoe and Kayak Park” Establish and construct a centrally located facility to promote the use of the river and canal for non- motorized boating. This opportunity could support the development of the Nature Trail Route on the waterways. Establish various trip loops based on ability, distance and desired trip duration. Include an instructional component such as a canoe and kayak school, provide for canoe and kayak rentals, and provide a venue for the establishment of local canoe and kayak clubs. Related support services might include boat launches/portages, picnic areas, concessions, bus service and multi-boat trailers to transport boaters and boats back to their origination point, etc.

Instructional classes in the basics of canoeing and kayaking can make the sports accessible to more residents and visitors (above).

Conceptual view of a boat launch for non-motorized boats, part of the proposed Canoe and Kayak Park. (left).

48 peter j. smith & company, inc. “A Bird Watching Haven” The corridor’s natural resources and wetland complexes provide important habitat for waterfowl and resident and migrating birds. The North American Waterfowl Management Plan identifies the Oneida Lake Plain as an important area for migratory waterfowl and recommends habitat protection and creation. Develop a bird watching haven along the Mohawk River including observation blinds, educational programs and interpretive panels about birds and waterfowl, migration routes, habitat, etc. This development concept could support the recommendations of the Waterfowl Management Plan and create opportunities for bird watching enthusiasts, students, and casual visitors alike. Potential locations might include the Mohawk River in the vicinity of the Mohawk and Rome gate, Utica Marsh or Reber Road.

“The Bike and Hike Fitness Center” Conceptual view of the proposed Bird Watching Given the recent emphasis on the development of numerous hiking and biking trails within and adjoining Haven. the greenway, develop a regional facility for bikeway and trail users. Similar to the canoe and Kayak Park, this facility could establish various trip loops and day trips to other opportunities within the greenway. A hike and bike school, hike and bike rentals and a venue for local hike and bike clubs could also be provided. Related support services might include bike rentals and repair, picnic areas, concessions, equipment pick-up and drop-off, etc.

peter j. smith & company, inc. 49 Potential development concepts can help greenway partners envision the possibilities for greenway use and development. The landscape architects at peter j. smith & company prepared the following before and after photo simulations to illustrate how several proposed concepts could look. The Boat Works

before after A Birdwatching Haven

before after Canoe and Kayak Park

before after

50 peter j. smith & company, inc. INSERT 8-1/2 X 14 POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS MAP (back of map) How Can Planning Partners Manage Property to Create a Greenway? 8.0 Key to maintaining the ecological integrity of the greenway is the acquisition (or other methods of Land Protection protection such as conservation easements, purchase of development rights and local land use regulation) of sufficient lands to allow ecological processes to continue to function. This applies to & Acquisition all the unique ecosystems that make up the greenway. Furthermore, the acquisition of land may be needed to link units of land together, protect lands that have ecological, cultural/historical or scenic value, and/or provide access to key use areas.

Acquisition of land may benefit the Public Land Acquisition ecological integrity of the greenway There exists a multitude of publicly held lands decision is whether there is a willing seller. For by providing sufficient acreage for along the Greenway Corridor and the opportunity example, an area may be identified as being ecological processes, establishing to mass and link these lands. A stated objective highly desirable or valuable, but the property will continuous linkages throughout the of the greenway is to create a continuous network not be obtained unless there is a willing seller. length of the greenway, protecting of land (in public ownership or having easements), Conversely, there may be instances where lands sensitive areas and acquiring key which is managed to support healthy, functioning that meet fewer of the following criteria may be or valuable resources. ecosystems. A stated objective of this Greenway purchased or protected sooner because of an Plan is to establish standards for the acquisition offer from a willing seller. of greenway land. (See Section 3.0, Goals and The following criteria may also influence which Objectives for more information.) The following greenway planning partner acquires or in some criteria have been developed to support the goals manner stewards the land. For example, a and objectives of this study and of the overall property that may provide access or parking may greenway plan by establishing a framework to be of interest to the NYS DOT or Canal Corporation, prioritize the acquisition of public land. Did you know... whereas a property that provides valuable wildlife In general, the more of the criteria a specific habitat may be of interest to the NYS DEC or a Thomas Jefferson once said: property meets, the more valuable that property land trust. All of these criteria and factors must “Cultivators of the earth are the may be from a greenway protection and/or be considered and carefully balanced in the most valuable citizens. They greenway enhancement viewpoint. This value decision to acquire and/or protect lands within the are the most vigorous, the most does not, however, relate in any way to the property greenway. independent, the most virtuous, appraisal, the assessed value, the monetary This plan recommends that the decision to and they are tied to their country payment that may be offered to acquire that acquire and/or protect additional land should be and wedded to its interests by the property, or any tax benefit that could be derived based on the extent to which such lands meet the most lasting bonds.” through a conservation easement placed on following criteria. All land protection efforts should a property. Additionally, although the following be guided by local and regional land use plans, criteria provide an indication of which areas may state and federal initiatives that compliment the be desirable to acquire or otherwise protect, the greenway plan and policies and procedures of overriding factor which influences this ultimate the NYS Open Space Conservation Plan.

peter j. smith & company, inc. 53 Land Acquisition Criteria: This plan recommends that the decision to acquire land be based on the extent to which such lands meet certain criteria as discussed below.

Criteria Description Factors

A. Greenway Boundary The property is wholly 1. The property is wholly or partially within the Greenway or partially within the Corridor. (See Section 4, Greenway Boundary) Greenway boundary. 2. The property is wholly or partially within the the Riverine Lowland Area. (See Section 4, Greenway Boundary)

B. Ecologically The property includes 1. The property is wholly or partially within a stream/river Valuable an ecologically corridor, wetland or floodplain. valuable area requiring 2. The property contains plant communities considered protection. rare or unusual and/or plants and animals listed as endangered, threatened or species of special concern and/or it contains areas potentially suitable for the restoration of such species. 3. The property includes significant wildlife habitat. 4. The property allows for the proper ecological function of the corridor’s natural resources including hydraulic function (stormwater management and flood storage), animal movement or plant/seed dispersal. 5. The property is substantially comprised of soils that are highly rated for agricultural or forestry productivity.

C. Provides a Buffer The property provides 1. The property is directly adjacent to an ecologically a buffer needed to valuable area (as defined in Criteria B). protect ecologically 2. The property is geographically situated between valuable lands from an ecologically valuable area (as defined in Criteria inappropriate use. B) and a land use that may threaten the integrity of the ecologically valuable area. Such land uses may include, but not be limited to: commercial/industrial land uses, mining activities, high-density residential areas, intensive recreation or public use areas and areas exposed to toxic substances. 3. The property deters public access to an ecologically valuable area that is sensitive to disturbance and may require protection and/or limited access.

54 peter j. smith & company, inc. Criteria Description Factors

D. Links or Consolidates The property links or 1. The property is surrounded by or directly adjacent to Existing Public Lands consolidates existing property currently owned or protected by greenway holdings, ecologically planning partners, including but not limited to: NYS valuable areas or DEC; NYS DOT; NYS Canal Corporation; NYS Office of areas with cultural Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; National and/or historical Parks Service; Oneida County or its municipalities; The significance. Nature Conservancy; or the Izaak Walton League. 2. The property is surrounded by or directly adjacent to an ecologically valuable area as identified in Criteria B. 3. The property is within or adjoins railroad or utility right of ways. 4. The property abuts an existing stream/river corridor or the Erie Canal right of way. 5. The property provides for a continuation of ecologically important cover types, forests or high quality farmland. 6. The property is located within or adjacent to an area noted for its cultural and/or historic significance by the NYS Museum; NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission; or other greenway planning partners.

E. Provides Access The property is 1. The property is located at the intersection of any two or strategically located more of the following: a public road, railroad or utility to provide access for right of way or stream/river corridor. human and/or animal 2. The property includes frontage on a public road and populations. provides a direct linkage to an ecologically valuable area (as defined in Criteria B) or an existing natural, recreational or cultural/historical area. 3. The property contains features that may allow animals to cross barriers that may otherwise hinder their access to the greenway’s natural resources or their movement along the greenway. Such features may include culverts under roads or highways, exposed shoreline along bridge embankments (i.e. dry land under bridges), etc.

peter j. smith & company, inc. 55 Criteria Description Factors F. Culturally and/or The property includes 1. The property is located within or adjacent to an area Historically Valuable culturally and/or noted for its historic and/or cultural significance by historically valuable the NYS Museum; NYS Office of Parks Recreation and areas requiring Historic Preservation; Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor protection. Commission; or other greenway planning partners. 2. The property is within or provides a linkage to historic corridors such as, but not limited to: the Mohawk River, Wood Creek, Fish Creek, and the NYS Canal System. 3. The property contains archeological features valuable to the preservation and interpretation of the region’s culture and history.

G. Valuable Scenic The property includes 1. A property that contains a high quality view of the Resource a valuable scenic greenway and its resources. resource. 2. A property from which a high quality view can be observed (either viewing into or from the greenway).

H. Not Conducive to The property is largely 1. The property is largely comprised of NYS regulated Development comprised of certain wetlands that may provide limitations to appropriate natural resources development. and limitations that 2. The property is largely comprised of National Flood are not conducive Insurance Program (NFIP) regulated floodplain areas that to development may provide limitations to appropriate development. consistent with local land use regulations. 3. The property is largely comprised of soils with severe limitations for septic absorption fields that may provide limitations to appropriate development. 4. The property is largely comprised of soils with severe limitations for buildings with basements that may provide limitations to appropriate development. 5. The property is largely comprised of soils with a depth to groundwater of less than 6 feet that may provide limitations to appropriate development.

56 peter j. smith & company, inc. Other Methods of Land Protection Other methods of land protection that may be utilized to link and Existing land trusts active in the greater greenway region include: protect greenway resources include conservation easements, purchase Otsego Land Trust: www.otsegolandtrust.org, (607) 547-2366 of development rights and local land use regulation. These first two methods may be facilitated through partnerships with existing nonprofit Chenango Land Trust: PO Box 1284, Norwich, NY 13815-4284, land conservation organizations or by establishing a like minded entity [email protected] (607) 674-4017 within the corridor. Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy: www.mohawkhudson.org, (518) 436-6346 Land Trusts Conservation Easements Land trusts offer several opportunities by which landowners and communities can work in concert to conserve land held in private A conservation easements is a legal agreement between a land trust and ownership. The goal of a conservation land trust is to perpetually preserve a landowner that permanently limits use of the land in order to protect sensitive natural areas, farmland, cultural/historic resources, etc. Many its conservation values. These agreements enable the landowner to different strategies are used to provide protection, including outright continue to own and use the land, sell it, or pass it on to heirs. Current acquisition of the land by the trust, purchase of a conservation easement and future owners are bound by the conservation easement’s terms on the property to prevent development, or purchase of development and a land trust is responsible for making sure the easement’s terms are rights on the land. Trusts also provide funding to assist like-minded followed. Conservation easements may be donated and may qualify as private buyers or government organizations to purchase and protect the a tax deductible charitable donation if the donation benefits the public land forever. More information on land trusts can be obtained from the by permanently protecting important conservation resources and if other following sources: federal tax code requirements are met. In some instances development Resources to aid in the protection of important conservation lands rights are purchased in the crafting of a conservation easement. include: Purchase of Development Rights American Farmland Trust: www.farmland.org; Purchase of development rights (PDR) are public finance measures that NY Office (518) 581-0078 can fund the acquisition and retirement of development rights in order Land Trust Alliance: www.lta.org, (202) 638-4725; to preserve land in perpetuity. Municipal, county, state, federal and LTA Northeast region (518)587-0774 privately-sponsored PDR programs enable private landowners to partner Open Space Institute: www.osiny.org, (212) 244-3441 with the public in land preservation efforts. Through PDR programs, the sponsor provides a cash payment to a landowner for the value of the The Nature Conservancy: www.nature.org; development rights associated with a land parcel. The owner still owns Central & Western NY chapter (585)546-8030 the land, but is compensated for relinquishing the right to develop it Trust for Public Land: www.tpl.org; as real estate. Agriculture and other uses of the land continue. PDR Mid-Altantic region (212) 677-7171 programs enable land conservation at a much-reduced expense, as the cost of PDR is less than outright purchase of land and costs associated with subsequent management of the land remain the responsibility of the landowner.

peter j. smith & company, inc. 57 How is the Greenway Linked to Tourism? 9.0 Development of Local Use and Tourism Tourism & The purpose of the Tourism and Marketing section of the Greenway Plan is to identify the linkage that the corridor has to tourism activities and to understand the range of visitor amenities and opportunities Marketing that could be developed to create a unified approach to promote tourism and visitation within the Greenway Corridor. The section identifies corridor user groups and their potential economic impact. Recreation user groups The greenway is a recreation are matched with existing and potential greenway resources in order to develop a market profile of users. destination for motorized and non- This profile can be utilized to highlight the greenway’s resources and destinations for their beneficial use motorized water craft and trail and for maximum economic development potential. The potential exists for visitors to actively engage users including biking and walking. in additional or crossover activities while they are on the greenway. Additionally, the greenway can The corridor is also a major outdoor provide local residents with experiences that will encourage visitors to return again and again, and share recreation destination for the their experiences with others. consumptive sports of hunting, trapping and fishing as well as for With its waterways including the canal, Mohawk River and creeks, plus more than 2,000 acres of state snowmobiling and wildlife viewing, parks including a state beach, two historic sites and a state historic park, 4,000 acres in Oneida County particularly bird watching. under management of the Canal Corporation, plus local parks and green spaces, the Greenway Corridor offers multiple opportunities for outdoor relaxation and leisure activities. In addition to these amenities, other recreation and amusement venues on and off the greenway make it an outdoor recreation and entertainment destination for local residents as well as visitors.

Economic Impact of Greenway Corridor Recreation Both residents and non-residents fall into the greenway’s user groups. Residents are the primary market for the recreation resources of the greenway. Residents’ direct economic impact may be lower on a per capita basis, but there can be many more of them participating. For example, $580 million of the more than $680 million generated by hunting and trapping is generated in-state by NYS residents. Although many greenway activities are among those that participants tend to enjoy at home, the Greenway Corridor is a destination for some activities and is very likely to attract visitors to participate in those activities or to have visitors who may want to enhance their travel experience by adding a greenway activity. These activities include sports and recreation that involve higher levels of physical exertion (bicycling, for example) and activities that require specialized equipment (kayaking, for example). Cycling the Canal brings upwards of 500 participants from 39 states, with two-thirds from New York (2007); Tour de Tug, a 100-mile route through the Central Adirondacks includes Utica and Rome. The following table summarizes the numbers of recreation participants and their spending and economic impact where it could be determined.

58 peter j. smith & company, inc. Economic Impact of Greenway Corridor Recreation

Participants Spending/Economic Impact Home/Away Notes Consumptive Recreation Hunting & Trapping 14,522 hunting and trapping licenses $683 million statewide, $1,185 expenditures 87% of participants 3% of state residents issued in Oneida County in 2002 per participant in NYS (2006) hunt and trap in state hunt/trap

Fishing 12,593 fishing and 13,996 $929 million statewide, $831 expenditures 80% of participants fish 7% of state residents combination fishing/hunting licenses per participant in NYS (2006) in state fish issued in Oneida County in 2002

Non-Consumptive Recreation Biking 49% of Canalway Trail users $850 person/trip Primary at-home 41% of Americans and participation 42% of New Yorkers participate

Boating 11,986 motorboats registered to $599 average per boater expenditure in the 11,089 licensees say Includes motorboaters Oneida residents (2004) region (2004) Oneida is the County of only; 74,000 boats used use (2004) the canal in 2005

Snowmobiling 8,249 registered to Oneida residents $20 million in Oneida County for all winter 8,494 licensees say 550 miles/trails in (2004) recreation/$875 million statewide (2003) Oneida the County of County use (2004)

Visit Historic/ 81% of American adult travelers $623person/trip (2002) A historic/ culture 47% of New Yorkers Cultural Site destination is the participate primary trip reason for 68% of historic/ culture travelers

Visit Park/Beach 52% of New Yorkers participate in picnicking, 42% visit beaches

Walking/Hiking 38% of Canalway Trail users $850 person/trip (2002) 81% of Americans and 85% of New Yorkers participate

Wildlife 23% of state residents $1.6 billion statewide, $334 expenditures per 90% of participants Watching participant in NYS (2005) enjoy this activity near their homes

peter j. smith & company, inc. 59 Will the Greenway Attract Visitors? What Do Greenway Users Need?

Area residents will contribute significantly to the greenway’s use. There Opportunities for Recreation Enhancement is also great potential to attract visitors because of the greenway’s wide In order to encourage participation in the range of activities available variety of natural amenities, recreational activities, and cultural and along the greenway, the greenway should be organized and accessible historic opportunities. and should be well connected to amenities that are outside of the Greenway Corridor. The greenway’s spatial organization and interpretive Automobile Tourists potential are addressed in Section 7.0, Creating an Identity. Driving for pleasure and sightseeing are among the top ten outdoor Overall, participants in outdoor activities respond most favorably to places recreational activities in the nation and in the state. The automobile that look attractive because they associate attractiveness with safety touring public is an excellent source of visitors interested in heritage, and security. Clear directions and wayfinding is critical for all enthusiasts, culture and natural resources preservation. whether they are hunting for the first time, biking on a trail or road, driving a scenic byway, paddling a new blueway or motorboating. Public facilities According to analyses by including restrooms and showers are important. Directions and phone the Erie Canalway National numbers for retailers and repair shops are important information to provide Heritage Corridor, 90 in case of a problem. Recreation enthusiasts are ready to adhere to percent of heritage/culture explicit and implicit rules governing behavior and use of amenities, and visitors arrive by automobile. they rightfully expect others to do so as well. Clearly stated rules and These visitors are lifelong enforcement enhance the experience for everyone. learners and tend to diverge into two important The table at right presents some opportunities for development that groups: families, who are are specific to outdoor recreation on the greenway. These potential enhancements are based on the inventory of greenway resources knowledge seekers, using and the use profile presented in previous sections as well as feedback vacations and holidays received from public input sessions. as opportunities to show their children the sites and scenery associated with The Erie Canal offers tourists the opportunity to learn the culture and heritage of about the history of navigation in New York State. the nation; and heritage and culture seekers, older retired and empty- nest singles and couples who are equally interested in learning but more likely to attend cultural events than their more active counterparts who are more likely to hike and bike. These travelers have the wherewithal to travel comfortably, they do so and they are far more likely than knowledge seekers to visit casinos.

60 peter j. smith & company, inc. Opportunities for Recreation Enhancement

Opportunities Amenities Consumptive Recreation Hunting & Trapping Wildlife habitat restoration; open space preservation Hunting and fishing enthusiasts get an early start: potential for local restaurants that open at 4:30 - 5 a.m. for hunters’ (or anglers’) breakfasts

Fishing Wetland and fish habitat restoration, access See above Non-Consumptive Recreation Biking Feedback from bicycle users’ comments revealed the following opportunities: Bicycle and gear storage for the casual and long-haul the need for trails and rides that go somewhere or connect to something biker; way finding to amenities such as shopping and else, the desire for added loops to enhance the existing linear experience, restaurants from trails and bikeways the need to replace on-road sections of the Canalway Trail (where bikes must currently use the roadway) with off-road trails; improvement of Adirondack Scenic Rail for bikers.

Boating Water trail development and connectivity; improved access for non-motorized Parking, docking, short term secure storage and boating; study on effects of current (spring 2008) Canal Corp. plans to limit facilities locking hours which, when combined with an already unpopular speed limit, could negatively impact boating in the region.

Snowmobiling Access, connectivity among trail systems Snowmobiling is a family-oriented activity and snowmobilers also participate in dining, sightseeing and festivals

Visit Historic/Cultural Thematic connections among the greenway’s heritage/culture destinations Authentic local experiences are most important to this Site and between those on the Corridor and off-Corridor destinations; the Corridor user; Little Italy will be a key future destination, greenway is rich in pre-historic and important natural destinations and these but so could Sylvan Beach, local artisans making and should be accessible and interpreted selling their wares; farmers markets, architecture tours

Visit Park/Beach Connectivity between trails and parks/beach: create links from the greenway Parking, bicycle storage, concessions to municipal parks and to beaches; create links to trail system in Trenton

Walking/Hiking Completion of all sections of the Canalway Trail; Creation of loops off of the Way finding to amenities such as shopping and Canalway Trail and other existing trails to accommodate varying abilities, trip restaurants from trails length and duration.

Wildlife Watching Habitat restoration, access, interpretation Interpretative panels, educational programs and exhibits, bird observation blinds

Sports/Other Geocaching (a wayfinding sport for GPS users) activities; provision of more winter sports opportunities; accommodation of sea planes on the canal

peter j. smith & company, inc. 61 What are the Management Options? 10.0 Option Description Pros Cons Management Non profit 501 (c): could be a (c)3 or a (c)6 – • Potential for • Need for funding, office (c)3’s are barred from lobbying. representative board location and staff An option to help ensure the of directors, which can • For a hosting organization, Options strength of the organization be assembled with there are potential during its early development municipal and user- conflicting demands on is for another entity to serve group representation time and resources as host. This contractual • Can be quickly There are myriad potentially arrangement could be with assembled – federal conflicting user groups on the another, larger non-profit or law allows 501s to Greenway, including hunters, a cultural institution such as get up and running anglers, birdwatchers, motorized the National Park Service at while applications Fort Stanwix, Erie Canalway and non-motorized boaters, and are assembled and National Heritage Corridor, submitted motorized and non-motorized Mohawk Valley Heritage trail users. The management Corridor, Oneida County or an policies for the Mohawk River economic development entity Corridor Greenway should seek such as Mohawk Valley EDGE. to minimize these conflicts where possible and protect health and Existing Entity An existing entity, rather than • Ease and speed • Establishing greenway safety throughout the Greenway a newly founded one, could in organization by projects as a priority in Corridor. manage the greenway. The simply increasing an already swamped entity could be any of the four the mandate of an organization; particularly The first priority overall, is the mentioned above or another existing entity if no additional funding management of the greenway’s entity such as a chamber of • The entity would comes with the increase in natural resources, recreational commerce or convention and already possess mandate land, and historic and cultural visitors bureau. knowledge and insight • Potential for future conflicts resources so that they may into the greenway if the two organizations are be enjoyed by this and future not at arm’s length from generations consistent with the one another in regards Goals and Objectives of the to co-mingling of funds, liabilities for property that greenway. either may hold, etc. Four options for the management • Potential for the priorities of the greenway are detailed in of the Greenway to reflect the following table. the priorities of the parent organization

62 peter j. smith & company, inc. Option Description Pros Cons Inter-municipal Under the General Municipal • Representative of • If funding is limited, it Agreement Law, municipalities may the stakeholder could be difficult to make band together to perform communities the case for time and any service or function they • Municipalities have attention spent on the all independently possess the the knowledge and greenway at the expense power to accomplish. They insight necessary to of other projects that may can also agree to allow one do the job pay their own ways municipality to perform this • The only organizational • Unless they establish the function for the group. model that could County as their leader, apply for and receive the municipalities may public grants be unable to successfully • Could result in a represent the entire negotiated funding greenway as a political structure that ensures reality a fair, pro rata contribution by each community in support of the greenway or other enduring funding source Interim Put greenway planning • Working Group has • Represents an increase Did you know... Arrangement Working Group in charge of the necessary insight, in responsibilities for According to the New York greenway organization and knowledge and volunteer and agency management on an interim experience representatives who may State Biodiversity Research basis while permanent or • Representative of a need to move on to other Institute, 35 percent of New semi-permanent structure range of agencies strategies, programs and York State’s native plants, is identified or another that are potential projects vertebrate animals and organization emerges to take funders ecosystems are in jeopardy of over. • Members enjoy extirpation - ten percent may widespread regard have already been lost. and respect • If the Working Group is successful as a grant writer, administrative costs could be underwritten

peter j. smith & company, inc. 63 Who Will Care for the Greenway?

Did you know... There are numerous stakeholder organizations that are – or will be – stewards of the Mohawk River Corridor Greenway. By collaborating, they can assist with management of the greenway to implement its The stewards of the Mohawk goals, objectives and strategies. The greenway’s stewards are decision-makers and they include private River Corridor Greenway can landowners, local governments and the state and federal agencies that have jurisdiction within the be groups or individuals who Greenway Corridor. But the stewards are also the non-governmental agencies, including conservation care for the greenway and organizations, social and fraternal organizations, citizen volunteers, school groups, etc. who are the who act individually and greenway’s private activists. Each of the four steward types has roles in three critical areas of greenway institutionally to preserve and implementation: Corridor Planning & Awareness, Corridor Funding & Implementation and Corridor enhance the greenway. Land Uses. Some examples of the stewards on the Greenway Corridor are listed below. Their subsidiaries and committees are considered included by inference. State and Federal Agencies • Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor • NYS Empire Development Corporation Commission • NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic • National Park Service Preservation - Fort Stanwix National Monument - Old Erie Canal State Historic Park • New York State Canalway Recreation - Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site Commission • NYS Thruway Authority • NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets - NYS Canal Corporation • NYS Department of Environmental • US Army Corps of Engineers Conservation • US Department of Transportation - Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area • US Environmental Protection Agency - Rome Wildlife Management Area - Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area • US Federal Emergency Management Agency • NYS Department of Health • NYS Department of State Coastal Resources Division Quality Communities Clearinghouse • NYS Department of Transportation

64 peter j. smith & company, inc. Local Governments Conservation and Activist Organizations • Oneida County • Canal New York • City of Utica • Canal Society of New York • City of Rome • Chambers of Commerce • Town of Floyd • Churches • Town of Marcy • Ducks Unlimited • Town of Verona • Izaak Walton League • Town of Vienna • League of Women Voters • Town of Whitestown • Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor • Village of Verona Beach Commission • New York Rivers United

Oneida Indian Nation • Parks & Trails New York An additional important steward to the greenway • Schools is the Oneida Indian Nation. The Nation has • Service & Fraternal Organizations extensive land, cultural and business holdings in - Grange the Greenway Corridor. Did you know... - Kiwanis - Lions Club Wetlands provide functions - Moose Lodge that filter pollution, recharge - Rotary groundwater aquifers, absorb floodwaters, provide habitat • Sierra Club for plant and animal species • The Nature Conservancy and provide local tourism industries with opportunities • Utica Marsh Council to engage in activities • Upstate New York Tourism Alliance associated with such wildlife. • Youth organizations - 4-H - Girl Scouts - Boy Scouts

peter j. smith & company, inc. 65 How Can Management be Integrated?

The following table shows how decision-making in the Greenway Corridor can be integrated.

Corridor Planning & Awareness Corridor Funding & Implementation Corridor Land Uses

• Cooperate in greenway • Manage lands under agency • Identify ways that state and planning efforts in a ownership and jurisdiction in federal regulations should collaborative and interagency the spirit and intention of the change to encourage manner greenway implementation of greenway strategies • Provide scientific and technical • Assist in identification and support to local governments, development of funding sources • Integrate and coordinate State & Federal volunteers and property owners to acquire, protect, interpret and enforcement of state and Agencies restore greenway resources federal regulations with local • Support requests for state and governments federal funding for greenway • Empower and support agency projects employees who want to • Provide examples of land use participate as volunteers in regulations, best management strategies to implement the practices and other Greenway Plan implementing strategies from other states and regions

• Take a lead role in greenway • Cooperate in integrated • When considering property planning and stewardship by corridor-wide strategies to subdivision within the Corridor, adopting and endorsing the design and build trails, mitigate require appropriate easements Greenway Plan storm water impacts, restore or dedications to permit habitats and wetlands, and contiguous recreation ways • Integrate greenway strategies develop recreation sites into local comprehensive plans • Integrate Corridor resource Local Government, and land use regulations • Enhance volunteer efforts by protection into such local Oneida Indian providing equipment and/ laws as those regarding tree • Offer public spaces for Nation or labor to volunteers and protection and replacement, greenway educational and landowners to complete viewshed protection, demolition interpretation programs greenway-related conservation permits, etc. and projects as well as for and recreation projects recreational access • Ensure proper environmental • Acquire sensitive and strategic review under SEQRA of lands and important resources development proposals within the Corridor

66 peter j. smith & company, inc. Corridor Planning & Awareness Corridor Funding & Implementation Corridor Land Uses

• Work with an agency to identify • Work with your neighbors to • Strive to be a good steward of and protect the environmentally establish large areas for public the land and its resources and significant areas on your access for hunting, trapping and encourage others to do the property other recreational activities same • Identify and protect • Consider the ways you and • Participate in local efforts to environmentally sensitive areas your neighbors could work resolve land use conflicts and cultural, historic or natural with government agencies on Private Owner Role • Support efforts to protect the resources flood control or storm water greenway’s land and water management and mitigation • Consider potential benefits resources and report abuses that may be associated with • Support the greenway and providing public access on participate in greenway your property for recreation planning efforts (eg. for good will or business opportunities)

• Develop educational programs • Provide funding and/or volunteer • Monitor development proposals and materials about resource labor for greenway projects and permitting to ensure conservation and the that agency actions support • Establish trusts, covenants and importance of the Greenway greenway values Conservation stewardship agreements to & Activist • Assist in the identification of ensure greenway values are • Report violations of regulations Organizations, environmentally sensitive lands implemented on private lands and laws Citizens and Corridor resources and that there are resources for • Participate in water-quality and acquisition in the public interest • Participate in Corridor planning habitat monitoring programs activities • Provide technical assistance to and restoration efforts government and landowners

peter j. smith & company, inc. 67 How will the Greenway Become a Reality? 11.0 The following chart summarizes the policies and actions to implement the Mohawk River Corridor Implementation Greenway outlined in this Plan. This is the strategy for implementing the Goals and Objectives and the opportunities identified throughout the Greenway Corridor. Each action has been assigned a time frame to signify when it should be addressed, the boards or agencies that are responsible or who are good and Funding partners for carrying out the actions are also identified, and where appropriate, a cost is identified.

GOAL 1 Preserve & Enhance Nature Policies • Environmentally sensitive areas along the greenway should be identified and protected • Land and easements should be acquired for habitat and ecosystem improvement and protection • Water quality in the Greenway Corridor’s waterways should be monitored, protected and enhanced • Fish and wildlife populations should be monitored and appropriately managed • Land use conflicts along the greenway should be identified and resolved Actions Timeframe Partners Cost Develop policy at the County level to address the transfer of potentially Immediate Oneida County N/A valuable, tax delinquent properties within the greenway to other agencies Provide private land owners in the greenway with information and assistance to On-going Oneida County, NYS DEC N/A identify and protect important habitats and environmentally sensitive lands Establish land trusts, conservation easements, purchase development rights Immediate and Greenway Leadership, Izaak Walton League, Sierra Varies stewardship agreements to gain control of environmentally sensitive areas on-going Club, Nature Conservancy, Oneida Indian Nation Enhance wetland habitat in NYS DEC Wildlife Management Areas Immediate and NYS DOT, NYS DEC, Ducks Unlimited Varies on-going Improve Utica Marsh (cleanup entry ways, improve appearance of or eliminate Immediate and NYS DEC, NYS DOT, City of Utica Varies unsightly, adjacent land uses, etc.) On-going Develop a water quality monitoring network Immediate NYS DEC, NYS DOH, Canal Corp., EPA, Canal NY, Varies Canal Society, Izaak Walton League, NY Rivers United, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, Schools, Youth Organizations, Oneida Indian Nation Quantify and improve water quality east of Lock 20 Park and in other areas On-going See above Varies where poor water quality has been noted Restore habitat, wetlands, environmentally sensitive areas and water quality Immediate and Greenway Leadership, local governments, Oneida Varies on-going Indian Nation Develop/provide tree management along the corridor On-going NYS DEC, NYS DOT, Canal Corp., Oneida County, local governments Work with communities to incorporate greenway-friendly policies into their local Immediate Oneida County, local governments, NYS DOS, N/A land use laws, comprehensive plans and policies Oneida Indian Nation

68 peter j. smith & company, inc. Monitoring the implementation of the Plan and measuring the implementation against the goals and objectives are important elements of ensuring the success of the Plan. As time goes on, Plan elements and recommendations may need to be altered to suit changing circumstances. This monitoring responsibility falls to the greenway leadership, whatever form that takes over time. The Plan will be more successful if it captures the imaginations of many people who commit to seeing it through, including private landowners, public officials and other stakeholders.

GOAL 2 Use Nature with Sensitivity Policies • Understanding of the importance of the greenway and its resources should be fostered • Conflicts between recreation groups using the greenway should be resolved/minimized • Uses that cause environmental stress should be limited, omitted or mitigated • Public access should not interfere with environmentally sensitive areas or habitats • Off-site interpretation of the most sensitive resources should be provided so they are understood but not interfered with (e.g. archeological areas, nesting areas in season, etc.) • Existing stormwater and flood impacts should be mitigated as new development takes place Actions Timeframe Partners Cost Develop new and distribute existing program materials about resource Immediate and NYS DEC, NYS DOH, NY Rivers United, Parks & Trails Varies conservation and the greenway’s resources. Encompass a diverse array of on-going NY, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, Schools, materails and strategies. Youth Organizations, Oneida Indian Nation

Use state registration fees from licenses for hunting, fishing, ATV, snowmobile On-going Local governments, user organizations Varies and boating that may be rebated to the county and user groups to contribute to development for these uses and to mitigate potential impacts Highlight user-group seasons and trail use restrictions (i.e. motorized vs. non- On-going NYS DEC, Canal Corp., NY Rivers United, Parks N/A mororized) in outreach materials and on-site signage to ensure public safety & Trails NY, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, and maximum enjoyment of the region’s resources Oneida County, Greenway communities, user organizations

peter j. smith & company, inc. 69 GOAL 3 Connect Nature Policies • The resources of the greenway should be linked with one another and with resources outside the Greenway Corridor • Gateways should be combined with other wayfinding and interpretive mechanisms to ensure maximum understanding, enjoyment and safety in the greenway • Appropriate themes should be developed to link the greenway’s natural, recreational and cultural/historical resources for their interpretation, protection, enhancement and economic development potential • Development of trails and linkages within the Greenway Corridor should disturb as little of the greenway as possible • Areas of the greenway that are difficult to access should be made more accessible as appropriate • Areas of the greenway that should never be accessed should be identified and access limited or prohibited • Safety of indigenous species of wildlife and vegetation as well as of humans should be a primary consideration in establishing priorities for trail and linkage development Actions Timeframe Partners Cost Develop and interpret Nature Trail (bike/walk route and associated water route Begin linking Greenway leadership, greenway comunities, Varies for boaters) and Historic Route (automobile) existing routes Oneida County, HOCTS, NYS DEC, NYS DOT, immediately, Canal Corp., NPS, Canal NY, Canal Society, NY on-going Rivers United, Parks & Trails NY, Sierra Club, Nature implementation Conservancy, Oneida Indian Nation Create and/or improve access (motorized and non-motorized boating, water Immediate and See above and trail, parking) to greenway resources on-going Create Gateway development and design standards Medium term Greenway Leadership $30,000 Develop thematic Interpretative Gateways, co-located with the proposed Long term Greenway Leadership, HOCCPP, greenway Varies Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program’s Regional Canal communities, Erie Canal National Heritage Ports and other state/local canal plans Corridor, Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Develop, print and distribute interpretative material about the greenway’s Immediate Greenway Leadership $100,000 thematic areas, interpretative routes and resources Begin work with stakeholders to acquire land and resources necessary to Immediate and Greenway Leadership, local governments, NYS Varies implement the potential development concepts (Mohawk Wildlife Center, on-going work DEC, NYS DOT, Canal Corp., NYSOPRHP, Oneida Canoe and Kayak Park, etc.) highlighted in Section 7.0, Creating an Identity for these long- Indian Nation term goals Undertake surveys and/or utilize existing research of historic and cultural Immediate NYS Museum, Canal Corp., NPS, Erie Canal National Varies resources and develop interpretation/protection measures as appropriate Heritage Corridor, Historical Societies, Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor, Oneida Indian Nation Promote dining, shopping, entertainment, cultural/historic sites and other Immediate Greenway Leadership, local governments, local Varies tourism destinations along the greenway businesses, chambers of commerce, NY Tourism Alliance Study accommodations and dining supply and mix along the Greenway Medium term Greenway Leadership, chambers of commerce $20,000 Corridor

70 peter j. smith & company, inc. GOAL 4 Promote Nature Policies • The Mohawk River Corridor Greenway should be a model for greenway corridor development, regional cooperation and funding, stewardship, and planning • The greenway should be an active educational resource for environmental sustainability and restoration • Benchmarks should be developed to measure greenway accomplishments in habitat and wetland restoration as well as educational outreach and recreational user levels • The greenway should consistently strive to provide local residents and visitors with opportunities to have enjoyable experiences that provide them with insight and knowledge so that they want to return to experience it again and to share it with others • The greenway should be an advocate for environmental causes and ecosystems Actions Timeframe Partners Cost Coordinate regional environmental awareness and education programs, Immediate Greenway Leadership, NYS DEC, NYS DOH, NPS, Varies identify gaps in programming and recruit programs to fill those gaps. Partner NYS OPRHP, Canal New York, Canal Society of with existing interpretive sites, such as Fort Stanwix National Historic Site, to NY, Canal Corp., Izaak Walton League, NY Rivers diseminate information about the greenway. United, Parks & Trails NY, Schools, Institutions of Higher Education, Service & Fraternal Organizations, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, youth groups, Utica Zoo Coordinate regional awareness of the greenway’s cultural and historic Immediate Greenway Leadership, Canal Corp, NPS, Varies resources NYSOPRHP, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission, Oneida Indian Nation, Adirondack Scenic Railroad, Historical Societies, Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution Commission user counts on trails and establish counting mechanisms to On-going Greenway Leadership, Parks & Trails NY, NYSOPRHP Varies determine visitor levels and NYS DEC which already collect some of this data, and other established visitor destinations Partner with environmental and educational organizations to establish On-going Greenway Leadership, NYS DEC, NYS DOH, NY Varies benchmarking for environmental health and restoration Rivers United, Izaak Walton League, Parks & Trails NY, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, Oneida Indian Nation, schools, youth groups, user organizations Create an ecological map of the corridor (highlighting ecospheres) and Medium term Greenway Leadership, NYS DEC, greenway Varies interpretive signage. Coordinate with Nature Trail interpretive route communities, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy Promote the ecotourism potentials of the greenway Greenway Leadership, local governments, local Varies businesses, chambers of commerce, NY Tourism Alliance

peter j. smith & company, inc. 71 What are the Options for Greenway Funding?

The successful implementation of the Mohawk River Corridor Greenway will require both public and private funds. Public funding sources may aid in land acquisition, trail development, habitat restoration, interpretive signage, and similar items ‘for the common good’. Private funding sources may aid in developing amenities and attractions such as restaurants/eateries, hotels/bed-and-breakfasts, and other businesses that service outdoor enthusiasts and sightseers alike. Potential greenway funding can be broken into public and private sources. Public funding sources are derived from tax revenue or other government monies. Public sources include federal, state, and local agencies. Although all of the agencies listed may not deal specifically with creation of open space and greenways, they may offer funding to develop aspects of the greenway system. An example is improving the public environment along the canal at Rome Harbor via the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). Note that municipalities must have an LWRP (both a plan and a program - the term refers to both a planning document prepared by a community, as well as the program established to implement the plan) in place to be eligible for funding through this program. Another example is creating a link to the greenway system at Utica (thereby improving community facilities and services) by accessing a financial grant though the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Private funding sources are derived from non-government monies. A valuable resource for private funding sources is the Foundation Center (http://foundationcenter.org/), an independent, nonprofit information clearinghouse on foundations, corporate giving, and related subjects. A list that represents some of the greenway funding opportunities open to Oneida County communities is included in Appendix A. This list should be considered advisory in character as funding opportunities and strategies, and the priorities of grant providers can change.

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Greenway Plan – Mohawk River Corridor APPENDIX 1 Funding Sources

Federal, State, and Other Funding Sources Program Description Agency Contact Funding Federal Funding Sources US Department of Agriculture (USDA) - National Surveys and Planning Studies for appraising Resources Conservation (NRCS) Watersheds and water and related resources, and service Wetlands Division: Watershed Surveys and formulating alternative plans for conservation (202) 720-4527 Planning use and development. Grants and Deputy Chief for Programs: advisory/counseling services to assist w/ planning and implementation improvement (202) 690-0848 www.nrcs.usda.gov Formula grants to states to assist FEMA National Flood communities to comply with NFIP floodplain Insurance Program FEMA Requires 50% local match management requirements (Community (NFIP) Assistance Program) USDA-NRCS Technical and financial assistance for Director, Watersheds and Wetlands Division Watershed Protection and installing works of improvement to protect, Ranges from $0 to (202) 720-3042 Flood Prevention Program develop, and utilize land or water resources $2.2 million (per State) (202) 690-4614 in small watersheds under 250,000 acres. www.nrcs.usda.gov USDA-NRCS Technical, educational, and limited financial NRCS County Offices Or .NRCS EQIP Environmental Quality assistance to encourage environmental Program Manager Incentives Program (EQIP) enhancement (202) 720-1834 www.nrcs.usda.gov Direct support for carrying out aquatic USACE Aquatic Ecosystem ecosystem restoration projects that will Chief of Planning @ appropriate

Restoration improve the quality of the environment. USACE Regional Office North Atlantic: (212) 264-7111

Direct assistance for projects that protect, restore, and create aquatic and Beneficial Uses of USACE ecologically- related habitats, including Dredged Materials Same as above wetlands, in connection with dredging an authorized Federal navigation project

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Program Description Agency Contact Funding US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) EPA Wetlands Hotline: Grants to support the development and Wetlands Protection (800) 832-7828 Or enhancement of state and tribal wetlands Development Grants protection programs EPA Headquarters, Office of Water Chief, Wetlands Strategies and State Programs: (202) 260-6045 Grants to states to implement non-point Clean Water Act Section source programs, including support for non- EPA Office of Water Chief, Non-Point Source Control 319 Grants structural watershed resource restoration Branch (202) 260-7088 ext. 7100 activities. US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Grants to States to develop viable State Administered Development (HUD) communities (e.g., decent housing, a Community Development State CDBG Program Manager Or suitable living environment, expanded Range from $97,000 to Block Grant (CDBG) State and Small Cities Division, economic opportunities) in non-entitled $2 million State Administered Program areas, for low- and moderate-income Office of Block Grant Assistance, HUD , persons. Headquarters: (202) 708-3587 www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm HUD Entitlement Communities Program Grants to entitled cities and urban counties City and county applicants should call the to develop viable communities (e.g., decent Community Development Community Planning and Development staff of their housing, a suitable living environment, Block Grant (CDBG) appropriate HUD field office expanded economic opportunities); State Administered Program As an alternative, they may call the Entitlement principally for low- and moderate-income Communities Division, Office of Block persons Grant Assistance, HUD Headquarters: (202) 708-1577, ext. 3587 Provides technical and financial assistance USDA –NRCS Program for relief from imminent hazards in Emergency Watershed small watersheds, and to reduce vulnerability National Office -(202) 690-0848 Protection (EWP) of life and property in small watershed areas damaged by severe natural hazard events Watersheds and Wetlands Division: (202) 720-3042

Cooperative River Basin Studies are for USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service Cooperative River Basin appraising water and related land resources (NRCS) Program and formulating alternative plans for www.nrcs.usda.gov conservation use and development peter j. smith & company, inc. A-2 Greenway Plan – Mohawk River Corridor APPENDIX 1 Funding Sources

Program Description Agency Contact Funding The program reduces soil erosion, improves USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Reserve water quality, and restores wildlife habitat as (NRCS) Program a result of idling cropland in exchange for www.nrcs.usda.gov compensation Grants to states and communities for pre- disaster mitigation planning and projects to Flood Mitigation Assistance FEMA help reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of (FEMA) http://www.fema.goc/fima/mitgrant.shtm flood damage to structures insurable under the National Flood Insurance Program Grants to states and communities for Hazard Mitigation planning and projects providing long-term FEMA Grant Program hazard mitigation measures following a http://www.fema.goc/fima/mitgrant.shtm (HMGP) major disaster declaration Department of Interior (DOI) Financial and technical assistance to private Fish and Wildlife Service - www.fws.gov/grants landowners interested in pursuing restoration National Coordinator, Ecological Services Partners for Fish and Wildlife projects affecting wetlands and riparian 703-358-2201 habitats A list of state and regional contacts is available upon request. Department of Interior (DOI) Cost share grants to stimulate public/private From $600 to $1 million North America Wetland USDA – Fish & Wildlife (FWS) partnerships for the protection, restoration Requires 50% match from Conservation Fund North American Waterfowl and Wetlands Office and management of wetland habitats 703-358-1784 nonfederal sources USDA – FWS Acquires or purchases easements on high Division of Realty Land Acquisition quality land and waters for inclusion into the National Coordinator National Wildlife Refuge System 703-358-1713 DOI-NPS General Services Administration Offices Identifies federal real property available for Texas 817-334-2331 Federal Land Transfer open space transfer to states and local Boston 617-838-5700 Or Federal Land to Parks governments for development of parks and Federal Lands to Park Leader Program recreation NPS National Office 202-565-1184 peter j. smith & company, inc. A-3 Greenway Plan – Mohawk River Corridor APPENDIX 1 Funding Sources

Program Description Agency Contact Funding Land and Water Funding to states for outdoor recreational Up to $500,000 Department of Interior (DOI) Conservation Fund development, renovation, land acquisition 100% local match National Parks Service (NPS) (LWCF) and planning required Grants to economically distressed urban communities primarily for rehabilitation of critically needed recreation facilities. The Urban Park and Recreation program encourages systematic local Federal program via NYS OPRHP Recovery planning and commitment to continuing operation and maintenance of recreation programs, sites, and facilities Funding from the Highway Trust Fund for Transportation Equity Act enhancements such as acquisition, scenic US DOT Federal Highway Administration $50,000 to $2.5 million (TEA-21) easements, and conversion of abandoned Highway Trust Fund Requires 20% local match railways to trails Funding to construct, renovate, or maintain transient tie-up facilities; activity includes Boating Infrastructure Grant US DOT Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) replacement of bulkheads, and one time (BIG) Program Transportation Equity Act-21 dredging to maintain channels or open water for vessels

Provides and maintains recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized trail use. US DOT FHWA in consult with Department of Interior Recreational Trails Program (NY Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic (DOI)-National Parks Service (NPS) Bureau of Land (RTP) Preservation (OPRHP) administers the Management and USDA – US Forest Service program for NY state)

Funding for activity including safety construction & transportation enhancements. Surface Transportation Transportation enhancements encompass a US DOT Federal Highway Administration FHWA

Program broad range of safety education, www.fhwa.dot.gov environmental and historically related activities. Bridge Replacement and Funding for eligible bridges on any public US DOT Federal Highway Administration FHWA

Rehabilitation road

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Program Description Agency Contact Funding Funding for Indian reservation roads, park US DOT Federal Highway Administration FHWA Federal Lands Highways roads and parkways, and forest land www.fhwa.dot.gov/flh/ highways. USDA – NRCS Financial and technical assistance to protect National Policy Coordinator Wetlands Reserve Program and restore wetlands through easements NCRS Watersheds and Wetlands Division and restoration agreements 202-720-3042 Debt reduction/cancellation for delinquent USDA-FSA and non-delinquent borrowers in exchange Farm Loan Programs Conservation Contracts for conservation contracts placed on FSA National Office environmentally sensitive real property that (202) 720-3467, 1632 or local FSA office secures FSA loans

Emergency funds for rehabilitating farmland Emergency Conservation USDA – Farm Service Agency (FSA) damaged by natural hazards, such as Fund www.fsa.usda.gov erosion, wind and flood

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Loans at actual or below market interest EPA Office of Water Clean Water State rates to help build, repair, relocate or State Revolving Fund Branch Revolving Funds replace wastewater treatment plants Branch Chief: (202) 260-7359 Refer to a list of Regional Offices

Direct loans, guaranteed / insured loans, and USDA-FSA technical assistance to farmers so that they Director, Farm Programs Loan Making Division, FSA: Farm Ownership Loans may develop, construct, improve, or repair farm homes, farms, and service buildings, (202) 720-1632 and to make other necessary improvements

Funding to acquire land and conservation easements from willing sellers in cooperation Financial assistance USDA – US Forest Service Forest Legacy Program with participating states to protect ranges from www.fs.fed.us environmentally sensitive forests threatened $25,000 to $6 million with conversion to non-forest use

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Program Description Agency Contact Funding Farmland Protection Cost share assistance for the acquisition of Program, Section 388 conservation easements or other interests in Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS Federal Agriculture prime, unique, or other productive soil for the Commodity Credit Corporation CCC Improvement and Reform purpose of limiting non-agricultural use of www.nrcs.usda.gov Act of 1996 that land Grants assist in the construction of public works and development facilities needed to initiate and support the creation or retention Economic Development Administration Public Works & Economic of permanent jobs in the private sector. This There is no specific www.eda.gov Development program targets geographic areas minimum or maximum U.S. Department of Commerce experiencing substantial economic distress. Funds may be used to support such public facilities as tourism facilities.

Provides funds for pedestrian and bicycle facilities along Scenic Byways, for access to Funds administered Federal Highway Administration National Scenic Byways recreational facilities, and for the through this discretionary U.S. Department of Transportation Program construction of byway facilities such as rest program are provided to www.byways.org areas, turnouts, overlooks, and interpretive the states centers Provides Federal financial assistance in the development of programs for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conservation of endangered or threatened Cooperative Endangered www.fws.gov Grants range from species. Funds may be used for surveys, Species Conservation Fund U.S. Department of the Interior $1,000 to $235,000 planning, monitoring, land management, www.doi.gov land acquisition, fish & wildlife protection, and public education. State Funding Sources Program Description Agency Contact Funding Funding for mitigation planning and project Appropriations through the activity through special appropriations New York State Governor’s Office through the Governor’s Office

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Program Description Agency Contact Funding Funding administered by NYS Department of State DOS, Department of Environmental Conservation DEC, and Office of Parks New York State DOS Recreation and Historic Preservation OPRHP www.nyswaterfronts.com/grantopps.asp to support many of the state’s environmental Up to $500,000 Environmental Protection DEC needs. Results include development and 100% local match Fund www.dec.state.ny.us mitigation related planning initiatives and required OPRHP projects such as acquisition projects as www.nysparks.com/grants identified in the Conserving Open Space Plan, the development of Local Waterfront Revitalization Plans, and other Plans. Tourism grant program designed to NYS Empire Development Corporation (ESD) Explore New York Matching Matching funds up to encourage integrated, thematic NYS Tourism - I Love New York Funds Program $50,000 approaches to tourism promotion http://iloveny.com/exploreNewYork.aspx Projects to preserve, rehabilitate or restore lands, waters or structures, identified in a management plan approved by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Heritage Areas System Commissioner in accordance with section Preservation

Grant Programs 35.05 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic http://nysparks.state.ny.us/grants/programs/heritage. Preservation Law, for use by all segments of asp the population for park, recreation or conservation purposes Provides funding to assist development in communities along the canal; currently Erie Canal Greenway Grant funding two projects in Rome: NYS Canal Corporation Varies Program 1. Canal Greenway Access: Main Street www.nyscanals.gov Connections 2. Bellamy Harbor Improvements Provides significant resources for several New York State DOS open space and recreation programs www.nyswaterfronts.com/grantopps.asp The Clean Water / Clean Air including, open space conservation projects DEC Up to $500,000 Bond Act administered by DEC and OPRHP, and farm www.dec.state.ny.us 100% match required land protection administered by NYS OPRHP Department of Agriculture and Markets www.nysparks.com/grants

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Program Description Agency Contact Funding Provides an economic incentive to municipalities to develop local agricultural and farmland protection plans that will Municipal Agricultural and maintain the economic viability of the state’s NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Farmland Protection agricultural industry and its supporting land www.agmkt.state.ny.us Planning Grant base, and to protect the environmental and landscape preservation values associated with agriculture Local Funding Sources Program Description Agency Contact Funding Propositions to support greenway Bond Referendum development placed on local community NA NA ballots Funding through Local Appropriation from a municipality's Capital NA NA Capital Improvement Plans Improvements Program

Local businesses may agree to provide Local Private-Sector support by cash donations, donations of NA NA Funding services and equipment, or reductions in the cost of materials Raise funds and awareness by offering the public the ability to purchase one linear foot "Buy-A-Foot" Programs of the greenway by donating the cost of NA NA construction (such as $25/linear ft. - donors receive T-shirt and a certificate) Private Funding Sources Program Description Agency Contact Funding The Rediscover America Program Offers financial assistance to projects and http://america-the- Funding is limited to America the Beautiful Fund programs dedicated to the preservation of beautiful.org/success_stories/rediscover_america $1000 American History The America the Beautiful Fund http://america-the-beautiful.org

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Program Description Agency Contact Funding Interests include wildlife preservation and protection, the environment, conservation of American Conservation American Conservation Association, Inc. In the past, grants ranged natural resources, historic preservation, Association, Inc. (202) 624-9367 from $5,000 to 40,000 historical societies, public policy, research, and recreation Strives to put more people on bicycles more often by funding important and influential projects that leverage federal funding and build momentum for bicycling in Bikes Belong Coalition Bikes Belong Grant Program $10,000 max. communities across the U.S. Projects include www.bikesbelong.org/grants bike paths, lanes, and routes, as well as bike parks, mountain bike trails, BMX facilities, and large-scale bicycle advocacy initiatives. Interests include the arts, higher education, The Louise H. and David S. the environment, natural resources, historical The Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation, Inc. Range from $3,000 to Ingalls Foundation, Inc. preservation, historical societies, hospitals, (216) 921-6000 $400,000 and museums Awards grants in six primary areas: The Joyce Foundation education, employment, the environment, Past grants ranged in size The Joyce Foundation (312) 782-2464 combating gun violence, money, and from $3,000 to $600,000 www.joycefdn.org politics & culture Eastman Kodak Company Kodak American Provide small grants to stimulate the planning The Conservation Fund Greenways Awards and design of greenways in communities $2,500 max. www.conservationfund.org/node/245 Program throughout America National Geographic Society Provides support for projects and programs pertaining to wildlife and waterfowl The Knapp Foundation Past grants ranged up to The Knapp Foundation conservation, and to college and university (301) 745-5660 $89,000 libraries to purchase reading materials and equipment to improve education Interests of the foundation include the protection and preservation of animals and The Mars Foundation Range from The Mars Foundation wildlife, the arts, education, the environment, (703) 821-4900 $1,000 to $50,000 natural resources, historic preservation, historical societies, and human services peter j. smith & company, inc. A-9 Greenway Plan – Mohawk River Corridor APPENDIX 1 Funding Sources

Program Description Agency Contact Funding Federal restoration/acquisition partnerships. Initiatives focus on wetlands, fisheries, wildlife, Matching Grants twice National Fish and Wildlife species of concern, neo-tropical birds Offers National Fish and Wildlife Foundation annually up to Program grants to achieve measurable outcomes in www.nfwf.org $250,000 per award the conservation of fish, wildlife, plants and the habitats on which they depend

Offers Industrial Heritage Preservation Grants Industrial Heritage for the study, documentation, recordation, Society for Industrial Archeology Preservation Grants From $1,000 to $3,000 and/or preservation of significant historic http://siahg.org/grants/about.html Program industrial sites, structures, and objects

Provides support for projects and programs in areas including philanthropy & volunteerism, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Charles Stewart Mott Past grants ranged up to pollution prevention, protection of the Great (810) 238-5651 Foundation $25,000 Lakes ecosystem, education, and www.mott.org neighborhood development

Distributes charitable grants to worthy tourism-related non-profit organizations’ capital ("brick-and-mortar") improvements Typical grants are that serve to protect, restore, or conserve $10,000; However, based sites of exceptional cultural, historic, or Tourism Cares World Wide Grant Program on availability of funds, natural significance, or the education of www.tourismcares.org grants up to $100,000 will local host communities and the traveling be considered public about conservation and preservation of sites of exceptional cultural, historical, or natural significance Administers grants in four program areas Surdna Foundation including the environment, community Past grants ranged up to Surdna Foundation (212) 557-0010 revitalization, building an effective citizenry, $20,000 www.surdna.org and the arts Works with a variety of partners to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and Ducks Unlimited associated habitats for North America's Ducks Unlimited

waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people peter j. smith & company, inc. A-10 Greenway Plan – Mohawk River Corridor APPENDIX 1 Funding Sources

Program Description Agency Contact Funding Other Funding Sources Wildlife Habitat Incentives Voluntary program for residents who want to Oneida County Soil and Water District Program (WHIP) develop and improve wildlife habitat http://oneidaswcd.org primarily on private lands Wetland Reserve Program Voluntary program for residents that offers (WRP) three options to protect, restore, and Oneida County Soil and Water District enhance wetlands: permanent easements, http://oneidaswcd.org 30-year easements, or 10-year restoration cost-share easements

Sources: Various FEMA and New York State Mitigation Related Documents, New York State Department of Transportation, Office of Parks Recreation and Historical Preservation SCORP, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor New York, New Jersey and Washington State Hazard Mitigation Plans, and The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Sourcebook.

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Greenway Plan – Mohawk River Corridor APPENDIX 2 References

References

References used in the preparation of this document include the following:

Adirondack North Country Association, Bicycle Master Plan for the Adirondack North Country Region of New York State, 1994 Central NY Regional Planning and Development Board, A Management Strategy for Oneida Lake and Its Watershed, September 2004 Chemung County Soil & Water Conservation District, Stream Processes A guide to Living in Harmony with Streams, August 2006 City of Utica, NY, website, Entertainment Guide: Utica Mash Wildlife Management Area Cooperative Tug Hill Council, Tug Hill ATV Impact Study, 2005 Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Management Plan, 2006 Great Lakes Commission, Boating’s Economic Punch, 2003 Herkimer Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program, Draft Canal Plan for the Mohawk Valley Region, August 1994 Herkimer Oneida Counties Transportation Study, Destinations 2005-2025 Long-Range Transportation Plan Herkimer Oneida Counties Transportation Study, Herkimer-Oneida Counties Bicycle Touring Map, 2001 Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission, Executive Summary Management & Interpretive Plans, 1999 National Parks Service, Economic Impacts of Rivers, Trails and Greenways NY Sea Grant, Recreational Boating Expenditures in 2003 in New York State and Their Economic Impacts New York State Biodiversity Research Institute, Legacy Conserving New York State’s Biodiversity, 2006 NYS Canal Corporation, Report on the Future of NYS Canals, 2005 NYS Canal Corporation, Who’s on the Trail?, The Canalway Trail User Count 2007 NYS Canal Corporation, Who’s on the Trail?, The Canalway Trail User Count 2006 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, September 2005 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Conserving Open Space in New York State, November 2006 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Hunting and Fishing Licenses NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Management Plan for Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area Oneida County, 1977 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Rome Sand Plains Consolidated Management Plan, March 3, 2006 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Rome Sand Plains Consolidated Management Plan, November 4,, 2003 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Utica Marsh Management Plan, 1980 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation website, various, including Wildlife Management Area Guides, etc. NYS Division of Taxation and Finance, Oneida County Taxable Sales and Purchases, 3/04-2/05 NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, 2003 Snowmobile Owners Survey NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Attendance: April 2001 through March 2007 NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Biodiversity in New York’s State Park System Summary of Findings, January 2007 peter j. smith & company, inc. A-12 Greenway Plan – Mohawk River Corridor APPENDIX 2 References

NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Boat Registrations and Snowmobile Registrations NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Heritage Development Resource Guide, November 2007 North Carolina DOT Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation, The Economic Impact of Investments in Bicycle Facilities, 2003 Office of the Oneida county Executive, Press Release: Eannane: New Parking lot in Forestport Improves Access to Snowmobile Trails, 01/20/2003 Oneida County Department of Planning, A Plan for Flood Plain Management, February 28, 1974 Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Travel Activities and Motivation Survey Profile Reports, various segment reports, 2007 Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Travel Activities and Motivations of US Residents, An Overview, January 2007 Parks & Trails New York, Getting Started…A guide to Planning Trails in New York State, June 2004 Rockefeller Institute of Government, NYS Statistical Yearbook, 2007 Susquehanna Greenway Strategic Action Plan Trails and Greenways Clearinghouse, Benefits of Trails and Greenways, 1990 US Bureau of the Census, Statistical Abstract of the United States, 2006 US Department of the Interior, Economic Impacts of Protecting Rivers, Trails, and Greenway Corridors, 1995 US Department of the Interior, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Draft Preservation & Management Plan & Environmental Assessment, June 2005 US Department of the Interior, Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Sourcebook US Fish & Wildlife Service, 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation, State Overview, Preliminary Findings, July 2007 US Fish & Wildlife Service, Banking on Nature, 2006 US Fish & Wildlife Service, Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Program, National Survey, 15-Year Trend, 2006

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