LAKE RALEIGH WOODS TRAIL PLAN

RALEIGH, NC - DECEMBER 2019 PROJECT # 201914011

LAKE RALEIGH WOODS TRAIL PLAN

PREPARED FOR

PREPARED BY

Destination by Design Planning, LLC | 136 Furman Road, Suite 6 | Boone, North Carolina 28607 | 828.386.1866 | www.DbDplanning.com

FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE @dbdplanning @destination_by_design @dbdplanning

CONTENTS

Background and Project Goals...... 2

Existing Conditions & Site Analysis...... 4

Sustainable Trail Design & Construction...... 6

Recommendations...... 8

Appendix...... 14

1 BACKGROUND & PROJECT GOALS

PROPERTY HISTORY The history of the Lake Raleigh area can be traced back in written records to the late 1700s, when Colonel Theophilus Hunter developed the Spring Hill Plantation. From the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, the City of Raleigh acquired the land comprising Spring Hill and additional surrounding agricultural lands to develop a state hospital. An earthen dam and the Bain Water Treatment Plant were constructed along Walnut Creek in 1900 to form Lake Raleigh, which was filled in 1914. Farming of agricultural lands around the Lake, as well as residential development north of the Lake, occurred throughout the 1900s. Most recently, the development of the NC State Centennial Campus has allowed the area to continuously evolve.

AN EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL RESOURCE Lake Raleigh Woods encompass 96 acres and is situated on North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus, south and west of Lake Raleigh. It is designated as one of the nine hallowed places on the NC State campus. NC State’s physical master plan, A Campus of Neighborhoods and Paths, describes these places as “irreplaceable campus buildings, landscapes, and natural settings that have accrued special meaning over time.”

Lake Raleigh Woods serves several recreational and educational uses for students and faculty of NC State as well as the general public. The property provides an ideal outdoor classroom and research area proximate to campus facilities. The Woods also provide for several recreation uses, including hiking, mountain biking, trail running, dog walking, fishing, and geo-caching.

LAKE RALEIGH WOODS GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN The Lake Raleigh Woods General Management Plan provides a detailed site analysis and recommendations for enhancing recreational and educational uses on the property while protecting the area’s natural resources. Among other objectives, the Plan outlines the “implementation of systematic trail management” as a key management objective. The General Management Plan proposes the development of a sustainable trail system that encourages visitor use and limits the amount of negative environmental and social impacts on the property.

The Lake Raleigh Woods Trail Plan was developed as a supplement to the General Management Plan. The Trail Plan provides an analysis of the existing trail system, general guidelines for trail design and construction, and recommendations for the design of the Lake Raleigh Woods trail system.

2 PROJECT GOALS

Sustainability. Create a natural surface trail system that is environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable. Environmental sustainability minimizes natural and user impacts to the resource through appropriate trail design, layout, construction, maintenance, and management. Social sustainability addresses meeting the desired user experience and outcomes. Economic sustainability addresses the long-term costs of maintaining and managing the trail system. Education. Provide an outdoor classroom and appropriate access to Lake Raleigh Woods for educational and research use. Construction, maintenance, and management of the trail system will serve as an educational experience and opportunity for service learning. Experience. Provide an exceptional user experience for hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners that will encourage responsible use of Lake Raleigh Woods by students, faculty, staff, and visitors, and improve navigability while minimizing user conflict through a well defined trail system. Funding. Ensure grant competitiveness when seeking outside funding and guide future implementation.

3 EXISTING CONDITIONS & SITE ANALYSIS

EXISTING CONDITIONS Lake Raleigh Woods encompass 96 acres on North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus and are comprised of a mixture of mature and young forests. Mature hardwood forests dominate the northern half of the property while a mixture of old and young hardwoods and pines are found in the southern half. A variety of invasive plants are found throughout the forest. The topography varies and numerous drainages run to Lake Raleigh. While many of the drainages appear dry, intermittent streams and wetland areas can be found closer to the lakeshore.

The Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School, Park Alumni Center, The Point, and StateView Hotel are located on the southern boundary of the property. Neighboring private residences back up to the western edge of Lake Raleigh Woods.

SITE ANALYSIS An informal user created trail network with few signs of planning or sustainability currently exists on the property. Lack of clearly delineated trail treads and wayfinding signage make navigation difficult. The existing trail along the lakeshore appears to be significantly impacted.

4 EXISTING LAKE RALEIGH WOODS TRAIL SYSTEM SUSTAINABLE TRAIL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

SUSTAINABLE TRAIL DESIGN The Lake Raleigh Woods Trail System should be designed and constructed to minimize erosion and ongoing maintenance, while providing for a beginner experience. The overall average grade or steepness of the trails will be 10% or less, and the trail character will include slight rolling that follows the contours of the terrain. Trails will be slightly out-sloped, and meander and undulate frequently to remove water from the trail surface and provide an interesting journey for the trail user. Trail width will vary depending on proposed use.

Trail design will utilize the five essential elements of sustainable trails as outlined in the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s (IMBA) publication Trail Solutions:

1 The Half Rule. A trail’s grade shouldn’t exceed half the grade 4 Grade Reversals. A grade reversal is a point where an of the hillside or sideslope that the trail traverses. If the grade ascending trail changes direction subtly for 10 to 50 linear does exceed half the sideslope, water will likely flow down feet before ascending again. This change in grade allows for the trail rather than run across it. water to exit the trail.

2 Ten Percent Average Guideline. An average trail grade 5 Outslope. The trail tread should be outsloped (sloped away of 10% or less is generally most sustainable. While steeper from the hillside) by 3-5%. This will allow water that flows on grades may exist, the length of sections that exceed 10% to the trail to run across and not be channeled down the trail. should be limited.

3 Maximum Sustainable Trail Grades. Maximum grade is the steepest portion of a trail that is more than around 10 feet in length. It’s critical to determine what the maximum allowable trail grade will be prior to beginning construction. Several factors should be considered including:

• Half Rule • Rock • Grade Reversals • Number of Users • Soil Types • Annual Rainfall Amount • Type of Users • Difficulty Level

6 TRAIL CONSTRUCTION Trails should be constructed using a “full bench cut” in which the entire trail tread is built on solid ground. A “partial bench cut” which is similar to “cut and fill” will only be utilized if a full bench cut is not feasible due to rock outcrops, slabs, or other natural features. A partial bench cut uses fill dirt to construct a portion of the trail tread. The fill dirt has a tendency to loosen over time and can wash and erode. This issue is minimized when constructing a full bench cut.

The trail bed will be shaped to leave an even, compacted, uniform surface free of indentations or protruding roots and stumps. The grading of trail tread, back slope, and drainage features will be finished to a smooth, stable surface. Any excess or disturbed soil outside the trail tread should be evenly distributed and covered with leaves, organic debris, and other natural materials to aid in aesthetics and sedimentation and erosion control.

Trail crossings of natural drainage features will be bridged or armored with natural stone.

Members and associates of the Professional Trailbuilders Association (PTBA) should be preferred contractors for constructing trails with mechanized equipment. These contractors have a thorough understanding of sustainable trail design and construction.

Volunteers may also work with PTBA contractors in a “hybrid” manner. When utilizing this method, the contractor is responsible for the rough cut of the trail tread and volunteers complete the finish work. NC State will be responsible for securing any required local, state, or federal permits for construction.

7 RECOMMENDATIONS

TRAILHEADS HIKING TRAILS This plan proposes two user-specific trailheads. The Centennial Four gently graded hiking only trails are proposed. Several loop Campus Magnet Middle School trailhead will provide access to options will be available when combined with a short section of the mountain bike trail system, skills areas, and connecting hiking shared use trail that is part of the North Mountain Bike Loop as trails. This trailhead also provides space for future development well as by other hiking only trails. The hiking trails will be four feet of trail amenities that might include a changing area, bike repair in width. station, and picnic shelter. The Park Alumni Center trailhead will provide access to the hiking only Lakeside Trail and future trail connections to access Lake Raleigh and the StateView Hotel. Lakeside Hiking Trail (#6) The Lakeside Hiking Trail is approximately 1.14 miles in length and begins at the Park Alumni Center trailhead. This trail emphasizes MOUNTAIN BIKE LOOPS views of Lake Raleigh as it follows the contours of the hillsides North Mountain Bike Loop (#2) above the lakeshore. It will be gently graded to encourage use by The North Mountain Bike Loop is a lasso loop that is approximately hikers of a variety of ages and abilities. The trail will end at a rock 1.1 miles in length. This loop will provide a greater distance outcrop close to the northwest boundary of the property. A future between alignments in an area of mature forest and provide a connection to the Raleigh greenway system to the north should more remote feeling for trail users. The first section of this trail also be considered. will be six feet in width to accommodate shared use by mountain Additional spur trails that access the lake will require structure bikers and hikers accessing the West Connector Trail. The section to approach and traverse wet areas close to the lakeshore. of trail that is purpose built for mountain bikers will be three feet Constructed steps will be necessary to approach the lake and in width. boardwalks may be necessary to access the shoreline and minimize impact in a sustainable way.

South Mountain Bike Loop (#4) An extension of the Lakeside Hiking Trail to the east would provide The South Mountain Bike Loop is approximately 1.1 miles in length. trail connections to the StateView Hotel and should be considered This loop will utilize a closer distance between alignments in an in the future. This extension could also provide an opportunity area of younger disturbed forest and maximize terrain for fun and to create a short educational interpretive trail that focuses on flow. It will provide a more developed feeling for trail users. This the cultural and natural history of Lake Raleigh Woods. A future purpose built trail for mountain bikers will be three feet in width. connection to the Raleigh greenway system by way of an existing sidewalk system should also be considered.

8 Main Campus

6 1 LAKE RALEIGH FUTURE ADDITION

2 STATEVIEW HOTEL

PARK ALUMNI CENTER Alumni 3 6 5 Alumni

“THE POINT”- 4 CHANCELLORS RESIDENCE

2 B Main Campus

CENTENNIAL CAMPUS TRAILHEAD & PARKING MAGNET MIDDLE A SCHOOL 4 FT CONTOURS

FUTURE ADDITION LAKESIDE TRAIL LAKE RALEIGH WOODS CONNECTOR TRAILS FEET MOUNTAIN BIKE LOOPS PROPOSED TRAIL SYSTEM SKILLS AREAS 0 250’ 500’ N EXISTING GREENWAY 9 RECOMMENDATIONS

HIKING TRAILS West Connector Hiking Trail (#1) East Connector Hiking Trail (#5) The West Connector Hiking Trail is approximately 0.25 miles in The East Connector Hiking Trail is approximately 0.38 miles in length and begins at its intersection with the North Mountain Bike length and begins at the Centennial Campus Magnet Middle Loop. It provides a connection between the mountain bike loop School trailhead. It provides a connection between this trailhead and western terminus of the Lakeside Hiking Trail. and the Lakeside Hiking Trail.

Central Connector Hiking Trail (#3) The Central Connector Hiking Trail is approximately 0.27 miles in length and begins at its intersection with the North Mountain Bike Loop. It provides a connection between the mountain bike loop and Lakeside Hiking Trail.

MOUNTAIN BIKE SKILLS AREAS Designated skills areas for mountain bikers are important for Intermediate Skills Area Typical Features rider progression and teaching. These areas will consist of wood, • Skinny: 8-inches wide, 8-inches off ground, 8-feet long dirt, and rock features that will provide learning and trailing opportunities as well as fun, unique experiences. Two proposed • Skinny: 8-inches wide, 8-inches off ground, 12-feet long skills area are recommended for the Lake Raleigh Woods trail • Curvilinear bridge: 12-inches wide, 50-feet long system. Designed progression allows riders to grow in predictable • Roll down bridge: 3-feet wide, 12-feet long, with 12-inch drop ways and increases rider skill and interests. It also allows newer riders a fun way to be introduced to the sport. • Roll down bridge: 3 feet wide, 12-feet long, with 24-inch drop and 45-degree angle down ramp Beginner Skills Area Typical Features • Table top line: 3 table top jump – 6-foot ramp, 3-foot table • Skinny: 12-inches wide, 6-inches off ground, 8-feet long top, 8-foot lander • Skinny: 12-inches wide, 8-inches off ground, 12-feet long • S-Berm line: two 90-degree berms • Zigzag bridge: 18-inches wide, 8-inches off ground, 30-feet long • Rolldown bridge: 3-feet wide, 12-feet long, with 6-inch drop • Roller line: two sets of three rollers

10 BEGINNER SKILLS AREA (A)

CURVED OPTION LADDER AT GRADE LEVEL

SKINNY AT GRADE LEVEL

ROLL-DOWN BRIDGE WITH 8” DROP OFF CURVED LADDER AT GRADE LEVEL INTERMEDIATE SKILLS AREA (B)

SMALL ROLLER LINE SKINNY AT GRADE LEVEL

CURVED LADDER AT GRADE LEVEL

LADDER-SKINNY AT GRADE LEVEL

GATEWAY/KIOSK SMALL ROLLERS BETWEEN WOOD FEATURES

ROLL-DOWN CURVED OPTION BRIDGE WITH 16” LADDER AT GRADE RAMP EXIT LEVEL

Construction Notes: All wood features will be constructed using pressure treated 6-inch poles for stringers and footers. Decks will be 2x8 rough sawn pressure treated wood. Skills areas will include signage that indicates what features will be encountered and alert users to potential risks. Skills areas will have an entrance gateway to GATEWAY/KIOSK differentiate the area from the trail system. All access will be through this point.

11 RECOMMENDATIONS

TRAIL SYSTEM MANAGEMENT Graduate Student Trail Crew Management Qualifications

A graduate student within the NC State University Department • Knowledge of trail design, construction, and maintenance of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management can serve as a • Experience working on volunteer trail crews Trail Manager (TM). The TM will oversee all aspects of trail usage, • Ability to lead others management, maintenance, and planning for the current and future trails, and will ensure the trails are created, maintained, and • Excellent spoken and written communication used in accordance with the Lake Raleigh Woods Trail Plan and NC • Active trail user State policies. The TM will also develop a record keeping system • Grant writing experience to track usage, maintenance needs, and inspections, and serve as the point person in coordinating class use and research at Lake • CPR/First Aid (or higher) certified Raleigh Woods.

Duties • Conduct and record monthly inspections of the trail system and skills areas • Collect and record trail use data • Conduct weekly visitor contact patrols • Monitor and track maintenance needs • Plan volunteer maintenance • Recruit student volunteers for monthly work days • Maintain and organize all trail tools • Promote trail system through social media channels • Seek grants and other funding sources for future development and maintenance • Develop a schedule for class use/research needs.

12 Wet Weather Closure NEXT STEPS

Closing natural surface trails when the trail tread is wet is a common The trail system outlined in this plan has been corridor flagged in practice recommended by professional trail builders and some the field. Next steps include: trail managers. The goal of wet weather closure is to minimize the amount of soil loosened by the user and subsequent damage to the • Pin flagging the exact location of the trail tread. trail tread. • Clearing the corridor of brush and small trees to help preserve the trail alignments until construction. When trail users utilize wet natural surface trails, they can significantly impact the trail tread by changing the tread surface • Utilizing student volunteers and/or contracted professional and loosening and displacing more soil. This can create dips, holes, trailbuilders to contruct the trail tread. and inconsistencies that hold water and may create reoccurring maintenance needs and safety issues. It can also magnify the erosion process by loosening exposed soil that will be affected by CONSTRUCTION COSTS subsequent wet weather events. Units HIKING TRAILS Unit Cost Total Cost A number of different factors may affect the drying time of the (LF) trail tread including soil type, vegetative cover, aspect, trail tread West Connector Hiking Trail (#1) 1344 $5 $ 6,720.00 condition, and trail design. For this reason, it is initially necessary to Central Connector Hiking Trail (#3) 1409 $5 $ 7,045.00 put boots on the ground when implementing wet weather closure. East Connector Hiking Trail (#5) 1982 $5 $ 9,910.00 Over time, both the trail manager and user will begin to understand and know the typical closure time that is needed for various periods Lakeside Hiking Trail (#6) 5996 $5 $ 29,980.00 of wet weather. Total Cost $ 53,655.00 In order to limit the time and effort involved by the Trail Manager MOUNTAIN BIKE LOOPS when implementing wet weather closure, clearly defined North Mountain Bike Loop (#2) 5731 $5 $ 28,655.00 representative sections of trail that can be quickly and easily accessed should be monitored after wet weather events. These South Mountain Bike Loop (#4) 5725 $5 $ 28,625.00 sections of trail should represent a variety of environments along Total Cost $ 57,280.00 different trail types. Some examples may include south facing Total Trail System Cost $ 110,935 slopes and exposed areas that dry quickly, as well as, north facing slopes and shaded areas that may stay wet longer. During * A hybrid contract using organized student help could decrease the unit cost to $3.50. monitoring, if the trail tread surface is significantly affected by foot traffic, then trail closure should be seriously considered.

13 APPENDIX A: GENERAL TRAILWORK SPECIFICATIONS

Trail work includes but is not limited to the following tasks: • Vegetation cut from the trail corridor shall be moved at least clearing, grubbing, excavation, back sloping, deberming, 30 feet from the edge of the trail corridor. The cut end shall compacting, and construction of grade dips, grade reversals, not be visible from the trail. climbing turns, rolling crown switchbacks, and retaining walls. • Cut and removed brush and vegetation shall be placed close The trail shall be sustainable, constructed to minimize erosion and to the ground, not exceeding three feet in height. Brush shall require little maintenance. Water shall exit the trail often via self- not be placed in piles. cleaning grade reversals and/or dips. Earthen waterbars are not • In areas where an existing trail is to be abandoned and acceptable for sustainable trail construction. The trail shall appear rehabilitated, the cut and removed brush and vegetation may as narrow as possible while still maintaining the required tread be used to help accomplish this purpose. width.

The following specifications and standards cannot cover all aspects of trail construction. They are simply intended to relay the Tread Construction: intent of the trail manager. • Corridor width and height and tread width will be specified on the specification page for each project.

Tree Cutting: • Work shall be completed with hand tools or low impact mechanized equipment with a footprint no wider than the • The trail shall be aligned to avoid removal of trees greater specified trail tread unless approved by agency staff. than 6” in diameter at breast height where possible. Any trees greater than 6” the contractor believes need to be cut shall be • Unless otherwise specified, the trail shall be constructed with a approved by the trail manager. “full bench cut”. • Stumps located in the trail tread shall be completely removed. • The trail backslope shall transition smoothly to the hillside Those located in the trail corridor shall be cut flush to the above. ground. Stumps and root balls that have been completely • All trail tread shall be out sloped 3-5%. removed shall be placed at least 30 feet from the edge of the • All vegetative/root matter in the trail tread shall be removed trail corridor to minimize their appearance from the trail. except for large feeder roots which shall be covered with soil to raise the trail tread above the roots. Brush Removal: • The trail tread shall have a compacted mineral soil surface. • The trail corridor shall be cleared of all limbs, brush, vines and Compaction shall be completed using a mechanized tamper vegetation. Cut limbs shall not protrude from the main stem. such as a vibrating plate compactor. The trail bed shall be All branches shall be cut just outside of the branch collar to shaped to leave an even, compacted, uniform surface free of promote sealing of the wound. indentations or protruding roots and stumps. The grading of 14 trail tread, back slope, and drainage features shall be finished Climbing Turns: to a smooth, stable surface. • All needed climbing turns shall be designed and constructed • Excavated material shall be evenly distributed downhill of the according to IMBA standards as specified in their book Trail trail tread and shall not form a berm on the outer edge of the Solutions. tread that will restrict the natural flow of water across and off • Climbing turns shall be constructed only on side slopes of 7% the trail. or less. • The contractor shall not complete more than 500 feet of • The turn radius shall be as wide as possible with a minimum of new trail construction before “finishing” the trail tread and 20 feet. backslope in the manner described above. • Grade reversals shall be located immediately before and after • Trail constructed within 100 feet of streams shall be completed the turn. and stabilized by the end of each work day. • Excavated and disturbed soil outside of the trail tread and Rolling Crown Switchbacks and Bermed Turns: backslope shall be covered with leaves and other organic • All needed rolling crown switchbacks shall be designed and debris to resemble the surrounding forest floor. There shall be constructed according to IMBA standards as specified in their 50% coverage at a minimum. book Trail Solutions. • On side slopes greater than 7%, rolling crown switchbacks or Trail Grades: bermed climbing turns shall be constructed. • Grade reversals and grade dips shall be constructed to remove • Switchbacks shall have a near level turning platform that is water from the trail tread. All needed grade reversals and/ slightly crowned. The upper leg shall be insloped at 5% and or grade dips will be done according to IMBA standards as shall create a drain extending well beyond the platform. The specified in their book Trail Solutions. lower leg shall be outsloped at 5% for proper drainage. Grade reversals shall be located immediately before and after the • Grades shall average 10%. In instances where the terrain switchback. or desired experience requires a grade of 10-15% for short distances, grade reversals/dips will be required within ten feet • If dense vegetation is not present, barriers such as logs, large of the top of the slope and along the trail tread as necessary. stones, or brush shall be placed inside the switchback to prevent users from short cutting the switchback. • Retaining walls for constructed switchbacks shall be carefully built to ensure stability of the platform and the lower leg of the trail. • All fill material shall be thoroughly compacted. 15 APPENDIX A: GENERAL TRAILWORK SPECIFICATIONS

Trail Reroutes and Rehabilitation of Abandoned Trail: • All trail reroutes will include “rehabilitating” the existing “abandoned trail” by using dead vegetation, rocks and/or other approved natural materials to disguise the trail. The abandoned trail tread shall by scarified to promote natural seeding and growth. Rehabilitation shall be done as each reroute section is complete. • Any man made materials located on the “abandoned trail” shall be removed and carried off site unless they are aiding in the rehabilitation and closure of the trail. Agency staff will make this determination.

Use of Natural Materials: • Rocks and native soil may be “harvested” from near the work site, as approved by the trail manager, provided the areas harvested from are graded out so as to not create new holes, erosion issues, and/or unnatural looking areas. • Areas harvested from shall be “rehabilitated” by placing leaves and/or dead plant materials over any bare soil with a minimum of 50% coverage.

16 APPENDIX B: DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS

Office of Finance and Administration Campus Box 7519 Facilities 2701 Sullivan Drive, Suite 330 Office of the University Architect Raleigh, NC 27695-7519 P: 919.515.8052

Design Review Comments Project Number: 201914011 Project Name: Lake Raleigh Woods Trail Plan Project Manager: Tom Skolnicki Design Phase: Study Discipline: Planning & Engineering Consultant: Destination by Design Reviewed by: Nessa Stone and Adam Bensley Date of Comments: 1/8/2020 Date of Response: 1/31/2020

COMMENTS RESPONSES 1. Where is the designated parking for trail users? Parking is available at the trailheads, at the Alumni Center and CC Magnet Middle School.

2. A waste management plan should be developed to support Agreed. A plan for waste management should be developed prior to university waste reduction sustainability goals. The plan needs to trail construction. ensure users have appropriate resources and education for waste management at the facility.

Design Review Comments Project Number: 201914011 Project Name: Lake Raleigh Woods Trail Plan Reviewed by: Bill Davis Date of Comments: 1/8/2020 Date of Response: 1/31/2020

COMMENTS RESPONSES 3. Globally change NCSU to NC State. Branding and Plan has been revised to address comment. Communications has been trying to remove NCSU from the campus vocabulary.

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4. Page 2: Consider changing the GMP abbreviation to avoid any Plan has been revised to address comment. future confusion with Guaranteed Maximum Price.

5. Page 5: were any of the trails impacted by the Several social trails uphill from the lake edge were impacted by the development/construction of The Point (Chancellor’s Residence) or hotel construction. The goal is to remove/discourage existing (and Stateview Hotel? future) social trails as the new trail system is constructed. 6. Page 5: Is there a more recent aerial overlay available? This image was taken from the General Management Plan, and reflects the trail system at that time.

7. Page 9: Could the Raleigh Greenway System be included? - it Plan has been revised to address comment. would give some context to the final paragraph on the Page 8

Design Review Comments Project Number: 201914011 Project Name: Lake Raleigh Woods Trail Plan Reviewed by: Rose Fortier Date of Comments: 1/9/2020 Date of Response: 1/31/2020

COMMENTS RESPONSES 8. All documents should include project numbers. The NC State project number has been added to the cover page.

Design Review Comments Project Number: 201914011 Project Name: Lake Raleigh Woods Trail Plan Reviewed by: Carla Davis Date of Comments: 1/9/2020 Date of Response: 1/31/2020

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COMMENTS RESPONSES 9. Will we be adding a bike rack and tire filling station at the middle Bike racks and stations are not planned at this time, but could be school trailhead? Seems like we might also need a set of trash and added. A waste management plan will be developed with Waste recycling containers at both trailheads. Reduction and Recycling prior to trail construction. 10. Will there be signage or a kiosk at the trailheads that Yes. Kiosks exist at both trailhead locations. Plans for other signage describes/maps the trail system? Perhaps there are also plans for have not been discussed. Blazes on trees are recommended to mark natural-looking signage throughout the system where required. the different trails. 11. We will need a webpage about the trails somewhere in the NCSU We agree that a web presence would be helpful. More discussion web interface. Maybe it lives on Centennial's website. Something about who maintains the site is needed. simple with a map, description, photos, etc. is probably all that's required. Though it could also link to the contact info for the trail manager, volunteer day sign ups, photos from social media taken at the site, etc.

Design Review Comments Project Number: 201914011 Project Name: Lake Raleigh Woods Trail Plan Reviewed by: Karyn Green Date of Comments: 1/9/2020 Date of Response: 1/31/2020

COMMENTS RESPONSES 12. ESC permit needed from NCDEQ for land disturbing activities Understood. As funding is available for construction, the project exceeding 1 acre. Estimated 2.19 acres of impact from the manager should discuss the permitting requirements for each phase proposed trails not including the skills areas. with your office. 13. Floodplains: Lakeside Trail additional spur trails may be located in Agreed. As noted on page 7, obtaining all applicable permits prior to 100 year floodplain; the study references the placement of construction is required. structures in areas adjacent to the shoreline of Lake Raleigh to minimize impacts to sensitive areas. A Flood Permit is required by City of Raleigh for development within the floodplain. 14. A review of Google Earth photos of the project area show the Understood. As funding is available for construction, the project presence of three stream-like features (see map below). The manager should discuss the permitting requirements for these Lakeside Trail appears to cross two streams based on a

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comparison of aerial photos and the Trail Map provided in the Plan. crossings with your office. Also, text has been added to the plan to A 401/404 permit may be required for this project. address options for these areas.

15. Buffer: There is a 100 foot buffer around Lake Raleigh that restricts We understand the 100-foot buffer to be a self-imposed condition by development. A permit from NCDEQ may be required to impact the NC State University to protect an additional 50 feet outside of the 50- buffer. foot Neuse River 50 buffer. Potential construction impacts to either buffer should be discussed with each authority to determine required permissions.

Design Review Comments Project Number: 201914011 Project Name: Lake Raleigh Woods Trail Plan Reviewed by: Tommy Holden Date of Comments: 1/15/20 Date of Response: 1/31/2020

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COMMENTS RESPONSES 16. Is there a possible pump track site location identified for future While not identified within the plan, an opportunity exists in close builds? Or do you think the small roller line in the intermediate skills proximity to skills area B for a pump track location. As this skills area area would suffice? is being developed, plans should include a pump track if desired. 17. The overall plan is very exciting and looks great! Health and We are pleased that the plan meets your goals for your department. Exercise Studies Outdoor Leadership classes would utilize the trails We recommend continuing the discussion about trail construction and for multiple classes (backpacking, mountain biking, orienteering, etc). We would also be excited to explore a collaborative effort with trail management with the Lake Raleigh Woods Advisory Committee PRTM for the graduate student Trail Manager (TM) position. and the College of Natural Resources. Outdoor leadership minor students as well as the large contingent of mountain bikers (former and current students) are excited to help with construction and maintenance of trails.

Design Review Comments Project Number: 201914011 Project Name: Lake Raleigh Woods Trail Plan Reviewed by: Energy Management, Rebecca Deiderich Date of Comments: 1/15/2020 Date of Response: 1/31/2020

COMMENTS RESPONSES 18. The map on page 9 shows an arrow at the north end of the Lakeside Plan has been revised to address comment. Trail. This arrow is ambiguous, please clarify.

19. On page 8 it is noted that "A future connection to the Raleigh Plan has been revised to address comment. greenway system to the north should also be considered." I suggest showing the Walnut Creek Greenway on the map on page 9 for reference.

Design Review Comments Project Number: 201914011 Project Name: Lake Raleigh Woods Trail Plan Reviewed by: Office of the University Architect Date of Comments: 1/15/2020 Date of Response: 1/31/2020

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COMMENTS RESPONSES 20. P 6. The last two sentences in the first paragraph seem to say the Plan has been revised to address comment. same thing. Can one be deleted? If not, please clarify.

21. P 9. The rock outcrop that occurs along the western third of trail #6 Plan has been revised to address comment. is a popular destination. Is there a reason this cannot be shown as another future trail spur?

22. P 9. Since the connection to the Walnut Creek Greenway (to the Plan has been revised to address comment. north) is a future project, it seems the arrow graphic should indicate it is a future addition.

23. P 9. Please add the screened back dashed line (future addition) to Plan has been revised to address comment. the legend in the title block.

24. P 13. Add a note to clarify that the cost table is “cost of work” and Plan has been revised to address comment. does not include soft costs (testing, design, contingency, etc.)

25. P 13. Typo in “Next Steps” paragraph? Should “corrdor” be Plan has been revised to address comment. “corridor”?

Design Review Comments Project Number: 201914011 Project Name: Lake Raleigh Woods Trail Plan Reviewed by: Nathan Williams Date of Comments: 1/16/2020 Date of Response: 1/31/2020

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COMMENTS RESPONSES 26. P 9. Is it possible to push trail section 5 further east to This does seem possible. Minimizing views between trails and The accommodate more space/length for section 4? It seems like the Point is a goal to help ensure privacy and security of the residence. buffer between section 5 and The Point is excessive. Before construction, it is recommended that final trail layouts also take into account the locations of any natural and cultural resources of value to teaching and research goals. The proposed trail system map has been revised to show this minor change. It is important to note that these changes are not flagged in the field. The project manager should discuss these minor changes with the contractor or individual who pin flags the final alignment prior to construction. 27. Can trail sections be identified to distinguish which can be It is feasible for all trail sections to be built by mechanized equipment, volunteer-built versus machine-built? or a combination of both mechanized and hand construction may be utilized. Total construction costs referenced in the plan refer to mechanized trail construction by a professional trail contractor.

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