Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Master Plan - Lake James to Morganton

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overmountain victory national historic trail master plan LAKE JAMES

MORGANTON

SUMMER 2015

"The landowner is the only person that can actually give this gift for the rest of eternity."

– Judy Perry, OVnhT TRAIL ENTHUSIAST

Overmountain Victory

National Historic Trail Master Plan L LAKE E N O IJAMES R > > >> MO RGANTON MORGANTON

Produced for US National Park Service Burke County City of Morganton

PRODUCED by

Destination by Design Planning, LLC | 815 West King Street, Suite 2 | Boone, North Carolina 28607 | 828.386.1866 | www.DbDplanning.com

WITH ASSISTANCE FROM

Acknowledgments National Park Service John Slaughter, Group Superintendent, Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Parks Paul Carson, Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

north carolina wildlife resources commission Jason Creegan, Conservation Technician II Isaac Harrold, Program Manager

Burke County Johnny Carswell, Chairman, Board of Commissioners Wayne Able, Vice Chair, Board of Commissioners Maynard Taylor, Member, Board of Commissioners Jack Carroll, Member, Board of Commissioners Jeff Brittain, Member, Board of Commissioners Scott Carpenter, Deputy County Manager/Planning Director

Kip Hollifield, Land Management Biologist Ryan Jacobs, Wildlife Forester Nick Shaver, Technician Supervisor Gordon Warburton, Mountain Ecoregion Supervisor

City of Morganton Mel L. Cohen, Mayor John H. Cantrell, Jr., Mayor Pro-Tem Forrest A. Fleming, Councilman S. Sidney Simmons, Councilman Ronnie M. Thompson, Councilman Lee E Anderson, AICP, Director of Development & Design Services Michael Berley, PLA, Project Designer

Landowner Outreach Video Interviewees Senator Jim Broyhill John Slaughter, National Park Service Ben Griffin, Landowner Merlin and Judy Perry, Trail Enthusiasts

contents

Table of Contents

introduction 1 Background 2 Plan Goals

3

Planning Process

4

Plan Organization

5

Chapter 1: Existing Conditions, Analysis, and Preliminary Alignments Study Area Description

Signage and Wayfinding

38

Social Media: The New Word of Mouth

40

chapter 4: recommendations

41

Planning Sections Overview

42

Trail Sections Recommendations

44

7 8

Chapter 5: implementation

59

The Natural Environment

10

Implementation Details by Section and Responsibility

The Built Environment

13

Priority Implementation Areas and Responsibilities

61

Map And Photo Series: Preliminary Trail Route Alternatives

19

Trail Support Spectrum

62

Chapter 2: landowner engagement

27

60

Appendix 63

Identifying the Landowners

28

(A1) Budget

64

Landowner Communications

29

(A2) Fact Sheet

65

Landowner Workshop

30

(A3) Landowner Letter

65

Trail Route Re-Evaluation

32

(A4) Landowner Interest Survey

66

(A5) Funding Sources

66

33

(A6) Warrior Fork Greenway Easement

67

Trail Types

34

(A7) Crescent Resources / Warrior Fork Greenway Easement

68

Trail Types Profile

36

Chapter 3: trail character & Design guidelines

vii

contents

list of maps

List of Exhibits

Map 1: OVNHT Commemorative Motor Route

2

Exhibit 1: McDowell House/ Quaker Meadows

18

Map 2: General Study Area

8

Exhibit 2: Trail Type Profile

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Map 3: Study Area 1 Site Analysis

20

Exhibit 3: Social Media

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Map 4: Study Area 2 Site Analysis

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Exhibit 4: Lake James Family Campground

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Map 5: Study Area 3 Site Analysis

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Exhibit 5: Powerhouse Bridge

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Map 6: Landowner Database

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Exhibit 6: Bridgewater Access Improvements

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Map 7: Landowner Sentiment

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Exhibit 7: Off the Road Again @ Powerhouse

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Map 8: Planning Sections Overview

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Exhibit 8: Watermill River Access Enhancements

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Map 9: Planning Section

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Exhibit 9: Grace Ridge Trailhead

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Map 10: Planning Section 2

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Exhibit 10: Highway 18/64 Trailhead

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Map 11: Planning Section 3

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Exhibit 11: Implementation Details by Section and Responsibilities

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Map 12: Planning Section 4

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Exhibit 12: Trail Rubicon: Finding the Point of No Return

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Exhibit 13: Priority Implementation Areas and Responsibilities

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Exhibit 14: Trail Support Spectrum

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ix

introduction

the overmountain victory national historic trail is 330 miles in length and includes portions of virginia, tennessee, north carolina and south carolina. The trail commemorates the significance of the patriot militia that marched over the appalachian mountains to defeat the BRITISH-LED loyalist army at the battle of kings mountain on october 8, 1780.

This trail master plan SERVES AS A ROAD MAP FOR ESTABLISHING A seCtion of the overmountain victory national historic trail (ovnht) IN NORTH CAROLINA from Lake James to the city of morganton.

introduction

background In 2014, Burke County successfully secured partnership funds from the National Park Service (NPS) and provided additional funding to develop a comprehensive trail master plan for the Catawba River corridor from Lake James to Morganton. The NPS willingly provided funding for this trail initiative because it was along this corridor that in 1780 the “Overmountain Men” marched on their way to the Battle of Kings Mountain where they defeated a British led army to “turn the tide” of the Revolutionary War. It is expected that trail developed along this corridor with permanent protection measures in place (easements, fee simple, right of way, etc) will be certified by the NPS as part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.

map 1: ovnht commemorative motor route

To be certified as part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, the trail segment must be constructed within onehalf mile of the historic route taken by the patriots. Ongoing research, including segments of the Yellow Mountain Road, continue to be explored as additional routes possibly used by some Overmountain Men, yet are not recognized as part of the official historic route as determined by the congressionally appointed advisory committee, therefore not eligible for certification. For the purposes of this plan, the study area recognizes the current NPS designated historic route and extends one-half mile on either side of the Catawba River.

Burke County and Morganton: A History of Trail Development Since the creation of the Lake James State Park in 2004, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation has worked to create and expands its trail network throughout the park.

Burke County officials, aware of the quality of life benefits and economic impact associated with trail development, have also become immersed in the creation of a trail system – the Fonta Flora Trail – to loop the whole of Lake James. This trail is being spearheaded by Burke County leadership, but will ultimately become part of the NC park system.

The City of Morganton has worked for more than two decades to create a greenway system that parallels the Catawba River.

The Catawba River Greenway now extends nearly four miles and connects many of the City’s parks, schools, and business areas.

Portions of the trail systems at both Lake James and within the City of Morganton are certified as part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. This plan strives to unify the OVNHT along the Catawba River corridor.

2

The Sister Plan

lenoir

lake james

morganton

This trail plan was developed in conjunction with another Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail master plan that extends along the Lower Creek Corridor from Lenoir to Morganton.

Although two separate plans were developed, the planning process was combined for the complete corridor from Lake James to Morganton to

This plan's study area This trail section spans from Lake James to Morganton.

introduction

plan goals

a critical component of this plan was landowner outreach.

1 2 3

Specific Trail Routes. Identify a specific and

feasible trail route within a 1/2 mile of the known historic Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail as determined by NPS;

4

Support Other Community Goals. Identify

5

Social Media. Incorporate modern social me-

Landowner Outreach. Make a direct appeal to

landowners identified during the analysis and record their sentiments for providing a trail easement;

Visual Plan. Create a visual plan that provides

opportunities to leverage trail development to further support other community goals, including economic development, historic preservation, public health, and environmental stewardship; and

dia marketing tools within the trail and signage infrastructure to promote the development of “user generated� marketing content.

renderings and schematics to demonstrate trail character;

3

introduction

planning process about the trail project. After receiving comments from landowners, the preliminary trail routes were revised accordingly.

The consultant team met with local trail and government leaders to discuss general environmental constraints and opportunities for trail connectivity.

fact sheet

4. Plan Development | March – May 2015

Research | October – January 2015 The consultant team conducted a thorough environmental site analysis of the study area and determined feasible trail route options. With the trail routes identified, a landowner contact list was developed.

5.

3. Landowner Outreach | February – March 2015

FACT SHEET

The consultant team worked in tandem with local leaders to develop a preferred trail alignment. Renderings and schematics were provided to visually support the trail recommendations.

Final Plan Preparation | May – July 2015 Publish the Final Plan for review by the public and elected officials.

Landowners with property along an identified feasible trail route were invited to a special meeting to learn more

A trail master planning effort is underway to help create a section of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVT) that would connect from Lenoir to Morganton to Lake James!

BACKGROUND

2.

Direction Setting and Project Launch | September 2014

Thanks to grant support from the National Park Service, regional community organizations and local governments are working to establish a walking and leisure biking trail that connects the region and celebrates the trail walked by the Overmountain Men who won a major Revolutionary War battle at Kings Mountain in 1780.

The trail planning process requires an analysis of the Lower Creek corridor in Caldwell County and the Catawba River corridor in Burke County. The trail is best suited in floodplain areas where development generally cannot occur and where there are meaningful connections to existing parks, civic buildings, and neighborhoods.

After identifying feasible trail route options, there will be a major landowner outreach effort. Without the voluntary commitment from landowners, the trail will either be relocated or not constructed.

An educational video will be developed to help communicate the historical significance of the OVT, which will be made available online.

THE PLANNING PROCESS

1.

www.OVTplan.com

1 Direction Setting and Project Launch

| September 2014 The consultant team will meet with local trail and government leaders to generally discuss environmental constraints and opportunities for trail connectivity.

2

Research | October – January 2015 The consultant team will conduct a thorough environmental assessment of the study area and determine feasible trail route options. With the trail routes identified, a landowner contact list will be developed.

3

Landowner Outreach | February – March 2015 Landowners with property along an identified feasible trail route will be invited to a special meeting to learn more about the trail project. After receiving comments from landowners, the preliminary trail routes will be updated.

4

Plan Development | March – May 2015 The consultant team will document the trail analysis and landowner comments. Recommendations will highlight alternative routes and the project’s overall feasibility for completion. A draft plan will be made available for public comment.

5

Final Plan Preparation | May – June 2015 The consultant team will publish a final plan that incorporates all public comments.

CONSULTANT CONTACT: Eric Woolridge, AICP Destination by Design Email: Eric@dbdplanning.com Phone: (828) 386-1866 Web: www.DbDplanning.com

A project fact sheet provided interested parties with background information and a project timeline.

•Physical Inventory •Physiographic Analysis •Natural Inventory •Points of Interest & Structures •Environmental •Infrastructure & Utilities •Video Development

•Public Meeting & Engagement •Landowner Outreach Workshops

MARCH - MAY ’15 •Design Alternatives •Wayfinding & Structural Elements •Branding S I G N A•Opinion G E C O N C of E P Probable T Cost •Route Feasibility •Landowner Follow-up

DRAFT PLAN, DESIGN CONCEPTS, COSTS

•Kick Off •Facilitating Planning Oversight Committee

FEB. - March ‘15 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT & LANDOWNER OUTREACH

OCT. ‘14 - JAN. ’15 RESEARCH AND PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS

DIRECTION SETTING

SEPT. ‘14

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•Funding •Implementation

introduction

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Chapter I.

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Brownfields Inactive Hazardous Sites

Element Occurrence: Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf Bridgewater Fishing Access

Active & Inactive Landfills

Natural Heritage Data

Lake James Family Campground

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Trail Character and Design Guidelines

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This chapter is dedicated to visually defining the various trail types to be used throughout the corridor. Also, design concepts are provided for trail user orientation signage, mile markers, historic markers, and other trail support facilities. Social Media is CANAL BRIDGEexplored as a mechanism POWERHOUSE RD. for trail promotion and marketing.

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The final chapter is organized according to four (4) planning sections. EachLEGEND planning section description includes a map that identifies a preferred alignment. Each planning section further incorporates the analysis and design elements from the previous chapters along with a host of supporting renderings and design schematics.

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Significant efforts were made to reach out to landowners where the preliminary analysis indicates that the trail is most suitable. This chapter describes the landowner outreach process and provides highlights from the landowner workshop meetings.

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r This chapter provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of the opportunities and constraints found throughout the study area. The analysis begins with a brief description of the study area followed by a comprehensive discussion of the natural and built environments and their implications for trail suitability, trail design features, permitting, costs, etc. This chapter concludes with a map and photographic series that highlights a host of preliminary trail route alternatives.

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introduction

6

Chapter 1 Existing Conditions, Analysis, and Preliminary Alignments

a comprehensive overview and analysis of the opportunities and constraints found throughout the study area.

The analysis begins with a brief description of the study area followed by a comprehensive discussion of the natural and built environments and their implications for trail suitability, trail design features, permitting, costs, etc. This chapter concludes with a map and photographic series that highlights a host of preliminary trail route alternatives.

I n t h is c h ap t e r A. Study Area Description B. Natural Environment Analysis C. Human/Built Environment Analysis D. Map, Photo, and Preliminary Trail Route Alternatives

chapter 1

MAP 2: general study area

study area

Study Area description: The Lake James to Morganton OVNHT study area is one-mile wide and extends approximately 20-miles long from the Highway 126 Bridge at Lake James to the proposed Grace Ridge Trailhead near Rocky Ford Access in the City of Morganton.

Starting at Lake James State Park, the corridor extends west through large tracts of rural agricultural land primarily owned by two landowners: Duke Energy and Crescent Resources, which continue to partner with Burke County to provide for trails and portions of the OVNHT. The planning corridor follows the Catawba River east, transitioning to a mix of large tracts of privately owned land and residential subdivisions. Located on the south side of the Catawba River is Glen Alpine, a small municipality whose jurisdiction intersects with portions of the study area. Along the north side of the river is the historic Swan Ponds property, which is part of the Preservation North Carolina program.

The Upper Catawba River Trail, which provides for a series of river access areas throughout the study area, serves as a foundation for the river’s recreation offerings. Land parcels become smaller as the corridor continues toward the City of Morganton before reaching the 3.8-mile Catawba River Greenway, which is officially designated as part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.

The Lake James to Morganton OVNHT study area is one-mile wide and extends approximately 20-miles long from the Highway 126 Bridge at Lake James (canal bridge) to the proposed grace ridge trailhead near the rocky ford access in the City of Morganton.

8

EXISTING CONDITIONS, ANALYSIS, AND PRELIMINARY ALIGNMENTS

analysis workflow alternate trail routes were determined based on an analysis of the natural and built environments.

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chapter 1

The Natural Environment The opportunities and constraints found within the natural environment are critical for determining suitable trail locations and feasibility, ideal user experiences, construction costs, and necessary permits.

This section explores the implications of the study area’s natural environment for establishing the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail from Lake James to Morganton and includes five (5) parts: 1) Floodplains; 2) Wetlands and Hydric Soils; 3) Streams, Lakes, and Ponds; 4) Steep Slopes; and 5) Rare Flora and Fauna.

photo: visitnc.com

10

EXISTING CONDITIONS, ANALYSIS, AND PRELIMINARY ALIGNMENTS 4

“Within this study area, much of the floodplain areas along the Catawba Creek corridor are ideal for greenway development.�

photo by others

Floodpl ains Floodplain areas provide both an opportunity and constraint for trail development. Since traditional development is often not suitable within floodplain areas, private landowners are often more willing to provide access for public trails within these areas. Also, these scenic areas often attract wildlife, which creates an engaging trail experience. Within this study area, much of the floodplain areas along the Catawba Creek corridor are ideal for greenway development.

Although development is regulated within the floodplain, greenways and trails are allowed and can be permitted. Sound trail engineering techniques are necessary to ensure trails can sustain flooding. To the extent possible, greenway alignments should be avoided within the floodway2.

Wetl ands and Hydric Soils

Streams, Lakes, and Ponds

The study area includes several wetland areas as identified on the National Wetland Inventory (NWI). According to NWI, there are likely smaller wetland areas within the study corridor that are not indicated within their inventory that could impact final trail alignments. Hydric soils in combination with wetland plant species and wetland hydrology are considered indicators of a wetland, which require costly permitting if impacted3.

TThe County, State, and Federal government regulate the many waterbodies found throughout the study area4. The Catawba River is the dominant waterway within this corridor. Canoe Creek, located to the west of Morganton, is a tributary of the Catawba that serves as a possible trail corridor.

If wetlands are unavoidable, utilize elevated boardwalk systems.

Boardwalks allow for travel over flat, poorly draining soils, standing water, and wetland features and have significantly less impact than other options. A section 404 (Clean Water Act) Permit may be required if the wetland is considered jurisdictional by the USACE. This means that the wetland is not isolated and part of a broader lake or water system. A small boardwalk for a non-isolated wetland with limited fill or dredging may qualify for a programmatic Nationwide Permit. Nationwide Permits are designed to streamline the permitting process for actions with limited disturbances. In addition to permitting, disturbances exceeding a tenth ( 0.1) of an acre would require mitigation which can increase project costs. Impacts under a tenth (0.1) of an acre do not trigger mitigation fees.

3

Maintain a 50-foot buffer from all waterways, particularly those regulated under the Catawba River Buffer Rules. The state requires a 50-foot buffer along the shorelines of Catawba River and associated lakes. Streams within the study area are identified by the State of North Carolina as having poor water quality and maintaining or improving an adequate vegetated buffer is crucial to improving the quality. Zone 1 of this buffer includes an undisturbed 30-foot buffer from top of bank in which trails are discouraged. Zone 2 is an additional 20-foot buffer. This zone allows for managed vegetation and trails and greenways. While trails are an allowable use within Zone 2, the NC Division of Water Quality requires a permit (through DWQ or designated local government). The applicant must show that disturbance has been minimized and no other alternatives exist.

4

Avoid disturbance in the floodway. Avoid placement of structures or disturbance within the floodway. Floodways are regulated locally and by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Fill, structures (walls, kiosks, etc), and impervious services are discouraged. Any structures located within the floodway require a no-impact/no-rise certification through FEMA. These studies can vary on cost but can range from $2,500-$15,000 depending on complexity.

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chapter 1

Steep Slopes

Rare Flora and Fauna

Much of the corridor has gently rolling topography. The most challenging slopes will be along the banks of the Catawba River near the Glen Alpine area and Lake James. The trail should be designed for grades under 5% slope if possible. Natural surface trails can vary up to 10% slope. In steeper areas, this will be a design challenge. Alignments proposed in this study should be designed with these guidelines and may require a larger corridor to incorporate a more gradual trail grade.

The State Natural Heritage Program provides data identifying the state’s most sensitive environmental areas to be avoided; these areas are incorporated within the analysis map series at the end of this chapter.

Also, rare flora and fauna species can also exist outside of these designated areas, which can alter final trail alignments prior to construction. Species identified by the State Natural Heritage Program within this study area as of January 2015 include5: Coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) is an important aspect of the design process. Involving USFWS early on in the process can help avoid potential planning obstacles related to federally protected species.

Additionally, permits like Section 401 and 404 (described above in Wetland and Streams) will initiate the review of the State Natural Heritage Program database. If species are found within the project area, State or Federal requirements may dictate avoidance or mitigation. photo by others

A. Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf (see Map 1, found on Duke Energy held lands) B. White Trillium (see Map 2 recorded to be in the larger Glen Alpine area) C. Carolina Foothills Crayfish and Eastern Creekshell (see Map 3, found along the Catawba)

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EXISTING CONDITIONS, ANALYSIS, AND PRELIMINARY ALIGNMENTS

the built environment The opportunities and constraints found within the built and human environment are critical for determining suitable trail locations and feasibility, ideal user experiences, construction costs, and necessary permits.

This section highlights five (5) built environmental features and their implications for developing the Overmountain Victory Trail from Lake James to Morganton, including: 1) Land Use; 2) Existing Trails and Parks; 3) Utilities; 4) Transportation; and 5) Historic Resources.

photo by others

13

chapter 1

land use snapshot

“The western extent of the study area is typified by a rural wooded landscape with large tracts of land.�

Central Section The central section of the corridor has a mixed of both large tracts and small tracts, many which serve second-home owners. Many of the large landowners have owned their property for multiple generations, while smaller tracts have been purchased for retirement or personal retreats. Throughout the planning process, both of these groups described issues with trash and other problems with the general public and river users. This history serves as a barrier for obtaining trail easements.

Western Section

The City of Morganton

The western extent of the study area is typified by a rural wooded landscape with large tracts of land, many which are owned by Crescent Communities, Duke Energy, NC State Parks, and family trusts. Many of these large tracts are leased as tree and plant nurseries. The fertilization of these crops must be considered when providing for public trails.

The City of Morganton and its western edge is typified by single-family residential growth. Dense pockets of land development create a challenge for creating a public trail.

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EXISTING CONDITIONS, ANALYSIS, AND PRELIMINARY ALIGNMENTS

existing parks and greenways

“Burke County and Morganton have a collection of parks and greenways that serve as ideal locations for trail connections.�

Bridgewater Fishing Access This public fishing access area and canoe launch is owned

by Duke Power, which has plans to further improve the site.

Burke County and Morganton have a collection of parks and greenways that are ideal for trail connections. Some of these major assets include:

Watermill River Access This public fishing access area near Glen Alpine is owned

by Burke County. photo: visitnc.com The Proposed Fonta Flora State Trail

Lake James State Park

Canal Bridge Public Access

The Fonta Flora State Trail will provide for a complete loop around Lake James. This trail was designated in 2015 as an official state trail by the NC General Assembly. Portions of this trail will also serve as certified sections of the OVNHT.

This state park is one of the most significant linkages throughout the planning corridor and serves as the western terminus of the study area.

NC State Parks curently manages the Canal Bridge Public Access which is located near the western terminus of the study area. Although the access is a significant asset within the planning corridor, NC Department of Parks and Recreation Administrative Code does not allow any boating access area to serve a dual purpose such as providing for an OVNHT trailhead.

City of Morganton Parks and Greenways The City has many parks and greenways to connect, such as the Catawba River Greenway, Freedom Park and Greenway, Catawba Meadows Park, Rocky Ford Access, and the Catawba River Soccer Complex.

15

chapter 1

utilities

Transportation

The study area has a complex matrix of utilities that include transmission lines, utility towers, water lines, and sewer infrastructure. Both sewer and water lines are indicated on the subsequent map series. However, the maps do not include transmission lines.

Locations where the potential trail alignment intersects with sewer or water lines have been indicated on the map and notes (ie. Canoe Creek). Sewer lines are often compatible with trails since existing easements preclude development. However, the easement will often need to be modified to provide for a public trail.

The study area analysis including an extensive review of the existing transportation network including the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) rightof-way (ROW), NCDOT plans, existing bike and pedestrian infrastructure (crosswalks, bike lanes, etc.), railways, and existing greenways.

NCDOT’s right-of-way was analyzed for the ability to accommodate a trail alignment or accommodate a widened shoulder. These opportunities are shown on the Site Analysis Maps with corresponding opportunities and constraints notes.

16

Norfolk Southern has an operational rail on south side of the Catawba River. If this rail were to ever become abandoned, a significant opportunity would exist to establish a considerable section of trail. The right-of-way and adjacent lands were analyzed as a potential future route, as illustrated in the maps and notes.

EXISTING CONDITIONS, ANALYSIS, AND PRELIMINARY ALIGNMENTS

historIC rESOURCES

“the ovnht should link, preserve, and interpret historic and cultural sites along its route.�

The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Route and Buffer The original Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVNHT) route was identified by a National Parks Service research team. The team relied on the 1881 account of the march, which has been amended by local historians, descendent of battle participants, and other sources.

As part of this congressionally designated trail, any officially designated portion of the OVNHT must lie within a one-mile corridor (half-mile on either side) of the historic route.

Sensitive Cultural Resource Areas Culturally sensitive resource areas have been mapped based on input from the NC State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The majority of these areas are recorded along the Catawba River. These sites should be avoided due to the possibility of historic resources that could be destroyed with ground disturbance6.

Historic Sites and Landscape SHPO oversees a large database of historic sites and resources. All resources, including those related to the OVNHT, are included within the subsequent analysis map series. These resources include information from SHPO surveys as well as a large list of sites related to the National Register of Historic Places (which the National Park Service oversees but individual States manage). The most critical sites include those listed on the National Register (NR) or determined eligible (DOE) as they have further protection under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act . The National Park Service has emphasized that as part of this study and trail development, that historic/cultural resources should be linked, preserved, and interpreted. Specific resources that directly relate to the history of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail are noted within the subsequent analysis maps and notes and include:

photo by others Charles and Joseph McDowell are buried along with several other revolutionary war soldiers.

Lake James Historic Farm Houses. Several farmhouses are considered historic including, the Benfield Farmhouse, the Rust House and Perkins Store (which currently serves as a Bed and Breakfast), and the Perkins Farmhouse.

Swan Pond. Swan Pond was settled as a plantation just after the Revolutionary War by war veteran Waightsville Avery, an influential political leader and early white settler of Western North Carolina. Waightsville represented Burke County as a legislator for many years and is perhaps most famous for a supposed duel with President Andrew Jackson. The current house was built in 1848. Several generations of Averys lived on the property and influenced in the region. Swan Pond is still intact as a large private estate.

McDowell Hosue/ Quaker Meadows. (See exhibit on the following page.)

Quaker Meadows Cemetery. Quaker Meadows is identified as one of the earliest known sites associated with white settlement in Western North Carolina. The Quaker Meadows Cemetery served as the cemetery to the first settlers in the area, was utilized between 1767 and 1879, and includes over 61 marked grave sites.

Sensitive Cultural Resources and Permitting: Any construction funded or permitted by the federal government will trigger a project review by SHPO of any resources covered under Section 106 (National Historic Preservation Act). These resources could include human remains, burial sites, archeology sites, and historic sites. If it is found that the action of trail construction could potentially adversely affect cultural resources, the SHPO will work with the related Federal Agency to eliminate or minimize the effect.

7 Historic Sites and Permitting: In general, a greenway would have no effect or a complimentary relationship to preservation of these 6

17

Exhibit 1: McDowell House /Quaker Meadows

chapter 1

mcdowell house/ quaker meadows

q

uaker Meadows was settled as a plantation around 1760 by Joseph McDowell and was inherited by Joseph’s son, Charles. Charles was a colonel in the Revolutionary War in 1780, in which he led the large encampment of Overmountain Men to stay on his estate (that included Quaker Meadows). He was a critical leader that laid plans to attack the British at the Battle of Kings Mountain. The original

18

house no longer exists, but the house on-site today was built by Charle’s son in 1812 and is the oldest existing brick house in Burke County. The restored house currently belongs to the Historic Burke Foundation. It is the meeting place for Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail re-enactors who commemorate the 1780 encampment every September.

The original Quaker Meadows Plantation now includes

portions of the county fairgrounds, golf course, and some commercial areas. The meadows hosted a major encampment in 1780 for over 1,400 of the Overmountain troops. It is said that commanders met and planned the attack on loyalists under a large oak, now termed the Council Oak. A commemorative plaque and young oak now grows where the Council Oak once stood.

EXISTING CONDITIONS, ANALYSIS, AND PRELIMINARY ALIGNMENTS

map and photo series: preliminary trail route alternatives

The map and photographic series, which spatially incorporates the natural and built environment analysis, highlights a host of preliminary trail route alternatives. These routes were further refined by local leaders to identify and engage landowners. This information will serve as an ongoing reference guide as alternative routes may need to be developed due to unforeseen barriers.

38

Constraints

Connectors

Property Lines

Alignment ‘A’

50

Opportunities

Duke Energy Properties

Alignment ‘B’

38

Constraints

Crescent Resources Properties Civic Landmarks

20-Foot Contours

Private Municipal/County Owned Properties

Colleges and Universities Schools

NRHD Boundary Local District Center Point

Element Occurances Plant

Study List (SL)

Animal Assemblage

Lake James State Park

OVNHT & Other Recreation Overmountain Victory NH Trail

20-Foot Contours County Boundary

Property Lines

Proposed Trails

Duke Energy Properties

Inactive Hazardous Sites

Waterlines

NR and Local Landmark

Active & Inactive Landfills

Sewer

NRHD Boundary

State Natural Heritage Data

Local District Center Point

Element Occurances Plant

Study List (SL)

Animal Assemblage

SL and Landmark SL and Determined Eligible (DOE)

Animal

Exceptional

Moderate

Very High

General

High

Unranked

Hydrology

Wetlands (NWI)

Bike Route

Hydric Soils

NCDOT Bridge Locations

Waterbodies

Rail Roads

100-Year Floodplain

3

Lake James State Park

3

NF

ER

W

IE

LD

S

N

LA

ND

IN

G

PO

E

US

HO

BE

Element Occurrence: Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf

5

5

500-Year Floodplain

Utilities

Waterlines

10

r

Site Analysis Overmountain Victory 9 National Historic Trail

7

26

eC

re

ek 32

28

29

RO

Freedom Park & Greenway

Freedom High School

64

Collett St. Rec. Center & Martha Park

END OF STUDY AREA

West Street Historic District

33 Catawba River Soccer Complex &Greenway Loop

Morganton 70

30

ver

12

14 POW

26

ERHO

USE

WN

ESTO

WEST MORGANTON 25

Site Analysis Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

RD

rn

the

ou

lk S

rfo

No

MAP 3

AD

RO

Forest Hill Elementary School

k lver Cree

Si

END OF STUDY AREA

Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study Glen Alpine Elementary School

RR

k

6

Rive

18

70

ree

wba

18 13

Catawba Ri ver 18 Catawba Ri

27

yC

Cata

11

ed

Old 4

MAP 2

31

JAM

Re

Sewer

11

10 11

GREATER GLEN ALPINE

100-Year Floodplain

Swan Pond (Easement: Historic Preservation Foundation)

16

15

Floodway

Local Roads State and County Roads State Roads

28

Glen Alpine

16

10

no

24

10

17

5

Ca

27

25

RD

2

126

23

Swan Pond (Easement: Historic Preservation Foundation)

24

12

RD

3

Flood Zones

Interstates

17

500-Year Floodplain

Streams

Roads/Interstates

23

17

Element Occurrence: Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf Bridgewater Fishing Access

Paddy Creek Dam

Catawba River Dam and Truss Bridge

Natural Heritage Areas

Transportation

Lake James Family Campground

4 2

Natural Community

SL, DOE, and Landmark DOE NRHD Surveyed Surveyed in NRHD Site Gone Sensitive Cultural Resources

Floodway

Utilities

Brownfields

National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site National Register Historic District (NRHD)

22

14 13

Flood Zones

31

r

Schools Historic Sites and Ditricts

Streams

Local Roads State and County Roads State Roads

Avery Avenue Historic District

181

31

ve

Interstates

22

Waterbodies

ML King Park

126

35 34

Ri

Roads/Interstates

Private Municipal/County Owned Properties

21

36

ROAD

a

Federal & State Ownership

Public Libraries

500-Year Floodplain

Sewer

Hydric Soils

NCDOT Bridge Locations

26

Element Occurrence: Carolina Foothills Crayfish, Eastern Creekshell

Floodway

100-Year Floodplain

Waterlines

Wetlands (NWI)

Bike Route

Rail Roads

Public Health Departments Colleges and Universities

SE

Transportation

1

STEE

HW

Flood Zones

Utilities

18

DOCA

Catawba River Access Area

20

Quaker Meadows Cemetery, Circa 1767-1879

Y1

23 Y 126

Waterbodies

Quaker Meadows Golf Course Cascade Park

HW

29

126

Unranked

Wetlands (NWI)

Local Roads State and County Roads State Roads

20

Glen Alpine Dump

Unranked

General

Streams

Interstates

19

General

30

Hydric Soils

NCDOT Bridge Locations Roads/Interstates

Moderate

ek

Hydrology

22

Bike Route

Moderate

High

Rail Roads

15

Hydrology

Lake James

1

Managed Lands

18

Exceptional Very High

37

re

Natural School Heritage Areas

ver

21

eC

wb

Hospitals

High

AnimalTable Rock Middle Natural Community

Quaker Meadows House

ta

Fishing Access Parks Golf Courses

Crescent Resources Properties Civic Landmarks

Very High

Animal Assemblage

Element Occurrence: Sweet White Trillium

Catawba Ri

Natural Heritage Areas

Exceptional

Bridgewater Powerhouse

Study List (SL)

Transportation

no

Ca

START OF STUDY AREA

Existing Trails

Animal Natural Community

SL, DOE, and Landmark DOE NRHD Surveyed Surveyed in NRHD Site Gone Sensitive Cultural Resources

NC 126

OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer

Municipal Boundaries

Trail

State Natural Heritage Data

SL and Landmark SL and Determined Eligible (DOE)

Connectors

Loop

National Register Historic District (NRHD)

pT rail

Local District Center Point

Element Occurances Plant

SL, DOE, and Landmark DOE NRHD Surveyed Surveyed in NRHD Site Gone Sensitive Cultural Resources

18

MAP 2

James

Constraints

Active & Inactive Landfills

38

Ca

State Natural Heritage Data

NRHD Boundary

Lake

38

Inactive Hazardous Sites

NR and Local Landmark

RD

Alignment ‘B’

Loo

Brownfields

National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site

OU

Opportunities

Historic Sites and Ditricts

Lake James State Park

RH

50

es

19

Inactive Hazardous Sites Active & Inactive Landfills

NR and Local Landmark National Register Historic District (NRHD)

WE

Alignment ‘A’

am

Brownfields

National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site

18

SL and Landmark SL and Determined Eligible (DOE)

PO

eJ

N

Lak

Historic Sites and Ditricts

il

Tra

nway

Federal & State Ownership

Public Libraries

op

Lo

La

Managed Lands

Public Health Departments

es

am

J ke

Catawba Gree

Fishing Access Parks Golf Courses

Hospitals

Schools

Lake James

Proposed Trails

Crescent Resources Properties

LEGEND

Colleges and Universities

Existing Trails

Property Lines Duke Energy Properties Civic Landmarks

ay

Greenw

Federal & State Ownership Private Municipal/County Owned Properties

Public Libraries

OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer

Catawba

Managed Lands

126

Public Health Departments

Municipal Boundaries

r

Rive

Catawba Meadows Park (NC State Easement)

Golf Courses

Hospitals

County Boundary

wba

Cata

1/2-Mile Buffer COVNHT an Trails Existing oe Trails Proposed Cr Fishing Access ee Parks k

Municipal Boundaries

OVNHT & Other Recreation Overmountain Victory NH Trail

k

OVNHT & Other Recreation Overmountain Victory NH Trail

20-Foot Contours County Boundary

Connectors

39

ree

D

MAP 2

nC

SAINT MARYS CHURCH RD

BOST ROA

MAP 1

LEGEND

Wil so

ST

Opportunities

BO

50

MAP 2

Alignment ‘B’

AD

MAP 3

LEGEND Alignment ‘A’

Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study

6

8

RR

k

ree

yC

8

So

n

er

uth

lk

rfo

No

ed

5

Re

Historic Bridge

7 Muddy Creek Historic RR Bridge

NTY

U L CO

Site Analysis Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

NTY

OWEL

MAP 1

U E CO

MCD

BURK

LAKE JAMES STATE PARK

9

MAP 1

70

Lake James to Morganton Greenway Study

19

chapter 1

Proposed Trails Fishing Access Parks Golf Courses

ANALYSIS Civic Landmarks

Hospitals

Private Municipal/County Owned Properties

LEGEND

Historic Sites and Ditricts

Active & Inactive Landfills

50 38

Local District Center Point

Animal Assemblage

SL and Landmark SL and Determined Eligible (DOE)

Animal

Municipal Boundaries Property Lines

Duke Energy Properties Transportation Crescent Resources Properties Bike Route NCDOT Bridge Locations

Civic Landmarks

Rail Roads

Hospitals

Roads/Interstates

Colleges and Universities Historic Sites and Ditricts

Waterlines Sewer

Very High

General

Existing Trails

High

Unranked

Wetlands (NWI)

Fishing Access Parks Golf Courses

Hydric Soils Waterbodies

5

10

10

11

way

a Green

Catawb

Catawba R

ive

10

5

Ca

no

Old

eC

4

38

Cata

wba 6

re

ek

Rive

r

Quaker Meadows House

7

37

6

9

30

Historic Bridge

8

5

Natural Community

High

Unranked

29

126

23 DOC

Hydrology 26

1 HWY

Wetlands (NWI)

AST

EE R

OAD

Hydric Soils

Flood Zones

Floodway

100-Year Floodplain

MAP 1

7

31

Element Occurrence: Carolina Foothills Crayfish, Eastern Creekshell

MAP 1 1 study area

Ca

no

27

28

31

ba

w ta

26

34

126

23

r

ve 28

29

181

Freedom Park & Greenway

64

Collett S &M

70

eC

re

ek 32

Ri

Swan Pond (Easement: Historic Preservation Foundation)

126

35

Muddy Creek Historic RR Bridge

31

Ca

Site Analysis Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

500-Year Floodplain

36

Cas ML King Park

9

NTY

LAKE JAMES STATE PARK

Y UNT L CO

Waterbodies

Streams

26

rf

No

k

General

Quaker Meadows Cemetery, Circa 1767-1879

8

Y1

rn

he

ut

So

Quaker Meadows Golf Course

ree

Very High

HW

OU KE C BUR

Moderate

olk

RR

yC

Natural Heritage Areas

Exceptional

Lake James to Morganton Greenway Study

20

Catawba Meadows Park (NC State Easement)

5

L OWE MCD

Sewer

C

RD

ed Re

Animal

Waterlines

G

r

Rive

reenway

Animal Assemblage

SL and Landmark SL and Determined Eligible (DOE)

Utilities

IN

3

State Natural Heritage Data

Study List (SL)

Local Roads State and County Roads State Roads

ND

ba ataw

Element Occurrence: Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf

Brownfields

Local District Center Point

Interstates

LA

16

500-Year Floodplain

Element Occurances Plant

Roads/Interstates

S

PO

k

100-Year Floodplain

Active & Inactive Landfills

NCDOT Bridge Locations

LD

N

39

Floodway

Private Municipal/County Owned Properties

Inactive Hazardous Sites

SL, DOE, and Landmark DOE NRHD Surveyed Surveyed in NRHD Site Gone Sensitive Cultural Resources

W

IE

2

Federal & State Ownership

NR and Local Landmark NRHD Boundary

ER

12

RD

10

ree

Streams

National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site National Register Historic District (NRHD)

Lake James State Park

Proposed Trails Hydrology

NF

E

US

HO

BE

nC

Catawba G

Utilities

OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer

3

Flood Zones

Local Roads State and County Roads State Roads

Public Libraries

2 3

Wil so

Paddy Creek Dam SAINT MARYS CHURCH RD

Catawba River Dam and Truss Bridge

Natural Heritage Areas & Other Recreation Moderate Overmountain Victory NHExceptional Trail

Managed Lands

Interstates

Public Health Departments

Natural Community

Lake James Family Campground

4

AD

County Boundary

Rail Roads

Element Occurrence: Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf Bridgewater Fishing Access

Element Occurances Plant

Constraints

Study List (SL)

SL, DOE, and Landmark OVNHT DOE NRHD Surveyed Surveyed in NRHD Site Gone Sensitive Cultural Resources

20-Foot Contours

Bike Route

MAP 2

Inactive Hazardous Sites

NR and Local Landmark NRHD Boundary

Connectors

Transportation

MAP 3

Brownfields

National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site

National Register Historic District (NRHD) Opportunities State Natural Heritage Data

Alignment ‘B’

Schools

14 13

AD

Federal & State Ownership

Public Libraries

Colleges and Universities

Alignment ‘A’

1

Public Health Departments

Schools

Lake James

1

Managed Lands

RO

Crescent Resources Properties

N

Property Lines

Duke Energy Properties

Bridgewater Powerhouse

START OF STUDY AREA

Existing Trails

Map 3: Study Area 1 Site Analysis

OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer

Municipal Boundaries

ER

NC 126

OVNHT & Other Recreation Overmountain Victory NH Trail

20-Foot Contours

County Boundary

15

D

Lake James State Park

OU S

Constraints

Connectors

ST

38

MAP 2

BO

Alignment ‘B’

pT rail

RH

Opportunities

Lake James State Park

Loo

PO WE

50

es

es Lo op Tra il

SITE Alignment ‘A’

am

Lake Jam

eJ

BOST RO

study

ArEA 1

Lak

LEGEND

Freedom High School

END OF STUDY AREA

33 Catawba River Soccer Complex &Greenway Loop

Morgant

EXISTING CONDITIONS, ANALYSIS, AND PRELIMINARY ALIGNMENTS

Study area 1 OPPORTUNITIES & (Map cONSTRAINTS Opportunities and Constraints: Lake James 1) OPPORTUNITIES 1 2 3 4

5 6

7

7

8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16

Potential Trailhead and improvement area Maintained open meadow Routes utilize private dirt roads Connect to Lake James Family Campground and single-family residential development by paralleling Benfields Landing Road Potential amenable landowner Flat area with potential to use Norfolk Southern right-of-way (around 200-feet) or adjacent private lands for alignment Bridgewater Road could be an excellent connector route or a preferred alignment if one alignment section was determined unfeasible Bridgewater Road hosts a Bed and Breakfast and may have opportunity for greenway related commercial Area is relatively flat Utilize Muddy Creek Historic Rail Road Bridge Potential amendable landowner on north side— alignment could utilize or parallel Corpening Chapel Road Potential amendable landowner on north side— alignment could utilize or parallel Rays Dairy Avenue Alignment parallels private road Potential trailhead at Bridge Water Fishing Access Area Powerhouse Road bridge has ample deck width to allow for on-grade bridge crossing Potential connection to North Powerhouse Road and Lake James Loop Trail Powerhouse Road has 60-feet of right-of-way and is fairly flat through the rest of this area going east

CONSTRAINTS 1

2

3 4

5 6

7

8

9 10

Steep hillside may require greenway alignment to parallel Highway 126 until the crossing of Benfields Landing Road Hwy 126 Bridge has narrow shoulder with railing obstruction for several hundred feet—would likely require a bridge attachment Wetland/low lying area Area has stream crossing and significant fill slope from rail road bed and would require alignment to be in floodway or elevated on a structure At-grade road crossing on Bridgewater Road Bridgewater Road bridge has narrow shoulder and would need to have a bridge attachment or separate pedestrian bridge Rail-bed is on elevated dike and significant fill slope from rail road bed and would require alignment to be in floodway or elevated on a structure Large disturbance area (possible motor cross track) within and adjacent to Norfolk Southern right-ofway Tree farm Sensitive cultural resource areas

7

View of Bridgewater Road flat and steeper areas

14

Approach to Bridgewater Fishing Access Area on Powerhouse Road

5

View of Bridgewater Road and potential ongrade road and railroad crossing

14

View of decking over the Catawba River on Powerhouse Road

Rail dike

rn

e uth So k l rfo ROW No

1

View of project terminus on Highway 26 with potential trailhead/enhancement area

10

View of Rays Dairy Avenue and potential onroad or parallel alignment

7

View of Norfolk Southern rail line constrained area

16

View of Riverview Apartments with sewer line easement shown at the right

21

chapter 1

SITE Alignment ‘A’

50

Opportunities

Alignment ‘B’

38

Constraints

Ca

no

eC

ree

k

OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer

Municipal Boundaries

Existing Trails

Property Lines

ANALYSIS Proposed Trails

Duke Energy Properties

Fishing Access Parks Golf Courses

Crescent Resources Properties

Civic Landmarks

Hospitals

Federal & State Ownership

Public Libraries

Private Municipal/County Owned Properties

Colleges and Universities Schools Historic Sites and Ditricts

LEGEND

il

NR and Local Landmark Alignment ‘A’

National Register Historic District (NRHD)

‘B’ NRHDAlignment Boundary

e ak

L

Element Occurrence: Sweet White Trillium

MAP 1

SL and Landmark SL and Determined Eligible (DOE)

no

Catawba Riv

er

21

18

22

Animal

19

OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer General Very High

Lake James

High Existing Trails Unranked Hydrology

Proposed Trails

Wetlands (NWI)Access Fishing

Crescent Resources Properties Bike Route

HydricParks Soils

NCDOT Bridge Locations Civic Landmarks

Golf Courses Waterbodies

Rail Roads

Hospitals

il

ra pT

Local Roads Public Libraries

es

am

J ke

Utilities Schools

22

18 19

22

17

18

Inactive Hazardous Sites

Catawba Riv

Active & Inactive Landfills

NR and Local Landmark National Register Historic District (NRHD) NRHD Boundary

State Natural Heritage Data

Local District Center Point

Element Occurances Plant

Study List (SL)

Animal Assemblage

SL and Landmark SL and Determined Eligible (DOE)

Animal

Exceptional

Moderate

Very High

General

High

Unranked

17

18

22 Catawba River Access Area

11

Wetlands (NWI) Hydric Soils

MAP 2

19

15

Glen Alpine 18 13 Dump 12

11

Hydrology

18

14

26

18

Catawba Riv

POW

er

21 22

E RD

27

Flood Zones

Floodway

25

OUS

Waterbodies

70

17

y ed

17

ern

uth

o lk S

RR

24

rfo

No

22

Glen Alpine Elementary School

k

ee Cr

100-Year Floodplain Site Analysis 500-Year Floodplain Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

20 20

18

ERH

Streams

Re

GREATER GLEN ALPINE

er

16

Natural Heritage Areas

Transportation

21

Glen Alpine

Natural Community

SL, DOE, and Landmark DOE NRHD Surveyed Surveyed in NRHD Site Gone Sensitive Cultural Resources

Swan Pond (Easement:

Table Rock Historic Preservation Middle Foundation) School

24

Brownfields

Sewer

National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site

23

Element Occurrence: Sweet White Trillium

17

Private Municipal/County 500-Year Floodplain Owned Properties

Waterlines Historic Sites and Ditricts

21

18

o Lo

100-Year Floodplain

State and County Roads Colleges and Universities State Roads

k

20

La

FloodFederal Zones & State Ownership Floodway

Public Health Departments Interstates

ree

20

Glen Alpine Dump

Managed Lands Streams

Roads/Interstates

eC

Catawba 126 River Access Area

Natural Heritage Areas OVNHT & Other Recreation Overmountain Victory NH Trail Moderate Exceptional

Duke Energy Properties Transportation

Local Roads State and County Roads State Roads

Ca

18

Natural Community

SL, DOE, and Landmark 20-Foot Contours DOE NRHD Surveyed County Boundary Surveyed in NRHD Municipal Boundaries Site Gone Property SensitiveLines Cultural Resources

Interstates

Table Rock Middle School

Constraints 38 Element Occurances Plant

Roads/Interstates

MAP 2

State Natural Heritage Data

Animal Assemblage

Connectors

NCDOT Bridge Locations

19

Active & Inactive Landfills Opportunities 50

Study List (SL)

Rail Roads

18

m

Ja

Inactive Hazardous Sites

Local District Center Point

Bike Route

ra pT

oo

L es

Brownfields

National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site

Waterlines

Lake James

Managed Lands

Public Health Departments

Utilities

126

OVNHT & Other Recreation Overmountain Victory NH Trail

20-Foot Contours

22

MAParea 2 study 2

Connectors

County Boundary

Sewer

MAP 1

Map 4: Study Area 2 Site Analysis

study

ArEA 2 LEGEND

Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study

Glen Alpine

23

EXISTING CONDITIONS, ANALYSIS, AND PRELIMINARY ALIGNMENTS

study area 2 OPPORTUNITIES & cONSTRAINTS Opportunities and Constraints: Greater Glen Alpine (Map 2)

OPPORTUNITIES 17 18

18 19

20 21

22 23

24

25

26 27

Utilize 60-foot right-of-way (with 18-20-foot shoulder) on Powerhouse Road Potential for bridge underpass at low-flow periods— but on-grade crossing of Powerhouse Road may be more practical Bridge decking may accommodate a shoulder for on-grade crossing across the Catawba River Existing trail easement may allow for greenway accommodation in gated equestrian community— land bordering the Catawba River is owned by the club/community Potential amenable land owner Bridge clearance across the Catawba River would allow for a greenway underpass on either sides but lacks adequate shoulder on bridge deck for crossing the river Burke County’s Catawba River Access Area— potential trailhead location Subdivision platted but properties bordering river appear to be undeveloped and still owned by developer Watermill Glen Alpine Road/Turkey Tail Lane rightof-way has 60-foot right-of-way with approximately 30-feet of shoulder on the western side Downtown Glen Alpine hosts a commercial area that could serve greenway tourism including a bike shop, winery, and bed and breakfast Linville Street has an approximately 5-foot sidewalk through the majority of downtown Glen Alpine Powerhouse Road has 60-foot of right-of-way and relatively flat terrain into Glen Alpine

18

View of Powerhouse Road bridge over the Catawba River

CONSTRAINTS 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Sensitive cultural resource area Homesite is close to Catawba River—alignment would need to navigate around it Bridge clearance may not be desirable for a greenway underpass and on-grade crossing may be necessary Tree farm Trust property Homesite located fairly close to Catawba River Sensitive cultural resource areas Wetland/low lying areas Trust property not likely to be amendable to a greenway Trust property Use of some private property in drainage would be needed for alignment This alignment may be less probable due to the intersection with several small privately held parcels

12

View of home site on the Catawba River that prevents an adjacent alignment on the south end

Club owned property

19

Gated equestrian community has commonly owned property on the riverfront

22

Burke County Catawba River Access area and potential trailhead

20

View from Catawba River Bridge—landowner on right of picture may be amenable

14

View of Watermill Glen Alpine Road right-of-way as a potential connector to Glen Alpine

21

View of Bridgewater Road and potential ongrade road and railroad crossing

16

Downtown Glen Alpine (with Norfolk Southern railroad line in the foreground)

23

chapter 1

Opportunities

38

Constraints

Connectors

Wil so

nC

SAINT MARYS CHURCH RD

39

ree

k

wb Cata

OVNHT 1/2-Mile Buffer

Municipal Boundaries

ANALYSIS Existing Trails

Property Lines

Fishing Access Parks Golf Courses

Crescent Resources Properties

Civic Landmarks

Hospitals

NRHD Boundary

Element Occurances Plant

Connectors Local District Center Point Study List (SL)

Animal Assemblage

SL and Landmark SL and Determined Eligible (DOE)

SL, DOE, and Landmark DOE NRHD County Boundary Surveyed Municipal Boundaries Surveyed in NRHD Property Lines Site Gone Sensitive Cultural Resources Duke Energy Properties

Colleges and

AST

126

126

23

Very High

General

eC

re

re

ek

END OF STUDY AREA

Freedom High School

Catawba River Soccer Complex &Greenway Loop

29

30

MAP 3

Quaker Meadows Cemetery, Circa 1767-1879

Y1

26

AST

EE R

OAD

Element Occurrence: Carolina Foothills Crayfish, Eastern Creekshell

Floodway

RO AD ST

Meadows Golf Course

34

31

126

END OF 28STUDY AREA

Ca

no

31

ba

w ta

Ca

26

Forest Hill Elementary School

181

31

Silver Cr

27

Lenoir to Morganton Greenway Study

ML King Park

D

23

eC

re

ek 32

r

ve

Ri

Swan Pond (Easement: Historic Preservation Foundation)

Quaker Morganton

126

35

OA

NR

OW EST

36

JAM

eek

Waterbodies

Flood Zones

37

Casc HW

DOC

H

West Street Historic District

70

23 26 WY 1

38

Quaker Meadows House

33

Collett St. Rec. Center & Martha Park

30

29

126

64

ek

24

Unranked

Site Analysis 100-Year Floodplain Overmountain Victory 500-Year Floodplain National Historic Trail

eC

32

28

Hydric Soils

Streams

way

a Green

Catawb

reenway

Moderate

Avery Avenue Historic District

Catawba Meadows Park (NC State Easement)

Catawba G

no

Hydrology

WEST MORGANTON

31

ve

Exceptional

Ca

181

Freedom Park & Greenway

r

Ca

25

Wetlands (NWI)

Local Roads State and County Roads State Roads

26

Natural Heritage Areas

Transportation

NCDOT Bridge Locations

Swan Pond (Easement: Historic Preservation Foundation)

Natural Community

High

no

28

Ri

Animal

SL, DOE, and Landmark DOE NRHD Surveyed Surveyed in NRHD Site Gone Sensitive Cultural Resources

Ca

27

a

SL and Landmark SL and Determined Eligible (DOE)

iver

aR tawb

31

wb

Animal Assemblage

ML King Park

126

35

31

ta

Study List (SL)

k

34

OAD

Ca

Element Occurances Plant

39

ree

Quaker Meadows Golf Course

36

EE R

Element Occurrence: Carolina Foothills Crayfish, Eastern Creekshell

State Natural Heritage Data

Local District Center Point

Sewer

HWY

Brownfields

Sewer

NRHD Boundary

Waterlines

DOC

Waterlines

National Register Historic District (NRHD)

Utilities

26

23

Floodway

Active & Inactive Landfills

Interstates

Quaker Meadows Cemetery, Circa 1767-1879

Y1

Waterbodies

NR and Local Landmark

Roads/Interstates

HW

29

Streams

Inactive Hazardous Sites

Rail Roads

30

Unranked

National Register (NR) of Historic Places Site

Bike Route

ek

126

Private 100-Year Floodplain Municipal/County 500-Year Floodplain Owned Properties

Utilities

Historic Sites and Ditricts

re

Flood Zones Federal & State Ownership

Local Roads State and County Roads State Roads Universities

Public Libraries

nC

37 SAINT MARYS CHURCH RD

Hydrology

Managed Lands

Roads/Interstates

eC

Cascade Park

Fishing Access Wetlands (NWI) Parks Hydric Soils Golf Courses

Public Health Departments Interstates

Schools

General

Proposed Trails

NCDOT Bridge Locations Rail Roads

Moderate

Very High Existing Trails High

Bike Route

Hospitals

no

Animal

ExceptionalBuffer OVNHT 1/2-Mile

Wil so

Quaker Meadows House

OVNHT & Other Recreation Natural Community Overmountain Trail NaturalVictory HeritageNH Areas

Transportation Crescent Resources Properties

Civic Landmarks

ay

Greenw

BO

Constraints State Natural Heritage Data

38

Ca

AD

Alignment National ‘B’ Register Historic District (NRHD)38

Active & Inactive Landfills

eenway

Inactive Hazardous Sites Opportunities

MAP 2

Site Alignment National ‘A’ Register (NR) of Historic Places50 NR and Local Landmark

24

MAP 3

Brownfields

BOST RO

LEGEND

Historic Sites and Ditricts

BOST RO AD

Private Municipal/County Owned Properties

Catawba Gr

Federal & State Ownership

Public Libraries

Colleges and Universities

20-Foot Contours

Catawba

Managed Lands

Public Health Departments

Schools

Catawba Meadows Park (NC State Easement)

Proposed Trails

Duke Energy Properties

er

a Riv

OVNHT & Other Recreation Overmountain Victory NH Trail

20-Foot Contours

County Boundary

Map 5: Study Area 3 Site Analysis

50

Alignment ‘B’

MAP 2

Alignment ‘A’

OA D

SITE

MAParea 3 study 3

LEGEND

BO ST R

study

ArEA 3

28

29

Freedom Park & Greenway

Freedom High School

64

Collett St & Ma

END OF STUDY AREA

33 Catawba River Soccer Complex &Greenway Loop

Morganto 70

EXISTING CONDITIONS, ANALYSIS, AND PRELIMINARY ALIGNMENTS

study area 3 OPPORTUNITIES & cONSTRAINTS Opportunities and Constraints: West Morganton (Map 3)

OPPORTUNITIES 28 29 30

31 32 33 34 35

36 37 38 39

Historic farm (Swan Pond) Alignment could parallel Docastee Road Alignment could travel on-road on Elm Street and would need to travel through private property to access along the river Alignment overlaps with sewer lines/easements Canoe Creek bridge may accommodate a greenway underpass and separated pedestrian lane Connection could use some current path alignments through Freedom Park Intersection has planned signalization improvements Development is planned to link in sidewalk infrastructure and will link to the north side of Hwy 181 Connection to Quaker Meadows Cemetery—a historically significant OVT site Potential amenable landowner—property was historically a part of Quaker Meadows Connection to Quaker Meadows House—a historically significant OVT site Bost Road has significant 60-foot right-of-way and could serve as a connection to a neighboring subdivision

28

Swan Pond (a National Historic Register site) was settled just after the American Revolution

CONSTRAINTS 23 24

25 26 27

28

29 30

Alignment leaves OVT mile-buffer Topography is steep with a bluff that drops off behind buildings—alignment could need a switchback in this location Homesite close to the Catawba River would make an adjacent river alignment less likely Sensitive cultural resources area and trustee property Alignment on Cresthill Drive would need to be on-road or the construction of a 5-foot sidewalk— which is less than the recommended minimum 10foot path for a greenway in suburban/urban areas Access is restricted on the Morganton Water Plant but alignment is proposed around the perimeter and would require fencing (also a sensitive cultural resource area) Sensitive cultural resource area and wetlands Intersection of Saint Marys Church Road and Highway 181 is signalized but no crosswalks exist

29

A view of Docastee Road from Highway 126

24

30

25 Catawba River

30 24 25

Section where alignment would navigate away from the river

20

View of Cresthill Drive—a potential on-road or parallel alignment

28

View of Morganton Water Plant and its restricted access

22

14

16

View from Independence Boulevard bridge over Canoe Creek

Quaker Meadows Cemetery—revolutionary War grave sites and one of the oldest historic sites in Western NC

The McDowell House (Quaker Meadows)— historically significant through several eras

25

chapter 1

26

Chapter 2 landowner engagement

Landowner outreach and engagement was a key component of the planning process.

The environmental analysis (Chapter 1) was critical to determine physically feasible locations for trail development. However, significant portions of these routes impact private property and require landowner outreach to fully assess trail feasibility. This chapter highlights the good-faith effort to engage landowners

T h e en ga gemen t Process Identifying the Landowners Landowner Communications Landowner Workshop

throughout the planning process.

Trail Route Re-evaluation

E DR

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DR

FINA L E

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identify the landowners

MAP 2

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104

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step 1: determine where the trail is feasible (CHAPTER 1).

130

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A mailing database was created that included all property owners impacted by the preliminary trail alignment(s).

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Landowner Database

DR

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Trail alternatives were developed based upon an environmental feasibility analysis (see Chapter 1).

O SH

MAP 6: Landowner Database

Feasibility Analysis

2 Miles

I

W OO D

landowner engagement video production

landowner invitation

Date: February 16, 2015

landowner communications

[Insert Landowner Name and Address

Re: Trail Planning Meeting for Landowners Dear [Insert Landowner Name]: Thanks to grant support from the National Park Service, regional community organizations and local government leaders, a plan is being developed for establishing a walking and leisure biking trail to connect from Lenoir to Morganton to Lake James.

This trail celebrates the walk made by the Overmountain Men who won a major Revolutionary War battle at Kings Mountain in 1780.

Since November 2014, the planning team has been working to identify a feasible route to construct the trail. As part of this analysis, your property has been identified as a potential location for a trail section. Without a voluntary commitment from landowners, this important trail will either be relocated or not constructed.

We would like to invite you and other landowners to discuss this project during a special meeting that will take place at [insert time and location].

An informational video can be found on the web at: www.OVTplan.com. Also, enclosed is a project Fact Sheet that further describes the project.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend the meeting by sending an email or calling using the contact information below. Thank you.

Sincerely,

A custom video, specifically produced for landowners, highlighted the story of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and included a request for landowner participation.

Web Portal The project website, OVTplan.com, provides information about the planning process and features the landowner outreach video.

Eric Woolridge Consultant Project Manager Destination by Design Planning Phone: 828.386.1866 Email: eric@DbDplanning.com

Destination by Design Planning 815 W. King Street, NC 28607

web portal

Video Production

Landowner Invitation Formal letters were sent to all landowners directing them to the website and requesting their attendance at a special meeting.

29

chapter 2

landowner workshop Video Showing After signing in, the landowner workshop began with a viewing of the custom video.

Focus Group Focus groups were organized according to various geographic areas throughout the study area. Landowners were able to ask questions about their specific property and the associated trail alignment.

Sentiment Card The meeting concluded with landowners noting their level in Victor y Overmounta of willingness to provide a trail easement via the yLandowner rve Interest Su Landowner Interest Survey. __________ __________ __________ r Plan ic Trail Maste ES

al Histor Nation L E NO I R

in Victor y Overmounta il Master Plan

ic Tra National Histor L E NO

LAK IR • MOR GANTON •

Landowner

E JA

M

ES

rvey Interest Su

___

__

_________

____

__________

__ er ________

Phone Numb

_

__________

________ __________

______

Email ______

___

________ __________

__________

__ __________

public viding for the interest for pro your level of Please share ) ow trail. (check bel e ted at this tim Ο Not interes r discussions welcome furthe and ted interes Ο Somewhat ted Ο Very interes

30

JAM

_____ __________

__________

__________

__________

___

__________

__________

__________

__ Address____

__________

__________

__________

__ Address____

KE

____

Name ______

______

__________

__________

________ Name ______

• MORGANTON • LA

___

__________

__________

__ er ________

Phone Numb

__

__________

Email ______

_____

________ __________

public viding for the interest for pro your level of Please share ow) trail. (check bel e ted at this tim Ο Not interes cussions me further dis ted and welco res inte hat Ο Somew ted Ο Very interes

landowner engagement

on march 5, 2015, 23 landowners attended the landowner workshop at the burke county government center.

A similar landowner meeting was held for the Lenoir to Morganton sister OVNHT plan in Caldwell County on March 10, 2015. The photos seen here are from both events.

31

chapter 2

trail route re-evaluation

Revise Trail Alignments “Landowner Sentiment” was helpful for determining the preferred alignment and was included as a component of the final map series (Chapter 4).

HN JO IV SR ER

WA RR

IOR F O

K R

of factors, including

2M 1/

N

CA E

O

EE

AN BR

PE E

K

EE

GLEN ALPINE

MU DD Y

EXISTING TRAIL

VER CREEK SIL

PROPOSED TRAIL

LANDOWNER SENTIMENT

RK

FO

LI

LE TT

40

EY IL BA

K EE

V RI

Y UNT E CO TY BURK OUN LL C OWE

N

ALTERNATE ROUTE

70

MCD

determine the

K

MORGANTON

PREFERRED OVNHT ROUTE

ER CATAWB A RIV

CR

A

ER

EE CR

Y ED RE

OLD CATAW B

CH

LEGEND REEK SILVER C

were used to

32

D

CR

FREEDOM TRAIL

sentiment,

(chapter 4).

CATAWBA RIVER GREENWAY

LAKE JAMES

and landowner

alignment

EE K

126

environment,

preferred trail

CR

CORRIDOR ILE

K

the built

LAKE JAMES STATE PARK

REE

environment,

181

C DY PAD

the natural

WILSON

126

Map 7: Landowner Sentiment

a combination

JOHNS RIVER GAMELANDS

YES NO POSITIVE NO RESPONSE

40 0

0.5

1

2 MI.

LEG

trail character and design guidelines

Chapter 3 trail character & design guidelines

This chapter provides design details for various trail types and signage and offers insight for incorporating social media.

Between Lake James and Morganton exists a diverse natural and built environment. Specific trail types must be applied throughout the corridor to ensure minimal maintenance and the best user experience.

I n t h is c h a pt er

This chapter defines three trail types and illustrates their transitions along the preferred trail alignment as fully described in the subsequent chapter.

C. Signage and Wayfinding

A. Trail Types B. Trail Profile D. Social Media Marketing

A specific theme is presented for signage, wayfinding, and trail support facilities. This chapter concludes with recommendations for using social media to market the trail and its history.

33

chapter 3

trail types

T

hree trail types are proposed along the preferred alignment. A specific trail type is proposed according to its surrounding environment, whether it's located within a rural or urban area, and the opportunity to create a meaningful user experience.

MILE MARKER FENCING TO MARK PRIVATE PROPERTY BOUNDARY

30’ PREFERRED BUFFER TO RIVER TO PROTECT WATER QUALITY

typical greenway 10' paved asphalt User Group: Multi-use Material: Paved Asphalt Preferred Width: 10' Average Construction Cost: $80/ln. ft.

Preferred Easement Width: 50'

photo: The Catawba River Greenway

Minimum Easement Width: 20'

incorporates approximately four miles of certified Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.

34

photo: discoverburkecounty.com

10’ PAVED ASPHALT

trail character and design guidelines

3:1 MAX CROSS

2’-3’ CLEARED

GUARD RAIL

5’

5’ NATURAL SURFACE

2’-3’ CLEARED

2’-3’ SHOULDER

multi-use trail

ncdot side path

5' natural surface

8' paved asphalt

User Group: Hikers and Cyclists

User Group: Multi-use

Material: Crushed gravel fines

Material: Paved asphalt

Preferred Width: 5'

Preferred Width: 8'

Average Construction Cost: $12/ln. ft.

Average Construction Cost: $120/ln. ft.

Preferred Easement Width: 50'

Preferred Easement Width: 25'

8’ PAVED ASPHALT

2’-3’ SHOULDER

Minimum Easement Width: 25' Note: Trail to be approved in accordance with NCDOT encroachment agreement.

35

chapter 3

trail type profile

t

here are two (2) trail type transitions proposed along the preferred trail route, which extends approximately 20 miles.

The Trail Type Profile identifies the transition location, along with associated length, for each trail type.

ts n i po T trail types NCDOT SIDE PATH

8’ PAVED ASPHALT

MULTI-USE PATH *

5’ NATURAL SURFACE

R STA

C

BR L A AN

GE

R ID B L

A CAN

E AD H L I TRA

CK O L HEM

4 G#

N SSI

NG PR I

OA R ( S

RO C D

S

E

)

UK D R NTE

YL G R E E EN

O AND

DA S ’ AY

D.

FF R

UKE D T EXI

E

GY R E N

L

NTE E /

AND

OW P T XI

OW P R

SE U O ERH

SE U O ERH

W

RO .

D R

E

.2 1.3

1.4

2.2

.8

5.7

TYPICAL GREENWAY

10’ PAVED ASPHALT

*Final trail type will depend on specific environmental conditions and whether trail is located within NCDOT ROW or within a private trail easement.

36

approx. distance in miles

matchline

t s e er t n of i IDGE

R IRY

OW R .

RD

5.7

matchline

EXHIBIT 2: TRAIL TYPE PROFILE

trail character and design guidelines

EXI

R IR VE ILL M R ATE W G

ES C C A

S ARK P M

DO E E FR

N STI

K ROC

OR YF

END

D

ESS C C A

G

ER C A R

ID

EAD H L AI R T GE

4.6 .7EXISTING CATAWBA RIVER GREENWAY (4.0) 2.2

.2

approx. distance in miles 37

chapter 3

signage and wayfinding

t

he OVNHT signage family provides for a modern rustic theme and incorporates materials consisting of metal, rock, and concrete. The signage family serves as a template and can be altered and further refined depending on local preferences and specific site needs and opportunities.

Trailhead

Trailhead

Monument Sign

38

Trailhead ID

Break-away sign for use along NCDOT Roads

M

trail character and design guidelines

Trailhead

way sign e along T Roads

Map Kiosk

Spur Trail ID to Historical Site

Confidence Marker 39

chapter 3

social media: THE NEW WORD OF MOUTH #Trail2Victory

EXHIBIT 3:SOCIAL MEDIA

t

rail users should be encouraged to utilize social media to share their experiences with their "friends" and "followers." Special signage along the trail will signal users to consider posting pictures of themselves or their friend group as the walk or ride bikes along the trail. In addition, special props and features should be developed during the final design phase. After all, who can market this destination-quality trail better than the trail users themselves? Let's take advantage of social media -- the new word of mouth.

The proposed official hashtag for the OVNHT is "Trail2Victory." The use of this hashtag will allow local tourism leaders to curate local photos and content that can be shared on websites and re-posted through other social media platforms.

#findyourpark

burke county, nc

Find Your Park is the official centennial campaign of the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS is encouraging National Park enthusiasts to use the hashtag "findyourpark" when posting to social media. The OVNHT can help continue this campaign for years to come by encouraging the use of this hashtag at unique locations along the trail.

"Find Your Park" is the official centennial campaign of the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS is encouraging National Park enthusiasts to use the hashtag "findyourpark" when posting to social media.

40

trail users should be encouraged to utilize social media to share their experiences with their "friends" and "followers."

56 likes Busy day on the Catawba River along the #trail2victory. #findyourpark

recommendations

Chapter 4 recommendations

This chapter serves as the heart of the Lake james to morganton ovnht master plan.

I n t h is c h a pt er A. About the Planning Section Maps B. Quick Facts: Learn about each Planning Section

41

chapter 4

MAP 8: planning sections overview

study area sections

Study Area SECTIONS: The 20 mile study area from Lake James to Morganton is divided into four (4) planning sections.

The geographic extent of each section includes a beginning and ending terminus that features a key asset or significant connectivity point for the trail. Many of the planning sections represent project areas that can be developed independently over time, providing a logical method for implementation as landowner willingness, funding, and other opportunities arise.

THE 20 MILE STUDY AREA FROM lake james TO MORGANTON IS DIVIDED INTO four (4) PLANNING SECTIONS; THIS CHAPTER IS ORGANIZED ACCORDINGLY. 42

T EC ID G

T

LR

TT S

RE LA U

FLOR A T RAIL

LLR ODW

FONT A

LHL OW O

ER OW

WW HHI IP PP OO RW RW ER I LL IL HL DR O

PR

LA K

RT H

CK WDU ORC TKH W LNO

ST

CA

LA N

DU

TE

RR

DR I TE H IW

23

landowner sentiment.

7

13 CO RP E R

D ARKK PA E

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and trail user orientation. RoadNOcrossings indicate the about the pl anning section maps # ROAD CROSSING SPUR TRAIL need to provide for traffic calming measures and approPOSITIVE Each planning section is anchored by a # MAJOR BRIDGE EXISTING LOCAL TRAIL priate signage for both trail users and0.45motorists. Major Wet Lowland NO RESPONSE 0 0.225 map that highlights proposed trail routes, PROPOSED LOCAL TRAIL # MINOR BRIDGE/ CULVERT bridges indicate a significant stream orMilesriver crossing 1.0 MI. trail features, and landowner sentiment. The 1 in = 0.29 miles that requiresNCaOneMap, bridge greater than 20NCfeet NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, 911 Board in length. A proposed routes are identified as either preminor bridge/culvert demonstrates the need to cross a ferred, alternate, or spur. These trail alignrelatively small stream; at this broad level of planning, it ments are the result of extensive analysis, remains uncertain whether a small bridge or culvert is including environmental feasibility, landownnecessary. er willingness, and insights provided by local government and local trail development MORGANTON >> l ake james: by the numbers leaders.

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14

routes, trail features, and H OU S

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LAKE JAMES FAMILY CAMPGROUND

R

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highlights proposed trail ER W PO

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anchored by a map that

Potential Trailhead

Bridge Has Ample Deck Width (Photo Taken of Deck) '19

CT CK CK LO LO M HE EM

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HOLI DA Y S

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each planning section is

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NP

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EF

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recommendations

COT

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BE S

SI E

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RP

EN

ING

RD

Noted trail features include the physical infrastructure and facilities that support the proposed trail. These features are highlighted along the preferred route and provide critical information for developing an estimate of probable cost for each section.

These features include trailheads and crossings associated with either a road or water feature. Trailheads will provide for parking

ROY MCGALLIARD AV

20.4 9 15 7 69 $2.8 M

SNOWHILL CHURCH RD

SNO W

HILL C

H URC

>> TRAIL MILES >> trailheads >> >> >> >>

H RD

quick facts Each planning section begins with a “quick facts” exhibit. This information includes the trail distance, vicinity map trail type (see Chapter 4: Design Guidelines), and key features and assets associated with each section. Also, Canal Bridge an Estimate of powerhouse road Probable Cost is provided, which total length: trail type: is further deEstimated Cost: scribed within points of interest: the written text for each planning section.

5.9 miles

5 Foot Natural Surface

$ 985,372

road crossings major bridges minor bridges/ culverts

Lake James

Canal Bridge Trailhead

Bridgewater River Access

Lake James Family Campground

APPROX. cost

43

chapter 4

section 1 vicinity map

Canal Bridge Powerhouse Road total length: trail type:

5.9 miles NCDOT Side Path

Estimated Cost:

Multi-use Trail

Trail Features

This planning section extends 5.9 miles from Canal Bridge to Powerhouse Road. Canal Bridge, which serves at the westernmost terminus of the entire planning study area, is also the terminus of an existing section of certified OVNHT that meanders through Lake James State Park. Considering there are major landowners throughout this section that are sympathetic to the mission of the OVNHT, including Duke Power and Crescent Resources, an opportunity exists to implement a significant portion of this trail section within a relatively 01 short timeframe.

Trailheads

From Canal Bridge the preferred route extends south and then east before paralleling Hemlock Springs Road and connecting to Lake James Family Campground.

From here, the trail will parallel Benfields Landing Road before reaching a vista and beach area on Lake James.

As the trail continues east over Paddy’s Creek Dam, another vista opportunity exists, which could accommodate a primitive camping area.

Two trailheads are proposed within this planning section. The Canal Bridge Trailhead is proposed on property currently owned

by Duke Power. From here, a short spur trail, 02 approximately 1,000’ in length, will serve as a connector to the preferred trail route. The second trailhead is proposed at the Bridgewater River Access, which is a major feature to be connected via the preferred trail route. Both of these locations provide an opportunity to display information about the trail and its history must be developed. This portion of trail could take significant time and expense to implement, thus creating the need for another trailhead along Advent Road should this entire planning section not be developed within a single project.

$985,372

points of interest:

Lake James

Canal Bridge Trailhead

Canal Bridge Public Access

Bridgewater River Access

Lake James Family Campground

Proposed Trails

The preferred route ultimately connects to the existing Bridgewater River Access, which is maintained by Duke Power and is programmed for further infrastructure improvements. Users will need to cross the Muddy Creek Bridge and continue on the east side of Muddy Creek before continuing parallel along Powerhouse Road. This planning section ends where the trail leaves Powerhouse Road and connects to established trail easements that follow the Catawba River.

03

photos: (1) Canal Bridge serves as the westernmost terminus of the entire planning area. (2)

A trailhead is

proposed on Duke Energy property located adjacent to the Canal Bridge Public Access. (3) Bridgewater River Access is a major feature to be connected via the preferred route.

44

recommendations DR VE

N

CO

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T DR

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Potential Trailhead

Bridge Has Ample Deck Width (Photo Taken of Deck) '19

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POWERHOUSE BRIDGE

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BU R

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MAP 9: PLANNING SECTION 1

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SECTION 1 CANAL BRIDGE

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IR YA PREFERRED V TRAIL ROUTE

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0.45 Miles

URC 1 in = 0.29 miles ILL CH N O WH

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S

ROY MCGALLIARD AV CHURCH RD NC OneMap, NC CenterSNOWHILL for Geographic Information and Analysis, NC 911 Board

45

chapter 4 Crossings

EXHIBIT 4: LAKE JAMES FAMILY CAMPGROUND

Proposed within this section are seven (7) road crossings, two (2) major bridges, and twenty-three (23) minor bridges/culverts.

The primary route crosses a combination of major roads and local roads throughout this section. Benfields Landing Road is a significant road that will need to be crossed near Canal Bridge and again near Lake James Family Campground. A significant crossing is also necessary across Bridgewater Road near its intersection with Benfields Landing Road.

The two major bridge crossings exist at Canal Bridge and the Muddy Creek Bridge near the Bridgewater Public River Access. Both of these bridges will require appropriate treatments that signal motorists of possible trail users.

LAKE JAMES FAMILY CAMPGROUND existing

04 photos: (4)

Benfields Landing Road is a significant road

crossing within this planning section.

46

T

he preferred alignment extends parallel to Benfields Landing Road and provides a direct connection to the Lake James Family Campground. This trail section will be notable to passing motorist and will create interest for those visiting the campground and Lake James area.

EXHIBIT 5: POWERHOUSE BRIDGE

EXHIBIT 6: BRIDGEWATER ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS

recommendations

powerhouse rd. bridge

T

he Powerhouse Bridge will need to be modified to appropriately accommodate OVNHT users.

CONCEPTUAL

existing

DESIGN PROVIDED BY duke energy

duke energy Bridgewater access improvements

t

he Bridgewater Access is popular among fisherman and boaters. Duke Power has plans to significantly enhance the site, providing for additional parking and an enhanced boat launch area.

47

chapter 4

section 2 vicinity map

Proposed Trails

Trail Features

This planning section extends 5.7 miles from Powerhouse Road to Watermill River Access.

Trailheads

The preferred route continues along the north side of the Catawba River after crossing Powerhouse Road in the vicinity of North Bend Access: a planned NC Wildlife Resources River Access. Farther east, there are large tracts where landowners have expressed their unwillingness to provide a trail easement. With successful negotiations with other surrounding landowners, the trail will need to bridge the Catawba River and connect on its south side where there are secured existing trail easements. From here, the trail will continue on the south side and connect to the existing Watermill River Access.

Two trailheads are proposed within this planning section.

The first is proposed along the Catawba River at Powerhouse Road where NC Wildlife Resources will ultimately construct a river access area. This access should provide for OVNHT information and welcome its users. The second trailhead is proposed at the existing Watermill River Access. The trail will need to extend under the Watermill Bridge to connect with this access area, which can use some minor enhancements to organize parking and orient users to area recreation opportunities.

powerhouse road watermill river access total length: trail type: Estimated Cost:

5.7 Miles Multi-use Trail

$884,652

points of interest:

Planned NC Wildlife Resources

River Access

Watermill River Access

06 photos: (5 & 6) The existing Watermill River Access could serve as an important OVNHT Trailhead.

05 48

CO CON NLLE EY YD

R

MAP 10: PLANNING SECTION 2

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OO NC OneMap, NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, NC 911 Board DD

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26

EY Y AV

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8

House Located Very Close To River Tree Farm

ST

25

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FERC River Access Area to be developed in this location-also potential primitive campground

DALE

28

Trust Property

CATAWBA ST

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27

ABERNATH

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PROPOSED NORTH BEND ACCESS AREA

W

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EXISTING WATERMILL RIVER DR ACCESS Properties Subdivided But May Not Be Developed Yet EN

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32

23

10

L RG RIVE IVE R SO NR UND R ST ND E N LE L G G Turkey Tail Lane Would Make Rand IVE Excellent Bike Route Connector ERR RS V VE HA RRII UN DO D OE R R SS WS UN S D T I P RA

CA CA NNN

LA

HE WIT WH R RR

Alignment Option Connection (Ex. Bridge)

52

Connect Into River Access (Owned By Burke County)

ROCK FEATURE

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Cresecent Properties Broder River Here

51

Trust Property

33 34

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50

R IVE AR B AW CAT

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E LAN

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23

GE

Trustee Property/Property Should Not Be Considered In Study

36

COBB HOLLOW

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47Some Private Property Use Would Be Required To Meet A Reasonable Grade 48 49

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37

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43

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44

Catawba River Club/Equestrian Community: Lands Along River Is Owned By the Club

W AT ER M

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recommendations AL L

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R

C

49

chapter 4 Crossings

EXHIBIT 7: OFF THE ROAD AGAIN @ POWERHOUSE

Proposed within this section are three (3) road crossings, one (1) major bridge, and twenty-nine (29) minor bridges/culverts.

07 The first major road crossing exists at Powerhouse Road where an initial visual inspection revealed that the trail will likely need to cross the road rather utilize a trail underpass. However, during the design and engineering phase or with the development of the river access planned in this vicinity, an opportunity for a trail underpass should be further explored. The second crossing is along Saint Pauls Church Road, a rural collector road that the trail will need to cross to again reach the Catawba River. The final road crossing in this section is located at Watermill Bridge, which provides sufficient room to accommodate a trail underpass.

The only necessary major bridge crossing is centrally located within the planning section. This bridge will allow the trail to avoid landowners located on the north side of the Catawba River that are unwilling to provide trail easements, while accessing existing trail easements located on the south side of the river within the River Club

photos: (7) The trail will need to cross (crossing #8) Powerhouse Road.

50

Off the road again @ powerhouse existing

a

fter paralleling the Powerhouse Road for approximately one mile, the preferred route leaves the roadside, extends south to the Catawba River, and takes advantage of trail easements provided by Duke Power.

EXHIBIT 8: WATERMILL RIVER ACCESS ENHANCEMENTS

recommendations

# T R A I L 2 V I C T O R Y

watermill river access Enhancements existing

t

he existing Watermill River Access serves as an ideal location to organize and orient OVNHT users. Future enhancements at this pocket park might include paved parking, a picnic shelter, and an information kiosk.

51

chapter 4

section 3 vicinity map

WATERMILL RIVER ACCESS FREEDOM PARK total length: trail type:

Trail Features

This planning section extends 4.6 miles from Watermill River Access to Freedom Park. This section is recognized as the most challenging area within the study area in regards to feasibility for implementation. There are such significant challenges on both the north and south side of the Catawba River that a preferred route is not provided, but rather only two alternative routes.

Trailheads The only trailhead proposed within this planning section currently exists at Freedom Park, which provides access to a certified section of OVNHT. Enhancements at this trailhead might involve incorporating trail signage and other features noted within this plan.

Since the previous planning section (Section 2) highlighted the existing Watermill River Access as its eastern terminus, ideally the trail would continue along the south side of the Catawba River. However, development density and noted unwilling landowners represent significant challenges on the south side of the river. Along the north side of the river, Swan Pond would serve as an ideal connection since its part of the NC Preservation Program.

Also, the Canoe Creek corridor serves as an environmentally suitable location for a trail, but again, landowner issues within this vicinity present a barrier.

4.6 Miles Multi-Use Trail

Estimated Cost: points of interest:

Watermill River Access

Catawba River Soccer Complex

Freedom Park

Proposed Trails

$296,956

This planning section will require significant landowner outreach that is beyond the scope of this study. Furthermore, the consultant team determined that a specific preferred route could result in the further alienation of area landowners.

09

Freedom Park High School

photos: (8) Swan Pond would serve as an ideal connection point. (9) Freedom Park has an existing section of certified OVNHT.

08 52

recommendations

BOST

MULL

RDEN LIA GA

BRANSTROM

WILBURM NEWTON

E

JIM WALL

TONE

EM ORY

SW AN

BRO OKS

ND PO

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SA

NC EP

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IND

SU

TT A

MI

LL

FREEDOM PARK

FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL

TREE FARM

LD

O

EXISTING WATERMILL RIVER ACCESS

RI

VER CATAWBA RI

RI

JURISDICTION

VE R

ELM TS

BRITTAIN

GLENDALE

NORMANDY

WHITLEY

OLD LUMBER YARD

PIT

PREFERRED TRAIL ROUTE

1/8

1/4

CROSSINGS

SPUR TRAIL

#

ROAD CROSSING

EXISTING LOCAL TRAIL

#

MAJOR BRIDGE

#

MINOR BRIDGE/ CULVERT

PROPOSED LOCAL TRAIL 0

TRAILHEAD

RD

TR DUS

IN

T AR S

LVD IAL B

LEGEND TRAIL FEATURES

TRAILS

ALTERNATE TRAIL ROUTE

O CARB

70

TS HEIGH

ALE SPRINGD

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CITY OF MORGANTON

CATAWBA RIVER SOCCER COMPLEX

GRE

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CA TA W BA

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11

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LE

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CANO

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NEIGHBORHOOD WALMART

B E A CHMON

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126

CAME L

WHISPERING PIN E

126

53

13 55 54

MAP 11: PLANNING SECTION 3

HARBINSON

CL AY

STEPHENS TABLE ROCK MIDDLE

NG

56

CH

WATERMILL RIVER ACCESS

MCDOWELL HOUSE/ QUAKER MEADOWS

181

UR

FREEDOM PARK

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WATERMILL RIVER ACCESS

TRUAX

S T MA RY

SECTION 3

57

V S IL

ER

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70

LANDOWNER SENTIMENT YES NO POSITIVE NO RESPONSE

1/2 MI.

53

chapter 4

section 4 vicinity map

fREEDOM pARK grace ridge trailhead total length: trail type:

4..2 Miles

This planning section extends 4.2 miles from Freedom Park to Grace Ridge Trailhead.

This section primarily highlights an existing and certified section of the OVNHT. However, within this area exists an opportunity for a spur trail that will link OVNHT historical assets, including the McDowell House. Furthermore, this section serves as the eastern terminus of this plan and as the southern terminus of the OVNHT sister plan than extends north to the City of Lenoir.

The Rocky Ford Access serves as the southern terminus of the OVNHT sister plan that extends north to the City of Lenoir. The preferred alignment for this planned trail segment would connect to Rock Ford Access after utilizing a trail underpass at the Highway 18/64 bridge.

From Freedom Park a spur trail is proposed to cross Independence Boulevard and then over Highway 181 to connect to the historic McDowell House, which is further examined in Chapter 1. The spur trail alignment then extends east to Bost Road before heading north until reaching the northern intersection of Bost Road and Lost Corner Road. After heading east on Lost Corner Road, the trail can access existing trail easements along the Warrior Fork corridor (see Appendix A-6 & A-7). A

Typical Greenway

Freedom Park

McDowell House/ Quaker Meadows

Quaker Meadows Cemetery

$609,480*

Catawba Meadows Park

Rocky Ford Access

Grace Ridge Trailhead

11

photos: (10) The McDowell House is an important historical

* Total cost of Section 4 including spur trail and associated trail features is approximately $2,607,080.

While important, the spur trail isn't critical to connect the OVNHT.

asset worthy of connection via a spur trail. (11) Significant greenway easements are secured along Warrior Creek (see Appendix A-6 & A-7).

10 54

major bridge over the Catawba River would be necessary to reach the existing trailhead at the Rocky Ford Access. If complete, this spur trail would create an approximate 8.5 mile loop.

Existing Typical Greenway

Estimated Cost: points of interest:

Proposed Trails

O

T F IL WATER

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MINOR BRIDGE/ CULVERT

LANDOWNER SENTIMENT

N

YES

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1/2

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TRAILHEAD CROSSINGS

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PROPOSED LOCAL TRAIL

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ALTERNATE TRAIL ROUTE

EXISTING LOCAL TRAIL

EAST

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FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL

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MEADOW VIEW

BRANSTROM

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WILBUR NEWTON

MI

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TRUAX BEECHMONT

CAMELL IA

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PROPOSED FIR GREENWAY ST

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PREFERRED TRAIL ROUTE EB

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WALKE R MOREHEA D EVANS CASCA DE

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LEGEND

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53

RD

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55 54

FO

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56

QUAKER MEADOWS CEMETERY

ALL MW SA

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AB

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M

TA TE

SEE LENOIR TO MORGANTON OVNHT MASTER PLAN FOR RECOMMENDATIONS EAST OF GRACE RIDGE TRAILHEAD

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EXISTING D GREENWAY R FO

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57

13

7

GRACE RIDGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

58

MCDOWELL CH HOUSE/ ARQUAKER LE S MEADOWS

NORTHRIDGE

SE RK

HU

O WO

D

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KI

C YS AR

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59

OW L

PROPOSED GRACE RIDGE TRAILHEAD

60

FOR

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15

EXISTING ROCKY FORD ACCESS

A

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69

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68

PROPOSED GREENWAY

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62

D

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67

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63

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66

65

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VALLEY VIEW

MAP 12: PLANNING SECTION 4

ER

TY

GRACE RIDGE TRAILHEAD

UD DB RE

FREEDOM PARK

JOHNS RIVER GAMELANDS

PL

CI

SECTION 4

AN T

recommendations

POSITIVE

1.0 MI.

55

chapter 4 tRAILHEADS o wa r r i

r fork

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PROVIDED BY CITY OF MORGANTON

EXHIBIT 9: GRACE RIDGE TRAILHEAD

Two trailheads are noted within this planning section. Rocky Ford Access serves as the existing trailhead for the northern terminus of the Catawba River 12 Greenway and Morganton’s certified section of the OVNHT. The trailhead would benefit from improved parking and trail user orientation. A new OVNHT trailhead is proposed along Highway 18/64 adjacent to the Grace Ridge Retirement Community. A spur trail will connect the parking area to the proposed OVNHT along the Catawba River.

location of existing rocky ford access

Crossings

hi

w ta Ca

g h

The proposed spur trail will require four (4) road crossings, two (2) new major bridges, and seventeen (17) minor bridges/culverts.

ay w 18

ba

/6

ve

4

ri

Major road crossings are required at Independence Boulevard, Highway 181, Bost Road, and Lost Corner Road.

All of these crossings will require treatments appropriate to signal motorists of trail users.

grace ridge retirement community

r

As previously noted, a major bridge over the Catawba River will be necessary to reach the existing trailhead at

photos: (12) The design and planning team meets with local officials at the existing Rocky Ford Access to determine a preferred trail alignment.

56

grace ridge trailhead

a

new OVNHT trailhead is proposed along Highway 18/64 adjacent to the Grace Ridge Retirement Community. A spur trail will connect the parking area to the proposed OVNHT along the Catawba River.

EXHIBIT 10: HIGHWAY 18/64 UNDERPASS

recommendations

highway 18/64 underpass existing

t

he 18/64 underpass in Morganton is critical for connecting the existing Rock Ford Access/Catawba River Greenway with the Johns River Game Lands.

57

chapter 4

58

Chapter 5 implementation

To construct the ovnht from lake james to morganton will be no small task, but with time, perseverance, and a little luck, there is no doubt that a destination-quality

This chapter aims to summarize details regarding

trail is within grasp.

ensues.

each Planning Section and establish responsibilities and priorities for trail implementation. Furthermore, this chapter describes the “Trail Rubicon,� or the focus areas that when developed, result in a perception that the complete trail is imminent and widespread support

I n t h is c h a pt er A. Implementation by Section and Responsibilities B. Priority Implementation Areas and Responsibilities C. Trail Rubicon D. Trail Support Spectrum

chapter 5

implementation Implementation BY SECTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

implementation details by section and responsibility Distance

Key Challenges

Estimated Budget

Implementing Agency

SECTION 1-Canal Bridge to Powerhouse Rd.

5.9

Canal Bridge Crossing; NCDOT Side Paths along Benfields Landing Rd. and Powerhouse Rd; Benfields Landing Crossing; Muddy Creek Bridge Crossing; Securing Landowner Trail Easements

$2,239,900.00

Burke County

SECTION 2-Powerhouse Rd. to Watermill River Access

5.7

Securing Landowner Trail Easements; Catawba River Bridge; Watermill Glen Alpine Rd. Underpass

$884,652.00

Burke County

SECTION 3- Watermill River Access to Freedom Park

4.6

Securing Landowner Trail Easements

$296,956.00

Burke County, City of Morganton

SECTION 4- Freedom Park to Rocky Ford Access

4.2

Spur Trail to McDowell House; Highway 181 Crossing; Highway 18/64 Underpass

$609,480.00*

City of Morganton

Section

$4,030,988.00 * Estimated budget shown above pertains only to the completion of the preferred OVNHT route. Total cost of Section 4 including spur trail loop and associated trail features is approximately $2,607,080.

ALL SECTIONS TOTAL

60

20.4

EXHIBIT 11: IMPLEMENTATION DETAILS BY SECTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

The table below provides key implementation information associated with each planning section. Key Challenges include a summary of the most difficult barriers for realizing each trail section. Many of these barriers include costly features or note the need to acquire trail easements from private landowners. Most importantly, this table assigns an Implementing Agency to each planning section.

implementation

Priority Implementation Areas & responsibilities

The table below supports a trail development strategy that prioritizes areas west of Watermill River Access (sections 1 and 2). If these were to be fully developed, this would likely provide the formula for "Trail Rubicon," the point in which the public, elected officials, and partnership funding agencies recognize that connectivity and complete implementation is imminent. At this point significant momentum and synergy would likely propel forward the completion of the OVNHT from Lake James to Morganton.

T

hink snowball effect. Which sections of the trail need to be developed before there is widespread support and a collective energy, beyond that of the community's traditional trail support base, to ensure that the OVNHT is complete? These trail section or focus areas represent the Trail Rubicon. Between Lenoir and Morganton, there are three areas:

1. canal bridge to powerhouse road 2. powerhouse road to watermill river access

trail Rubicon

PRIORITY implementation AREAS and responsibilities

Implementing Agency

Priority One

Priority Two

Burke County

Section 1: Canal Bridge to Powerhouse Road

Section 2: Powerhouse Road to Watermill River Access; Section 3: Watermill River Access to Freedom Park

City of Morganton

Section 4: Rocky Ford Access to Grace Ridge Trailhead

Section 4: Spur to McDowell House

EXHIBIT 13: PRIORITY IMPLEMENTATION AREAS

Burke County and Morganton must work in tandem to successfully realize the OVNHT. Trail implementation does not have to occur in a specific, linear order according to each planning section. In fact, the priority areas for implementation are merely suggestions and are in no way intended to hem creativity or necessary work in "lower" priority areas. Trail implementation is an art and requires the acumen to recognize and then seize opportunities, whether related to funding, landowner willingness, politics, etc.

EXHIBIT 12: TRAIL RUBICON

trail rubicon: finding the point of no return

61

chapter 5

trail support spectrum Creating a destination-quality trail system requires a significant commitment from local governments, including staff time, the holding of land and trail easements, and the dedication of local funding.

spend local funds, but instead must leverage their funds to obtain support from partnership funding agencies sympathetic to the creation of trails and the OVNHT.

The “Trail Support Spectrum� illustrates the steps local governments can take to support trail development.

Each local government must evaluate the OVNHT in relationship to its other priorities. However, a trail of this magnitude should be recognized as an economic development initiative that will provide a return on investment. Furthermore, each jurisdiction must not merely

5 4 3 2 1 62

EXHIBIT 14: TRAIL SUPPORT SPECTRUM

TRAIL SUPPORT SPECTRUM

APPENDIX

APPENDIX

(A1) BUDGET

SECTION 1- Canal Bridge to Powerhouse road Canal Bridge Trailhead Multi-Use Trail (5 ft. Natural Surface) NCDOT Side Path (6 ft. Paved Asphalt)

*1

Road Crossings Major Bridges Minor Bridge/ Culvert

SECTION 2- Powerhouse Rd. to Watermill River Access Existing Watermill River Access Improvements Multi-Use Trail (5 ft. Natural Surface) Road Crossings Major Bridges Minor Bridge/ Culvert

Units

Unit Cost

Total Cost

1 30096 1056 7 2 23

$125,000.00 $12.00 $120.00 $5,500.00 $75,000.00 $8,000.00

$125,000.00 $361,152.00 $126,720.00 $38,500.00 $150,000.00 $184,000.00

Units 1 30096 3 1 29

Total Cost Unit Cost $125,000.00 $12.00 $5,500.00 $150,000.00 $8,000.00

Total Cost SECTION 3- Watermill River Access to Freedom Park Multi-Use Trail (5 ft. Natural Surface) Road Crossings Major Bridges Minor Bridge/ Culvert

Grace Ridge Trailhead Typical Greenway (10 ft. Paved Asphalt) Road Crossings Major Bridges Minor Bridge/ Culvert 18/64 Underpass (Road Crossing)

Total Cost

24288 1 TBD TBD

$12.00 $5,500.00

$291,456.00 $5,500.00

Section 4 including spur trail loop and associated trail features is approximately $2,607,080.

64

$296,956.00

Units

Unit Cost

Total Cost

1 1056 0 0 0 1

$325,000.00 $80.00 $5,500.00 $175,000.00 $8,000.00 $200,000.00

$325,000.00 $84,480.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $200,000.00

ALL SECTIONS TOTAL

2 * Estimated budget shown above pertains only to the completion of the preferred OVNHT route. Total cost of

$884,652.00

Unit Cost

Total Cost 1 * Unit cost based on NCDOT estimate provided to Burke County on 6/17/2015. Final trail type will depend on specific environmental conditions and whether trail is located within NCDOT ROW or within a private trail easement.

$125,000.00 $361,152.00 $16,500.00 $150,000.00 $232,000.00

Units

Total Cost SECTION 4- Freedom Park to Northern Catawba River Greenway Trailhead

$985,372.00 Total Cost

$609,480.00 2 $2,776,460.00

APPENDIX

(A2) FACT SHEET

(A3) LANDOWNER LETTER

Date: February 16, 2015

FACT SHEET

[Insert Landowner Name and Address Re: Trail Planning Meeting for Landowners

BACKGROUND

A trail master planning effort is underway to help create a section of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVT) that would connect from Lenoir to Morganton to Lake James!

Dear [Insert Landowner Name]: Thanks to grant support from the National Park Service, regional community organizations and local government leaders, a plan is being developed for establishing a walking and leisure biking trail to connect from Lenoir to Morganton to Lake James.

Thanks to grant support from the National Park Service, regional community organizations and local governments are working to establish a walking and leisure biking trail that connects the region and celebrates the trail walked by the Overmountain Men who won a major Revolutionary War battle at Kings Mountain in 1780.

This trail celebrates the walk made by the Overmountain Men who won a major Revolutionary War battle at Kings Mountain in 1780.

The trail planning process requires an analysis of the Lower Creek corridor in Caldwell County and the Catawba River corridor in Burke County. The trail is best suited in floodplain areas where development generally cannot occur and where there are meaningful connections to existing parks, civic buildings, and neighborhoods.

After identifying feasible trail route options, there will be a major landowner outreach effort. Without the voluntary commitment from landowners, the trail will either be relocated or not constructed.

THE PLANNING PROCESS

An educational video will be developed to help communicate the historical significance of the OVT, which will be made available online.

www.OVTplan.com

1 Direction Setting and Project Launch

| September 2014 The consultant team will meet with local trail and government leaders to generally discuss environmental constraints and opportunities for trail connectivity.

2

Research | October – January 2015 The consultant team will conduct a thorough environmental assessment of the study area and determine feasible trail route options. With the trail routes identified, a landowner contact list will be developed.

3

Landowner Outreach | February – March 2015 Landowners with property along an identified feasible trail route will be invited to a special meeting to learn more about the trail project. After receiving comments from landowners, the preliminary trail routes will be updated.

4

Plan Development | March – May 2015 The consultant team will document the trail analysis and landowner comments. Recommendations will highlight alternative routes and the project’s overall feasibility for completion. A draft plan will be made available for public comment.

5

Final Plan Preparation | May – June 2015 The consultant team will publish a final plan that incorporates all public comments.

Since November 2014, the planning team has been working to identify a feasible route to construct the trail. As part of this analysis, your property has been identified as a potential location for a trail section. Without a voluntary commitment from landowners, this important trail will either be relocated or not constructed.

We would like to invite you and other landowners to discuss this project during a special meeting that will take place at [insert time and location].

An informational video can be found on the web at: www.OVTplan.com. Also, enclosed is a project Fact Sheet that further describes the project.

Please RSVP if you plan to attend the meeting by sending an email or calling using the contact information below. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Eric Woolridge Consultant Project Manager Destination by Design Planning Phone: 828.386.1866 Email: eric@DbDplanning.com

CONSULTANT CONTACT: Eric Woolridge, AICP Destination by Design Email: Eric@dbdplanning.com Phone: (828) 386-1866 Web: www.DbDplanning.com

Destination by Design Planning 815 W. King Street, NC 28607

65

APPENDIX

(A4) landowner interest survey

(A5) funding sources

Note: The completed Landowner Interest Surveys were provided to local government leaders.

Partnership Funding Agency

Overmountain Victory

National Historic Trail Master Plan LE N

OIR

• MO RGANTON • LAK

M ES E JA

Landowner Interest Survey Name ________________________________________

66

Active Living/ BuiltEnvironment Implications

Construction provided all easements are secure.

Overmountain Victory

TIGER

Maximum Amount

Matching Funds Required

Deadlines

N/A (min. $1 million)

$0 (for rural counties

May (typical)

Not specified, but 20% is competitive

February 1st

N/A

50%

January 1st and June 1st

$100,000.00

25%

February 1st

$500,000.00

50%

February 1st

$10,000.00

20%

May 24th

N/A (for major projects)

20% generally

N/A

National Historic Trail Master Plan LE N

OIR

• MO

Based on 6/2015 Land Acquisition: Fee Simple or ES JAM discussion w/ staff, a Easement. Must protect $750K / multi‐year floodplain areas. Greenway trails and other park areas are application would be welcome. allowed.

RGANTON • LAKE

Clean Water Management Trust Fund (www.cwmff.net)

Landowner Interest Survey River access areas or

NC Water Resources (www.ncwater.org)

greenways along rivers

All types of trails and Name ________________________________________ Recreation Trails Program (ncparks.gov/About/grants/main.php)

Address_______________________________________

greenways All types of parks, trails, and Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Address _______________________________________ (ncparks.gov/About/grants/main.php) recreation facilities

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________ Bikes Belong Foundation Trails and Greenways

Phone Number _________________________________

Phone Number _________________________________ Bike and Pedestrian Projects‐ NCDOT Transportation Plan For Bike and Pedestrian Projects

Email _________________________________________

both engineering and Email _________________________________________ construction

Please share your level of interest for providing for the public trail. (check below)

Please share your level of interest for providing for the public trail. (check below)

Ο Not interested at this time

Ο Not interested at this time

Ο Somewhat interested and welcome further discussions

Ο Somewhat interested and welcome further discussions

Ο Very interested

Ο Very interested

APPENDIX

(A6) warrior fork greenway easement

67

APPENDIX

(A7) crescent resources/ warrior fork Greenway easement

68

APPENDIX

69

APPENDIX

keep the story alive

70