3.1 The Vision: Lancaster vitality and quality of life of county residents has County’s Natural Life Support been established. Imagine that… System • Scenic natural landscapes, high quality Lancaster County’s green infrastructure – land, river and stream corridors, habitat for water, air, and the plant and animal species they native plant and animal species, and support – is vital to the health and well being other elements of Lancaster County’s of Lancastrians. As described in Chapter 1.0, natural heritage have been protected, the benefits provided by these resources are restored, and managed for ecological vast, ranging from ecological services such as health in a comprehensive, connected cleaning the air and water, controlling flood- system extending throughout the ing, and conserving native plant and animal County. diversity, to monetary benefits such as increasing property values, reducing energy consumption, • Green infrastructure is an integral part and generating economic activity. However, the of the County’s urban, suburban, and County’s once abundant natural resources have rural communities, as reflected in ele- been greatly altered by human activity, resulting ments such as a flourishing tree canopy; in extensive negative impacts such as the loss and green streets, roofs, and parking courts; Strategic Vision fragmentation of natural habitat and degraded air conveniently located parks and open and water quality (see Chapter 2.0). spaces; and community gardens and backyard habitat areas. Greenscapes seeks to reverse this long-term trend through comprehensive action to maintain, • Lancastrians walk and bike to work, restore, and enhance green infrastructure as shop, and recreate using safe and attrac- Lancaster County’s essential natural life support tive streets, paths, and greenway trails system. This system is envisioned as: that provide seamless connections within urban and suburban communities and A network of natural areas, green spaces, from these communities to rural destina- and greenways in rural, suburban, and tions such as county parks. urban areas that sustains ecological functions and values and provides a broad array of ben- • Productive and sustainable agricultural efits for the people of Lancaster County and lands are managed to conserve natural the surrounding region, including: resources, such as buffers of riparian • Environmental Quality: Natural re- vegetation along rivers and streams with source protection and the perpetuation exceptional water quality. of native plant and animal species. • Community Health: Water and air • Holistic approaches such as green build- quality, recreation, and mobility (walk- ings, biological stormwater and wastewa- ing and biking as integral parts of the ter treatment systems, and community- transportation system). wide tree plantings are used to conserve • A Sustainable Economy: Resource- energy, improve air and water quality, based economic activity, increased offset carbon emissions, and avoids the property values, energy conservation, financial and environmental costs of and reduced costs of engineered “gray conventional engineering solutions. infrastructure.” • Ecotourism – the sustainable enjoyment What does this vision mean for Lancaster and use of green infrastructure resources County looking forward ten to twenty years and by visitors – contributes to the economic beyond? Imagine a future in which a healthy, prosperity of Lancaster County’s com- interconnected network of natural and human munities. ecosystems that contributes to the economic

Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element 69 • Governmental officials and agencies, composite layer on Figure 26, these resources institutions, nonprofit organizations, are the highest priorities for preservation as businesses, and citizens of all ages and part of the green infrastructure system. backgrounds appreciate, take pride in, and provide support for maintaining • Goal 2: Conservation and enhancing Lancaster County’s green Conserve natural resources and services infrastructure system. Instilled in school throughout Lancaster County’s urban, subur- children from an early age, the essential ban, and rural landscapes. value of green infrastructure as the The patchwork of natural resources that County’s natural life support system is threads its way throughout the County’s central to community life and discourse. urban, suburban, and rural landscapes performs a variety of important ecologi- • A conservation ethic and culture of cal functions. While the quality of these stewardship of natural resources has resources is not as high as those addressed been embraced by Lancastrians, who by the Preservation goal, the functions they understand the importance of green provide are essential to the health of our infrastructure to quality of life, commu- natural environment and to the quality nity health, and a sustainable economy. of our lives. Conserving these resources through wise use and management is critical to sustaining the ecological functions they 3.2 The Concept: Lancaster provide. Important natural resources (other County’s Green Infrastructure than the exceptional ones addressed by Goal System 1) include wetlands, 100-year floodplain areas, steep slopes and highly erodible soils, What will Lancaster County’s green infrastruc- medium-quality streams and riparian buf- ture look like when this vision is achieved? A fers, medium quality natural communities, physical concept of the proposed green infra- species of concern supporting habitat, forest structure system has been developed at a county- blocks less than 100 acres in size, and other wide scale based on the resource mapping and natural vegetation. Described in Chapter 2.0 analysis described in Chapter 2.0. The concept is and shown as a composite layer on Figure Strategic Vision Strategic a spatial depiction of resources that correspond 27, these resources should be managed to to the four primary system goals more fully de- maintain their ecological functions and natu- scribed in Chapter 4.0: Preservation, Conserva- ral carrying capacity. Important groundwater tion, Restoration, and Recreation. and wellhead protection zones also fall under the Conservation category but are not shown • Goal 1: Preservation on Figure 27. Preserve Lancaster County’s exceptional natural resources. • Goal 3: Restoration Lancaster County is fortunate to have a Restore ecological connections and natural number and variety of high quality natural resource systems throughout Lancaster County’s resources worthy of preservation. These areas urban, suburban, and rural areas. should be preserved, in perpetuity, as part The extent of degraded natural resources of the foundation of the County’s green in- throughout Lancaster County’s urban, frastructure system. The exceptional natural suburban, and rural landscapes is widespread resources that should be preserved include and readily apparent, even to the casual ob- the highest quality streams and riparian server. Sediment-laden stream water, ozone areas, unique geologic features, natural gems, alerts, and fish consumption warnings are all species of concern core habitat, the highest indicators of a highly stressed natural envi- quality natural communities, interior forests, ronment. Healing the landscape from three forest blocks greater than 100 acres in size, centuries of abuse will take both patience and important bird and mammal areas. and perseverance. Degraded natural resource Described in Chapter 2.0 and shown as a areas that provide opportunities for ecologi-

70 Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element Figure 26 - Preservation Areas

Strategic Vision

Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element 71

Figure 27 - Conservation Areas Strategic Vision Strategic

72 Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element Figure 28 - Restoration Areas

Strategic Vision

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Figure 29 - Recreation Areas Strategic Vision Strategic

74 Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element Figure 30 - Lancaster County Green Infrastructure Concept Map

Strategic Vision

Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element 75

Figure 31 - Hubs and Greenways Strategic Vision Strategic

76 Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element cal restoration include low quality streams Figure 30 combines the four categories of re- and riparian buffers, low quality natural sources identified above into a complete green communities, priority restoration habitat infrastructure system concept map depicting areas, and areas that could be potentially exceptional natural resources to be preserved, established as forest corridors. Efforts to heal natural resources to be conserved, degraded natu- the County’s landscapes should focus on ral resources to be restored, and existing and pro- these areas, which are described in Chapter posed publicly accessible recreational resources. 2.0 and shown as a composite layer on Fig- ure 28. It should be noted that incorporation of green elements such as street trees, parks 3.3 The Structure: Green and gardens, green roofs, etc. into the built Infrastructure System environment is an important aspect of the Components restoration goal that cannot be mapped at a countywide scale and thus is not illustrated The green infrastructure system is not intended on Figure 28. to be separate and isolated from land uses such as residential or commercial development and agri- • Goal 4: Recreation culture, but rather to be integrated into the fabric

Enhance the quality-of-life of residents through of the County in multiple forms and at multiple Strategic Vision the provision of a diversity of easily accessible scales. In addition to the spatial array of resource outdoor recreation opportunities and experiences. types shown in Figure 31, this system can be The availability of quality outdoor recreation conceptualized in terms of four basic structural experiences is paramount to a high quality components or “building blocks”: of life for Lancastrians. The County’s open space resources – whether resource-based, • Hubs passive recreational opportunities on lands • Greenways owned by the Commonwealth of Penn- • Nodes sylvania, Lancaster County, and Lancaster • Links County Conservancy or active recreational opportunities on municipal and school The largest scale components of the system, hubs district lands – should be thought of as a and greenways establish the countywide frame- system or network that needs to be carefully work for the green infrastructure system. Figure planned and connected throughout the land- 31 shows the locations of these major system scape. These outdoor recreational resources components in diagrammatic fashion, general- include trails; state, county, and municipal ized from the Green Infrastructure Concept parks; and other types of recreation and open Map. Nodes and links are smaller components space lands such as school district facilities, of the system (e.g., small parks or woodlots; local state game lands, land owned by the Lancast- trails or stream corridors) found at the inter- er County Conservancy, and lands managed mediate to local scales throughout the County. by utility companies as natural open space. They should be identified and mapped at the These various types of resources are described multi-municipal and municipal levels within the in Chapter 2.0 and shown as a composite countywide framework set by Greenscapes. layer on Figure 29. Figure 29 illustrates a countywide trail system consisting of exist- Given the intent to integrate the green infrastruc- ing and proposed trails. The proposed trail ture system into the overall fabric of Lancaster segments are described in detail in Appendix County, its four basic structural components – C. While only existing county and municipal hubs, greenways, nodes, and links – need to be parks are shown on Figure 29, additional considered not only as individual elements, but parkland should be added to the system also in relation to the larger context in which through county and municipal actions to they occur. Therefore, a fifth structural compo- meet the standards of 5 acres of regional nent of the green infrastructure system has been (county) parkland and 10 acres of municipal identified: landscapes are the broad patterns of parkland per 1,000 residents. human settlement and use within which hubs,

Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element 75 greenways, nodes, and links are located. Hubs and greenways, nodes and links, and landscapes are described in more detail below in Sections 3.3.1, 3.3.2, and 3.3.3, respectively.

3.3.1 Hubs and Greenways

Hubs Hubs are large areas that contain Lancaster County’s greatest concentrations of the excep- tional natural resources illustrated on Figure 31, Connecting various ecological components in along with support or buffer areas that directly the landscape will help rare, threatened, and endangered species survive by enabling them to contribute to the health of these resources. migrate and diversify the gene pool. Hubs are mostly located around the periphery of the County, where they extend into adjacent streams originating from the forested hills are counties. While their primary value and func- of high quality, but become quickly degraded as tion is to preserve natural resources and provide they progress through downstream agricultural ecological services, hubs can also support passive and urban landscapes. Preservation of high qual- recreational activities (e.g., hiking, nature ob- ity creeks and restoration of floodplain and wet- servation, hunting, and fishing) and sustainable land habitats on all lower quality creeks should resource-based economic activities (e.g., sustain- be a priority activity within this hub. In addition, able forestry). These activities should be managed the connectivity of natural habitats, especially to maintain natural carrying capacity and avoid intact forests and riparian corridors, should be impacts on sensitive resources (e.g., species of preserved and enhanced. concern habitat). The following green infrastruc- ture hubs (listed alphabetically) are shown on Brandywine River Headwater Flats: This hub Figure 31: is located primarily in Chester County, but encompasses similar habitat in eastern Lancaster Bowmansville Hills Forests: The forested hills County where the streams draining south from Strategic Vision Strategic and rich stream valleys of this northeast hub Welsh Mountain meander across the relatively straddle the border of Lancaster and Berks Coun- flat valley of the Pequea Creek watershed. There ties and include numerous interior forest blocks. are no major parks or regional preserves in The area hosts the 598 acre State Game Lands this area of the county. The predominantly 52. Creeks originating in the forested landscape agricultural landscape also contains considerable feed the Conestoga River and Cocalico Creek in forested habitats, primarily in Chester County. Lancaster County as well as the Schuylkill River The forests and other natural environments pro- in Berks County. The floodplains and wetlands vide essential habitat for many native plants and associated with the many streams that meander animals as well as a key connection in a potential through the hub provide important habitat for migratory pathway from the Bowmansville Hills numerous native plant and animal species. These Forests though Welsh Mountain to the Octoraro species include species of concern located in ten Creek Headwaters Hub. The meandering stream Natural Heritage Areas identified in the 2007 floodplains also provide essential habitat for Lancaster County Natural Heritage Inventory several species of concern in six Natural Heritage Update.1 Many of these species are shared with Areas extending into Chester County. Riparian or occur completely within Berks County. The restoration of floodplain and wetland habitats should be a priority activity within this hub. 1 Natural Heritage Areas support species of concern (plants and/or animals considered rare, threatened or Furnace Hills Forests: The northern expanse endangered at state or federal levels) that occur singly or in overlapping or adjacent habitats. (Pennsylvania Natural of woodlands between Lancaster and Lebanon Heritage Program, A Natural Heritage Inventory of Lan- Counties referred to as the Furnace Hills con- caster County, Pennsylvania, Update 2007.) tains the largest expanse of forested habitats and

76 Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element most significant interior forest blocks remaining the Lancaster County side remains mostly in in Lancaster. The area also contains the largest active agricultural production. Floodplains with amount of natural lands preserved in the county. native vegetation provide habitat for a variety Approximately 8,500 acres of natural lands, com- of plants and animals as well as a potential prised primarily of state game lands, have been natural migratory pathway from Chester County permanently protected in this hub. The hub also through Welsh Mountain south to Maryland. contains the 415 acre Speedwell forge County Riparian restoration of floodplain and wetland Park. This area provides substantial habitat and habitats should be a priority activity within this potential migratory pathways for a wide variety hub. Very little of the natural landscape has been of native plants and animals, including a number preserved in this hub. The County’s Ted Parker of species of concern in ten Natural Heritage Ar- III Natural Area and State Game Lands 136 are eas. The nearly uninterrupted forested landscape the only two areas of significant size that have provides a link to similar habitats in Lebanon been preserved. and Berks Counties. In portions of the forest, the lack of understory recruitment of native trees Serpentine Barrens: This southern hub supports and shrubs and a visible browse line suggests that a mixture of agricultural and rural residential action needs to be taken to reduce the deer herd. uses with scattered woodlots and outcrops of

Invasive species of shrubs and trees dominate the serpentine bedrock that are among the most Strategic Vision understory in other locations, indicating a need globally important habitats in Pennsylvania. The for silvicultural restoration to improve future serpentine habitats are part of a series of ter- forest stands. restrial habitat “islands” (isolated patches of bed- rock) located in southern Lancaster and Chester The Furnace Hills Forest hub encompasses a por- Counties and adjacent areas of Maryland that tion of a critical aquifer recharge area in northern should be thought of as a single system. They Lancaster County that was evaluated by the contain a very high concentration of plant and Susquehanna River Basin in partnership with the insect species of concern found in ten Natural Lancaster County Conservation District.2 In- Heritage Areas identified in the 2007 Lancaster cluded in this hub are the headwaters of Chiques County Natural Heritage Inventory Update. The Creek, Cocalico Creek and Middle Creek, which Lancaster County Conservancy’s Rock Springs provide essential habitat for common native spe- Nature Preserve is the only natural area perma- cies as well as several species of concern. The Fur- nently preserved within this hub. nace Hills Forests Hub supports a large concen- tration of the highest quality streams in Lancaster The plants that characterize the serpentine barren County. However, the water quality of these habitats are adapted to the dry, nutrient poor streams decreases as they traverse agricultural and soils and periodic fire events and require active urban landscapes towards the Susquehanna River. management (e.g., prescribed burns) to prevent Riparian restoration of floodplain and wetland succession to woodlands. Protection of the core habitats should be a priority activity within the habitat areas and management of the surround- southern portion of this hub. ing landscape context is needed to ensure the future of these globally rare habitats. Natural cor- Octoraro Creek Headwaters: Octoraro Creek ridors between the barrens should be established forms the boundary between Lancaster and to allow genetic flow between isolated species Chester Counties. Many branches of the creek populations. The landscape context may be best meander across wide floodplains that have been maintained in an agricultural or rural setting. used for pasture and hay crops. Portions of the Residential development near or between the floodplain have been revegetated by character- barrens should be strongly discouraged. istic floodplain plant communities – primarily on the Chester County side of the creek – while Susquehanna River Gorge: This large hub in the southwest part of the county is known locally as 2 Robert E. Edwards and Robert D. Pody, North- ern Lancaster County Groundwater Study: A Resource the “River Hills.” It includes the area along the Evaluation of the Manheim-Lititz and Ephrata Area Susquehanna River between the mouth of the Groundwater Basins, September 21, 2005 Conestoga River at Safe Harbor and the Mary-

Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element 77 land border. Because it is characterized by steep, habitat is within the river or its floodplain and hilly topography and is mostly unsuitable for associated islands, which support a wide variety agricultural uses, this area has retained much of of native plants and animals including several its natural forested character despite being repeat- species of concern. The Susquehanna River is edly logged in the past. It contains 16 Natural subject to extreme seasonal water level fluctua- Heritage Areas with numerous species of concern tions; the natural disturbances of flooding and and also provides a wide natural habitat corridor drying, along with seasonal ice scour, help main- that provides a vital link in the regional migra- tain the unique habitats associated with the river. tory pathway. Many of the cool, moist ravines The natural disturbance cycle also creates condi- provide habitat for an impressive suite of spring tions favorable for the establishment of invasive wildflowers, drawing tourists to Shenks Ferry and species of plants, which frequently dominate the other destinations during the peak spring bloom- shoreline of the river. ing season. Numerous species of concern also occur within the forested habitats of the ravines. There are several large parks in this hub that The streams flowing though the forested ravines have helped secure the protection of natural of this area are considered to have some of the resources in the riparian areas of this corridor. most intact riparian buffers in Lancaster County. Chickies Rock County Park (422 acres) in West Hempfield and Riverfront Park (238 acres) in In addition to the Susquehanna River Gorge’s East Donegal are two of the largest parks in forested ravines, the river, its floodplain, and this hub. The Northwest River Trail--a narrow associated islands provide ample habitat for a linear corridor of open space from Marietta to wide array of native plants and animals. The the Dauphin County line—has been protected deep water behind Holtwood Dam is a popular for the development of a 14-mile multipurpose recreational boating area. The Susquehanna River recreation trail that generally follows the route of below Holtwood Dam is one of Pennsylvania’s the historic PA Mainline Canal. most unusual and picturesque riverine landscapes with islands and exposed bedrock that support Recently improved fish ladders on the three many plant species that are uncommon in Penn- major dams on the Susquehanna River in Lan- sylvania. caster County have helped to alleviate formerly impassable barriers to migratory fishes that live Strategic Vision Strategic This hub contains a number of nature preserves in salt water and migrate to freshwater habitats to owned by the Lancaster County Conservancy spawn. However, the American eel, which lives in and a large passive park owned by Martic Town- fresh water but breeds in the ocean, has not ben- ship. However, unlike the Furnace Hill Hub, the efited from the current fish ladder designs. The preserves are smaller and scattered through- American eel may be an important link in the out the landscape. There are also several large utility owned parks in this hub. While open to the public, these areas are not permanently protected.

Upper Susquehanna River: The Upper Susque- hanna River Hub includes the section of the Susquehanna River between the Dauphin Coun- ty border at Conewago Creek and the mouth of the Conestoga River at Safe Harbor Dam. Sec- tions of the river are popular recreational boating destinations due to the deep water created by the The American Eel--once a staple of Native York Haven and Safe Harbor dams. This area Americans and early settlers in Lancaster County- also contains many significant riverine habitats, -no longer exists in the aquatic habitat of the including eight Natural Heritage Areas, and Susquehanna River due to a number of factors functions as an important migratory corridor for including the presence of hydroelectric dams blocking traditional migratory routes. many birds and fish. Most of the existing natural

78 Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element lifecycle of several native freshwater mussel spe- • Aquatic ecosystem services such as shad- cies, so an improvement in eel migratory routes ing, cooling, and providing food (leaf may help improve freshwater mussel populations litter) for organisms as well. • Scenic value • Recreational and educational opportunities Welsh Mountain: The hilly topography of the Welsh Mountains in eastern Lancaster County The functions and benefits of individual green- supports extensive forests with several significant ways vary based upon context. For example, the interior forest blocks. The forested landscape primary function of the largest greenways with provides essential habitat and migratory potential the greatest concentration of natural resources is for a wide variety of native plants and animals, to preserve those resources and provide ecological including several species of concern located in services. These greenways should be as wide as a Natural Heritage Area identified in the 2008 possible to protect natural resources, provide in- Lancaster County Natural Heritage Inventory terior habitat for species of concern such as neo- Update. Streams draining from Welsh Mountain tropical songbirds, and support plant and animal flow to the Conestoga River, Mill Creek, and migration. Like the County’s green infrastructure Pequea Creek. Most of Welsh Mountain is rela- hubs (with which they overlap), they can support tively undisturbed forest; however, several roads passive recreational activities managed to main- Strategic Vision and numerous rural residences fragment the tree tain natural carrying capacity and avoid impacts canopy. The hub includes Lancaster County’s 381 on sensitive resources. acre Money Rocks Park. Over 800 acres of ad- ditional natural lands owned by the New Holland At the other end of the spectrum, greenways in Borough Authority as watershed protection for Designated Growth Areas are typically limited in the New Holland Reservoir are currently being width due to surrounding development. Where acquired by the Lancaster County Conservancy. possible, they should integrate ecological and recreational values through riparian buffers that Greenways protect water quality and wetlands while accom- Greenways are linear “ribbons” that provide the modating multi-use trails accessible to the sur- major, countywide connections in the County’s rounding population. Conversely, public access green infrastructure system. They run between to greenways in working agricultural landscapes and through green infrastructure hubs and should be limited, although linear resources connect the hubs to the interior of Lancaster such as rail trails that can accommodate public County and its major population centers, as well access without interfering with the agricultural as to greenways in adjacent counties. Greenways economy and way of life of the adjacent farm generally correspond to major river and stream community should be permitted. In general, corridors (including adjoining natural resource greenways in these areas should be managed to areas such as floodplain, riparian vegetation, reestablish natural riparian buffers and reduce the and steep slopes), although they may also follow water quality impacts of agricultural practices. upland features such as ridgelines. While greenways can provide multiple benefits, Greenways provide a variety of benefits, such as: the proposed network of primary greenways • Protection of water quality (filtering shown on Figure 31 has been divided into three sediment, nutrients, and pollutants from categories based upon primary function: runoff) • Streambank stabilization (erosion pro- • Ecological Greenways provide critical tection during high water events) habitat corridors for the movement of • Storage of floodwaters plant and animal species. • Habitat for aquatic and terrestrial organ- • Conservation Greenways promote the isms (including species of concern) protection and restoration of riparian • Migration pathways for native plants and habitat along river and stream corridors, animals (including species of concern) particularly in agricultural areas and

Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element 79 What is a Riparian Buffer?

A riparian buffer is the area adjacent to a stream bank that is inhabited by native trees, shrubs, and other types of vegetation. Riparian buffers offer countless benefits to the adjacent stream, the qual- ity of water in the stream, and the aquatic species living in it. For example, riparian buffers help to improve water quality by filtering pollutants such as pesticides, sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus contained in runoff from agricultural land. The roots of riparian vegetation hold soil in place, prevent- ing stream bank erosion and sediment from entering the stream. Riparian buffers are most productive when they are allowed to grow freely with native vegetation, creating valuable wildlife habitat. They also provide areas for streams to overflow their banks during times of high water. This recharges groundwater and reduces the potential for flooding downstream by allowing the high water to dis- sipate naturally.

areas with urban or suburban develop- the vegetation located in the narrow area between ment. Public access is typically restricted. the river bank and the railroad tracks that parallel • Recreational Greenways promote pub- the river. Therefore, in their present condition lic access and use along linear features they provide little opportunity for the migration such as major river corridors, abandoned of native species that rely on upland habitat. By rail lines, and canal towpaths. contrast, the Susquehanna River provides an ex- cellent migration corridor for species that can use Several greenways in Lancaster County have been the aquatic habitat, and the Susquehanna River designated as “Major Greenways” by the Pennsyl- Gorge Hub to the south contains ample habitat vania Department of Environmental Conserva- for resident and migrating species. Expanding tion (DCNR) and are included in the County’s the upland natural habitat along the length of greenway network.3 These greenways are the the Susquehanna River between the Conewago Susquehanna Greenway, the Lower Susquehanna Creek and the Conestoga River should be con- River Water Trail, the Horseshoe Trail, and the sidered a restoration priority to help improve a Conestoga Trail. The Susquehanna Greenway vital link in this important regional migratory and Lower Susquehanna River Water Trail are pathway. The expanded greenway would also part of a statewide greenway extending along the provide outdoor recreational opportunities and Strategic Vision Strategic Susquehanna River from New York to Maryland, connect municipalities along the river through where it connects to a greenway initiative in existing and proposed trails. It is a key linkage in Maryland. The Horseshoe Trail and Conestoga the state-designated Susquehanna Greenway. Trail provide important recreational connections from adjacent counties through the interior of Chiques Creek Greenway: The Chiques Creek Lancaster County. Greenway follows Chiques Creek from Man- heim Borough to the Susquehanna River. This The following greenways (listed alphabetically) proposed Conservation Greenway currently are shown on Figure 31: has only fragments of natural habitat along the creek, its floodplain, and associated uplands. The Central Susquehanna Forested Greenway/Up- many branches and tributaries of Chiques Creek per Susquehanna Forested Greenway: These originate in the Furnace Hills, where they are proposed Ecological Greenways comprise the considered among the best quality streams in the terrestrial (upland) corridor associated with the County, but the water quality decreases as Upper Susquehanna River Hub described above. Chiques Creek flows towards the Susquehanna Because the lands have been largely converted River. Restoration of floodplain, wetland, and to agricultural, urban, and suburban uses, they upland forest habitats should be a priority activ- currently have minimal natural habitat outside of ity along the entire length of Chiques Creek. The restored habitat would help provide suitable 3 As defined by DCNR, a Major Greenway is 50 habitat for plants and animals, improve the water miles or more in length, passes through two or more coun- quality of Chiques Creek, and provide a natural ties, and is recognized in an official planning document.

80 Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element connection between the Furnace Hills and the Susquehanna River though a predominantly agricultural and urban landscape.

Cocalico Creek Greenway: The Cocalico Creek Greenway is a key linkage connecting the Fur- nace Hills Forests and Bowmansville Hills Forests Hubs to the Conestoga River Greenway and Susquehanna River. This proposed Conservation Greenway could incorporate undeveloped and underutilized land in around Ephrata Borough and surrounding suburban areas, including the Linear open spaces (or Greenways) such as this Cocalico Creek floodplain. Cocalico Creek and along the Pequea Creek, serve as habitat for migratory animal species; filters stormwater its associated floodplain and upland areas cur- before it enters the stream; and provides open rently have only fragments of natural habitat. space for recreation. Riparian restoration would provide additional habitat for plants and animals, improve water restoration could also provide an opportunity quality, and create a local migratory corridor to expand recreational opportunities associated Strategic Vision though a predominantly agricultural and urban with the existing trail, serving communities along landscape. Recreational opportunities could be the length of the Conestoga River, as compat- provided for local communities, as compatible ible with establishing viable natural habitat. The with establishing viable natural habitat. Conestoga Greenways River Corridor Conserva- tion Plan, published by the Lancaster Inter- Conestoga River Greenway: The Conestoga Municipal Committee (LIMC) in 1999, provides River is a proposed Conservation Greenway that strategies to develop greenways along sections is also a state-designated “Major Greenway” con- of the Conestoga River, Little Conestoga Creek, taining Lancaster County’s longest continuous and the West Branch of the Little Conestoga trail, the Conestoga Trail. The greenway includes Creek in central Lancaster County. numerous fragments of natural habitat along its length from its headwaters in the Bowmansville Conewago Creek Greenway: The Conewago Hills Forests Hub to the confluence with the Creek Greenway is a proposed Ecological Green- Susquehanna River. These fragments include way located between the Pennsylvania Turnpike forested uplands where the creek is flanked by and the Susquehanna River. The creek, stream steep slopes and wide floodplain areas that occur banks, and adjacent vegetated upland areas intermittently along the meandering course of provide habitat for a variety of native plants and the river. The Conestoga River passes though animals, including several species of concern southern Lancaster City, creating a potential located in two Natural Heritage Areas. The barrier for animals using the river corridor as a greenway contains numerous patches of natural migratory pathway. Upstream and downstream habitat, including several blocks of interior forest of Lancaster City, the surrounding landscape that form a “stepping stone” connection between consists primarily of agriculture, rural residential the Furnace Hills Forests and the Upper Susque- development, and newer suburban development. hanna River Hubs. Most of the forested habitat By combining preservation of the remaining frag- of this greenway occurs on thin soils over diabase ments with restoration of additional floodplain, bedrock that are not suitable for agricultural wetland, and upland forest areas along the river uses, so much of the area has remained forested. and its tributaries, the Conestoga River could The Conewago Creek floodplain contains lesser become a significant habitat corridor through amounts of natural habitat and should be consid- Lancaster County to the Susquehanna. This ered a priority for riparian restoration. restoration would provide additional habitat for plants and animals, improve water quality, and Lititz Run Greenway: The Lititz Run Greenway create a migratory corridor though the predomi- is a proposed Conservation Greenway that fol- nantly agricultural and urban landscape. Habitat lows the stream corridor and incorporates its

Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element 81 tributaries to the northeast. The headwaters of and upland forest habitats should be a priority Lititz Run are primarily agricultural lands in the activity along the entire length of Mill Creek and northwest part of the watershed. One species of its tributaries to improve water quality and create concern has been documented at the cave open- a significant habitat corridor across the County. ings of a spring that emanates from limestone bedrock in a park in Lititz Borough. The water- Mine Ridge Greenway: The Mine Ridge Green- shed incorporates all of Lititz Borough and the way is a proposed Ecological Greenway that surrounding designated growth area in Warwick follows a ridgeline of undulating hills that runs Township. The much-heralded Lititz Run has east-west across the southern part of Lancaster been the focus of a public-private restoration County and supports a significant series of up- initiative for the past 20-years. Stream restora- land forested habitats. The hilly topography and tion initiatives in the corridor include riparian thin soils over quartzite bedrock are the likely buffers, dam removal, agricultural best manage- factors that have kept the land out of agricultural ment practices BMPs), floodplain restoration production. Despite several significant interrup- (including legacy sediment removal), and several tions, particularly in the vicinity of Route 222, wetland rehabilitation projects. Continued the forested ridgeline makes a natural migratory focus on BMPs, in the headwaters of the water- pathway between the Lancaster / Chester county shed, urban greening efforts in the designated line and the Susquehanna River. Restoration growth area, and floodplain restoration will help of natural habitats along the floodplains of Big continue the significant gains in water quality Beaver Creek and Little Beaver Creek could help already achieved. provide the missing connections. By combin- ing preservation of the forested ridgeline with Mill Creek Greenway: Mill Creek is a proposed restoration of floodplain and wetland habitats, Conservation Greenway connecting the Welsh Mine Ridge could become a significant habitat Mountain Hub with the Conestoga River connector across southern Lancaster County. Greenway and the Susquehanna. Like the other potential greenways, Mill Creek flows through a landscape dominated by agriculture, rural 3.3.2 Nodes and Links residences, and suburban developments and currently has only scattered fragments of natural The hubs and greenways are the largest compo- Strategic Vision Strategic habitats. With a combination of preservation nents of Lancaster County’s green infrastructure of the fragments remaining and restoration of system and can be mapped at a countywide scale. floodplain, wetland and upland forest habitats, Other existing and potential components of the Mill Creek could become a significant habitat system exist at a more local scale throughout connector through the county to the Susque- rural, suburban, and urban parts of the County, hanna River. Restoration of floodplain, wetland where they can be identified and mapped through municipal and multi-municipal plan- ning efforts within the countywide framework set by Greenscapes. They take a variety of forms and can perform a variety of functions, but are gener- ally classified as nodes (local green infrastructure resources) and links (linear green infrastructure connections).

Nodes range from localized and sometimes isolated occurrences of natural resources (e.g., woodland, wetlands, steep slope areas with natu- ral vegetation, and species of concern habitat) to “managed” landscape features in more urban Trails can provide educational opportunities if they are paired with interpretive resources, such settings (e.g., parks, other “green” open spaces, as this wayside panel along the Heritage Path in and vegetated stormwater management areas). Chickies Rock County Park. Nodes can provide a variety of benefits, such as

82 Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element water and air quality improvement, stormwater • Canopy trees that intercept rainwater, management, wildlife habitat, and recreation. improve air quality, and cool the tem- While they can occur as isolated sites within perature surrounding agricultural or urban landscapes, • Safe connections for bicyclists and their value to the green infrastructure system is pedestrians enhanced when they are connected by greenways or links. Hedgerows – linear strips of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants along field borders – are an Links are smaller scale, linear components of example of a link in rural parts of Lancaster the green infrastructure system that include both County. Hedgerows provide wildlife habitat, re- natural features (e.g., small stream corridors) and duce stormwater runoff and soil erosion, decrease man-made feature (e.g., trails within rights-of- wind damage, and provide opportunities for way). Similar to nodes they provide a variety of diversified income from farming operations. benefits ranging from water quality protection and stormwater management to recreation, with an emphasis on connectivity. A promising type of 3.3.3 Landscapes green infrastructure link for Lancaster County’s urban and suburban areas is the “green street,” Landscape is a word with rich and varied mean- Strategic Vision a concept that has been developed in cities such ings. The traditional definition of the term relates as Portland and Seattle. Green streets typically to its visual or scenic qualities (e.g., “an expanse integrate the following: of scenery that can be seen in a single view”). Another definition relates to natural elements • Stormwater management such as such as landforms or rivers that characterize a re- vegetated swales and bioretention areas gion. Two such regional landscapes designated by within the right-of-way, thus reducing multi-state or state programs occur in Lancaster the need for piped infrastructure County:

What is a Landscape?

A Landscape is generally defined as a geographic region where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of recognizable character with distinct aesthetic, ecological, and cul- tural values. The relationship of people and the land and natural resources they use to sustain them shapes the landscape and, in turn, the landscape shapes the people living in it--their settlement pat- terns, buildings, livelihoods, products, cultural practices and beliefs. Therefore, landscapes encompass the past and the present and include both tangible and intangible heritage elements. These landscapes can range from those that are primarily natural in character to those that have an emphasis in cultural distinctiveness.

While it is nearly impossible to find a landscape in today’s world that hasn’t had some human influ- ence, there are still places that are very rich in biodiversity and other natural values. Here in Lancaster County, the Susquehanna River Gorge, the Furnace Hills, and the Welsh Mountains all exhibit this type of character. These are working landscapes that still contain a high level of biological diversity and important natural, cultural, and recreational resources. Other areas of the County illustrate a more dominant cultural influence on the landscape, such as the Mill Creek Valley in eastern Lancaster County where the Amish and Plain Sect communities practice their agrarian way of life.

The landscapes of present day Lancaster County are appreciated by residents and millions of visitors alike each year. These landscapes have been inherited from the past and reveal the relationships that people have had with their surroundings over time. As stewards of these living working landscapes, it is this generation’s responsibility to help conserve and preserve these dynamic and highly complex resources for the future as models of sustainable land use and development.

Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element 83 • The Furnace Hills Forests and Welsh While the Highlands and the Susquehanna Mountains Hubs are part of the High- River Corridor are major resources that provide lands Region, a large geographic area of a regional context for a significant part of forested mountains and hills extending Lancaster County’s green infrastructure, a more from northwestern Connecticut through holistic definition of landscape is needed that New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania applies across the County. For the purposes of to the Maryland state line. The High- Greenscapes, landscapes are defined as the broad lands was recognized by the Highlands physical patterns of human settlement, land use, Conservation Act, signed by President and resource conservation within which the core Bush in 2004. components of the green infrastructure system – hubs, greenways, nodes, and links – occur. At • The Susquehanna River Corridor in the broadest level, these landscapes are the Urban Lancaster County, which includes the and Village Growth Areas and the Rural Areas Susquehanna River Gorge and Upper defined by the Growth Management Element of Susquehanna River Hubs, is part of the the Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan. The Susquehanna Greenway designated by Growth Management Framework Map further the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. breaks down Rural Areas into three designations It is also part of a river system that (Agricultural Areas, Agricultural with Natural originates in upstate New York, flows Areas, and Natural Areas) based on mapping of through Pennsylvania and Maryland, key resource and land use factors. and empties into the Chesapeake Bay, one of the world’s great estuaries. Achieving the vision of a healthy green infra- The Highlands and the Susquehanna have been structure system in Lancaster County depends designated by the Pennsylvania Department of not only on establishing the core hubs, green- Conservation and Natural Resources as two of ways, nodes, and links, but also on managing only five “Mega-Greenways” within the Com- the surrounding urban and rural landscapes to monwealth. In addition, the lower Susquehanna sustain green infrastructure functions and values. River corridor has recently been recognized by This means taking action at the landscape level DCNR as a Conservation Landscape Initiative to preserve and enhance the core components Strategic Vision Strategic (CLI). The CLI recognition is given to land- (e.g., riparian reforestation along stream corridor scapes with state-significant natural resources greenways and links in urban or agricultural and character. The CLI designation is a holistic landscapes to improve water quality). It also planning approach that enables DCNR to focus means integrating green infrastructure directly both technical and financial resources in specific into the landscape fabric. In rural areas, this regions to preserve the characteristics that make could mean approaches such as sustainable them distinct. forestry or agriculture and improving wildlife habitat on farmland. In urban areas, it could mean approaches such as green roofs, canopy tree plantings, and backyard habitat.

84 Greenscapes — The Green Infrastructure Element