C. The Natural Environment

C.

THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

The opportunities and constraints found within the natural environment are critical for determining suitable trail locations, ideal user experiences, necessary permitting requirements, and construction costs. The natural environment is one of the most significant determinants of feasibility and long-term trail sustainability.

This section explores the implications of the study area’s natural environment for establishing trail segments for the Mountains-to-Sea Trail between Burch Station and Pilot Mountain State Park and includes five (5) parts: 1) Floodplains; 2) Wetlands; 3) Streams & Rivers ; 4) Topography; and 5) Rare Flora and Fauna. Floodplain areas provide both an opportunity and constraint for trail development. Since traditional development is not suitable within floodplain areas, private landowners are often more willing to provide access for public trails within these locations. Also, these scenic areas often attract wildlife, which creates an engaging trail experience. Within the study area, the floodplains along the Yadkin River, Fisher River, Ararat River, Double Creek, and West Double Creek provide an opportunity for trail development.

FLOODPLA i NS

WETLANDS

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 area 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 may require costly permitting if impacted.

STREAMS & R i VERS

The County, State, and Federal governments regulate the water bodies found throughout the study area. The Yadkin River, Mitchell River, Fisher River, Ararat River, and their tributaries, Snow Creek, Camp Creek, Pheasant Creek, Davenport Creek, Dunagan Creek, Double Creek, West Double Creek, Candiff Creek, Hogan Creek, and Pilot Creek are some of the most important waterways found within the study area; there may be significant permitting and cost implications for crossing and bridging these water bodies. In addition, current river access development along the Mitchell, Fisher, Ararat, and Yadkin Rivers may provide opportunities for trailhead development in the same locations.