20 PUBLIC MEETINGS VOTE TABULATION PROPOSED USES Camping Trails Fields ‘Water Oriented Recreation Observation Areas Picnicking Parking Educational Facilities Other Conseation Master Plan Repor for the Public Use Master Plans for Mountain Island Lake Stes, McDowell Nature Preserve and Rety Creek Nature Preserve Primitive Camping RY Camping Equestrian Trails (Except @ Latta) Mountain Biking Fit Trail Hiking Trails Interpretative Trails Paved Trails (ADA) Limited Access Trails Balifietds Open Play Fields soccer Golf Course Disc Golf Volleyball Fishing Swimming (Not @ Reedy Creek) Paddle Boats/lon-Boatsicanoes (Not @ Reedy Creek) Natural Observation Areas Towers Decks Tables Only Picnic Shelters/Restrooms Restrooms Only Low Impact Central Scattered Peripheral Nature Center, Interpretative Signage Wildlife Habitat Retreat Center w/cabins Play Structures, Solar Collectors Tennis Irsterpsetaion -NO 26 PresewationConsenstion During the course of the Public Use Plan- ning process over 15 input meetings were held lor tie purpose of yeciiying base inier- mation and soliciting ideas for the devel- opment of public use plans. Meetings were divided as follows: © Special interest groups 8 * Park & Recreation staff, Citizens’ Environmental Advisory Council 2 * Park and Recreation Commission 2 * General Public 3 The first series of meetings held at the beginning of Apri! and then again at the beginning of May were designed to focus ‘on the special interests of several constitu- ent groups that might be affected by, make use of, or be charged with management, implementation or oversight of the pro- posed public use plans. A full list of the groups is included in the acknowledge- ments, but key representation included: Catawba Lands Conservancy, Catawba Waterfowl, Inc., Sierra Club, and Catawba Valley Scottish Society. The groups were asked to provide input towards known planned development, proposed manage- ment, and/or future programming for the open space. Verification of lease bound- aries and agreements, easement locations, and management plans was also animpor- tant part of their input process. PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS Three separate meetings were convened, oneateach nature preserve, for the general public to provide their input. Several of the Gonstituent groups as well as members of the Park and Recreation Commission and Department staffalso attended these meet- ings. After inventory and analysis plans were presented, the public helped to gen- erate a list of proposed recreation and interpretive elements for possible consid- eration ina nature preserve. The attendees were then invited to vote and comment on the elements as to whether each element belonged in their vision and expectations of a nature preserve. Atdifferent stages of the planning process, input was received from the Park and Rec- feation Commission, the Citizens' Envi- ronmental Advisory Council, and from Park and Recreation Department staff members, While attaining additional base data verifi- cation, these meetings were directed more towards definition of nature preserves and history of previous plans and definitions. Input from all the meetings, submitted re- ports, and correspondence was reviewed, tabulated, and incorporated into the next hase of Creating definitions and zone des- ignations forthe preparation of Preliminary Public Use Plans for each nature preserve. The chart at the left reflects tabulations from the three public meetings for pro- posed recreational and interpretive uses as voted on by the public. Pression 212 Gray Squirrel Sciunus carolinensis Eastern Cotontail Splvilagus floridanus Interpretation Master Plan Repor forthe Pulte Use Master Plane ior Mountain island Lake Stor, MeDowall Nature Prosar and Reedy Crock Ni PresewtonThe exisiting definition of a Nature Pre- serve and its management principles, as defined by the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department in 1993, were reviewed as were the definitions for the three management areas: Conservation, Interpretation, and Preservation. The origi- nal definitions were based on ecological sensitivity, natural resource management, and compatibility with human activity as they related to the State guidelines for a nalure preserve. During the analysis and input phases, a physical/development component was added. As a result, the definitions were rewritten to follow more closely the guide- lines for natural areas established by the National Park Service, and to take into consideration the develapment aspects of the Nature Preserves. The defintion and its zones are as follows: NATURE PRESERVES Nature Preserves are sites encompassing unique qualities that exemplily the natural features, the diverse land formations, and the variety of vegetation and wildlife found in the region. Acquisition or designation of “sites of any size are authorized where rranted to protect an ecological, geo- logical, or archaelogical resource, to pro- wildlife habitat or to protect the integ- ~ tity of the natural heritage. Designation of 1,000 acres each shall be the minimum for Latta Plantation, McDowell and Reedy Creek Nature Preserves. Consenstion More specifically, Nature Preserves shall: * Contribute to growth and development of public understanding and empathy for natural systems. © Contribute ip consequent devel ment of public understanding for interdepen- dence of all forms of life and vital depen- dence of human health on the health of natural communities. * Provide sites for scientific research and examples for scientific conparison with more disturbed sites. * Provide sites for educational activities and places where people may observe natural biotic resources and environ- mental systems. * Provide habitat for the survival of rare plants or animals or natural communi- ties or other significant biological fea- tures. © Provide opportunities forcontemplation ‘or outdoor recreation compatible with the protection of the natural area. © Preserve and foster appreciation of cul- tural resources Through franagement of lands for their preservation, protection, and interpretation. * Provide places for the preservation of natural beauty. ‘* Provide contiguous undeveloped natu- ral lands in perpetuity for ihe purpose of conserving open space and creatins wildlife corridors within densely devel- oping urban areas. © Preserve unique and unusual natural features. DEFINITIONS AND ZONES NATURE PRESERVE ZONES 1. NATURAL ZONE a. Protected Natural Area b. Outstanding Natural Area c. Natural Area WW. CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ZONE HL. SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT ZONE Once a zone or subzone is established for an area within a Nature Preserve the desig- nation, if changed, can only be upgraded, A Natural Zone will always remaina natu- tal zone. A Cultural and Historical Zone canbe boradet toa Natural Zone, but not downgraded to a Support Development Zone. An Outstanding Natural Area canbe further restricted as a Protected Natural ae but not less restricted as a Natural rea, ocomeill 2324 NATURAL ZONE Undeveloped lands exhibiting an abun- dance of natural resources and ecological processes either singularly or in conjunc- tion with other parcelsof land shall remain “Include lands and waters tobe managed for conservation of natural resources :cological processes and to provide sir use and gman 1¢ pub- ays that do not adversely affect these resources and processes. * Protection of natural resources and val- ues for appropriate types of enjoyment while ensuring their availability to fu- lure generations. * Manage resources with a concern for fundamental ecological processes and individual species and features. * Maintain all components and processes of naturally evolving ecosystems, including the natural abundance, diver- sity, and ecological integrity ofthe plants and animals. . Monitorevolvingplantand animal popu- lations and any human influences on them to detect significant unnatural changes « Areas in which wildlife management, forestry, and conservation techniques are employed to enhance orcreate wild- life habitat or to demonstrate sound re- source management practices Contention © Improvements limited to; trails {and nec- essary stream/wetlands crossings); inter- pretive signage. * Cultural/Historical research is allowed, if such sites are discovered and verified, in a Natural Zone. * Natural subzones include: Protected Natural Area: - Fragile areas and critical habitats sub- ject to serious impairnent, if opened continuously to the public. Limited access through guided tours led by Park & Recreation , Division of Environmental Education and Conser- vation Staff, ~ Pedestrian tails for interpretive and management purposes only. - Outstanding Natural Area: - Significanthatural areasexhibiting flora, fauna, geologic features, archaeologi- cal resources, and ecological communi- ties which are not subject to serious im- pairment, if opened to visitors. - Access not limited. - Pedestrian trails only, for recreation, management, education, and interpre- tive purposes. Natural Area: ~ Access not limited. - Pedestrian trails only, for recreation, management, and interpretive purposes.* Irfan “Equestrian use on “equestiian’ tails i only allowed at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. *FitTrail systems are not allowed on trails. Fit-Trail at Reedy Creek should be relocated from the NaturePreserve to the Park. Presewation ‘Master Plan Report forthe Public Use Master Plans or Mountain ilar Lake Siles, McDowell Nature Preserve and Reedy Creck Nature PreserveCULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ZONE The preservation of undeveloped and unmanaged land often benefits through the existence of historical homesteads andrem- nants leit intact on the lands due to its untouched state. These cultural and his- torical lands also play an important role in ihe educauon oF previous land: fharage: ment, Cultural and historical resources can remain in a nature preserve in a cultural andhistorical zone subject to the following criteria: * Include lands to be managed for their preservation, protection, and inter- pretation of cultural resources and their settings. * Cultural resources include properties listed or eligible for listing in the Na- tional Register of Historic Places, along, with resources not eligible for the regis- ter, but worth preserving for interpretive or other management purposes. * Improvements in the zone must be com- patible with preservation and interpre- tation of cultural values. Conpeation SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT ZONE Certain uses within a Nature Preserve are Created for the sole purpose of supporting the visitors and users. Without these uses, education and understanding of the re- sources found in a nature preserve will suffer. These support uses are allowed within a support development zone sub- ject to the following criteria: * Lands to be managed to provide and maintain facilities serving park manag- ers and visitors. * Managed and maintained for intensive visitor use. * Includes areas where park development or intensive use may substantially alter the natural environment or the setting for culturally significant resources. Encompasses the facilities themselves and all associated lands directly modi- fied as a result of their continuing man- agement and use. * Management in zones adjacent to natu: ral and cultural zones wil aim at main- taining as natural an environment as possible, given the use of the zone. + Restricted tothe smallestarea necessary to accommodate required development and use, + Improvements include: boat access environmental/nature centers; mainte- nance facilities; camping areas* (primi- tive); administrative support buildings: parking areas; roadways; fishing, piers: observation decks and towers; restroom facilities; utility easements and other passive suppor development as ap- proved by the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department. Interpretation * Existing campground at McDowell Nature Preserve will be allowed to re- main as part of this zone, however, future campground development shall be of aprimitive design (no hook-ups or drive-to sites) Master plans for portions of any Nature Preserve must comply with criteria estab- lished in this Nature Preserve Master Plan. Presewation 25i Consemation + beter pretation Preaewatton J PUBLIC USE MASTER PLANS NATURE PRESERVE AREAS Mecklenburg County, North Carotina LATTA PLANTATION NATURE PRESERVE October J, 1996 Leyend jt esl fine eta (ntopstaion Pacseretion ‘Master lan Report lore Pubkié Use Master Pins lor Mountain sland Lake Ses, MeDowell Nate Peiervs and Reedy Creek Nature PreserveSupport Development Zone The intense development along Sample Road with access drives, power line rights- of-way, and active uses led to the creation of a support development zone. Uses within this 192 acre zone include: Visitor Center/Park Office Equestrian Center Maintenance Facility Carolina Raptor Center Canoe Access Boat Rental Facility Picnic Area The area between Sample Road and the power line rights-of-way was included in this zone for potential parking develop- ment that may be needed to. accommodate intense usage of the facilities at Latta, Const tion. Cultural and Historical Zone Latta Place and an area around the old homestead site to the ncrth have been designatedas Cultural and Historical Zone. This zone is comprised of 61 acres, 52 of which is Latta Place. The boundaries of Latta Placeare dictated by theirlease agree- ment with Mecklenburg County. The old homestead, when researched, will have a refined boundary placed on it, if deter- mined to be historical and worthy of pro- tection. If the site has no historical signifi- once it can be upgraded to a Natural Zone. Natural Zone The remainder of Latta, about 837 acres, is designated as Natural Zone, Of that, 296 acresare Outstanding Natural Area. These areas include the floodplain forest of Car Typical multi-use trail now in existence at Latta, Ietenputetion PUBLIC USE PLANS LATTA PLANTATION NATURE PRESERVE. Creek, Beechwood Trail area, Oak/Hickory forest area, the marsh habitat, the penit sula and shoreline protection buffer. Ad tionally, 34 acres of Protected Natural Area is designated for the Piedmont Prairie res- toration. Recommendations Approximately 320acres of additional land is reflected on this plan for acquisition consideration. These lands would fill in some of the out-parcel gaps, create con- tiguous habitats and wildlife corridors, and increase the buffer to adjacent land uses. Equestrian trails within the Natural Zone need to be limited to Natural Area only. All trails need to be brou pup toconeucion standards established wit iin the develop- ment and management guidelines. Preservation 72B (BQ) reer omeoment tone [IE come martnntatzone [RO] rnwtzene ones Aopition ! | | Legend | | Odiober 8, 1996 i AUTEN NATURE PRESERVE UAL NATURE RESERVE Copsanration [yterpnretaticon » Preservation PUBLIC USE MASTER PLANS NATURE PRESERVE AREAS Mecklenburg County, North Carotina a | | | Coptetion Intepactation ‘aster Pan Report for he Public Use Master Plans ior Mountain lard Lake Sites, Meflowell Nature Prosar andl Rey Croce Nate Preserve‘The Auten Nature Preserve encompasses the Paw-Pawsite and the Duke Power boat access site. The Rural Hill Nature Preserve is comprised of the Rural Hill Plantation and Crescent Peninsula sites. At this time, thetwo nature preserves are not connected. Support Development Zone Two small zones of support development of 1.5 acres each have been created at gathering nodes adjacent to Neck Road. hese two nodes have been set aside for potential parking areas and access ior edu- cational purposes. Consiion Cultural and Historical Zone Appicuimatély 203 acres of the Rural Hill Plantation site have been set aside in the Cultural and Historical Zone. This zone includes the two historic schoolhouse sites. and surrounds the Davidson family cem- etery (not owned by the County). Natural Zone The remaining 390 acres of both preserves is designated Natural Zone. An approxi- mate one hundred foot snoreline protec- tion butferisdesignated Outstanding Natu- ral Area. The buffer comprises aporoxi- mately 53 acres, The 63 acre while/oak and paw paw site is further upgraded to Protected Natural Area. The southern por- tion of the Rural Hill Plantation has been designated Natural Area tomaintain abutfer to McDowell Creek. The Crescent Penin- sulas are designated Natural Area for the purpose of watershed protection AUTEN NATURE PRESERVE RURAL HILL NATURE PRESERVE Recommendations ‘Approximately 134 acres of additional land has been highlighted for acquisition con- sideration for the Auten Nature Preserve. This land, if acquired, would provide a continuous wildlife corridorfrom the Paw- Paw site to Mountain Island Lake. It would also provide a connection to the Rural Hill Nature Preserve along McDowell Creek. Anadditional 181 acres tothe west of Rural Hill is proposed for acquisition to connect with the Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge. This acquisition would also include a re- stored historic property (Holly Bend) along Neck Road. View to the south irom Davidson Plantation looking across Rural Hil Pressetion 2930 Comrewation RN sry es SVS 2 Legend [Bl] servos [satan ee [RD siwnizine Be] Send arava October 8, 1996 (COWANS FORD WILDLIFERE'UGE AND NATURE PRESERVE Conerattion. Intespritation »Presowétion PUBLIC USE MASTER PLANS < NATURE PRESERVE AREAS N SRN Mecklenburg County, North Carolina ANN WAXY QAQA0y° ‘Master Plan Report fr the Public Use Master Plans for Mountain Island Lake Sites, McDowell Nature Preserve and Reedy Creok Nature PreserveView from the ebservation stand across the ponds toward the Catawha River. Compeation Support Development Zone A Support Development Zone of 18 acres has been designated to include the existing observation platform and parking, the jetton House site and other small outbuildings. This zone also allows for educational and interpretive development presently bud- geted and planned by the Park and Recre- ation Department. Natural Zone The remainder of Cowan's Ford, 650 acres is designated Protected Natural Area. The fragile habitat, diverse ecosystem, and abundance of wildlife that exist on this site should remain intact and continue to have the limited access that Cowan's Ford cur- rently enforces, COWAN'S FORD WILDLIFE REFUGE AND NATURE PRESERVE Recommendations ‘The lands to the east of therefuge, approxi- mately $0 acres, when combined with those shown to ‘the west of Rural Hill Nature Preserve would provide a large contiguous open space asset while provid- ing protection for the Holly Bend Planta- tion house and wildlife corridor between the preserves. Preseruttion 31Legend [Bl] smxesnmenze (EE) esata ne aiazone Bl] cenit sersciion Detober 8, 1996 STEPHEN'S ROAD NATURE PRESERVE Conserutin«aapstetton«Presryation PUBLIC USE MASTER PLANS. NATURE PRESERVE AREAS ‘Mecklenburg County, North Carolina uclevury County akan Recreation Depart Hodeossatse FE OS 4 ‘haat Anh Canine Master Plan Repeet forthe Public Use Maser Plans for Mountain Islnd Lake Stes, McDowell Nature Preserve and Reedy Creek Nature PreserveConpanyation Support Development Zone Asmallareaof2 acreshas been designated ‘or suppor development to allow for po- tential parking and site access. Located at the end of an existing unimproved road, this site is easily accessible from Stephen's Road. Natural Zone The remaining 208 acres of the Stephen's Read Nature Preserve is designated Natu- ral Zone. The Natural Area acts as a buffer between Outstanding Natural Area, Pro- tected Natural Area, and adjacent proper- ties along Stephen's Road. The Outstand- ing Natural Area is comprised of 19 acres and like the other Mountain Island Lake sites forms a shoreline buffer protection zone. The Protected Natural Area is com- prised of 94 acres and encompasses those lands that, like Cowan's Ford, provide valu- able nesting sites for migratory waterfowl and wildlife isolation from development and other activities. etepreintion. STEPHEN'S ROAD NATURE PRESERVE Recommendations Approximately 60 acres of additional land is reflected on this plan for acquisition consideration. The general direction ex- tends to the south of the plan limits, in anticipation of attempting a connection to Rural Hill. These lands would provide ad- ditional Protected Natural Area along the water's edge and Natural Area to act as a buffer to increasing residential develop ment along Stephen's Road. wood Duck Aix sponsa Presenation 33Legend [By] sm sboma zine [FED] strat ant nest one Conic scitae Ocober 8, 1996 MCDOWALL NATURE PRESERVE Copsservation [yterprilation + Preservation PUBLIC USE MASTER PLANS: NATURE PRESERVE AREAS Mecklenburg County, Nosth Carolina ‘Master Plan Repo forthe Public Use Master Plans fox Mourvain Island Lake Stes, MeDowell Nature Prasewve and Resy Creek Nature PreserveSupport Development Zone Two areas of McDowell Nature Preserve were designated for Support Development Zone. The largest area of 65 acres is com- rised of the existing facilities located off R49: Nature and Interpretive Center Vehicular Circulation Picnic Areas Caretaker's Facility Maintenance Compound Boat Rental Area Campground A second area of 5 acres is proposed at the ‘corner of Shopton Road and Four Horse Road for potential satellite parking for trailhead access. Cultural and Historical Zone Two areas of Cultural and Histor have been designated. Comprised of ap- proximately 14 acres, these two sites in Clade the Choate homestead and the old general store site. Natural Zone The remaining 847 acres of McDowell comprises the Natural Zone. Of this, 300 acres are Outstanding Natural Area. The ‘Outstanding Natural Area includes all of the trail areas surrounding the Support Development Zone, the alluvial floodplain to the north and identified areas of upland depression forest (hardwood stand with a seasonal high water table!, wetlands, s nificant large tree stands, and wildflower habitats. An additional 30 acres are Pro- tected Natural Area encompassing the Pied- mont Prairie. McDOWELL NATURE PRESERVE Recommendations Copperhead island and the Boat Access off ier Road, comprising 25 acres, should be eliminated from the Nature Preserve and stand on their own as park facilities. The existing campground at McDowell Nature Preserve will be allowed to remain as part of the Support Development Zone, however, future campground development shall be of a primitive design (no hook-ups or drive-to sites). Approximately 222 acres of additional lands are shown for acquisition consideration to Create additional Nature Preserve frontage ‘on S.R. 49, provide waterfront buffer, ac- quire additional depression forest areas, and extend boundaries across Shopton Road to protect the Shopton Road corridor. Dogwood Corus florida Preperation 35Levene [Bo] recone ‘ala aed Hitoreat tone atl zane + Onna ne F] camer or scan Ceteber 8, 1996 REEDY CREEK NATURE PRESERVE Constrobon«linprciton « Presmostion PUBLIC USE MASTER PLANS NATURE PRESERVE AREAS Mecklenburg County, North Caretna sechletiny Comnty Rare andecreston Depart —— 1a} ogenssaniaie 98. : ~ be ‘Chartate, Noth Cari Compensation Interpretation Preserudtion ‘Master Plan Report fc the Public Use Maser Plans for Moutain Island Lake Stes, MeDowell Nature Presewe and Rey Creek Nature PreserveSome of the many rock outcroppings found at Reedy Creek. Support Development Zone The roadway connection to the environ- mental/inierpretive center and lands adja- cent to the center comprise the support development zone. Approximately 26 acres, the zone allows for potential expan- sion of exterior programs and parking, fa- cilities. Cultural and Historical Zone Twosmall areas totalling Sacreshavebeen setaside in Cultural and Historical Zone for the Robinson Rock House and the Frazier House. Natural Zone The remaining 552 acres of the Nature Preserve are defined as Natural Zone, Approximately 221 acres of the Natural Zone are Outstanding Natural Area. The ‘Outstanding Natural Area neludes the up- land hardwaod forest, Reedy Creek flood- plain, South Fork trail area, and an area at the northwest curner of the Nature Pre- serve upgraded for the purpose of water quality protection. Intinjrtetion REEDY CREEK NATURE PRESERVE Recommendations Reedy Creek Park which comprises ap- prommuately 116 acres has been separated rom the Nature Preserve. Access to the Nature Preserve will be through the park Designation of the Nature Preserve will be apparentwhen passing irom the parkto the nature preserve. The nature preserve does not include the larger pond. This pond, heavily used for fishing, will act as a buffer, but will be considered part of Reedy Croek Park. The fit-trail presently located within the Nature Preserve should be relocated to the park side, Approximately 318 acres of additional land is shown for potential acquisition. About 100 acres of that is for buffering purposes for the proposed circumferential of Plaza Road Extension. This 100 acres would bal- ance the land being removed from the Nature Preserve and designated as park. The remainder of acquisition lands would help increase ‘he size of the Nature Pre- serve as it isthe smallestof the three nature reserves and is located in a fast develop- ing urbanized situation. Preserpation38 Conzenation ZONE DELINEATION SUMMARY, INATURE ACRES NATURAL ZONE CULTURAL / | SUPPORT PRESERVE Protected [Outstanding] Natural [HISTORICAL | DEVELOPMENT Natural | Natural | Area {ZONE ZONE Area Area Latta Plantation | 1,090 |34 acres}296 acres} 507 ac. | 61 acres 192 acres (3%) _|(27%) _| (46%) _| (6%)_ (18%) Auten, 130 |63 acres|0 acres | 66 ac. Oacres 1 acre (48%) _[(0%) (51%) _| (0%) (1%) Rural Hill 465 |Oacres [53 acres |208ac.| 203 acres | 1 acre (0%) —_|11%) | 45%) | (43%) (1%) Cowan's Ford 666 [650 ac. |O acres [Oacres | O acres 18 acres Wildlife Refuge (97%) _|(0%) (0%) (0%) (3%) Stephen's Road 210 |94 acres]19 acres ]95 ac. | O acres 2 acres (45%) |9%) | (45%) | (0%) (1%) MeDowell 931 [30 actes|300 acres[ 517 ac. | 14 acres 70 acres (3%) |G2%) | (56%) | (2%) (7%) Reedy Creek 583 |Oacres [221 acres] 331 ac. | 5 acres 26 acres (0%) 138%) (57%) | (1%) (4%) TOTALS 4,077 [871 ac. |889 ac, |1,724.ac} 283 acres | 310 acres (21%) (22%) (42%) | (7%) (8%) eteypetation Master Plan Report fr the Pablic Lse Maser Plans fer Mourtair Islnd Lake Stes, MeDawell Nature Preserve and Reedy Creck Nature PreserveZONE DELINEATION SUMMARY Currently, the seven identified Nature Pre- serves comprise 4,077 acres. Eighty-five (85%) percent ofthese lands or3,484 acres, are designated Natural Zone and cannot be downgraded. Twenty-one (2196) of the Natural Zone or 871 acres is designated Protected Natural Area. The chart at the left summarizes the acre ages and percentages of each of the zones and subzones within the seven identified Nature Preserves. Preserebtion 39ss Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge and Nature Preserve 40. Stephen's Roacl Nature Preserve Latta Plantation Nature Preserve Rural Hill Nature Preserve Auten Nature Preserve [By const For LAND Acquistion Coyseruation + [yterpaitction » Preservation PUBLIC USE MASTER PLANS: NATURE PRESERVE AREAS ‘kbenbi ys th Carolina NicDowell Nature Preserve Mecklenburg Couy dort nen sta E BE A Conaaration ntenpeation Pression ‘Master Plan Report forth Public Ue Maser Plans for Mountain island Lake Stes, MeDowell Nature Preserve and Realy CreeeNatire reserveCltenAtion As previously noted, part of the plannin; process included the recommendation of additional land to consider for potential acquisition, The total land reflected on the seven public use ae anc shown to the left is approximately 1325 acres; 785 acres for the Mountain Island Lake sites, 222 acres at McDowell Nature Preserve, and 31 8acres at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. Several issues were looked at in determin ing lands for consideration: * Connects two or more existing nature preserve lands thus creating Continu- ous wildlife corridors and habitats. * Creates buffer to more intense adjacent land use. * Contains significant environmental or cultural/historical features that would benefit from the Inclusion in a nature preserve. * Creates infill opportunities along prop- erty boundaries where currentoulparcel lands disrupt continuity. + Contains characteristics worthy of in clusion in environmental management or educational programming. factepretation POTENTIAL ACQUISITIONS ‘These are only recommendations based on the physical and environmental character- istics of the public use planning process. Real estate costs and land values were not considered in the designation of these po- tential acquisition lands. Southern Red Oak Quercus falcata White Oak Quercus alba Preserwation ayGUIDELINES AND STANDARDS The next phase of the public use planning process will consist of the creation of de- velopmentandmanagementguidelines and standards. These guidelines and standards will be compiled in a separate publication fordistribution bythe Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department. The pub- lication will not only address existing na- ture preserve lands, but future lands as well. Content will be defined as follows: Management * Nature Preserve and sub-zone defini- tions. * Management guidelines for: a Wildlife Vegetation Users * User density surveys * Wildlife population surveys + Multi-use guidelines * Educational Trail maps Trail signage Interpretive -Directional Implementation * Conservation easements and dedications + Transfer of development rights + Zoning overlay Copan. Maser Plan Report forthe Public Use Master Plans for Mountain land Lake Ses, MeDowell Nanite Preserve and Reedy Crock Nature Preserve Construction * Trail construction guidelines Pedestrian Equestrian Stream crossings Maintenance * Nature preserve boundary signage * Shoreline protection methods * Fencing standards * Parking standards and surfacing types * Reviewprocess for development submit- tals in Support Zone. Acquisition * Development guidelines for acquisition * Methods of acquisition and conservancy tenptation PresewationACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Haden Stanziale wishes to acknowledge, with gratitude and appreciation, the assis- tance and information received from the following: Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Commission Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Depariment Especially the staff of the Division of Environmental Education and Conservation including: Steve Law, Cary Marshall, Ronny Roberts, Kim Garrett, Helen Leak, Don Seriff, and Nancy Rogers Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission Citizens! Environmental Advisory Council Gitizens! Equestrian Advisory Council Carolina Raptor Center, Inc. Catawba Lands Conservancy Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility Department Catawba Valley Scottish Society Sierra Club Audubon Society Catawba Waterfowl, Inc. North Carolina Wildlife Federation Carolinas Land Conservation Network Latta Place North Carolina Forest Service Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission Mecklenburg County Engineering Department 43 All the concerned individuals who attended the public meetings. Their contributions, cooperation, and patience have been most helpful and appreciated. Haden Stanziale Project Team James F. Haden, Principal-in-Charge Jonathan D. Wood, Project Manager Craig R. Wyant, Daniel &. Blackman Michael Clay, Inter leptin Prasan Consmwation Paw Paw Asimina triloba Schweinitz’s Sunflower Helianthus schweinitzii Intagattin Paseo for Mountain lars! Lake Sits, McDowell Nature Proserve and Reedy Crack Nature PresoveConsenation nae rca ees ca, Presewalion