Tuckahoe State Park
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Tuckahoe State Park Photo Courtesy of D. Leonard Strategic Management Plan Debbie Cooper Mary Owens Park Manager Director of Planning Nita Settina Chris Bushman Superintendent Deputy Superintendent August 1, 2019 Date Prepared Updates Tuckahoe State Park Tuckahoe State Park SSStrategicStrategic Management Plan 2012019999 Overview This document is the result of a statewide initiative by the Maryland Park Service to develop strategic management plans for its properties in order to establish a path toward a sustainable future. The purpose of each Park’s strategic management plan is to use a collaborative process to identify and evaluate the following essential elements of each park: 1) natural resources; 2) cultural and historical resources; 3) recreational resources; 4) human resources, and; 5) infrastructure. Using this background data, a “Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats” (SWOT) analysis is performed. The SWOT analysis facilitates the identification of big-picture goals and targeted objectives that are used to develop a work plan for the park. This plan documents the process and is divided into five parts: Part 1: Core Values This section includes the Maryland Park Service mission and goals, brand promise, and a summary of the features that make the park a significant component of Maryland’s state park system. Part 2: Park Resources This section identifies and describes park-specific resources including natural resources, cultural and historical resources, recreational resources, human resources, and infrastructure. Part 3: Resource Assessment This section documents a resource assessment using the SWOT Analysis process and identifies park-specific strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Part 4: Big Picture Goals Using the SWOT analysis in Part 3, this section identifies “big-picture” goals that are focused on promoting strengths, overcoming weaknesses, maximizing opportunities, and eliminating threats. The goals are directly connected to reinforcing the core values of the Maryland Park Service. Part 5: Work Plan This section serves as a road map that identifies specific actions and projects to effectively achieve the stated goals. It includes a timeline for completion, so that appropriate resources can be dedicated to accomplishment, and employees are empowered to move forward with tasks that support the park’s goals and mission. Strategic Management Plan 2 August 1, 2019 Tuckahoe State Park 111 Core Values Maryland Park Service Mission and Goals The mission of the Maryland Park Service is to manage the natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources to provide for wise stewardship and enjoyment by people. The goals of the Maryland Park Service are as follows: ► To promote, cultivate, and expand public knowledge, understanding, appreciation and support for the resources and services managed by the Maryland Park Service. ► To operate the Maryland Park Service in a manner that generates an atmosphere of teamwork, shared information, cooperation and trust at all levels of employment. ► To manage the Maryland Park Service in a manner that ensures the maximum benefit from each dollar and hour of labor expended. ► To promote the management of natural and cultural resources to ensure the continuing benefits for present and future generations. ► To provide diverse recreational services with an emphasis upon public safety and the provision of neat, clean and well-maintained resources. Maryland Park Service Brand Promise The Maryland Park Service is dedicated to providing an outstanding experience to all park visitors and is committed to the following principles: 1. Providing a place where visitors can bring their children that nourishes their well-being in ways that only nature can provide. 2. Connecting visitors with each other and their surroundings, through the beauty and serenity of nature, in a safe and welcoming place that belongs to them. 3. Preserving and providing opportunities for visitors to discover important historical sites and relics that tell inspiring stories of people and events that give context and meaning to their lives today. 4. Creating an environment for relaxation with the reassuring presence of a friendly and dedicated Park Ranger who inspires and supports the desire to be a good steward of the Earth. 5. Imparting visitors with a sense of well-being and happy memories, so when they leave they are feeling stress-free and revitalized. Strategic Management Plan 3 August 1, 2019 Tuckahoe State Park 111 Core Values Photo Courtesy of Maryland Park Service Significance Statement The significance of Tuckahoe State Park is… ► To conserve and foster an appreciation of the natural resources of the Delmarva Peninsula, featuring Tuckahoe Creek which supports spawning habitat for anadromous fish, large contiguous, mature bottomland hardwood forest, and upland forest and meadows that support diverse wildlife and rare plant and animal species. ► To provide recreational opportunities for visitors that immerse them in the outdoor world through fishing and paddling adventures on a man-made lake and flooded woodland and through camping, hiking, biking, and horseback riding on 18 miles of trails. ► To preserve and interpret the region’s history including American Indian village sites, potential Underground Railroad activity, Frederick Douglass’ early life, and 18 th and 19 th century farm life on the Eastern Shore. Strategic Management Plan 4 August 1, 2019 Tuckahoe State Park 222 Park Resources PARK STATS (Fiscal Year 2017) TOTAL PARK ACREAGE 3,800 ANNUAL VISITATION 2017 99,517 ANNUAL REVENUE (excluding concession revenue) FY2017 $314,121 ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET* (excluding classified employee payroll) FY2017 $236,991 TOTAL CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES** (including filled and vacant PINs) 11 Tuckahoe, Martinak, Wye Oak, Love Point *OPERATING BUDGET IS SHARED BY THE State Parks, Wye Island, Cypress Branch, FOLLOWING STATE PARKS & NATURAL Black Walnut Point, Sassafras NRMAs and RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AREAS (NRMAs): Bridgetown Ponds, Hollingsworth and Andover Flatwoods Heritage Areas **EMPLOYEES ARE SHARED BY THE As noted above FOLLOWING STATE PARKS & NRMAs: YEAR SCHEDULED CAPITAL PROJECTS AMOUNT FY 2022 Additional Camping and Cabin Loop $1,500,000 YEAR SCHEDULED CRITICAL MAINTENANCE AMOUNT FY 2019 Replace Shop Skylights and Paint Roof $30,000 FY 2020 Replace Shop Overhead Doors $15,000 FY 2022 Insulate Park Office $25,000 FY 2022 Replace Water Control System – Water Tower $10,000 FY 2023 Inspect/renovate Water Tower $10,000 FY 2023 Replace floor in Cherry Lane Restroom $3,600 FY 2024+ Multiple Projects $150,000+ 2016-2027 Total Tuckahoe Complex Critical Maintenance Projects $1,000,000+ Strategic Management Plan 5 August 1, 2019 Tuckahoe State Park 222 Park Resources AREA MAP Strategic Management Plan 6 August 1, 2019 Tuckahoe State Park 222 Park Resources Natural Resources KEY FEATURES ► 63-acre lake and flooded woodland provide habitat for countless species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, waterfowl and other wildlife species. ► Over four miles of tidal Tuckahoe Creek, which flows from the lake and is fed with several small streams as it travels south toward the Choptank River, providing excellent habitat for many species of anadromous fish. ► Due to the rare species that are found in the coastal plain floodplain forest, Tuckahoe Creek is regulated as a Wetland of Special State Concern by the Maryland Department of the Environment ► Over 2,000 acres of mature and naturally aging forest provides habitat for multiple species of wildlife, including the rare Delmarva fox squirrel. ► Several rare plant species and rare dragonflies and damselflies are found in and around the coastal floodplain forest, and the dry uplands include other rare and threatened species, as well as important pollinator plants. ► DESCRIPTION Tuckahoe State Park is comprised of various ecosystems, including a man-made lake, a natural flooded woodland stream valley, numerous vernal pools, stands of mature oak/hickory forests, and plantations of 50 to 60-year-old loblolly and white pine. This diverse habitat supports a wide array of wildlife, including coyote, fox, white-tailed deer, raccoon, beavers and multiple species of birds and waterfowl. The forest stands within the park are part of a large block of forest along Tuckahoe Creek that provides habitat for a large number of Forest Interior Dwelling Bird Species (FIDS). Tuckahoe Lake supports a healthy and predominantly native community of sub-aquatic vegetation. The lake also supports resident fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, pickerel and crappie. Tuckahoe Creek is a tidal tributary to the Choptank River. The creek and upper reaches above the lake provide excellent spawning habitat for many species of anadromous fish, including shad, perch, striped bass, and others. The creek and upper reaches, as well as associated wetlands and vernal pools provide excellent habitat for a diverse array of amphibians, reptiles, and aquatic insects. Strategic Management Plan 7 August 1, 2019 Tuckahoe State Park 222 Park Resources Cultural / H/ H istoistoisto rrrical KEY FEATURES ► The Tuckahoe State Park area is noted for once being occupied by American Indian tribes in the past, and village sites, pottery shards and projectile points are frequently found. ► Crouse Mill, a local grist mill, once stood on park grounds and part of the mill race is still visible. ► Several typical older barn and farm structures are located on park grounds, including sites at the Equestrian