[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]








                    Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
                    Maryland Department of Natural Resources
                    District of Columbia Department of Recreation and Parks
                    Pennsylvania Fish Commission
                    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
                    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency





                   Chesapeake Bay Area
                   Public Access
                   Technical Assistance                                                       L
                   Report










                  GV         1990                    .ask
                  191 .42                       ASM
                   C47
                  C48
                  1990                  -.Nook..     - --- - -------
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                                            Acknowledgements




           The Chesapeake Bay Area Public Access Technical Assistance Report was produced by the Public
                     Access Subcommittee composed of staff membersfrom thefollowing agencies:

                                 Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation;
                                     Maryland Department of Natural Resources;
                              District of Columbia Department of Recreation and Parks;
                                           Pennsylvania Fish Commission;
                                          U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and
                                        U.S. Environmental Protection Agency


          This report represents a true team effort. The Public Access Subcommittee wishes to thank all those
                                who participated in its production. Thanks are due to:

            local Tidewater governments and state andjederal agencies who assisted in the review process;
                              staff membersfrom each state and the District ojColumbia;
                                       and other participating federal agencies..


                             A special thanks to the Department of Landscape Architecture
                               at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and
                  Richard Kibby for gathering and compiling most of the materialfound in this report.


              Though space does not allow us to name the many others who helped shepherd the report to
                         publication, our sincere appreciation to each and every one of them.








                   Chesapeake Bay Area
                   Public Access
                   Technical Assistance
                   Report














                       U  8   DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
                       COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
                       2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
                       CHARLESTON        SC 2940rd-2413



                                                                                . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                      . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .




                   October 1990



                   This report was published in part thro" gh funds furnished by the Virginia Council on the
           CD                                                u
                   Environment pursuant to the Coastal Resources Grant #NA89AA-D-CZ221 from the National
                   Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.












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                         I.   Introduction
                              A. Background and Report Purpose                   ......................................................................... I-I
                              B. Report Organization and Planning Methodology                      ................................................. 1-2
                                     1. Types of Public Access Considered               ............................................................... 1-2
                                     2. Recommended Planning Process                ................................................................... 1-2
                                        a)    Needs Assessment         .................................................................................... 1-3
                                        b)    Site Selection    ........................................................................................... 1-3
                                        c)    Design Criteria     ......................................................................................... 1-3
                                        d)    Site Management Considerations              ............................................................ 1-4
                                        e)    Permitting and Regulations         ....................................................................... 1-4
                                        f)    Impact Assessment        ................................................................................... 1-7
                                     3. Technical Report Limitations             ........................................................................ I-10

                         H. Boating Access
                              A. Site Selection       ....................................................................................................... H- 1
                                     I .User Considerations        ....................................................................................... 11- 1
                                     2. Environmental Considerations             ....................................................................... II-1
                                        a)    Topography      .............................................................................................. 11- 1
                                        b)    Soils and Substrate Materials          ................................................................... 11-2
                                        c)    Surface Water Hydrology            ........................................................................ 11-2
                                        d)    Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat Areas             .......................................................... 11-3
                                        e)    Water Quality      ........................................................................................... 11-3
                                        f)    Wetland Delineation        ................................................................................ 11-3
                                        g)    Cultural Resources       ................................................................................... 11-3
                                        h)    Other Considerations       ............................................................................... 11-4
                                        i)    Site Limitations     ........................................................................................ 11-4
                                        j)    Compatibility Issues       ................................................................................ 11-6
                                        k)    Boating Traffic Conflicts          ......................................................................... 11-6
                              B. Design Criteria        ..................................................................................................... 11-6
                                     1. Site Plan Layout       ............................................................................................. 11-6
                                     2. Essential Elements and Desired Relationships                  .............................................. 11-7
                                     3. Land Requirements          ...............................................................................  .... 11-8
                                        a)    Area Requirements        ..........................................................................  ..... 11-8
                                        b)    Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions                ................................................. 11-8
                                        c)    Vehicular Considerations           ......................................................................... 11-9
                                        d)    Pedestrian Considerations          ........................................................................ II-10
                                        e)    Special Development Requirements                ........................................................ II-11
                                              1) Unique Requirements             .......................................................................... II-11
                                              2) Electricity     ............................................................................................ II-11
                                              3) Water Supply and Distribution System                 .............................................. 11-12
                                              4) Sewage Disposal/Pumpout Facilities/Restrooms                     ............................... 11-12












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                                                                                                                       5) Stormwater Management                                                                                               ...........................                                                               ;.......................................                                    11-12
                                                                                                                       6) Estimated Design Cost                                                                                     .......................................................................                                                                                                         111-13
                                                                            C. Management/Maintenance                                                                                                ..........................................................................                                                                                                        :   ..........               111-13
                                                                                         1. Maintenance Concerns                                                                                     ....................................................................................                                                                                                                           H-13
                                                                                         ,2. Management Concerns                                                                                     ...................................................................................                                                                                                                            H-13

                                                          Ill. Beaches and Swimming
                                                                         A. Site Selection                                                       ........................................................................................................                                                                                                                                                           IIII-1
                                                                                         1.            User Considerations                                                                .......................................................................................                                                                                                                                   M-11
                                                                                         2.            Environmental Considerations                                                                                                 .......................................................................                                                                                                         111-1
                                                                                                       a)              Topography                                        ...............................................................................................                                                                                                                                            III- I
                                                                                                       b)              Soils and Substrate Materials                                                                                          ............................................                                                                       ......................                             111-1
                                                                                                       c)              Surface Water Hydrology                                                                                      ........................................................................                                                                                                        111-2
                                                                                                       d)              Vegetations/Wildlife/Habitat Areas                                                                                                             ...................................                                                        :......................                            111-2
                                                                                                       e)              Water Quality                                             ...........................................................................................                                                                                                                                        111-3
                                                                                                       f)              Wetland Delineation                                                                  .................................................................................                                                                                                                       111-3
                                                                                                       g)              Cultural Resources                                                            ...................................................................................                                                                                                                            111-3
                                                                                                       h)              Other Considerations                                                                 ...............................................................................                                                                                                                         M-3
                                                                                                       i)'             Site Limitations                                                 ........................................................................................                                                                                                                                    111-4
                                                                                                       j)              Compatibility Issures                                                                ...............................................................................                                                                                                                         111-5
                                                                                                       k)              Impact on Off-Shore Aquatic Systems                                                                                                                       ....................................................                                                                               111-5
                                                                        B. Design Criteria                                                               ....................................................................................................                                                                                                                                                       M-6
                                                                                         1. Site Plan Layout                                                               .............................................................................................                                                                                                                                            IH-6
                                                                                         2. Essential Elements and Desired Relationships                                                                                                                                                          ..............................................                                                                    111-6
                                                                                         3. Land Requirements                                                                          ........................................................................................                                                                                                                                     IH-6
                                                                                                       a)              Area Requirements                                                             ...........                    I.........................................................................                                                                                                      IH-6
                                                                                                       b)              Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions                                                                                                                             ..................                             i.........               ......................                             IH-7
                                                                                                       C)              Vehicular Considerations                                                                                     ............................                                  I........................                                      e.....................                             111-7
                                                                                                       d)              Pedestrian Considerations                                                                                    ................................................                                                                             .........................                          111-7
                                                                                                       e)              Special Development Requirements                                                                                                                .........................................................                                                                                    111-8
                                                                                                                       1) Unique Requirements                                                                                       .........................................................................                                                                                                       111-8
                                                                                                                       2) Electricity                                           ...........................................................................................                                                                                                                                         IH-10
                                                                                                                       3) Water Supply and Distribution System                                                                                                                                    ..............................................                                                                    IR-11
                                                                                                                       4) Sewage Disposal/Restr-ooms                                                                                                     ..............................................................                                                                                             1111- 11
                                                                                                                       5) Stormwater Management                                                                                               ...................................................................                                                                                                   IH-11
                                                                        C. Management/Maintenance                                                                                                    ....................................................................................                                                                                                                           1111-12
                                                                                         1. Maintenance Concerns                                                                                     ............ .......................................................................                                                                                                                           IH-12
                                                                                         2. Management Concerns                                                                                      ...................................................................................                                                                                                                            IH-14












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                        IV. Pier and Bank Fishing
                             A. Site Selection       ........................................................................................................ IV-1
                                  1. User Considerations          ....................................................................................... IV-1
                                  2. Environmental Considerations              ....................................................................... IV-1
                                        a)  Topography      .............................................................................................. IV-1
                                        b)  Soils and Substrate Materials          ................................................................... IV-1
                                        c)  Surface Water Hydrology            ........................................................................ IV-2
                                        d)  Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat Areas             .......................................................... IV-2
                                        e)  Water Quality      ........................................................................................... IV-2
                                        f)  Wetland Delineation         ................................................................................ IV-2
                                        g)  Cultural Resources          ................................................................................... IV-3
                                        h)  Other Considerations        .............................................                      IV-3
                                        i)  Site Limitations      ........................................................................................ IV-3
                                        j)  Compatibility Issues        ................................................................................ IV-4
                                        k)  Impact on Off-Shore Aquatic Systems                 .................................................... IV-5
                             B. Design Criteria        ..................................................................................................... IV-5
                                  1.    Site Plan Layout      ............................................................................................. IV-5
                                  2.    Essential Elements and Desired Relationships                .............................................. IV-5
                                  3.    Land Requirements         ........................................................................................ IV-6
                                        a)  Area Requirements           ................................................................................... IV-6
                                        b)  Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions                 ................................................. IV-7
                                        c)  Vehicular Considerations           .......................................................................... IV-7
                                        d)  Pedestrian Considerations          ........................................................................ JV-7
                                        e)  Special Development Requirements                 ........................................................ IV-8
                                            1) Unique Requirements             ......................................................................... IV-8
                                            2) Electricity     ........................................................................................... IV-9
                                            3) Water Supply and Distribution System                 .............................................. IV-10
                                            4) Sewage Disposal/Resm)oms                 .............................................................. IV-10
                                            5) Stormwater Management               ................................................................... IV-10
                             C.   Management/Maintenance                ................................................................................... IV-11
                                  1. Maintenance Concerns               ................................................................................... IV-11
                                  2. Management Concerns                ................................................................................... IV-11


                        V.   Natural Area Access
                             A. Site Selection       ....................................................................................................... V- 1
                                  1 .   User Considerations       ....................................................................................... V-1
                                  2.    Environmental Considerations           ....................................................................... V-2
                                        a) Topography       .............................................................................................. V-2
                                        b) Soils and Substrate Materials           ..................................................................... V-2
                                        c) Surface Water and Groundwater Hydrology                     ........................................... V-2
                                        d) Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat Areas              .......................................................... V-2












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                                                                                                           e)            Water Quality                                              .............................................................................................                                                                                                                                      V-3
                                                                                                           f)            Wetland Delineation                                                                     ................................................................................                                                                                                                      V-3
                                                                                                           9)            C!ultural Resources                                                            ...................................................................................                                                                                                                            V-3
                                                                                                           h)            Other Considerations                                                                    .........................
                                                                                                           i)            Site Limitations                                                  ................................                                               *.*.*.*.*.*.                                                                                                                                 V-3
                                                                                                           j)            Compatibility Issues                                                                    ...................                                                                                                                                                                                   V-4
                                                                           B. Design Criteria                                                           ............................                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   V-4
                                                                                           1. SitePlanLayout                                                                  .............................                                                                                                              .....................................                                                         V-4
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ................................................................                                                                                             V-4
                                                                                          2.               Essential Elements and Desired Relationships                                                                                                                                           ..............................................                                                                       V-4
                                                                                                           Land Requirements                                                             .....................................................................................                                                                                                                           ;  ....       V-5
                                                                                                           a) Area Requirements                                                                         ............................................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      .......................................                                                          V-5
                                                                                                           b)            Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions                                                                                                                              ..................................................                                                                         V-5
                                                                                                           c)            Vehicular Considerations                                                                               ..........................................................................                                                                                                             V-5
                                                                                                           d)            Pedestrian Considerations                                                                                ........................................................................                                                                                                             V-6
                                                                                                           e)            Special Development Requirements                                                                                                                 ........................................................                                                                                     V-6
                                                                                                                         1) Unique Requirements                                                                                  .........................................................................                                                                                                             V-6
                                                                                                                         2) Electricity                                            ............................................................................................                                                                                                                                        V-8
                                                                                                                         3) Water Supply and Distribution System                                                                                                                                    ......................                                   .......................                                   V-8
                                                                                                                         4) S.ew'age Disposal/Restrooms                                                                                                   ..............................................................                                                                                               V-9
                                                                                                                         5) Stormwater Management                                                                                              ...................................................................                                                                                                     V-9
                                                                           C.              Management/Maintenance
                                                                                           1. Maintenance Concerns                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    .............                    V-10
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ........................                                  V-10
                                                                                          2. Management Concerns                                                                                        ...................................................................................                                                                                                                            V-10

                                                            Bibliography

                                                            Appendix A - State and Federal Government Resources                                                                                                                                                                              .................................................                                                                         A-1
                                                            Appendix B - Cost Estimate                                                                                        ............................                                                I
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ...............................................................                                                                                              B-1


                                                            Appendix C - Requirements of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act                                                                                                                                                                                                                       ....      .......................                                   C- 1

                                                            Appendix D - The Maryland Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Protection Program                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ..........               D-1

                                                            Glossary











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                                                          Figure No.                                                             Tide                                                                                                                                                Following Page

                                                                                                                                 Planning Process Chan                                                  ....................................................                                                  1-2

                                                          U-1                                                                    Boating Access Schematic Plan                                                                    .......................................                                     11-7
                                                          '111-2                                                                 Concept Layout for Boating Access                                                                                ................................                            11-7
                                                          111-3                                                                  Ramp Locations Related to Water Flow                                                                                      ..........................                         11-9
                                                          U-4                                                                    45 Degree Parldng                                       ............................................................                                                         11-9
                                                          11-5                                                                   60 Degree Parking                                       ............................................................                                                         H-9
                                                          111-6                                                                  90 Degree Parking                                       ............................................................                                                         H-9
                                                          111-7                                                                  Boat Launch Ramps                                             .........................................................                                                      H-9
                                                          11-8                                                                   Pedestrian Access for Boating Sites                                                                              .................................                           H40

                                                          in- 1                                                                  Surface Water Hydrology                                                        ................................................                                              111-2
                                                          JII-2                                                                  Beach/Swimming Access Schematic Plan                                                                                             .......................                     111-6
                                                          M-3                                                                    Concept Layout for Beach/Swimming Access                                                                                                        ................             1111-6
                                                          111-4                                                                  Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions                                                                                       .........................                        111-7
                                                          111-5                                                                  Pedestrian Access for Beach/Swimming Sites                                                                                                      ................             111-8
                                                          1111-6                                                                 Beach Construction                                            ..........................................................                                                     111-8


                                                          IV- 1                                                                  Pier and Bank Fishing Access Schematic Plan                                                                                                     ................             IV-5
                                                          IV- 2                                                                  Concept Layout for Pier and Bank Fishing Access                                                                                                           .........          IV-5
                                                          IV- 3                                                                  Fishing Piers                           ....................................................................                                                                 IV-8

                                                          V-1                                                                    Natural Area Access Schematic Plan                                                                               .........           .....................                   V-4
                                                          V-2                                                                    Concept Layout for Natural Area Access                                                                                        ........................                       V-4
                                                          V-3                                                                    Trail Construction                                      ............................................................                                                         V-7
                                                          V-4                                                                    Trail Drainage                              ..................................................................                                                               V-8












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                                       Table,No.                                                     Title                                                                                                                                                      Page

                                       11-1                                                          Parking Stall Dimensions                                              .................................................                                    11-10


























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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        A. BACKGROUND AND
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    REPORT PURPOSE


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In 1987, the Governors of the Bay states, the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            mayor of Washington, D.C., the Environmental
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Protection Agency, and the Chesapeake Bay
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Commission entered into the Chesapeake Bay
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agreement to improve the quality of the Bay and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            its tidal tributaries. One of the major initiatives
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            of the agreement involves the improvement of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            public access to the tidal waters of the Bay. It is
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anticipated that this commitment will increase
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            resources for the improvement of water
                                                                                                                                can a=                                                                                      dependent and water enhanced recreational
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            opportunities in the coming years. Increased
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            public awareness through expanded Bay access
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            opportunities is considered essential in gaining
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            public support and commitment for the
                                                                                                                                rAMUDM                                                                                      preservation of the Chesapeake Bay. The
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agreement outlines four general objectives to
                                                                                                                                   ---------     ----------------------                                                     support the initiatives:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        *           Improve and maintain access to the Bay,
                                                          The Chesapeake Bay and the smaller                                                                                                                                                        including public beaches, parks, and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    forested lands.
                                              surrounding bays and estuaries cover almost
                                              2,400 square miles in Virginia, Maryland,                                                                                                                                                 *           Improve opportunities for recreational
                                              Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.                                                                                                                                                           and commercial fishing.
                                              Although there is an abundance of water and
                                              open space in the region, public access                                                                                                                                                   *           Secure shoreline acreage to maintain
                                              opportunities are limited. In fact, less than one                                                                                                                                                     open space and provide opportunities for
                                              percent of the Bay shoreline is currently in the                                                                                                                                                      passive recreation.
                                              public domain. Public recreational access to the
                                              Bay and its tributaries consists primarily of                                                                                                                                             *           Secure necessary acreage to protect
                                              marinas and other private sites which are not in                                                                                                                                                      unique habitat and environmentally-
                                              public ownership. As user demand has risen                                                                                                                                                            sensitive areas.
                                              over the last decade, the inadequacy of access
                                              opportunities has dramatically' increased.                                                                                                                                                This report will help meet these objectives
                                              Consequently, state and local officials need to                                                                                                                               by providing a guide for use by localities for
                                              concentrate their efforts to meet the need for                                                                                                                                locating and developing access sites. The report
                                              public water access sites.                                                                                                                                                    will identify potential sources of technical












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                                             assistance to aid the localities with the acquisition                                                                                                                                                                            oriented recreation areas are considered water-
                                             and development of public access. The four                                                                                                                                                                                       dependent facilities.' Water-related activities
                                             types of public access to be considered include                                                                                                                                                                                  could include picnicking, facilities for education,
                                             beaches and swimming areas, boating access,                                                                                                                                                                                      camping, hiking, hunting, wildlife observation,
                                             fishing pier and bank access, and access to                                                                                                                                                                                      and other passive recreational uses.                                                                                                          For this
                                             natural areas. For each type of access,                                                                                                                                                                                          report, types of public access have been
                                             recommendations for site selection, design                                                                                                                                                                                       categorized as follows:
                                             criteria, and management considerations are
                                             provided.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Boat-Related Access -Boat ramps,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                cartop boat launches, and support
                                                           The first step in developing public access is                                                                                                                                                                                        facilities.
                                             to determine the need for the various types of
                                             access to the Bay. Once the needs have been                                                                                                                                                                                                        Swimming Access - Includes beaches
                                             assessed, the site selection criteria, specific design                                                                                                                                                                                             and designate                                             *d areas appropriate for
                                             criteria, and site management considerations                                                                                                                                                                                                       swimming.
                                             should be evaluated for the type of site to be
                                             developed. This report describes the planning                                                                                                                                                                                                      Fishing Access - Piers, bank fishing, and
                                             process recommended in establishing the four                                                                                                                                                                                                       parking adjacent to tidal waters.
                                             types of Bay access areas.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Natural Area Access - Wildlife
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                management areas, natural area
                                                           B. REPORT ORGANIZATION                                                                                                                                                                                                               preserves, wildlife observation areas,
                                                                          AND PLANNING                                                                                                                                                                                                          nature trails, and educational facilities
                                                                          METHODOLOG                                                                                                                         %Y                                                                                 contiguous to tidal waters.
                                                           This technical report has been organized to                                                                                                                                                                              Access areas may be established as one or a
                                             address various types of public access                                                                                                                                                                                           combination of thesetypes. Access points may
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              be developed by local, state, federal, or private
                                             opportunities. A consistent planning approach                                                                                                                                                                                    entities or a cooperative agreement between two
                                             is recommended regardless, of the type of site or                                                                                                                                                                                or more parties.
                                             area considered for development The planning
                                             process and issues discussed for each type of                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Recommende                                                         .d Planning Process
                                             public access is intended to serve as a guide and
                                             checklist for the successful planning and.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The diagram shown in Figure: 1-1 outlines
                                             development of Bay area access sites.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              the   recommended methodology for planning
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              public access. The initial component of the
                                                           1. Types of Public Access Considered                                                                                                                                                                               process is as                                      Isessment of the need and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              determination of the appropriate type of public
                                                           Public access includes water-dependent and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              access. Following the needs assessment, the site
                                             water-related facilities which are located along
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              should be selected, design criteria established,
                                             the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Marinas,                                                                                                                                                                                 and potential management and maintenance
                                             boat launch ramps, beaches, and                                                                                                                                 -public water-                                                   issues evaluated.











                                               Figure: 1-1
                                         Planning Process Chart




                                                           an
                 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation PI
                                                                           Needs
                 Bay and River Public Access Guide
                 Chesapeake Bay Area Plan                                  Assessment
                 Special Studies - Local and Regional Plans
                                                                                            J



                 User Considerations
                 Land Requirements                                         Site
                                                                           Selection
                 Site Analysis
                 Site Limitations
                 Regulatory Requirements                                                    J


             .. . . .... . ....               .. .............

                 Essential Site Elements
                 Standard Structures and Facilities                        Design
                 Site Concept Plan                                         Criteria
                 Preliminary Cost Estimate


                 Site Plan Layout
                                                                           site
                 Construction Drawings
                 Final Permits and Approvals                               Development
                 Final Costs


                                               . ......    ............
                                                                          . .... ..... .......... .. ...

                 Maintenance Checklist                                     Site
                 Management Plan                                           Management
                 Cost Schedule                                             & Maintenance













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                a) Needs Assessmen                                      public access plan recommendations into their
                                                                        planning processes. The "Chesapeake Bay Area
                The assessment ofpublic access needs should             Public Access Plan" should -be consulted when
           be based on number of existing sites, level of use           preparing local demand data.
           along the waterways or river reaches,
           demographic considerations, carrying capacity                    b) Site Selection
           of the site/area, and trends in boat ownership-
           Several sources of information which are listed                  User considerations, land requirements, and
           in the appendix are available from the appropriate           environmental limitations should be assessed
           states and the District of Columbia. These                   during the site selection phase.               User
           sources of information may be useful in                      considerations include the location of an adequate
           determining the need for additional Bay access               transportation network to the proposed site and
           within a locality.                                           its proximity to other similar types of public
                                                                        access. Acreage and waterquality considerations
                The Chesapeake Bay andSusguehanna Riv                                                           9
                                                              .a        should be assessed when evaluatin the land
           Public Access Guide 'was published in 1989 as a              mquirements necessary for the various types of
           guide to publicly-owned access points                        public access. The determination of potential
           surrounding the Bay area, its tidal tributaries,             environmental impacts should include an
           and the Susquehanna River. The guide includes                assessment ofpotential site limitations, presence
           educational and conservation-oriented                        of environmentally sensitive areas, and an
           information, as well as location and facility-               evaluation of potential impacts caused by the
           specific information for the identified access               development of the particular type of public
           points. The existing and future recreational                 access. Also, the compatibility of adjacent land
           demands for Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia,                uses, potential boating and vehicular traffic
           and the District of Columbia may be found in                 conflicts, and the possible effects ofdevelopment
           each respective State Comprehensive Outdoor                  on nearby cultural resources, natural areas, oyster
           Recreation Plan (SCORP). The SCORP for                       beds, fishing grounds, and other living resources
           each state is referenced in the appendix.                    should be considered      during the evaluation
                                                                        process.
                Additionally, the "Chesapeake Bay Area'
           Public Access Plan" will be published in                         c) Design Crit
           December of 1900. This plan will identify
           opportunities for public.access in four major                    Design criteria will be specificallyestablished
           categories: boating facilities, fishing piers and,           for each of the types of public access being
           bank fishing, swimming areas, and natural study              addressed. Elements to be considered during the
           areas. The plan will be presented in a map                   design phase of the various types of public
           format to provide localities and regional planners           access should include the site layout, vehicular
           with existing public and private access                      and pedestrian access requirements, site carrying
           information. The plan will also identify areas               capacity, and environmental management
           which -show a need for the development of                    measures-Site layouts should include the location
           access sites and recognize potential access areas.           ofrequired facilities and site features, a landscape
           Localities will be encouraged to incorporate the             scheme or planting plan if appropziate, the














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                      . . . .. . ..... ..... .... ...

             identification of sensitive lands and designated               A brief summary ofpermitting requirements,
             protection areas, user access and activity areas,          the permitting process, and the agencies
                                                                        overseeing these requirements as well as
             and maintenance or service areas. Vehicular and            re.gulations which affect the development of
             pedestrian access considerations should address            public access within the Bay area follows.
             parking, restrooms, pedestrian walkways,
             vehicular roadways, shelters, interpretive site                Applications for all permits should precede
             enhancements, and handicapped access.                      a project start date. Issuance of a permit will be
             Environmental managementmay include erosion                based on an impact evaluation of the proposed
             control options, maintenance of water quality,             work with regard to public interest.
             replacement of impacted wetlands, and special
             construction techniques. Planning, design, and                 Following is a sampling of the types of uses
             construction details and drawings for the                  that need permits:
             identified site features should be prepared to
             show the requirements and recommended                          * Proposed construction on site
             construction techniques for the development of
             the public access site. Finally, an estimate of the            *   Filling on state-owned, sub-aqueous
             design cost for site development should be based
             on the site design selected for a specific site.                   bottom
                                                                            .*  Installation of shoreline erosion control
                 d) Site Management Considerations                              structures

                 Management of the site should be considered                *   Construction of trails, piers, docks,
             during the site selection and design phases.                       ramps, etc.
             Routine management and maintenance efforts
             should be identified for the public access site                *   Removal of existing vegetation
             being developed. Management techniques
             should be defined and a maintenance plan                       *   Entranceways onto site
             including cost should be prepared prior to site
             development.                                                   *   Impacts to wetlands or waterways

                 e) Permitting and Regulations                          Permitting Process

                 Required permits and applicable regulations                Once permit applications are submitted to
             for each state and the District of Columbia vary.          the Corps of Engineers (COE), the COE will
             For example, Maryland and Virginia have both               determine if the project meets a general permit
             enacted legislation and regulations which                  criteria. If so, the applicant is notified and
             significantly effect land use and development of           instructed to pursue any necessary state and
             the shoreline. Local public access goals in these          local approvals. The affected state/local agencies
             states should be consistent with the water quality         may then prepare a Public Notice for the project
             objectives of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation              and place this notice in a local newspaper at the
             Act and Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Program.             applicant's expense. If the project does not meet
                                                                        the COE's general permit criteria, it may go













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               through a joint federal/state permit application           State and Local Hearing Procedures
               process and be circulated to appropriate federal
               and state agencies for comment before the project             Projects affecting state and locally protected
               is.approved.                                               wetlands will fall under the laws and regulations
                                                                          established by the local. and state entities.
                   Property owners adjacent to the proposed
               project site and others who have'asked to be               Finalization of Process
               mailed any public notice involving work in their
               area are sent a copy of the public notice. Anyone             Each agency will make every effort toprocess
               may make a comment on a public notice.                     the application as quickly as possible. If a
                                                                          project is approved, the necessary permit will be
               Public Hearings                                            forwarded the applicant. In some cases, the
                                                                          appHcant's notarized signature will. be required
                   At the close of the Public Notice comment              and fees and royalties paid before the permit is
               period, Public Hearings may be held by local,              validated by the appropriate regulatory agency.
               state, or federal agencies. Ile applicant will be
               contacted by those agencies when a Public                     The permitting process may vary by state. If
               Hearing is scheduled..                                     there are questions about processing procedures,
                                                                          applications, orproject drawings, thepermitting
               Federal Hearing Procedure                                  agency maybe contacted for further information.

                  Mostprojects usually affect only the applicant                           VIRGENIA
               and the surrounding neighborhood. When issues,
               are raised, the COE staff discusses -the issues               After an access site has been located and the
               with the applicant. Attempts are made to resolve           facilities to be constructed have been determined,
               the issues in question informally; in most cases           the next step in Virginia is to apply for the
               this is successful. Very few projects require a            necessary permits. To learn what permits will be
               public hearing. When a hearing is required, a 30           required contact the following:
               day public notice is sent to the public announcing
               the date, time, -and place of the hearing. A                  Marine Resources Commission
               decision on the project will not be made at the               2600 Washington Avenue
               hearing. A 10 day comment period will follow                  P.O. Box 756
               the hearing to allow for any additional facts or              Newport News, VA 23607
               information to be submitted before the District               (804) 247-2200
               Engineer makes a final decision. The purpose of               Fax (804) 247-2020
               a Federal public hearing is to acquire information            TDD (804) 247-2292
               and      i e the public an opportunity to express             TDD 1-800-541-4646
                   provid
               theirviews and opinions on the proposed project.













                                                                            
                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                            State Water Control Board                                                                                                                                                           Department of the Environment
                                                            P.O. Box 11143                                                                                                                                                                      Water Management Administration
                                                            Richmond, VA 23607                                                                                                                                                                  Division of Standards and Certification
                                                            (804) 367-0056                                                                                                                                                                      2500 Broenig Highway
                                                            Fax (804) 367-0067                                                                                                                                                                  Baltimore, MD 21224
                                                            TDD (804) 367-9763                                                                                                                                                                  (301) 631-3902

                                                            U.S. Army Corps of Engineers                                                                                                                                                        Department of Natural Resources
                                                            Norfolk District                                                                                                                                                                    Water Resources Administration
                                                            803 Front Street                                                                                                                                                                    Tidal Wetlands Division
                                                            Norfolk, VA 23510                                                                                                                                                                  Tawes State Office Building
                                                            (804) 441-7650                                                                                                                                                                      Annapolis, MD 21401
                                                            In addition, permits may be required by the                                                                                                                                         (301) 974-3871
                                                State Historic Preservation Office, local wetland                                                                                                                                               U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
                                                board, and local building inspector.                                                                                                                                                            Baltimore District
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                P.O. Box 1715
                                                                      MARYLAND                                                                                                                                    Baltimore, MD 21203
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        (301) 962-2515
                                                            In Maryland, there are three main permitting
                                                authorities associated with the types of waterfront                                                                                                                                                                             PENNSYLVANIA
                                                activities which are related to public access.
                                                Some of the permitting and regulatory issues                                                                                                                                                    In Pennsylvania, a plan of mitigation will be
                                                pertinent to these agencies include tidal wetlands;                                                                                                                                required if a proposed site is classified as a
                                                the harvesting, cutting, or removal of submerged                                                                                                                                    regulated wetland. Other issues which may
                                                aquatic vegetation; water quality regulations;                                                                                                                                     require special action include erosion and
                                                boating facility pumpout requirements; on-site                                                                                                                                     sedimentation, water quality, impacts on
                                                sewage disposal; and water supply systems. It                                                                                                                                      historical resources, and highway occupancy.
                                                must also be noted that local governments are                                                                                                                                      The agencies to contact concerning permitting
                                                responsible for enacting the Chesapeake Bay                                                                                                                                        and regulations are listed below.
                                                Critical Area regulations within their jurisdiction.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Pennsylvania Historical and Museum
                                                            For more information regarding permitting                                                                                                                                           Commission
                                                and regulations contact:                                                                                                                                                                        Bureau for Historic Preservation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                P.O. Box 1026
                                                            Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Commission                                                                                                                                            Harrisburg, PA 17108
                                                            Suite 320
                                                            275 West Street                                                                                                                                                                     Susquehanna River Basin Commission
                                                            Annapolis, MD 21401                                                                                                                                                                  1721 Front St.
                                                            (301) 974-2426                                                                                                                                                                      Harrisburg, PA 17102
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                                                              Cumberland County Conservation District                                                                                                                                                                                        f)     Impact Assessment
                                                               313S                  S.  Hanover St.
                                                               Carlisle, PA 17013                                                                                                                                                                                                             In     accurately  assessing the  impact of the
                                                               District Manager                                                                                                                                                                                          project, the following factors should be included
                                                               (717) 249-8632                                                                                                                                                                                            in the assessment report:

                                                               Commonwealth of Pennsylvania                                                                                                                                                                                                   1)      Description of the proposed action
                                                               Department of Environmental Resources
                                                               Division of Waterways and Storm Water                                                                                                                                                                                                 State the major objective of the proposed
                                                               Management                                                                                                                                                                                                                            development.
                                                               P.O. Box 2357
                                                               Harrisburg, PA 17120                                                                                                                                                                                                                 State who is proposing the
                                                               (717) 787-6823                                                                                                                                                                                                                        development, the contact person, and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     what is to be accomplished
                                                               Commonwealth of Pennsylvania                                                                                                                                                                                                          through this project.
                                                               Department of Environmental Resources
                                                               Harrisburg Regional Office                                                                                                                                                                                 Identify location of the project, when
                                                               One Ararat Blvd.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      the development is to take place,
                                                               Harrisburg, PA 17110                                                                                                                                                                                                                  and its interrelationships with
                                                               Regional Water Quality Manager                                                                                                                                                                                                        other federal, state, or local
                                                               (717) 657-4590                                                                                                                                                                                                                        recreation-oriented projects or
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     proposals.
                                                               Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Describe the demand for the
                                                               Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
                                                               Engineering District                                                                                                                                                                                                                  project and how it complies
                                                               Harrisburg, PA 17103-1699                                                                                                                                                                                                             with the current SCORP.
                                                               (717) 787-6653
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2)     Description of the existing environment
                                                                           DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Describe the overall topography.
                                                               Within the District of Columbia, the principal
                                           authority to contact for information concerning                                                                                                                                                                                                           Identify name and location of any historic
                                           permitting and regulation is:                                                                                                                                                                                                                             or archaeological sites which will be
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     affected.
                                                               Associate Director for Land Use
                                                               Coordination                                                                                                                                                                                                                         State whether or not the project is located
                                                               National Park Service                                                                                                                                                                                                                 within the 100-year floodplain.
                                                               National Capitol Region
                                                               1100 Ohio Drive SW                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Describe the site's surface and subsurface
                                                               Washington, D.C. 20242                                                                                                                                                                                                                geological characteristics.
                                                               (202) 619-7025
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                                         *        Describe the soil types in the area.                                                                               5)        Adverse             environmental effects which
                                                  (Contact a local Soil Conservation                                                                        cannot be avoided
                                                  Service representative.)
                                                                                                                                                                               Analyze who or what is affected and to
                                         *        Describe-the area's flora and fauna with                                                                                     what degree, e.g., wildlife or vegetation,
                                                  special reference to rare, threatened, and                                                                                   adjacent properties, erosion, compaction
                                                  endangered species.                                                                                                          and sedimentation of soil, etc.

                                          3) Environmental impact of the proposed                                                                                    6) Relationship between short-term                                                         and
                                 action                                                                                                                     long-term impacts

                                         *        Identify any direct or indirect changes to                                                                         *         Identify short-term impacts such as loss
                                                  the existing environment, whether                                                                                            of wildlife habitat, changes in traffic
                                                  beneficial or adverse.                                                                                                       volumes and patterns, etc.

                                         *        Describe effects the proposed project                                                                              *         Identify long-term impacts such as
                                                  will have on adjacent land uses.                                                                                             dedication of land to public recreation
                                                                                                                                                                               and open space for present and future
                                         *        Identify potential impacts on wetlands                                                                                       use.
                                                  and aquatic resources.
                                                                                                                                                                     7)        Irreversible                          and                   irretrievable
                                         *        Describe the waste management system                                                                      commitments of resources which would be
                                                  planned for the project and its impact.                                                                   involved in the proposed development
                                         *        Describe how water resources will be                                                                                         Identify the extent to which the
                                                  affected, e.g., increased runoff.                                                                                            Jevelopment restricts or
                                                                                                                                                                               enhances the range of resource
                                         *        Discuss proposed management plan for                                                                                         uses.
                                                  the project.                                                                                                                 Identify factors such as erosion,
                                                                                                                                                                               destruction of archaeological or historic
                                         4) Mitigation measures included in the                                                                                                sites, elimination of wildlife habitat,
                                proposed action                                                                                                                                particularly of threatened or endangered
                                                                                                                                                                               species.
                                                  Discuss measures and methods
                                                  which are proposed or will be                                                                                                Identify significant changes in land use
                                                  req!ired to mitigate adverse                                                                                                 with regard to natural resources such as
                                                  environmental impacts.                                                                                                       forest land, minerals, soils, water, etc.












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                8) Alternatives to the proposed action                Facility Requirements

                   Discuss modifications of the present                   * Access roads (internal and external)
                   proposal with different approaches to
                   gaining the sameresult.                                * Parking spaces

                   Describe beneficial and adverse effects                * Dock facilitie's
                   of the alternatives along with the reasons
                   for the rejections of the alternatives.                * Walkways

                   Explain of the.final choice of action and                  Service and maintenance areas
                   theplan forachievingthe initial objective.
                                                                              Adjacent recreation areas
               In preparing the environmental information,
           narrative explanations should be written for each              * Water depth
           category  and wheneverpossible, impacts sho     "uld
           be quantified. For example, record the number                  * Subsurface conditions
           of trees to be removed, cubic yards of fill to be
           required, etc. All subject matter should be                    * Location of boating acess within the
           discussed in as much detail as is relevant,                        waterway
           especially when specific facts or-professional
           opinions are available. Government agencies                        Electricity
           who 'are involved in the project will be
           incorporating. their comments into the                             Signage
           Asses s*ment Report.
                                                                              Solid waste disposal
                The impact assessment should involve a
           comparison of the land requirements determined                 *   Public safety and emergency safety
           for a particular access site and the environmental                 facilities
           factors identified during the inventory. A
           checklist of facility requirements and site factors            *   Water supply and distribution
           to be included in the site assessment would vary
           depending on type of access being considered.                      Sewage disposal
           Following is a list of factors which could be
           included;                                                          Pumpout facilities

                                                                              Stormwater drainage


                                                                              Restrooms
                                  @4 @'













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               Site Factors


                   * Topograpy -avoid 15% or greater slopes

                   *   Shoreline erosion - avoid areas with
                       erosion rates greater than 2 feet/year

                   *   Floodplains - when construction is
                       necessary, use appropriate design

                   *   Soils and substrate materials - locate
                       facilities on buildable soils                          * Existing and pot    'entialboating traffic -
                                                                                  avoid placing new access in highly
                   *   Surface water hydrology - needs vary                       trafficked boating areas
                       with projected use                                     *   Compatiblity of adjacent land uses -
                   *   Existing vegetation - preserve existing                    locate near population centers and
                       vegetation to greatest extent possible                     services which provide amenities to
                                                                                  access sites
                   *   Cultural resources                                     *   Carrying capacity of site
                   *   Plant and wildlife habitat areas -                     *   Proximity to existing or potential scenic
                       minimize disturbance                                       resources such as designated orcandidate
                   *   Existing water quality - monitor and                       byways or scenic rivers.
                       assess potential impact                                3.  Technical Report Limitations
                   *   Shellfish grounds - avoid location near                The issues which should be addressed in
                       shellfish grounds/minimize impact                  developing the various types of public access are
                   *   Wetlands - avoid/minimize impact                   defined in this report. Each site must be
                                                                          individually evaluated to determine its suitability
                   *   Submerged aquatic vegetation -                     for development based on the anticipated level
                       avoid/minimize impact                              of use, site-specific factors, and potential
                                                                          environmental impacts to the site. There may be
                   *   Scenic and visual opportunities -                  issues and situations which are not directly
                       preserve and enhance aesthetic                     addressed in this report, but may become evident
                       environment                                        during the site investigation and analysis which
                                                                          will need to be addressed. Site conditions which
                       Existing and potential noise - monitor             are discussed and recommended in this report
                       existing levels and project impact based           are based on ideal conditions; however, optimum
                       on planned uses                                    conditions should be soughtduring site selection












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                                               and development so that most critical factors are
                                               satisfied. This technical assistance report should
                                               provide localities with a checklist of issues to
                                               consider, a planning methodology, and basic
                                               concepts for the design and construction of the
                                               various types of public access.












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                                                                               1. User Considerations


                                                                               The planning of public boating access sites
                                                                           should consider public needs along with the
                                                                           level of boating activity, facility requirements,
                                                                           and management duties required to fulfill those
                                                                           needs. Section I of this report described the
                                                                           process and resources available for assessing the
                                                                           need for public access.

                   A. SITE SELECTION                                           2. Environmental Considerations

                   Environmental factors, suitability ofthe water              Potential environmental impacts due to
               body for boat operation, and adequate shore                 boating activity and related facility development
               frontage must be considered when locating a                 must be considered prior to the development of
               boat launch ramp. With proper siting and                    access sites. The evaluation of environmental
               consideration of environmental factors, many                factors should begin with a thorough inventory
               permitting problems and costly delays can be                of the potential access site. Data which relates to
               avoided. Almost any site adjacent to a water                the topography, soils, surface water hydrology,
               body can be made into an access area, but                   vegetation, wildlife habitat areas and existing
               generally, the more extensive the required                  wetlands should be collected. This information
               modification, the greater the construction costs            should then be reviewed to verify the suitability
               and potential for adverse environmental impacts.            of a site for development. The results of the
               Whenever possible, alternative sites on a water             assessment will likely be incorporated in the
               body should be evaluated.                                   permits required to pursue site development.
                   In selecting a boat launch ramp site, several               a) To2og=hy
               features must be met regardless of the size of the
               launch ramp or where it is to be located. The site              Shoreline areas with flat to rolling slopes of
               must have safe navigational access to boating               less than 15% and with suitable soils based on
               waters, shoreline protection, adequate access to            standard classifications related to proposed uses
               the site, adequate interior access, parking, and a          are generally acceptable forfacility development.
               launch ramp. Proximity of the site to population
               centers, accessibility of the launch ramp from                  The 100-year storm criteria should be used
               the land side and easy access to desired boating            to define floodplains since this is the criteria
               areas are important evaluation and site selection           used in the federal flood insurance program in
               factors.                                                    which most local governments participate.
                                                                           Floodplains are land areas that are occasionally
                                                                           inundated by the overflow of streams and rivers
                                                                           and have been determined to have a one percent
                                                                           probability of flood occurrence in any given











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                                     year. Floodplains act as natural sediment traps                                                                                                                                                  c)          Surface Water Hydrology
                                     which allow stormwater to disperse and slow
                                     down, causing suspended materials that have                                                                                                                                                      Normal precipitation presents no serious
                                     washed off upland areas to settle. Hence, the                                                                                                                                       problem in boat launch access site design,
                                     development and"disturbance of floodplains                                                                                                                                          provided an adequate surface drainage plan is
                                     should be limited to properly designed facilities                                                                                                                                   adopted. A drainage plan must provide a facility
                                     necessary for the planned access.                                                                                                                                                   with the capability of draining the 'waters from a
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         maximum probable rainfall without eroding the
                                                 b)          Soils and Substrate MaterigIs                                                                                                                               adjacent land or causing additional runoff in the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Bay and its tributaries. Inflows from surrounding
                                                Physical considerations at the site include                                                                                                                              lands may also be diverted as a part of the
                                     the          assessment of soil geology and substrate                                                                                                                               drainage plan.
                                     materials. The nature, extent, and cost of the
                                     substructures necessary for site facilities must                                                                                                                                                Wave characteristics are important to boating
                                     be determined based on the soil types. Test piles                                                                                                                                   access sites. Larger waves are generated in large
                                     and direct soil evaluation tests are two commonly                                                                                                                                   water bodies by offshore storms, while other
                                     usedmethods for determining theresistive quality                                                                                                                                    waves are generated by winds, boat traffic, and
                                     of subsoils. * Soil conditions should provide                                                                                                                                       tides. Ideally, boating access sites should be in
                                     suitable foundation support and waste. water                                                                                                                                        a protected location (i.e., a cove, tributary, boat
                                     treatment capacity, if existing sewage facilities                                                                                                                                   basin, etc.) in order to decrease the open water
                                     are.not already available to the site.                                                                                                                                              distance over which wind blows unimpeded
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         (fetch). This consideration will help decrease
                                                  Shoreline                               erosion should be a major                                                                                                      wave action at the site'and thus reduce erosion at
                                     consideration                                        in, siting boat ramp access.                                                                                                   the facility. Waves can create additional waves
                                     Developments along shoreline areas should be                                                                                                                                        by reflecting and resonating off waterside
                                     avoided where existing erosion rates exceed 2                                                                                                                                       structures. Shoreline vegetation is a good energy
                                     feet/year. These areas are more susceptible to                                                                                                                                      dissipater as well as a preventer of wave induced
                                     boat wakes. Facility structures located within or                                                                                                                                   erosion along the shoreline. Boat wakes can be
                                     nearthesehighly erodible shorelines areprobably                                                                                                                                     controlled by proper access site orientation,
                                     impacted by wave action which will require                                                                                                                                          control of boat traffic speed, and route regulation.
                                     continuous maintenance and protective                                                                                                                                               Establishing boundaries for speed limit zones
                                     measures.                                                                                                                                                                           may be critical to the control of boat wakes as
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         wakes generated during acceleration and
                                                To minimize the adverse effects of human'                                                                                                                                deceleration can be significant.
                                     activities on access sites, a buffer area of
                                     vegetation is recommended. This buffer is
                                     effective in retarding runoff, preventing erosion,
                                     filtering nonpoint pollution, and reducing
                                     sediments.












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                                                             d)        Veg&tation/Wildlife/Habitat Areas                                                                                                                               important as a thick layer of very fine particles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       can be eroded away by prop-wash from boat
                                                             The Natural Heritage Programs within each                                                                                                                                 traffic and become suspended in the water, thus
                                                jurisdiction can help to identify significant habitat                                                                                                                                  deteriorating water clarity and quality.
                                                areas and can provide land management
                                                recommendations for the protection of these                                                                                                                                                       An understanding of sediment depostion,
                                                c            munities. Siteselection should be considered                                                                                                                              littoral transport, and fetch is important to the
                                                in areas that will not affect rare, threatened or                                                                                                                                      development of any site. A flushing study to be
                                                endangered plants, animals, or unique natural                                                                                                                                          submitted for review during the permitting
                                                communities or significant finfish spawning and                                                                                                                                        process is encouraged.
                                                nursery areas. The protection of high quality
                                                habitats and the relationships between biological                                                                                                                                                 f) Wetland Delineation
                                                communities may be incorporated into natural
                                                areas or buffer zones adjacent to the access site.                                                                                                                                                The delineation of wetlands boundaries
                                                Construction practices which avoid direct and                                                                                                                                          should ordinarily be determined by an on-site
                                                indirect impacts to sensitive habitats should be                                                                                                                                       visit. In most cases, the local delineation map or
                                                implemented. Sensitive areas and the limits of                                                                                                                                         map series will be used in order to identify the
                                                construction should be clearly marked prior to                                                                                                                                         general location of wetlands. The National
                                                construction.                                                                                                                                                                          Wetland Inventory maps produced by the U.S.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Fish and Wildlife Service may also be useful in
                                                             e) Water QualiLy                                                                                                                                                          the general location of existing wetlands. The
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Combined Federal Wetland Delineation
                                                             Boating related facilities such as bulkheads,                                                                                                                             approach should be followed for the site specific
                                                jetties, orother structural measures may encroach                                                                                                                                      designation of wetland areas. This approach is
                                                on narrow waterways. Water quality may                                                                                                                                                 a systematic approach which considers soils,
                                                decrease when encroachment restricts flushing                                                                                                                                          hydrology, and vegetative characteristics of a
                                                and mixing of waters in small tributaries or                                                                                                                                           site.
                                                inlets. These changes affect wildlife habitats
                                                and substrate conditions of marine organisms                                                                                                                                                      g) Cultural Resources
                                                which may cause a reduction in the diversity of
                                                species.                                                                                                                                                                                          Cultural resources should be evaluated on
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       each potential access site. A site may be listed,
                                                             The volume of the water body and tidal                                                                                                                                    nominated, or eligible for listing on the National
                                                action is significant to waterquality. Forexample,                                                                                                                                     Register of Historic Places. The historic or
                                                small bodies of water can take much less                                                                                                                                               archaeological significance of a site may not be
                                                contamination than larger ones. Existing and                                                                                                                                           obvious', therefore, during the site evaluation the
                                                projected water quality conditions within the                                                                                                                                          appropriate State Historic Preservation Officer
                                                vicinity of the access site should be assessed to                                                                                                                                      should be contacted. Information regarding the
                                                determine the potential for adverse changes being                                                                                                                                      National Register of Historic Places may be
                                                caused by access related factors. The thickness                                                                                                                                        obtained from the National Park Service, National
                                                and the fineness of existing bottom sediments is                                                                                                                                       Registry Programs (see Appendix A-4).












                               ...........

                               ...........
                                                                                          ......... -X-X-X-:-X.X-X-X-
                                                                                           . . . . ....
                                                                                             . . .......

                                                                                       . ...... .. .. .. ... ....
                                                                    ... ....           ..... ...
                                                                                       .......... . .. . ...
            X                  .. ........                  ..... XX.                  ............ .... . .....
                                                                                                            .............
                                                                                                             XX X
                                                                 :X.-
                                                                                       .................. ..
                                                                                       ...............
                                                                                       . ............... ..  ....
                               .....                                                   ... ................... .. .
                                                                      -X                                              ......
                                                          -X X X
                                                    ....                               ..............
                  . ...........                           X
                                                                                       . ..........
                  ....................                                                 ...............................



                   Other Considerations                              Noise


               Other site features and related off shore                  The existing and projected noise levels at the
            conditions appropriate for inclusion      in the         development site and in the surrounding area
            environmental inventory may relate to:                   should be assessed, particularly in areas with
                                                                     anticipated high increases in boating traffic
            Sand Dunes                                               resulting from site development.

               These arefragileresources andrequire special          Storm
            planning so that points of access are well defined
            and properly constructed. Foot and vehicular                  The history of storms, their frequency, and
            traffic on dunes should be discouraged.                  intensity may be significant information in
                                                                     considering a site for development, particularly
            Shelb7sh Beds                                            along unprotected waterways. The National
                                                                     Weather Bureau may be contacted to determine
               The location of active shellfish beds should          the vulnerability an - area has with regard to
            be identified. The introduction of a boat ramp           storms. The state agency administering the
            facility could impact the water quality near these       federal flood insurance program can also provide
            areas enough to affect the productivity of the           valuable information.
            beds..
                                                                     Wind
            Submerged Aquatic. Vegetation (SAV)
                                                                          Predominant wind patterns and the
               SAV areas near the shoreline of a proposed            orientation of the shoreline are extremely
            boating access development site should be                important, as these factors can combine to create
            delineated and avoided. There has been a decline         an area that is not conducive for navigation of
            in the distribution and abundance of underwater          boats and can also cause accelerated erosion or
            grasses since the late 1960s. These areas are            wave damage to the boating facility.
            important to marine life for shelter, propagation,
            and food.                                                     i) Site Limitations

            Scenic and Visual Opportunities                               Site limitations should be identified based
                                                                     on the inventory and analysis-of natural factors
               The identification of good and poor views             and environmental considerations. The capacity
            both on-site and off-site should be considered.          a site has for the development of boating access
            An. overall visual analysis of the site may be-,         is also directly. related to the conditions'and
            necessary for the ultimate preservation of visual        characteristics of the adjacent waterway. For
            quality.                                                 example, the constriction of narrow coves and
                                                                     waterways by the encroachment of boat slips,
                                                                     private Oim and open moorings or anchorages
                                                                     can be a problem indeveloping boating facilities.














                                                                                                                         .............




                                                                .. ...............
                                                                                     . ...........
                 . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . .
                                                                 . .........



                 These facilities reduce the water surface area                    Variable turn around area (size
                 available for boating activity, and in narrow                     determined by design but must be able to
                 passages may create a "bottlenock" situation.                     accommodate a combined vehicle and
                 Careful siting and maintenance of boating                         trailer length of 40')
                 facilities can avoid or minimize this type of
                 problem.                                                          Buffer zoneat shoreline for facilities
                                                                                   which are not water-dependent.
                   A site analysis which outlines the physical
                 opportunities and constraints for a property                      4 foot minimum width for walkways
                 should be conducted to facilitate the assessment                  located apart from vehicular routes.
                 of the site. This analysis may simply involve
                 overlaying the identified environmental factors                   Compatibility with local comprehensive
                 and evaluating the overall conditions of the, site,               plans.
                 noting areas which are not suitable for
                 development.                                              Uodgsirable Site ChU=Zdca 10clude:

                 j?gAimWe SjZ CbUjWjCdstirKs Include:                          * Too shallow or with inadequate water or
                                                                                   land area for intended use, requiring
                   * Easy access to open water, population                         extensive dredging or filling.
                       centers, and necessary utilities.
                                                                               *   Low tidal range or flow and low flushing
                   *   Accessibility from existing roads and                       rates, such as dewl-end canals or the
                       waterways.                                                  upper reaches of tidal creeks.

                   *   Location near existing state or federally               *   Location with poor water quality,
                       maintained channels.                                        marginally meeting state water quality
                                                                                   standards.
                   *   High tidal range or flow and high flushing
                       rates along the. cutting side of the water              *   Location at the mouths of tidal creeks
                       body.                                                       and othertributaries may not be advisable
                                                                                   duo to lower water quality and higher
                   *   Location in areas free of severe shoreline                  sedimentation rates at these areas.
                       erosion or steep slopes. *
                                                                               *   Location near designated fish or wildlife
                   *   Compatibility with existing land and                        protection areas, shellfish beds, or
                       water uses.                                                 SAVs.


                   *   Location away from shellfish beds used
                       for harvesting for human consumption.
                 4i












































                       Access road that meets ]Department of
                       Transportation secondary road standards,









                                                                                Location which inhibits public access to                                                                                                                                                                 k)           Boating Traffic Conflicts
                                                                                navigable waters or hinders safe
                                                                                navigation by requiring structures that                                                                                                                                                                Competition among boating participants for
                                                                                would extend into existing channels.                                                                                                                                                           use of the Bay is considerable at peak periods in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               certain areas. The characteristics of recreational
                                                                                Location near areas of heavy boating                                                                                                                                                          boats, including size, speed, maneuverability
                                                                                traffic.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   and function may intensify this boating conflict
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               on the waterways. The physical characteristics
                                                                               j) Compatibility Issues                                                                                                                                                                             of the water body along with environmental
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                constraints such as shoreline erodibility, fish
                                                               External compatibility of boating access                                                                                                                                                                        and wildlife habitat, and spawning areas
                                                    facilities with adjacent land uses is an important                                                                                                                                                                         contribute to the magnitude of these conflicts.
                                                    consideration. In general, boating access should                                                                                                                                                                           As the number of boaters increase, problems
                                                    be located in areas convenient to population                                                                                                                                                                               such as congestion on the water surface and
                                                    centers. Support facilities, such as shopping,                                                                                                                                                                             conflicts between different water-related
                                                    restaurants, grocery stores, emergency services,                                                                                                                                                                           activities competing for the same water space
                                                    boating supply houses, repair shops, service                                                                                                                                                                               may become more evident. Some small water
                                                    stations, and utilities, should be located along                                                                                                                                                                           bodies may be best suited for cartop boat launches
                                                    the primary access route to the site or in an                                                                                                                                                                              and pier fishing, thus minimizing conflicts with
                                                    accessible docking area off the waterway being                                                                                                                                                                             larger, faster boats.
                                                    proposed for access.

                                                               Additional boating access should only be                                                                                                                                                                               B. DESIGN CRITERIA
                                                    introduced in areas where there is a demand or an
                                                    increased demand is projected based on current                                                                                                                                                                                     1. Site Plan Layout
                                                    user trends. Boating access can create conflicts
                                                    in sensitive environmental areas; therefore, avoid                                                                                                                                                                                The site plan layout should be correlated
                                                    placing boating access in areas with identified                                                                                                                                                                           directly with the needs assessment or
                                                    concentrations of rare, threatened, or endangered                                                                                                                                                                            determination of facilities required to support
                                                    species.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   the desired user groups. The land requirements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               determined for these proposed facilities may
                                                               Severalpassive recreational or access-related                                                                                                                                                                     then be appropriately applied to the site based on
                                                    uses may be planned for a single access site                                                                                                                                                                               the environmental considerations and site
                                                    within a boating access facility. However, the                                                                                                                                                                             limitations considered during the site inventory
                                                    compatibility of these uses with one another                                                                                                                                                                               and assessment.
                                                    should be considered to avoid potential on-site
                                                    activity conflicts. Compatibility of related
                                                    recreational activities is important during site
                                                    selection and planning for the appropriate site
                                                    facilities and amenities.
 











                                                          ....... ...                                                      .. ........
                                                                                                        .............
                                                                                                        .... .. ...          ......
                                                                                                            .....            ......
                                ... ........              .............                            ......
                                                        ................                            ........... .... .....
                                                                      .....................         x
                                                                                                      . .........
                                                                   ....... ..............
                                                               .. . ........                        -X . . . .
                                                         . .............
                                                                            .. . .........
                                                                             . .........
                                                                             . . .......
                                                                          ... .. . .......
                                                                          aa`
                                                                                                      -1: X
                                                                             . . ........
                        ... ...        ..

                                                                                                                     .... ......
                                                                        ...........
                         .......... . .. ...
                                                                      ..................
                                                  ....... ......



                   2.  Essential Elements and Desired                           Recommendations which can enhance the
                        Relationships                                      relationships between the essential elements
                                                                            shown on the concept plan include:
                   Because each site is unique and has different
               environmental and natural features as well as                        LDcation ofparking and support facilities
               varying land requirements based on the                               which are not water-dependent on higher
               determined need, a standard site layout for                          ground outside the recommended
               boating access sites is not feasible. The essential                  shoreline buffer areas.
               elements which will most likely be included for
               all boating access sites include access to the site,                 For large and highly visible facilities,
               parking, a launch ramp, support facilities, and                      parking areas can be enhanced by shrub
               direct access to the water. These elements and                       and tree islands with little loss of storage
               their preferred relationships are depicted in                        capacity.
               Figure: U-1. Of these essential elements, it is
               necessary for only the boat launch ramp to have                      Where steeper slopes exist, locate
               direct access to the water. The remaining                            parking areas above the crests and
               elements maybe lined by pedestrian connections,                      maintain or reestablish the natural
               vehicular connections or both pedestrian and                         vegetation on the slopes. This will
               vehicular connections. For example, pedestrian                       preserve a natural shoreline appearance
               access from the support facilities should be                         and also will avoid extensive regrading.
               directly connected with the parking and boat                         The toeof the slopernustalsobe stabilized
               launch ramp and there should be a direct                             to prevent further slope erosion.
               pedestrian connection developed between the
               boat launch and water access. Vehicular                              The scale, species, and spacing of plants
               connections are most important in relation to the                    should be compatible with those of
               site access which generally leads to designated                      surrounding shoreline areas.
               parking areas. The parking area and internal
               access should provide a direct vehicular                             In grading of the site, the slope gradients
               connection to the. boat launch ramp. Support                         and scale of mounds, swales and berms
               facilities which are planned on a site should be                     should be appropriately designed where
               accessible to vehicles for service and                               possible to create rounded earth forms
               maintenance. Often this necessitates a'limited                       compatible with those of the natural
               type of vehicular access.                                            shoreline. In general, all development of
                                                                                    access areas shall be constructed in a
                   A concept plan depicting the' general                            way that will protect and enhance views
               relationship of the selected site elements may be                    and visual access to water and shorelines
               helpful to establish the overall site plan layout.                   without compromising the vegetated
               A concept plan which expresses preferred site                        buffer.
               relationships is shown in Figure: U-2.
                                       ...... . .

                                                                                         ..... ... .





                                                . ... ...                                ..-
                                        ..............................







                         Entrance/exit                              Figure: H-1
                                                                    Boating Access
                                                                    Schematic Plan



                                                                    Retain or plant vegetation
                                                                    to create buffer between
                                                                    parking and adjacent
                                                                    land









                                                                    Recreation support area



                      Visitor parking
                                                                    Pedestrian crossing
                                                                    clearly marked.
                   Restroo



                               Boat prep.




                                                                    Note: Pull through
                                                                    parking at 60 and 90
                   Boarding dock     2 Ramps                        degrees

                                                                    Leizend:



                               Water                                      Buffer

                                                                          Signage.
                                                                          Courtesy dock
                                                                          Pedestrian

                                                                          crosing




       Source: Recreafion Planning & Design Criteria U.S. Army Corps of Engmieers, July, 1987..










                                                      Figure: H-2
                                          concept Layout for Boating Access




                                             Water







                                Buffer                          Buffer





                          Launching Ramp


                                                                    Picnic
                                                            0          Area

                                                   Parking



                                                                     Facilities
                                                            0





                                       C3                   C=

                                Legend:
                              C3 C3 Accessroad
                                   1@ Vehicular traffic
                                      Pedestrian path












                                                                        .............                                                                                                                                                                                                   . ........
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                                      ..................
                                                                               .. . ............                                         ...........                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ........
                                                                                                                                            ......... ..             .........                                      .......    -                                                     .......                                                                     .......................
                                                                                                                                                                     .........  ....                     .... .                                                   .......            .......
                                                                                                                      .............                                  .......    . ...... ..            .........                                                                                                                                                                   ........
                                             ::-::1:::::::::::::::::::::                                                  ........                        I.I.I.I....'.-,                                 **:                  **      - - -                                    ,          ................
                                                       .... .......      ......  -                                                                                                                                                                                ........................................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               .......................                                              ..          .................       ............
                                                      ............                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ........       .........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         . . .... .. ..           .............................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       ....................
                                                                                                             ........................                                                                                                                                              .......                                        .........
                                                                                                                   ............                                                                                                                                        ..................... ..
                                             ......                ..............................
                                                                                                                                   ..............................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ...............       -
                                                                                                                                                   ......................
                                                                   ..........................                                                                 ........                                                                                            ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ..................
                                            ..... . ..                      ... ..... .                               .........                                                                                                            ..................     %,._ . ......                                                                                     .................
                                                                                                     ...........                                                     .......         .. ...
                                                                                                                                             ........                -......   ::::::                                                                                               .......      -.,.1'.,..._   ....                                             ..............                  ...
                                                                                                                                   . . .. .. .... ..                                                                                         ............                                                  .....
                                                                                                                                                                                                       - ::::::                      ...........                  ...............................................
                                                                                                          ..............                                                                                                             .........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ................                   . ........
                                                                                                                    ............                                                            . ...............................................
                                                    ..........                                                                                                                        . ...............................                                                                        .........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ........ .................         ...............  ........                                                                                        ....          ......



                                                               In developing an access site, the effects                                                                                                                                                          30-50, 10'x 40'parking spaces (pull
                                                               of.human interaction must be considered.                                                                                                                                                           through parking spaces are preferable).
                                                               Pollution factors should be examined                                                                                                                                                               Plan foraminimumof 35 parking spaces.
                                                               and addressed as should the availability
                                                               of utilitie's to the site.                                                                                                                                                                         Allow 400 square feet for each vehicle
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  and allow 25'for pull out.
                                                    3.         Land Requirements                                                                                                                                                                                  20' wide aisles for o                                        .ne-way traffic
                                                    The type of boating access facility planned
                                      will determine the land requirements for the                                                                                                                                                                                24'wide aisles for two-way traffic
                                      facility. Site conditions, land availability,
                                      environmental factors and regulations, and                                                                                                                                                                                  Access road which meets secondary
                                      proposed degree of use must be factored in the                                                                                                                                                                              road standards
                                      final determination of land requirements for a
                                      particular facility.                                                                                                                                                                                                        Variable turn area (size determined by
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  design, but should accommodate a 40'
                                                    a) Area Rg4uiMments                                                                                                                                                                                           trailer and vehicle combination)

                                                    Typical area requirements for boating access                                                                                                                                                                  100'buffer zone at the shoreline
                                      facilities will vary with the number of launch
                                      lanes and other 'recreational facilities and                                                                                                                                                                                Maintenance and service areas
                                      amenities planned at the site. A boating access
                                      facility may include access from the main road,                                                                                                                                                                             Minimum water frontage required for a
                                      parking for trailered.boats, restroom facilities,                                                                                                                                                                           cartop boat/canoe launch is 50'
                                      launch ramp, courtesy pier, turn around, buffer
                                      zone, and entrance area. Additional amenities                                                                                                                                                                               Minimum water frontage required for
                                      such as picnicking areas, overflow parking, and                                                                                                                                                                             trailable boat craft is 100'
                                      other recreation related facilities may be desired
                                      at certain sites and would require additional                                                                                                                                                         b)                    Water Depth and Subsurface
                                      land.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       @Conditions


                                                    If a site is identified for boating access                                                                                                                                               The area being considered for a launch ramp
                                      facilities that may have environmental impacts                                                                                                                                           should be a minimum of Ydeep at the end of the
                                      on adjacent property, additional land may also                                                                                                                                           ramp at mean low water (M.L.W.). This will
                                      be required for a buffer. A single lane ramp will                                                                                                                                        lessen the effects of prop wash and allow a wider
                                      require a site of approximately 2.5 acres. For                                                                                                                                           variety of boats to use the ramp. The proposed
                                      each additional lane an additional 1.5 acres is                                                                                                                                          launching fairway and the channel should be
                                      recommended. A single lane boat launch ramp                                                                                                                                              clear of debris and have a minimum depth of 4'
                                      may have the following land requirements:                                                                                                                                                and be approximately 30-50'wide.












                                                                                                                   V.                                                                                                                . .. ...
                                                                                                                                                  ...........   ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                ..... ...                 .....
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                                                 ......... ..                                                                                                                                             ..........
                                                                                                                                                                         ;X.                      ............ ........                            ..........  -
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                                                                                                                                   ff X                                                                                                              ...........
                                                                                                                                            -::X
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ..........
                                             X,
                                                                                                                                                                                                          ..........    . .............
                                                                                                  x:
                                                                                                                                                                                            . . . .... .. .....
                                                                                                                                                                                      X'X@
                                                                                                                                                                                   X. x.           . .........       ......                                                    . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                                                                               X
                                                                                                                                                                                            ... ...... ..................... .                                                                                                    . . . . . .. . . . . .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ....... ......



                                                     A boat launch ramp should be located in an                                                                                                                           It is important that the location ofthe entrance
                                          area which will not accumulate debris and cause                                                                                                                         road off of the public highway be carefully
                                          maintenance problems (see Figure: H-3). For                                                                                                                             coordinated with state highway officials. This
                                          example, it is most desirable for a ramp to be                                                                                                                          will assure that adequate site distance can be
                                          located in a protected area off the main water                                                                                                                          provided. Also, if turning lanes are needed, it
                                          body. If this is not possible the outside of a                                                                                                                          will be known early in the process and necessary
                                          meander or the stretch of water immediately                                                                                                                             land can be acquired.
                                          following a bend should be selected. The inside
                                          of a bend should be avoided as this area generally                                                                                                                      Parking
                                          accumulates the most debris.                                                                                                                                                    Where possible, parking areas should be
                                                     c) Vehicular Considerations                                                                                                                                  located within convenient walking distance of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  the launch ramp, but outside the buffer area.
                                                     The external access to a site should be less                                                                                                                 There should be adequate parking spaces to
                                          than one mile from a maintained public roadway,                                                                                                                         meet the expected demand on a peak day during
                                          which has at least 13'6" of vertical clearance.                                                                                                                         the boating season. Parking stalls for trailered
                                          The external access road should meet traffic                                                                                                                            vehicles should be pull through in design (see
                                          flow generated by the access site. A 175'                                                                                                                               Figures: U-4 to H-6). Parking design may vary
                                          minimum sight distance along the access road                                                                                                                            with die use of 90', 60', or 45' parking spaces.
                                          and a 300' minimum sight distance should be                                                                                                                             (see Table: II-1)
                                          provided at intersections.                                                                                                                                                       Parking lots should have a finished grade of
                                                     External access roads should meet secondary                                                                                                                  no less than 1% and no greater than 5%. A turn
                                          road standards providing a 20' to 22' wide                                                                                                                              around to accommodate a 40' combination of
                                          pavement with a Yto 5'shoulder to accommodate                                                                                                                           vehicle and trailer should be provided at the head
                                          boat trailers. The entrance drive should intersect                                                                                                                      of the ramp.
                                          the access road at a 90' angle. If this is not
                                          possible, the angle should be no less than 80* and                                                                                                                      Ramps
                                          no more than 100*. The entrance drive and
                                          internal site access roads should be 20' to 22'                                                                                                                                The ramp forlaunching should ideally consist
                                          wide with a 3' to 5' shoulder to facilitate the                                                                                                                         of two or more lanes. The lanes should be a
                                          movement of two way traffic and 18'to 20'with                                                                                                                           minimum of 15'wide; the slope of the ramp must
                                          a Tto 3'shoulder for one way traffic. Guardrails                                                                                                                        be uniform and between 12% and 15%. A
                                          or posts should be provided on 6' centers for                                                                                                                           smooth transition with a vertical curve should be
                                          embankments over 6' in height. The entrance                                                                                                                             made between the head of the ramp and the
                                          drive should not be directly allgned with the                                                                                                                           approach areas to the ramp. The pavement
                                          launch ramp and should provide easy access to                                                                                                                           should be concrete, scored for traction, and a
                                          the parking aisles. Proper traffic, informational,                                                                                                                      wheel stop placed at the toe of the ramp. All
                                          and directional signage should be                                                                      posted.                                                          ramps should have adequate erosion protection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  to prevent undercutting by wave and current
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  action. (see Figure: H-7)










                                                            Fi2ure: 11-3
                                           Ramp Locations Related to Water Flow


                                                                     Most Desirable Ra= Location -
                                                                     I
                                                                      oc              ain water body
                                                                        ated off of m,



                                                  Tributary
                       MAIM I&M

                                                     "7








                                                  0                  Acceptable Ramp Location -
                                                                            located away from curve of main
                                                                            water body










                                                                            L,east Desirable Ramp Location -
                                                                            due to siltation accumulating at
                                                                            inside curve of main water body







                                                                    Source  Handbook for the Location. Design.
                                   /7.1








                                                                            Construction. Ot)eration. and Maintenance of
                                                                            Boat Launchinz Facilities, State Organization for.
                                                                            Boating Access (SOBA), March, 1989.

















































                                                               Fizure: 11-4
                                                           45 Degree Parking






              Source Handbook for the Location. Design, Construction. Qp=ions. and Maintenance of Boat Launching Facilities
                       SOBA, Wilson, K., March, 1989.













                                                  Cf




















                                                              Figure: H-5
                                                          60 Degree Parking







             Source. Handbook for the Location. Desim. Construction. QWrations. and Maintenance of Boat Launching Facilities,
                     SOBA, Wilson, K., March, 1989.


















                                                                                                      Ck,
                                                                                                                U4-







                                                                  Figure: 111-6
                                                             90 Degree Parking





                Source Handbook for the Location. Design, Construction. Qj2erations. and Maintenance of Boat Launching Facilities,
                        SOBA, W41son, K., March, 1989.







                                                              Figure: H-7
                                                         Boat.Launch Ramps


                                                                                         12-15%            Top of ramp
                                                                Concrete
                              Water                             slab


                   stop
                                                                                                  Rock and gravel




                              Erosion protection


                                                              Cross Section






                                                                                                           Water depth 3'
                                                                                                           mean low
                                               Nfinimum                       Nfinimurn                    water

                                                   57


                                                                                                           Top of ramp
                                                                                                           Tabove
                                                                                                           mean high water



                                                                                                           Boarding Dock




                      Boat ramp
                      12% - 15% slope




                                                Single Lane                      Double Lane

             Source: Handbook for the Locafion. Design. Construcfion. Qwrations. and Maintenance of Boat Launchiniz Facilities;
                      SOBA, Wilson, K., March, 1989.












                                        ..... ..... .
                                                                                                                                     ..........
                                                    . . .......                   .................                               ..............
                                                                                                                                  X.:
                                                                                         ......                               .......
                                    ...........x:, ::.. ". :                                                                  ........
                                        ...........         ..... .


                                                                                                                                  ......... ..
                                                                                         ...........
                                                                       XX`
                                                                                                                               ....... ...
                                                                       .......... .
                                     ..........   X                               ........ *-  .........
                                                                                   ..........
                                             ...........                   I a
                                                                                   ................ ..
                                                                      XX                                 ';:x
                                                                                                                                                 ................ ..
                                                                                              X       ...........





                                                              Parking Stall Dimensions - Table 11-1

                                                 No. for Single      Each Additional
                                                 Lane RarnI2         LWA
                                                                                                   900                  600                 450


                  Trailered Vehicle              35                  20                            1 O'x 40'            1 O'x 40'           1 O'x 40'
                  Vehicle Only                   8                   Varies                        10'x 20'             1 O'x 20'           1 O'x 26,
                  Handicapped Trailered          2                   4                             15'x 40'             15'x 40'            15'x 40'
                    Vehicle


                  Source: Handbook for the Location, Design. Construction, Ogerigion and Maintenance of Boat Launching Facilities. State
                            Organization for Boating Access, Wilson, K., March 1989.





                       Access to the launching ramp should be                                    Trails may be recommended in areas
                  designed as a one-way system and will require a                           receiving less use. Trails may have varying
                  separate turn-off from the approach onto the                              widths and be constructed of several materials,
                  ramp. Traffic control devices, such as barricades,                        provided the resulting path has a suitable surface
                  traffic islands, or berms, may be used to ensure                          for street shoes and is handicapped accessible
                  that access roads are not in direct alignment with                        (see Figure: H-8).
                  the ramp. Overhead power and communication
                  lines are not permitted across boat launching                                   Raised walkways and docks (see Figure:
                  access roads, parking lots, or areas where                                U-8) are generally appropriate for courtesy piers
                  sailboats are rigged.                                                     at boat launch facilities. These walkways should
                                                                                            be a minimum of 4' wide and constructed of
                       d) Pedestrian Considerations                                         treated wood or other marine-related material
                                                                                            such as fiberglass, aluminum, or concrete. The
                       Pedestrian access should be designated to                            walkways should also be handicapped accessible
                  provide safe connections to site facilities.                              with railings. Walkways should be sloped 5% or
                  Pedestrian walkways between service areas, such                           less for handicapped access. When the on-site
                  asparking lots, restrooms, community buildings,                           grade change is greater than 5%, handicap ramps
                  and courtesy docks are essential. Those areas                             should be provided to enhance accessibility to
                  receiving high levels of pedestrian use should be                         the site facilities. Crosswalks should be
                  physically separated from vehicular traffic as a                          constructed with curb ramps on each side
                  safety precaution. Heavily trafficked areas should                        whenever they cross vehicular roads.
                  be surfaced with durable material (see Figure:
                  U-8). The walkways should be designed with
                  well defined edges and should be a minimum of
                  4'in width.







                                                     FigUre: R-8
                                        Pedestrian Access for Boating Sites

                                                     Concrete walk

                         Grass Walkway         Road
                                                                            Walkway

                            X.
                                               44?                                        Curb

                                                                     Grass,-*-            Road



                                Section                             Plan view

















                         Raised walk= - Handicapped
                         accessible 2-5% slope with
                         railings

                                                                                    4
                                                                                          Picnic table


                                                                                        Existing vegetation

                         Trail for. hiking






                                                      Gravel walk for hiking


          Source Recreation Planning & Design Criteri U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, July, 1989.












                                                                                                                              ..........
                                                                                                                              ..........



                                       ............ . .
                                        ....... ... .......... .. ..
                                       ..........
                                                ............
                                             . .. ..........
                                       ...........



                       ....            ...............
                   ..............      .......... ...



                    e) Special Devel"ment B=uirements                        Public Safety and Emergency Services

                    1) Unique Requirements                                       Local fire protection as well as local police
                                                                             security and emergency medical services should
                    Each access site requires a different                    be available. Location of emergency services
               combination of development features which                     along with emergency telephone numbers should
               relate to the uses planned and the anticipated                be posted in a visible area on the site and telephone
               level of use for the site. The following elements             service should be provided.
               should be considered during site development:
               Deck Construction                                             Traffi c
                                                                                 The traffic generated by an access site relates
                    The use of pier and platform construction for            to the size of the facility. Projected traffic
               support facilities may be considered in marshes               volumes resulting from the access site should
               and wetlands. This type of construction preserves             not exceed acceptable levels on the existing
               marsh vegetation and allows tidal circulation.                major highways or local secondary street systems.
               All boat ramps should be designed to withstand
               typical storm action forthe area, supportvehicular            Handicapped Facilities
               loads, and facilitate backing, turning, and
               emergency vehicle access. Walkways, piers,                        An evaluation of appropriate measures to be
               and decks should be designed to accommodate                   taken for improved accessibility should be made
               safe pedestrian passage and to withstand typical              for sites related to boating access. Contact
               storms for the area. Additionally, pier and                   appropriate state authorities for the design of
               platform construction for support facility                    handicapped facilities. Any application of federal
               walkways should be located landward of mean                   funds in the design and/or construction of launch
               high water.                                                   ramps requires handicapped accessibility.

               Signage                                                           2) Electricity

                    Adequate signage should be posted to inform                  A facility should be adequately lit for public
               the public of the layout and regulations for the              use and safety. In order to reduce the impacts of
               access site.                                                  night lighting on adjacent land uses, a greater
                                                                             number of low-height lighting fixtures are
               Solid Waste                                                   recommended in the place of a smaller number
                                                                             of taller fixtures. If higher standards are used
                    Trash and garbage collection should be                   they should be well shielded to prevent light
               furnished by the locality or by a privately-owned             spread, especially out over the water. Lighting
               refuse company. The provision of appropriately                should be directed toward the facility use areas,
                        M                           imiiimimm*















               designed refuse containers and an adequate                    shielded from adjacent properties, and vandal-
               maintenance program are essential.                            proof













                                                                         ............................ .........
                                                                                                 ........... ... ...........................
                                                                                                 ....... ........ .......
                                                                                                       ...............................
                ......... .. ..
                  *...*. .... .....
                  ....... .............
                  .........

                                                                                                       .......................... .
                                                                               ..............
                       ..........
             ...       ............                                         .......... .... .......
                                                                                      ............ .....................

                      ............
                                                                                           . .........
                                                                                          :..: ..............
                                                                                 ......... . . .................. ... . . ....
                     .............
             ...                                                         ....... .......               ..................................
                                                                            :....... .............. .  .................................  .........
                                                                            .......... ....  ........     ... ............. .....
                                                                             ......   ...                  .................
                                                                                                                   ...................
                                                                                                           . . ....... . ..... ...



                  3) Water Supply and Distribution                            The provision      of  port-a-potty dumping
                     System                                                 stations is desired at boat ramps, and designers
                                                                            should incorporate    these features into their
                  An adequate water supply and distribution                 development plans. Permanent restroom
             system may be desirable to provide public                      facilities should be a priority at larger boat
             drinking water and fireprotection. and for the                 launch access sites. The on-shore toilet facilities
             maintenance and operation of the access facility.              must meet the public health requirements of
             It is recommended that the water supply,                       local, state, and federal agencies within the
             treatment, and distribution be planned -at the                 jurisdiction they are to be built. A minimum of
             same time as wastewater collection, treatment,                 one toilet fixture and lavatory per s6x for every
             and disposal. This will avoid conflicts caused by              30 parking spaces is recommended. Restrooms
             an increase in discharge into the sewer system.                should be designed to meet all requirements for
                                                                            access to and use by the handicapped and should
                  It is recommended that wherever possible,                 be located on-site according to the appropriate
             boating access facilities be connected to an                   state and local regulations. Waste-water from
             approved external public     -water system. This               these facilities may be (1) tied into the local
             feature will eliminate the development cost. and               sewer system, (2) processed in an on-site septic
             annual operational expenses of a water supply                  system, or (3) collected on site in a holding tank
             facility and treatment plant. If public water is               and disposed off-site'.
             notavailable at a site,.an on-site well is desirable.
                                                                              5) Stormwater Management
                  The water supply and distribution system
             should be planned under the direction of a sanitary              Parking areas and launching ramps may
             engineer and should meet local planning and                    create potential environmental problems related
             state health department requirements.                          to increased runoff and pollutant discharge. Best
                                                                            management practices should be implemented
                  4) Sewage Disposal/Pumpout                                during site development and after construction
                     Facilities/Re'strooms                                  is completed to avoid or mitigate these potential
                                                                            impacts. 'Me following design measures may be
                  The installation and use of sewage pump-out               i-ncorporated into the site design for boating
             facilities at marinas and large boat ramp facilities           facilities to avoid or alleviate site runoff.
             is important. The location of pump-out facilities
             for boats is most desirable where gas is sold or at                   Construction of a "bump" at the
             sites where -large boats may be. docked for                           top of the launching ramps to
             extended periods of time, particularly overnight.                     divert parking lot runoff to
             A pump-out facility should not contribute more                        suitable'collection points.
             than 1/4 of the total volume into a septic tank
             because of the chemicals used in boats' toilet                        Installation of catch basins and
             facilities. Another option to a septic tank may be                    filters to trap pollutants.
             a 1000 gallon holding tank which could be
                                                         disposed
             periodically emptied with the wastes
             at a treatment plant.












                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       .......                                                        ... .....
                                                                                                                                                                                    ..........                                                                              ............ .....                                                                        .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ......     . ....
                                                                                                                                                                                 .... ..... .... .   **.::::             .................                                                                                                                     .........  .. ....
                                                                                                                                                                         ... ........ . . .
                                                                                                                                                                                 ..... . . ...                                                                                                                                                                              ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ...................     X-X-X-X-:....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              .. .....           ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 . . .. . .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ....                       . .......                                                   .... ....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 . . .............
                                                                                                                                      ..............                                                                                                             . . . . ...
                                                                                                                                  ............. ..         ...
                                                                                                                                      . ..............
                                                                                                                                                                                               .....      .....        ... ... .....     .....                   ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            x.:   x:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 .........            ...
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ................................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ...... ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ...........

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ...............     -X       1.
                                                                                                                                          X        X.                                                                                                   X..      ......



                                                        ï¿½ Avoidance of direct channeling ofrunoff                                                                                                                          maintenance plan may be established as a matrix
                                                                    into tidal wetlands.                                                                                                                                   outlining the types of maintenance tasks and the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           fi-equency with which a site would require this
                                                        ï¿½           Use of porous gravel or a                                                                                                                              maintenance. Categories of maintenance
                                                                    perforated paving block                                                                                                                                fi-equency generally include frequent (weekly to
                                                                    surfacing.                                                                                                                                             daily), periodic (less than weekly), and special
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           (as needed). The following maintenance duties
                                                        *           Use of porous pavement in lieu of                                                                                                                      should be considered in developing a
                                                                    traditional asphalt.                                                                                                                                   maintenance plan:

                                                        6)          Estimated Design Cost                                                                                                                                                * Launch ramp, maneuvering and tie
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      down areas
                                                        Specific design cost estimates will be
                                            determined on a general outline form relative to                                                                                                                                             *            Channel maintenance (may require
                                            a general site design (see Appendix B - "Cost                                                                                                                                                             additional permits)
                                            Estimate").
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         *            Removal of shoreline and beach debris


                                                        C. MANAGEMENT/                                                                                                                                                                   *            Restroorn clean-up
                                                                    MAINTENANCE                                                                                                                                                          *            Trash collection schedule maintenance

                                                        Management and maintenance refers to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         *            Shoreline erosion control
                                            agency actions needed to keep a facility in
                                            desirable condition for public use. Legal                                                                                                                                                    *            Parking/pavement access maintenance
                                            liabilities may be incurred in administering a
                                            boat launching facility; therefore, the facility                                                                                                                                             *            Signage maintenance
                                            should be maintained in a safe condition. The
                                            administering agency of a facility is obligated to                                                                                                                                           *            Lighting maintenance
                                            remove dangers and warn users of dangerous
                                            conditions. The legal responsibilities of the                                                                                                                                                *            Landscape maintenance/mowing
                                            administrator should be researched anddiscussed
                                            with counsel when establishing or expanding a                                                                                                                                                *            Stormwater facility upkeep
                                            boat access facility. Legal obligations may
                                            increase in proportion to potential dangers and. if                                                                                                                                          *            Seasonal upkeep - preseason inspections,
                                            user fees are charged.                                                                                                                                                                                    regular inspection schedules, etc.
                                                        1. Maintenance Concerns
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         *            Post-storm cleanup plan
                                                        Good maintenance                                                    practices should be
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               3
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               X
                                            No                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     im::














                                            extended to the adjacent waters and shoreline in                                                                                                                                                          Removal of pumpout waste
                                            addition to the access site facilities. The












                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        .. .... ...
                                                                             ..........            ..... .
                                                                                                                                                                                                               ..............
                                                                                                                               ............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      .. ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                               . .. .. .. ...........
                                                                                         ..........
                                                                ...........     .......  ....
                                                                                                                               . . ...................
                                                                                                       .....................                       ...... .................................                                                  ..............                          .......
                                                                                                                                  .. .......   ...... ..... ... ..                                                                               ................
                                                                                                                                                          .............................. .       ........................................                     ......
                                                                             ..........................                                                                                                                                                 ...... .... .
                                                                             ......................
                                                                                ...        ........    .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ........................
                                                                                                                ...............................                                                                                                                    ......     . ... . ...                                          ....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ... ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    .................    .............................
                                                             .............               ...............                                                                                                                            ........
                                                                       .....             .......         ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     .............
                                                                                                 ..............
                                                                                                                           ........................
                                                             ..............
                                                             .............                                      : : .
                                                                                                                                                                            ............... .... ....
                                                                       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ..........         ...                                                                           ............
                                                                                         ......................                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           . . ..................
                                             .... ... ........
                                                                                                                ... ................                                                                        .....................................................
                                                                                                             ... .....     .....                                                                                                        ....................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ............................
                                                                                 ........................... ..... .. ........                    ........                       .............                       ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        .. ...........                                                              ...........          ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ..............
                                                                                 . ..... . .              ..... .......                                      :                                                                   .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ..........            .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ........................
                                                                                                                                              .....            . .....
                                                                                                                                              . ......                  .... .. ..... .....      ................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    .............



                                             The level of maintenance anticipated at a site
                                  is directly correlated with the use level                                                                                    at the
                                  facility and the location of the site. Maintenance
                                  at public sites is an extremely important issue as
                                  it relates directly to the safe use of the facility.

                                             2. Management Concerns

                                             The main objective for the efficient
                                  management                                 *of boating access facilities is to
                                  facilitate boater satisfaction and safety. This in
                                  turn can be accomplished through the promotion
                                  of diverse boating activity in specialized areas,
                                  boating safety, and reduction of boating conflict
                                  with other users. Sensitive environmental areas
                                  adjacent to orwithin a boating access area may
                                  be managed in such a way that recreational users
                                  and facilities do not adversely affect the
                                  productivity or value of such areas.- A detailed
                                  explanation of management. options should be
                                  consideredon a site specific basis.

                                             Overall man                                 'agement and maintenance
                                  requirements will be reduced through proper site
                                  planning efforts which consider environmental
                                  conditions and potential impacts to the site.
                                  Issues which relate to management and the cost
                                  of maintenance and management for a site may
                                  include the frequency of maintenance
                                  requirements, the types of facilities located on
                                  the site, the surrounding vegetation and habitat-
                                  located in the. vicinity of the site, and the
                                  establishment and enforcement of rules and
                                  regulations.












                                                                                                                ..... .......
                      ........ ... .. ... ..... ... .
                                                                                                            ..........              ...........
                                                                                                                 ............
                                                                                            ..............

                                        .................
                                           X.                                                                                        ......


                                                                                             ...........
                     H-1 B                         WIMM
                     .. . ...... .... .
                                                                                c es                             ........
                     ...........
                         ...........
                                -:.  **",*.: .... .. . . ..
                                  ... . .. .. . ... . ........
                      ..........         .. . .........
                                                                       .................
                                                                                   ............................... ...............



                                                                                    2. Environmentai Considerations


                                                                                    Beaches are natural land--forms which serve
                                                                                to absorb wave energy. Beaches are dynamic
                                                                                and should be evaluated and treated accordingly
                                                                                in planning public access. Natm-al forces and
                                                                                elements which      have a significant effect on
                                                                                                    -opogaphy, wave action, soils
                                                                                beaches include
                                                                                                       'es, vegetation, winds, and
                                                                                and substrate mater,
                                                                                storm activity.

                     A. SITE SELECTION                                              a) JQpD=p-h_y

                     When selecting and evaluating a shoreline                      The slope of @he               above and below
                area as a potential beach site, considerations                  the waterline is one of the determining factors in
                must be given to projected visitation,                          the selection of a good beach site. Underwater
                accessibility, topography, soil composition and                 conditions and slopes are discussed in Section
                stability, historical shoreline erosion rates, water            1H.B.3.b. of this text. In general, a site is difficult
                temperature, waterquality, wind and wave action,                to develop if the gradients exceed 15%. Tle
                waterlevel and tidal fluctuations, andthe currents              beach area should gently slope to the water's
                and tides prevalent for the area. The availability              edge at a maximum of 5% slope. A slope of 5%
                of land for parking, picnicking, other activities,              or less provides increased land area available for
                and other support facilities should be considered               use adjacent to the water.
                during theevaluation, selection, anddevelopment                     b) Soils and
                of a beach site.

                     1. User Considerations                                         Although soil composition and stability
                                                                                varies locally, the proposed beach site should
                     The planning of public beach access sites                  have a proper base for the beach sand or other
                should consider public needs along with the                     acceptable top material which allows swimmers
                level of user activity, facility requirements, and              adequate footing upon entering the water.
                management duties required for the site. Section                Beaches should not be located in areas where
                I of this report describes theprocess andresources              extensive siltation occurs or is anticipated. To
                available for assessing the need for public access.             avoid excessive siltation, a beach should not be
                For swimming and beach access, the user                         located at the confitience of two water bodies.
                considerations which are important to the location                  A detailed inspection of the underwater
                of a public access area include the existing
                transportation network, the surrounding land                    portion of the beach will be necessary prior to the
                uses, existing services available near the potential            beach opening to the public. The inspection
                site, and the quality and size of the beach area.               should reveal. sinkholes, depressions, or
                                                                                dangerous drift material which should be







                        corrected prior to opening the beach and should                                                                       The degree                 of      shoreline recession is
                        be maintained during beach operation. All                                                                   dependent upon the following factors:
                        underwater obstructions, such as tree stumps,
                        should be removed from the area. All swimming                                                                         1) The intensity                   of wave action and the
                        areas should be inspected for obstructions                                                                  exposure to strong tidal currents.
                        annually prior to opening, after flood events, as
                        well As on a periodic basis.                                                                                         2) The character of the sediments at the site
                                                                                                                                    and the amount of protection offered by
                              c) Surface Water Hydrology                                                                            vegetative cover, specifically marsh grass, at the
                                                                                                                                    shoreline.
                              Shoreline erosion is the                                     process of
                        detachment and transportation                                      of sediment                                        3) The amount of sand moving along the
                        particles from the shore, resulting in the retreat                                                          shoreline from other eroding areas or from
                        of the shoreline (see Figure: III-I). Although                                                                streams along the shoreline.
                        this process can be caused by the surface runoff
                        of water, the most significant erosion agent on                                                                       4) The slope of the land adjacent to the
                        the shoreline is wave action.                                                                               shoreline and the slope of the nearshore bottom.

                              The growth and height of waves is controlled                                                                    d) Vegetation/Wildlife/lHabitat Areas
                        by four factors: the water distance over which
                        the wind is blowing, known as the fetch; the                                                                          Areas selected for development need to be
                        speed of the wind; the duration of the wind; and                                                             assessed to determine if they contain rare,
                        the depth of the water. Continued wave action                                                               threatened, or endangered species or other species
                        will eventually erode the silt and clay material                                                             in need of conservation. Management for these
                        leaving the sand and gravel to form a beach                                                                 species should be incorporated into the overall
                        deposit. The beach itself acts as a buffer to wave                                                          beach facility planning and development. Areas
                        action as the waves, break along the sloping                                                                 that could serve as future habitat or feeding,
                        shoreline. The size and shape of any given beach                                                            nesting, or resting areas for rare, threatened, or
                        changes continuously as the accumulation of                                                                 endangered or other significant species should
                        sand adjusts to the changing conditions. For any                                                            be considered a potential resource during the site
                        particular segment of shoreline,, the source of                                                             evaluation process.
                        sand is derived from an updrift erosion site. This
                        is an important factor that must be considered in                                                                     Marsh grasses along the shoreline play an
                        the planning of erosion control along the                                                                   important role in stabilizing the shoreline and
                        shoreline.                                                                                                  protecting it from erosion. The root system of
                                                                                                                                    the marsh grass binds the substrate soils while
                                                                                                                                    the grass itself slows the water flow and traps
                                                                                                                                    sand.  Whenever possible, natural stands of
                                                                                                                                    grass should be retained. Planting marsh grass
                                                                                                                                    for erosion protection has proven successful in
                                                                                                                                    areas not receiving intense wave attack. It should
 











                                                        Figure: IH-1
                                                surface Water Hydrology






                                             Sunset                     Wave action from prevailing wind







                                                        Rip current                           Marsh grass
                        jj':

                                                                                                Protected beach
                                                  Flushing current                              area


                         40#0


                                                  Sunrise
                                                                                Beach

                                                          %


                     Understand the existing shoreline conditions
                     and water conditions in swimming areas in terms
                     of prevailing winds currents, tide and surf.









                     Sourcee Recreation Management of Water Resources, REA, P., 1986.











                                                         ............. ... ...     ......   ...................................                .................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ....                                     ........                        .........................
                                                                                                                                       :x.  i$:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ............................
                                                                                                                                                                                            ................                                                                                                                                                  .........           ......      ......
                                                                                                                                                                  . . .......                                                                                                                                                  ....            ...
                                                         ...........    .............       :.                                                                                      .....                                                                                        ........
                                                                                                                                                   ...................... ...                                                                                                                                                                                                                 .............
                                        ...............     -    ................. ....                   .......                                                                               .....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 .......                                        .........                                      ...... .-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ..................                   XX                   ..........................
                                                                                                                      . .........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ... . ..... .                          .....................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              .. ......             .........       . . . .....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            .... . . ..           ...................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ..............           .....
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ..................                       ......
                                                                                            ...........   ........                                                                      ........                ..... -..-:,:.. -::: X:               - .. .. -                                                                                - .. - ..
                                                                                                                                                                    .............................................................. .....                                                                                                                 .......
                                                                                                . .............. .                                                                     ... ...... .
                                                                                                     ............        ...............             ..........                                                 ........                         . .............................
                                                                                                          I............................                           ... ...................................               ...........              ... I.................                                                                        ...............
                                                                            .......         ...............................                                                                ...............                                       ..........                    ...                                          ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               .......                                          ...
                                                                            ..........                                                                                                                                                           .......
                                                                            ..........                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ................
                                                                    -.1     .........
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                                             ....... ...                                                  :     ,    p          -                            ...  :... :: .::::: :::::
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                                                         .-X         -X X                   X     -X      I     X.                              X . ....X                                                                                                                                         . .. . ........
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                                        be noted, however,                                                            that areas                                  selected                         for                                impact on these areas should be limited. I                                                                                                    n some
                                        recreational beaches, where signicant use is                                                                                                                                                  cases this may require the construction.of bridges,
                                        anticipated, should                                                       not have marsh grasses                                                                                              raised decks, and raised walkways to minimize
                                        present on the beach face and intertidal zone.                                                                                                                                                the impact.

                                                   e) Water Quality                                                                                                                                                                                 g) Cultural Resources

                                                   The location of beach access and use as a                                                                                                                                                        Many archaeological sites and some standing
                                        swimming area may not effect the existing water,                                                                                                                                              structures of historical significance may be
                                        quality if appropriate sanitary facilities are                                                                                                                                                located along the water's edge. These cultural
                                        incorporated in the development of beach and                                                                                                                                                  re         sources should be evaluated for each potential
                                        swimming access areas. An assessment Of                                                                                                                                                       beach and swimming access site. Although the
                                        existing water quality based on its desirability                                                                                                                                              historic or archaeological- significance of an area
                                        foi swimming should be incorporated in the                                                                                                                                                    may not be obvious, the State Historic
                                        analysis for the location of beach access. Water                                                                                                                                              Preservation Officer can provide relevant
                                        samples should be analyzed by the local and/or                                                                                                                                                information relating to these resources.
                                        state health department". Beaches should be
                                        located where there is adequate watercirculation                                                                                                                                                            h) Other Considerations
                                        to maintain acceptable water quality. Adequate
                                        circu            lation frees the water of bacteria and                                                                                                                                                     Other site features and related off-shore
                                        pollutants which occur when a large number of                                                                                                                                                 conditions appropriate for inclusion in the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      environmental inventory may relate to:
                                        swimmers use the beach. Well-circulated water
                                        and periodic tidal flows normally remove surface
                                        debris, such as weeds or other floating objects                                                                                                                                               Sand Dunes
                                        that would normally tend to be deposited on the
                                        beach.                                                                                                                                                                                                      Sand dunes are primarily an accumulation of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      sand, often supporting rooted vegetation, formed
                                                   If a beach is located near a major boat ramp,                                                                                                                                      by the interaction of wind and wave action on the
                                        marina, industrial site, or otherpotential pollutant,                                                                                                                                         sandy material along the. shoreline. Sandmoved
                                        it should be located such as to minimize or avoid                                                                                                                                             on the beach during 'periods of relatively low
                                        the potential eftects of fuel spills and other                                                                                                                                                wave energy progresses landward by the action
                                        pollutants. Beaches should not be sited near or                                                                                                                                               of onshore winds. Vegetation along the dune
                                        adjacent to areas used as roosting or nesting sites                                                                                                                                           line acts as a baffie,'slowing wind speed and
                                        by waterfowl, since land and watercontamination                                                                                                                                               causing wind-borne sand to settle and be trapped
                                        is likely due to droppings deposited in these                                                                                                                                                 in the vegetation, resulting in the growth of the
                                        areas.                                                                                                                                                                                        dune. Sand dunes ate protective buffers to the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      effects of flooding and erosion caused by storms
                                                   f) Wetlands Delineation                                                                                                                                                            and wave action. They also provide habitat for
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      coastal fauna and make up an integral part of the
                                                   Tidal and non-tidal wetlands should be                                                                                                                                             coastal environment.
                                        identified and delineated on a site. The potential












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              Sediment Movement                                          Scenic and Visual Opportunities

                  Sediments are eroded soils and other                       The identification of good and poor views
              materials that are transported from the land into          both on-site and off-site should be considered.
              rivers and the Bay. The presence of sediments in           An overall visual analysis of the site may be
              the water gives it an cloudy appearance and                necessary for the ultimate preservation of visual
              causes turbidity. Turbid water blocks sunlight             quality.
              which is vital to the growth and sustenance of
              submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). Shoreline                  i) Site Limitations
              areas composed of easily erodible sediments
              which are subject to high wave energy will have                Site limitations should be based on a specific
              the greatest susceptibility to erosion. Also,              site inventory and analysis of natural factors and
              shoreline areas subject to intense groundwater             environmental considerations. For the
              seepage will experience greater erosion.                   development of a beach and swimming area, the
              Characteristics affecting erosion differ                   site capacity is directly related to the size and
              throughout the Bay; consequently, the physical             condition of the beach resource. An inventory of
              environment of each segment of shoreline must              the physical opportunities and constraints for a
              be evaluated independently.                                property should be conducted and summarized
                                                                         in a site analysis. The analysis may involve the
              Waves                                                      overlaying of identified factors, evaluation of
                                                                         the site conditions, and the identification of
                  Waves are generated by wind velocity and               areas which are conducive to development of
              wind duration. Wave generation is generally                beach access facilities.
              greater in areas that are exposed to the open Bay
              than in tidal tributaries. A shallow bottom near               Desirable Site Characteristics Include:
              shore will more effectively reduce wave energy
              than deep water near shore. Consequently, less                 * Good transportation network and
              wave energy is received by a shoreline if there is                 secondaryroad system to the site location.
              a shoal or tidal flat immediately offshore. Also,
              a wide beach is better than a narrow beach for                 *   Location near the population need
              wave energy dissipation.
                                                                             *   Location near public water supply,
              Wind                                                               sewage teatment, and other utilities.

                  Predominant wind patterns and the                          *   Accessibility from on-site to the beach
              onentation of the shoreline are important                          resource.
              considerations in developing swimming and
              beach access. These factors can combine to                     *   Beach areas receiving sand deposition.
              create an area that is notconducive for swimming
              and beach activities and can accelerate. beach                 *   Natural protection for the beach resource
              erosion as well.                                                   such as a site protected by existing dunes
                                                                                 or a location in a cove.












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                    Tidal and water current conditions which               j) CoMatibility Issues
                    are safe for swimming.
                                                                           The internal compatiblity of a swimming
                    Locations which have not historically'              beach access site with other types of public
                    received severe storm activity.                     access is dependent on site characteristics and
                                                                        resource values. Beaches and swimming areas
                    Good water circulation and flushing.                are most compatible with access -areas which
                                                                        have been designated as natural. area access.
                Undesirable Site Characteristics Include:
                                                                           External compatibility of swimming beach
                    Steep slopes (>15%) and areas receiving             access facilities with adjacent land uses is also
                    heavy. drainage.                                    an important consideration. In general, beach
                                                                        access should be located in areas convenient to
                    Areas with highly erodible soils and                population centers. Support facilities, such as
                    shorelines which erode at a rate greater            shopping, restaurants; grocery stores, emergency
                    than two feet per year.                             services, service stations, and utilities should be
                                                                        located along the primary access route to the site.
                    Beaches which require shoreline erosion
                    control structures as these structures may             k) Impact on Off-Sh"r Aquatic Systems
                    cause downstream impacts.
                                                                           The impact to th   'e bottom of the shoreline
                *   Wind and wave patterns which cause                  area needs. to be assessed for various reasons.
                    erosion and/or hazardous swirnming
                    conditions.                                                When shore erosion control structures
                                                                               are implemented for a beach site they
               *    Areas which historically receive intense                   may have adverse impacts on fish
                    storm activity.                                            spawning areas or shellfish beds, etc.,
                                                                               due to the filling of wetlands or the
                    Location near land uses or other                           placement of beach fill channelward of
                    conditions which have adverse                              mean low water.
                    affects on water quality.
                                                                               The disturbance of bottom sediments
                    Location adjacent to SAV and shellfish                     and introduction of additional beach fill
                    beds.                                                      may adversely affect water quality which
                                                                               may impact productive fishery habitat
                    Beaches which have underwater hazards                      and nearby SAV beds.
                    which cannot be corrected without
                    grading or dredging.                                       Deposited beach sediments may
                                                                               negatively impact the sediment budget
                                                                               and coastal geomorphologic processes.












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                   B. DESIGN CRITERIA                                      service road to the maintenance facilities and for
                                                                           emergency access.
                   1. Site Plan Layout
                                                                               A concept plan depicting the general
                   Beach access sites will be provided at water            relationship of the selected site elements may be
               resource development locations approved by                  helpful to establish the overall site plan layout.
               state or local government agencies. The priorities          A concept plan which expresses preferred site
               in the design of a beach site include the safety of         relationships is shown in Figure: HI-3.
               the user, the effects that the physical features of
               the site will have on the beach, and future                     3. Land Requirements
               operation and maintenance considerations.
               Beaches may be designed in support of multiple                  The land requirements for the development
               use activities or as a single use area. Small               of beach access are entirely resource dependent.
               beaches may best be designed in conjunction                 For example, the size and condition of the beach
               with other facilities to disperse visitor use. The          being considered for development determines
               aesthetic compatibility of a facility with its              the number of visitors and the size and type of
               surroundings, as seen from adjacent areas, and              support facilities which the  'site can effectively
               the water are also importantconsiderations during           serve. In determining the land requirements for
               the site layout and design.                                 a potential beach access area, it is not only
                                                                           imperative to assess the potential capacity of the
                   2. Essential Elements and Desired                       beach and adjacent support lands but also the
                       Relationships                                       anticipated use of the beach, i.e., as a "local"
                                                                           beach or a "tourist" beach.
                   The essential elements for a beach access
               area may include access to the site, parking,                   a) Area Rr4uirem.ents
               picnicking areas, play areas, bath house, adequate
               beach frontage, designated swimming area,                       The anticipated visitation levels    and user
               support and maintenance facilities, and a buffer            patterns can be determined from visitation
               zone. The schematic plan shown in Figure: M-                records, observation of existing use, and user
               2 depicts preferred relationships for these                 survey data sources at existing beaches. For new
               elements. Of these essential site facilities, the           beach sites, the visitation trends at similar areas
               beach and swimming area is the only water-                  in other locations could be used to determine the
               dependent activity.                                         appropriate size requirements for the beach site
                                                                           and support facilities. On the average, 50 square
                   In Figure: IH-2, the beach area is located              feet of sand and 50 square feet of swimming area
               directly adjacent to the water and is buffered              per person are ideal. T'hirty square feet per
               from the remaining site facilities. The beach and           person for the swimming area is minimal.
                                                                                                            ik










































               activity areas are connected by pedestrian
               walkways which are separated from vehicular                     * Parking spaces
               access and parking areas. Vehicular access is
               provided to the parking area with a separate                    * Restroom facilities -












                                                                 FiLyure: 11[[-2
                                             Beach/Swimming Access Schematic Plan








                                                                                                      Entrance/ parking

                       Parking                            Parking                                     Trails/ walkways from
                                                                                                      parking to bath house

                                                                                                      Retained or planted trees
                                                                                                      create buffer zone
                                                                                                      between puking lot and
                                                                                                      beach


              Picnic                    Play area         Grass                                       Picnic tables located on
              tables                                                                                  grass area
                                        Sand              Beach
                                                                                                      Life guard stand
                                        Water
                           ............ ..........
                                                                                                      Handicap Walk to Water

                                                                                                      Buoy Line






                                                                                                      IxLyend:


                                                                                                      Buffer


                                                                                                      Picnic tables


                                                                                                      Trail walk


                                                                                                      Signage




                       SoM= RecLotion Planning & Desigil Criteri&
                               U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, July, 1989.
                                           Iter










                                                Figure: M-3
                                Concept Layout for Beach/Swimming Access





                                           Water





                                           Beach





                                               Buffer



                                                  Facilities





                                          Picnic
                                          Area       04.



                                                      P
                                                         ki
                                                       ar ng







                                           =3               1=3  =3   r:3

                                                  U     Access Road
                                                        Vehicular Traffic'
                                                        Maintenance Road
                                                 Poo    Pedestrian Traffic
                                                        Natural Buffer
                                                        Signage
                                                        Area of Conflict











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                                                           1 service sink/facility                                                                                                                              Guardrails or posts should be provided on 6 foot
                                                           toilets -                           1150 men                                                                                                         centers for embankments over six feet in height.
                                                                                               1150 women                                                                                                       Proper traffic signs should be posted. Vehicular
                                                           .sinks                              1/50 men                                                                                                         access is also necessary to the lifeguard building
                                                                                               1150 women                                                                                                       and to beach areas for emergency vehicles.
                                                           I drinking fountain/1,000
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Parking
                                                           Shower stalls -
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Parking areas should be located within 800
                                                           for an outside shower,                                                                                                                               feet of the beach, with 500 feet being desirable
                                                                       1 per 50 visitors, or                                                                                                                    provided the water resource and vegetation
                                                           for an inside shower,                                                                                                                                adjacent to the shoreline is protected. Parking
                                                                       1 per every 50 visitors of each sex                                                                                                      should not impact the beach resource or
                                                                                                                                                                                                                vegetation which protects the shoreline area.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                The size of the parking should be determined
                                                                                                                                                                                                                from the projected visitor capacities and size of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                site. In general, one'parking space should be
                                              b)           Water Depth and Subsurface Conditions                                                                                                                provided for every three visitors. Additional
                                                                                                                                                                                                                parking may be required where multiple use
                                              Figure: IH-4 shows the desired subsurface                                                                                                                         activities are provided. The layout of the parking
                                   conditions for swimming beaches. Slopes in the                                                                                                                               area should minimize pedestrian conflict with
                                   underwater portion of beaches should ideally                                                                                                                                 vehicular areas and circulation. The standard
                                   range from 2% to 5%. Beach bottoms should                                                                                                                                    parking layout for compact and conventional
                                   exist or be designed to eliminate sudden changes                                                                                                                             types of automobiles is 150 cars per acre. The
                                   in grade or drop-offs with depths of up to 5 feet.                                                                                                                           spacing of parking lanes should be 10 feet by 20
                                   Steeper slopes tend to crowd swimmers together,                                                                                                                              feet with a 25 foot turning strip between the two
                                   making it more difficult for lifeguards to watch                                                                                                                             parking lanes for a total of 65 feet fromend of car
                                   individual swimmers.                                                                                                                                                         to end of car. Parking areas should be paved and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                marked with bumper blocks and guardrails or
                                              c) Vehicular Considerations                                                                                                                                       posts. An adequate number of parking spaces
                                                                                                                                                                                                                should, be provided for the physically
                                              Proposed beach sites should only be                                                                                                                               handicapped. These spaces should be connected
                                   developed where vehicle access is feasible and                                                                                                                               to a walkway leading to the swimming area.
                                   where the entrances can be controlled or separated
                                   from other area uses. Access to a beach in a                                                                                                                                               d) Pedestrian Consideration
                                   multi-use area should not interfere with the other
                                   uses, create safety hazards, or adversely impact                                                                                                                                           Walkways, ramps, and stairs which are
                                   the area. Access-roads to beach parking areas                                                                                                                                separate from vehicular circulation patterns
                                   should meet appropriate secondary road                                                                                                                                       should be provided between parking areas, other
                                   standards. Width of roads should be at least 20                                                                                                                              support faicilities, and the beach area. Slope,
                                   feet and shoulders or berms at least 3 feet wide.                                                                                                                            width, and handrffls should be considered when










                                                        Figure: IH-4
                                        Water Depth and Subsurface Condtions















                                              %Iwo-




                                                  Beach/Sand
                                                                                                         Bouy




                            Underwater slopes should range
                            from 2-5%.
                                             .s should rang@e











                          Source: Recreation Planning & DesigLi Criteria, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, July, 1989.











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                               . ........ :XX.:-:.:.:.:.: X : : : : : : :
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                ....... ....                  .................               ...... - .... . . . . . . . . . . . . ..............
               .......... ...                                                 X                     X      X.:.X.X.: .
                    ... .......                                                                            .......
                    .... 11 ............                                       ... :.X.X.X.X                : :*: : : ; @ : :: .., : :*: @ ;..... .........  ........
                    :: .1 ............. ... ...  .....................      ............                  .. .......... .
                    ... .. .... .      .......                                         ........ ....... ...... . ....... . .... . . . . .
                                       .............. .......                                                        X
                                                                              ................... ........
                                                                                                                 X


             designing these features.'          Access for       the         for adequate    filtration.    The  upper limits of
             physically handicapped should be a walkway at                    graded areas should be based on an analysis of
             least 4 feet wide with a slope not greater than 5                the daily, seasonal, or yearly water level
             percent. A handrail should be provided to aid                    fitictuations. The lower limits should be 6 vertical
             handicapped persons gain easy access to the                      feet below the M.L.W. The beach and adjacent
             swimming area. If appropriate, a swimming                        underwater areas should be graded on a constant
             area for the physically handicapped should be                    slope ranging from 2% to 5%. Underwater
             marked off at the end of the walkway (Figure:                    slopes should extend at least 10 horizontal feet
             HI-5). To protect dunes along the shoreline, it                  beyond the lowest placement of buoy lines. Any
             may be necessary to provide a series of ramp                     fill required to bring the surface to proper grade
             walkways to accomodate pedestrian access across                  should be constructed with granular material.
             the dunes without disturbing the dune's natural                  Coarse sand shall be placed in areas that do not
             features or the natural protection offered by the                have adequate natural beach within the designated
             dune buffer.                                                     site. Six inches of sand in excess of the design
                                                                              thickness should be specified to control final.
                    6) Special Devel=ment Rr4uirements                        grades. Sand should be placed on a stone base to
                                                                              a uniform thickness to reduce turbidity. A layer
                    1) Unique Requirements                                    of non-woven filter fabric may be placed on the
                                                                              base prior to sand placement. Aminimumdepth
                    The beach should be sited to ensure maximum               of 2 feet of sand should be applied on 01 above
             solar exposure. Western exposures, however,                      water beach areas.
             should be avoided if possible to reduce afternoon
             glare.' Designated swimming areas should be                      Beach Change Shelters
             planned to provide protection from boats, fuel
             spillage, and boat wakes. Consideration should                       A minimum ofone bath change shelter should
             also be given to siting the beach at an angle to the             be provided for each swimming area. These
             prevailing winds to prevent the accumulation of                  change houses should be between 200 and 500
             debris. The beach site should not be located in                  feet from the water's edge and should meet local
             areaswith strong currents that may cause sand                    and state regulations relating to Bay development
             loss, deposit silt, create drop-offs, or provide a               Whenever possible, dressing rooms should be*
             hazard to, switrimers.                                           combined with, or located adjacent to sanitary
                                                                              facilities and showers. Interiors of bathhouses
             Beach Construction (Figure: 111-6)                               should be constructed of an easily cleaned,
                                                                              material andfloors should have a non-slip surface,
                    When a natural sandy tidal beach is not                   impervious to moisture and sloped to drain.
             available, a beach, may be constructed on an                     Open air or outdoor showers should be used
             appropriate site. A detailed survey and inspection               where practical to reduce cost. If an open air
             of the area is -required. upon which grading                     facility is the only facility provided, a 3 to 4 foot
             requirements will be established. All trees and                  roof shelter may be considered for protection
             stumps along the beach should be removed and                     from rain. All bathhouses or shelters should be
             holes and depressions filled with granular                       designed for pressure hose cleaning.
             materials, such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone









                                                     Fi2ure 111-5
                                  Pedestrian Access for Swimming/Beach Sites


                                   Accessible Pathway From Parking to Beach

                  Pathways may be located
                  to one side of the beach
                  but should not be                                  Boardwalk
                  segregated at the
                  far end.



                                        Du.ne



                                                                            Beach


                                 Stabilized path







                                                                     Slip-resistant platform or rubber mat




                                          Accessible Swimming Platform









                  Height of handrails 30"-36"

                                                      Wheel stop


           Sou= A Quide to DesignilIg Accessible 011tdoor Recreation Facilities, Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service,
                  Department of the Interior, January, 1980.











                                                      Figure;
                                                  Beach   Construction









           2' Coarse sand





                                                 Beach
                                                                                                           Bouy
                                                                                                           -4@
                                                                                 Water


                                                       fabric
                  6" Stone base

                                                Underwater s*lopes should range from 2-5%


















           Source Recreation Planning & DesigD Criteri U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, July, 1987.
                                                 Bc












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                                                                  ................ ...................... ........
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                    . ....... ......
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                                                                                                               XX


              Sports, PI-aY Areas, and Pedestrian Walkways                if these facilities are included within the beach
                                                                          area, they should be located so as not to interfere
                  Active play areas for all age groups, with              with beach activities. In general, plant material
              consideration for the handicapped, may be                   should be used to effectively screen parking
              desirable in conjunction with beaches. This                 areas as well as adjacent residential and other
              provision can best be accomplished by                       potentially impacted land uses from exposed
              designating the necessary space for users to                facility areas, and to maintain and enhance the
              participate or spectate in an area that will                natural character of the landscape.
              minimize impacts on the environment. Where
              feasible, these play areas should be located in             Other Shelters/Lifeguard Stands
              conjunction with other supporting facilities such
              as parking, restrooms, water, and trash                         Lifeguard and first aid stations should be
              receptacles. Additional supportitems toconsider             incorporated at all public beach sites. Elevated
              are benches, water fountains, trails, fencing, etc.         lifeguard stands should be located to provide a
                                                                          complete view of swimmers. A lifeguard stand
                  Play areas should be designed and located in            or platform at least 6 feet high should be located
              areas which do not require the pedestrian to                at 200 foot intervals along the beach. It should
              cross vehicular roads to reach the facility. If             be equipped with an umbrella and a storage
              road crossings cannot be avoided, play areas                compartment for a first aid kit and other supplies.
              should be located so that necessary crossings               Lifeguard facilities and first aid stations should
              occur where there is adequate stopping distance             be located in the same building, if possible. First
              along the roadway. Pedestrian crossings should              aid equipment, a telephone, and emergency
              be adequately signed and well defined. Speed                numbers should be accessible to the lifeguards
              control devices such as rumble strips or speed              and the public.
              bumps may be used if necessary. Deck
              construction maybe implemented to avoid impact              Buoys and Markers
              to environmentally sensitive areas particularly
              across vegetation, marshland, anddunes adjacent                 The limits of the swimming area should be
              to the beach area.                                          designated with buoy lines or foam filled floated
                                                                          pipe lines where feasible.. The PVC pipe buoy is
              Buffer Zones                                                preferred in beach areas that will experience
                                                                          heavy traffic. Larger beaches may be divided
                  Beaches    including turf sunbathing      areas         into one or two sections so that the appropriate
              should be separated from parking areas with an              number of sections may be opened as needed
              adequate grass buffer. Trees should be left to              during peak use hours or days. International
              provide shade in the turf areas adjacent to sand            orange colored floats should be provided every
              beaches. If surface runoff is anticipated to be             15 feet on buoy lines or at all angles when PVC
              heavy, diversion contouring or ditches should be            pipe is used. No lines should be anchored to
              designed to divert flow toward stormwater                   trees, rocks, or walls. Hazardous areas such as
              management facilities. Picnicking facilities                shallow water should be marked off-limits for
              should not be located in the buffer area; however,          swimmers by buoy lines or floating pipelines.











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                                     Ideally, buoy lines used to mark the limit of the                                                                                                                                              2)           Electricity
                                     swimming area should be placed in water depths
                                     of 5 feet or less. However, where the water level                                                                                                                                             Electricity should be provided as necessary
                                     fluctuates, the buoy line may need to be placed                                                                                                                                    to support the safe use 6fthe beach and swimming
                                     in a deeper area so that swimming areas would                                                                                                                                      facility. The location of electrical lines may
                                     not be severely limitedduring low tide. In areas                                                                                                                                   affect the aesthetics, costs, and management of
                                     where themater level fluctuates significantly,                                                                                                                                     the site. Consideration should be given to the
                                     buoy lines must be designed so they can be                                                                                                                                         costs of installing, operating, and maintaining
                                     adjusted as necessary. A minimum of two                                                                                                                                            the electrical systems. All proposed systems
                                     warning marked buoys or floating signs                                                                                                                                             must meet state and local codes and standards
                                     indicating the'.'boats keep ouf'symbol (diamond                                                                                                                                    for health and safety. Normally, all utility lines
                                     shap6andinternational orange) shouldbe spaced                                                                                                                                      should be placed underground unless special
                                     at a maximum of 200 foot intervals to warn                                                                                                                                         conditions make suchan installation prohibitive.
                                     vessels approaching the.swfiruming area. The                                                                                                                                       Underground utilities should be located outside
                                     buoys should be located between 100 and 300                                                                                                                                        the roadway to avoid any disturbance to traffic
                                     feet from the. swimming area buoy lines.                                                                                                                                           during utility maintenance activities. If electric
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        and telephone lines are located underground,
                                     Signage                                                                                                                                                                            they may be placed in a common trench.

                                                Signs should be provided only where needed                                                                                                                                         Lines between use areas and lines from site
                                     to regulate traffic, wam of hazardous conditions,                                                                                                                                  boundaries to use areas can be placed above
                                     establish restrictions, or provide emergency                                                                                                                                       ground only if they do not interfere with safety,
                                     contact information.                                                                                                                                                               maintenance, or aesthetics. Overhead power
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        lines should be aligned behind forest cover out
                                     Additional Safety Measures                                                                                                                                                         of view where feasible.

                                                Life saving devices consisting of life jugs, a                                                                                                                                     Lighting for safety and security should be
                                     ring buoy and line, and one'10 to 12 foot pole                                                                                                                                     incorporated into the design of the facility. All
                                     (shepherd's hook) every 200 feet may be located                                                                                                                                    major road intersections and major facilities
                                     in beaches where lifeguards are not provided. In                                                                                                                                   such as parking areas,restrooms, group shelters,
                                     larger beach areas a small craft or raft may also                                                                                                                                  and walkways should have adequate lights when
                                     be located at the lifeguard station. Depth gauge                                                                                                                                   available.
                                     poles should be placed at regular intervals along,
                                     buoy lines. Bulletin boards or signs should be                                                                                                                                                Telephones should be available for
                                     located where swimmers can see them before                                                                                                                                         emergency use. Public pay phones may also be
                                     entering the area                                      . Emergency phone numbers                                                                                                   provided in public use areas. If the lines must be
                                     and safety messages should also be posted in                                                                                                                                       located above ground                                                       'and cross a road right-of-
                                     conspicuous places.                                                                                                                                                                way, this should be considered in location and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        design of the road.














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                                                            3) Water Supply and Distribution System                                                                                                                         accordance                                  with                 state and                               local                  health
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            requirements. User'                                                safety and environmental
                                                            Water supply anddistribution systems should                                                                                                                     impacts should be considered in siting these
                                              be provided at all beach sites. Water supply                                                                                                                                  structures in order to minimize the need for the
                                              systems serving recreational areas are similar in                                                                                                                             user to cross roads.
                                              some respects to rural community systems. As
                                              a rule, they are rather compact, have branching                                                                                                                                           The most desirable method for sewage
                                              type distribution piping, and must respond to                                                                                                                                 disposal is to tie into a public or municipal
                                              widely varying water use rates which may be                                                                                                                                   system. Where municipal waste treatment
                                              affected by many variables including state/local                                                                                                                              systems are not available, an on-site treatment
                                              regulations, location, visitation, and seasonal                                                                                                                               and disposal or a holding tank and pump out
                                              requirements. Water lines should be located                                                                                                                                   facility may be used. Land treatment should be
                                              underground and should be outside the road                                                                                                                                    evaluated as an alternative to any positive
                                              right-of-way. Water supply and distribution                                                                                                                                   discharge treatment system. The design and
                                              systems must meet all federal, state, and local                                                                                                                               specifications for sewage disposal systems is
                                              requirements for health and safety. Water lines                                                                                                                               site specific. The selected system must be cost
                                              should be placed in a separate trench from power                                                                                                                              effective and meet all required state and local
                                              and telephone lines. Potable water should be                                                                                                                                  standards. Accurate visitation projections are
                                              used in all supply systems with municipal or                                                                                                                                  required to determine sewage flow levels.
                                              public systems supplying water whenever                                                                                                                                       Sewage disposal for beach access areas are
                                              feasible. If municipal systems are not available,                                                                                                                             generally associated with the restroom and
                                              the second most desirable source of water is                                                                                                                                  shower facilities.
                                              wells.
                                                            4) Sewage Disposal/Restrooms                                                                                                                                                5) Stormwater Management
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Stormwater runoff must be given special
                                                            All beaches with an expected visitor use of                                                                                                                     attention during the planning and design of a
                                              400 or more per weekend day should have                                                                                                                                       beach site. Surface runoff must not be allowed
                                              waterborne toilets. When such toilets are                                                                                                                                     to drain across the beach area; therefore, the
                                              considered, a well or other water supply system                                                                                                                               runoff from any area including parking areas
                                              must be provided to supply 10 gallons per user                                                                                                                                upland of the beach must be diverted. Methods
                                              day. Where waterborne toilets and showers are                                                                                                                                 of diversion might include grassed swales,
                                              present, the water supply requirements will                                                                                                                                   terracing, and inlets. The use of porous gravel or
                                              increase to 25 gallons per user day. Sanitary                                                                                                                                 perforated block surfacing for parking and
                                              sewers or sewage containment or treatment                                                                                                                                     roadway areas is also encouraged. Any method
                                              facilities should be adequately sized according                                                                                                                               used to divert the sffiface runoff away from the
                                              to visitation data. All designs for water supply,                                                                                                                             beach area should complement the beach
                                              sewer, and wastewater. systems must be in                                                                                                                                     development and minimize impact to the site.









                                                Outfall of the diversion of the treated stormwater                                                                                                                                                                                                               severe storm or flood to assure safe slope
                                                 should be located downstream of the swimming                                                                                                                                                                                                                    and placement of sand and that the area
                                                 beach or contained in a holding pond and allowed                                                                                                                                                                                                                  is free of holes, drop-offs, or submerged
                                                 to percolate into the soil. The potential runoff                                                                                                                                                                                                                 debris which may endanger bathers.
                                                 from agricultural activities within the watershed                                                                                                                                                                                                                Immediate steps should be taken to
                                                 should be considered when locating a beach site                                                                                                                                                                                                                  rermove a hazard or to rope off or sign
                                                 as these activities may impact the water quality                                                                                                                                                                                                                  potentially dangerous areas. Swimmers
                                                 for swimming.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    should be precluded from using any area
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  which is not safe and should be notified
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  of currents, waves, and storm conditions
                                                           C. MANAGEMENT/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         which may be hazardous.
                                                               MAINTENANCE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         The swimming area facilities and
                                                           1. Maintenance Conerns                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 equipment, including the cable buoy line
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  or floating pipe line, depth indicators,
                                                           Beach areas, buildings,  grounds, access                                                                                                                                                                                                               "No Swimming Zone" buoys, first aid      
                                                  facilities, and utilities require pre-seasonal and                                                                                                                                                                                                               supplies, etc., rshould be inspected at
                                                 post-seasonal attention as well as peridoic                                                                                                                                                                                                                      least weekly  to ensure they are in place
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  and are in a safe condition.
                                                 maintenance during the bathing season. When
                                                 beaches and support facilities are subject to                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Seaweed and algae growth
                                                 frequent or sudden fluctuations of water level or                                                                                                                                                                                                               accumulations, as well as floating logs
                                                 flooding, particularly in the winter or early spring,                                                                                                                                                                                                              and other debris, should be removed
                                                 the importance of regular maintenance is                                                                                                                                                                                                                         from the swimming area.
                                                 magnified.
                                                 Swimming Areas                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   To preventice damage, floating structures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  should be removed from the water during
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  the off season.
                                                           The following is typical of the kind of
                                                 maintenance performed at successful swimming                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Water samples shall be taken periodically
                                                 facilities:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      and analyzed as required by the
                                                                          Beach and swimming areas should be                                                                                                                                                                                                      appropriate state and/or local health
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  department. Beaches should be promptly
                                                                          checked each day before opening, with
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  closed when they are determined to be
                                                                          areas that have been designated for                                                                                                                                                                                                     unsuitable for safe use.
                                                                          wading, diving, or for use by the
                                                                          physically handicapped given particular                                                                                                                                                                                                 A light coating of sand should be placed
                                                                          attention.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  on concreted swimming areas (if they
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  are provided) to improve footing and
                                                                          The swimming area should also be
                                                                          
                                                                          inspected at least weekly and after each                                                                                                                                                                                                break up the algae.
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                Buildings                                                            Keep grass cut to a height of 2 to 2 1/2
                                                                                     inches in turf areas and use only approved
                    * Use non-slip coatings to treat floors of                       chemicals for weed control. Any use of
                        bathhouses, concession arm, lifeguard                        chemicals to control weeds should be
                        stands, and offices.                                         under the supervision of a trained and
                                                                                     licensed person.
                    *   Clean public use areas in buildings at
                        least daily during the recreation season.               *    Maintain and replenish sand beach
                        Bathhouse floors and sanitary facilities                     surface each year or as needed to replace
                        should be cleaned near closing time each                     that which is washed away or displaced.
                        day. -
                                                                                *    Roads and parking lots shall be kept
                    *   Keep comfort stations equipped with                          clean and in good repair, parking spaces
                        disposable supplies.                                         defined, traffic regulatory signs in place,
                                                                                     and traffic appropriately restricted from
                    *   Periodically spray or otherwise treat                        the beach area. Provisions should be
                        buildings, inside and out, to control                        made foremergency vehicles to be driven
                        insects. Agents should not be used in                        to the beach area, if needed.
                        such a manner as to be harmful to humans
                        or pets.                                                *    Insure that the public is not endangered
                                                                                     by the operation of mechanical beach
                    *   Inspect buildings periodically and                           cleaners, lawn mowers, or other
                        lifeguard stands daily for structural                        equipment used on the site.
                        defects and have them repairedpromptly.                 *    Inspect warning and information signs
                    *   Food processing, drinking water systems,                     regularly, keeping them maintainedin
                        and sewage systems shall be monitored                        place, in good repair, and legible.
                        and maintained to meet the appropriate
                        state and local health requirements.                    *    Ditching or contouring shall be arranged
                                                                                     to divert surface run-off away from the
                Grounds and Facilities                                               beach.


                        Clean up litter as required, but usually                *    All utilities should be inspected before
                        not less than daily during the peak                          each season and regularly during the
                        recreation season.                                           season with repairs made promptly by
                                                                                     qualified personnel.
                        Place trash containers at comfort stations
                        and at convenient locations throughout
                        the beach area.


                        Provide and keep in place tight fitting
                        lids onall trash containers.













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                    Management Concerns

                Managers should develop year-round
            operatingprocedures to ensure safe and healthful
            beach conditions and to support facilities,. such
            as comfort stations, bathhouses, concession
            buildings, parking areas, walkways, and access
            roads. Trained, staff, including maintenance
            personnel and lifeguards (if provided), are
            required to ensure that adequate supervision,
            inspection, control, and enforcement are provid  ed
            to ensure the safety of the public. Competent
            beach supervisors are essential to proper beach
            management. Periodic training for supervisors
            in beach management is strongly encouraged.

               Perhaps the most critical factor in designing
            for minimal grounds maintenance is the selection
            of appropriate plant materials. Native trees and
            shrubs should be chosen and allowed to develop
            into their natural form without pruning or
            shearing. Areas naturally vegetated on-site
            should be retained as buffer areas which will
            require minimal upkeep.












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                                                                                  The user considerations in locating a fishing
                                                                             access site include an evaluation of the site to
                                                                             gain information on the extent, nature, location
                                                                             and quality of the existing water body. and fish
                                                                             resources. Fish species, population, sizes, and
                                                                             characteristics should be determined prior to site
                                                                             development. An assessment is needed to
                                                                             determine if there are enough fish in the area and
                                                                             if the fish population may be sustained by natural
                                                                             reproduction, or will require stocking.


                                                                                  2. Environmental Considerations


                                                                                  Potential environmental impacts due to
                     A. SITE SELECTION                                       fishing activity and related facility development
                                                                             must be considered prior to the development of
                                                                             access sites. The evaluation of environmental
                     The selection and evaluation of a site for              factors should begin with a thorough inventory
                 fishing activities should consider environmental            of the potential access site. Data which relates to
                 factors including the existing fish habitat, the            the topography, soils, surface water hydrology,
                 amount of shore frontage, projected visitation,             vegetation, wildlife habitat areas, and existing
                 accessibility, slope gradient, historical shoreline         wetlands should be collected. This information
                 erosion rates, wind and wave action,Water level             should then be reviewed to verify the suitability
                 and tidal fluctuations, and the currents and tides.         of a site for development.
                 The availability of land for parking, picnicking,
                 play areas, and other suppo  'rt facilities which are            a) Topogmphy
                 not water-dependent should also be considered
                 during the evaluation, selection, andde.velopment                Shoreline areas with flat to rolling slopes of
                 of a fishing access site. In selecting an access            less than 15% and suitable soils based on standard
                 site for pier and bank fishing, one of the most             classifications related to proposed uses are
                 important criteria is the availability of fish for          generally preferable for fishing access
                 catch in the immediate vicinity of the site.                development.
                     1. User Considerations                                       b) Soils and Substrate Materials
                     The planning of public fishing access sites                  Physical considerations at the site include
                 should consider public needs along with the                 the  assessment of soil geology and substrate
                 level of user activity, facility requirements, and          materials. The nature, extent, and cost of the
                 management duties required to fulfill thoseneeds.           substructures necessary for site facilities must
                 Section I of this report describes the process and          be determined based on the soil types. Test piles
                 resources. available for assessing the general              and direct soil evaluation tests are two commonly
                 need for public access.                                     used methods fordetermining theresistive quality












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            of  subsoils.   Soil conditions   should    provide            Adjacenttothe waterbody, a 100 foot buffer
            suitable foundation support and. waste water                area of vegetation is recommended. This buffer
            treatment capacity, if existing sewage facilities           is effective in retarding runoff, preventing
            are not already available to the site.                      erosion, filtering nonpoint pollution frornrunoff,
                                                                        and reducing sediments which enter the water.
                Shoreline erosion should be a major                     The buffer area can also help to maintain
            consideration in siting locations for bank and              established habitat on the site.
            pier fishing. Access sites along shoreline areas
            should be avoided where existing erosion rates                 e) Water Qualily
            exceed 2 feet/year. In general, banks that are
            composed of easily erodible sediments and are                  The location of a public fishing pier may not
            subjected to high wave energy will have the                 affect the. existing water quality if appropriate
            greatest susceptibility* to erosion. Facility,              sanitary facilities and fish cleaning areas are
            structures located within or near these highly              incorporated in the development of pier and
            erodible shorelines may be impacted by wave                 bank fishing access areas. However, the existing
            aIction and require continuous maintenance or               water quality should be assessed based on its
            the implementation of erosion protection.                   desirability for fishing prior to the development
                c) Surface Water Hydrolo,                               of the fishing.access site.
                                              gy.
                                                                           f) Wetland Delineation
                Provided an adequate surface drainage plan
            is adopted, normal precipitation presents no                   To avoid potential impacts, the identification
            serious problem in *fishing access* site design.            and delineation of tidal and non-tidal wetlands
            Waters from a maximum probable rainfall should              should be determined by an on-site visit. The
            drain from the site without eroding the adjacent            National Wetland Inventory maps produced by
            land or causing additional runoff in the Bay and            the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may also be
            its tributaries. Mows from surrounding lands                useful in the general location ofexisting wetlands.
            may need to be diverted or retained on site for             The Combined Federal Wetland Delineation
            infiltration as a part of the drainage plan.                Methodology should then be followed for the
                                                                        site specific designation of wetland areas. This
                d) Vegraation/Wildlife/Habitat Area                     approach is a systematic approach which
                                                                        considers soils, hydrology, and vegetative
                The potential for adverse impact is directly            characteristics of a site.
            related to the proximity of the access point to
            existing vegetation, waterfowl, and wildlife
            habitatareas. State agencies dealing with wildlife
            and rare, threatened, and endangered species, as
            well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
            the National Marine Fisheries Service, can help
            to identify significant areas of habitat.













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                    g) Cultural Resources                                  Piers

                    For each potential access site, cultural                  Piers should be provided in high use areas
               resources should be evaluated for historical                and in areas where the shoreline is inappropriate
               significance. A site may be listed, nominated, or           for bank fishing due to shallow waters close to
               eligible for listing on the National Register of            the shoreline or to banks with concentrated
               Flistoric Places. The historic or archaeological            aquatic vegetation along the shoreline.
               significance of a site may not be obvious;
               therefore, the State Historic Preservation Officer          Storms
               should be contacted prior to site development.
                                                                              The history of storms, their frequency, and
                    h) Other Considerations                                intensity may be significant information in
                                                                           considering a site for development, particularly
                    Other site features and    related off-shore           along unprotected waterways. The National
               conditions appropriate for      inclusion in the            Weather Bureau may be contacted to determine
               environmental inventory may relate to:                      the vulnerability an area has with regard to
                                                                           storms. The state agency administering the
               Wading                                                      National Flood Insurance Program can also
                                                                           provide valuable information.
                    Wading into the water creates a disturbance
               for other fishermen and disrupts banks and                  Wind
               underwater surfaces, thus causing damage to
               aquatic life. Wading in areas with shellfish may               Predominant wind patterns and the
               also be hazardous to fishermen if they do not               orientation of the shoreline are extremely
               wear hard soled shoes.                                      important, as these factors can combine to create
                                                                           an area that is not conducive for fishing and can
               Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)                          also cause accelerated erosion to the shoreline.

                    SAV areas near the shoreline of a proposed                i) Site LimitationS
               bank fishing access development site should be
               delineated and avoided. Ilese areas provide                    In order to determine the fishing capacity of
               shelter and food to marine life and should not be           a given area of the Bay, characteristics of the
               disturbed.                                                  water body and the spatial requirements of the
                                                                           activity should be considered. Bank fishing
               Scenic and Visual Opportunities                             capacity is affected by the size of the water body,
                                                                           depth closure, and shoreline configuration.
                    The identification of good and poor views              Shoreline configuration determines the extent of
               both on-site and off-site should be considera               usable space along the shoreline.
               An overall visual analysis of the site may be
               necessary for the ultimate preservation of visual
               quality.












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                A site analysis which outlines the physical                 Undesirable Site Characteristic5 Include:
             opportunities and constraints for a property
             should be conduct  'ed. This analysis may simply                   Location where the water is too shallow
             involve overlaying the identified environmental                    or the land area is unsuitable for intended
             factors and evaluating the overall conditions of                   use.
             the site, noting areas which are not suitable for
             development.                                                       Low tidal range or flow and low flushing
                                                                                rates, such as dead end channels or.the
                Desirable Site Characteristics Include:                         upper reaches of tidal creeks.

                    Good transportation network and                             Steep slopes (>I 5%) and areas receiving
                    secondary road system to the site location.                 heavy drainage.

                    Location near the population need.                          Highly erodible soils and shorelines
                                                                                which erode at a rate greater than 2 feet/
                    Location near public water supply,                          year.
                    sewage treatment, and other utilities.
                                                                                Wind and wave patterns which cause
                    Ease of accessibility from on-site to the                   erosion and/or unacceptable fishing
                    fishing resource.                                           conditions.

                    Natural protection for the fishingresource                  Location near land uses or other
                    such as a site protected by exis   ting                     conditions which may contribute to poor
                    vegetation or a location in a cove.                         water quality.

                    Tidal and water current conditions which                    Location'which has underwater
                    are acceptable for fishing.                                 hazards that cannot be corrected
                                                                                without grading or dredging.
                    Location which has not historically
                    received severe storm activity.                             Locations near areas of heavy boating
                                                                                traffic.
                    Good water circulation and flushing.
                                                                           j)   Compatibilit Issues
                                                                                             Y
                    Location free of severe shorelinee'rosion
                    or steep slopes.                                       The internal compatibility of a fishing access
                                                                       site with other types of public access is dependent
                    Natural buffer zone along shoreline for            on site characteristics and resource values.
                    facilities which are not water-dependent,          Aquatic growth necessary for fish cover and












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                sustaining the aquatic food chain conflict with              and   future operation and maintenance
                boating and swimming; therefore, pier and bank               considerations. Provisions for preserving a high
                fishing are often most compatible with natural               quality aquatic habitat on the site should include
                areas.                                                       avoiding construction on or near the habitat
                                                                             areas, maintaining vegetative buffer strips along
                    External compatibility of fishing access                 the waters, and revegetating disturbed areas.
                facilities with adjacent land uses is an important
                consideration. In general, fishing access should                   2. Essential Elements and Desired
                be located in areas convenient to population*                        Relationships
                centers. Support facilities, such as shopping,
                restaurants, grocery stores, emergency services,                   Ile essential elements which will most likely
                bait and tackle shops, service stations, and                 be included for all fishing access sites include
                utilities, should be located along the primary               access to the site, adequate shore frontage, direct
                access route to the site.                                    access to the water, adequate parking, picnicking
                                                                             areas, and support and maintenance facilities.
                    k) IM.12act on Off-Shore Aquatic Systems                 These elements and theirpreferred relationships
                                                                             are depicted in a schematic plan, Figure: IV-1.
                    Impact to the bottom of the water body
                adjacent to the shoreline area should be assessed                  A concept plan depicting the general
                for the following reasons:                                   relationship of the selected site elements may be
                                                                             helpful to establish the overall site plan layout.
                        When shore erosion control structures                A concept plan -which expresses preferred site
                        are implemented for a site they may have             relationships is shown in Figure: IV-2.
                        adverse impact on fish spawning areas or
                        shellfish beds, etc., due to the filling of                Recommendations which may enhance the
                        wetlands or the bottom of the shoreline.             relationships between the essential elements
                                                                             shown on the concept plan may include:
                        The disturbance of the bottom sediments
                        may adversely affect water quality which                   * Location ofparldng and support facilities
                        impacts productive fishery habitat and                       which are not water-dependent outside
                        SAV beds if they are located nearby.                         the recommended shoreline buffer areas.

                                                                                   * For large and highly visible facilities,
                    B. DESIGN CRITERIA                                               parking areas can be enhanced by shrub
                                                                                     and tree islands with little loss of storage
                    1. Site Plan Layout                                              capacity.

                    The priorities in the design and site layout
                for a fishing site include the enjoyment and
                safety of the user, the effects that the physical
                features of the site will have on the environment,








                                                    Fip-ure: TV-1
                                  Pier and Bank Fishing Access Schematic Plan




                                                                         Retained or planted trees
                                                                         increase compatability of
                                                                         parking and dry storage areas
                                                                         with adjacent. residences.


                                      it 11111@


                                                                         Porous parking and storage
                                                   Bait &                surfaces and pollutant traps
                           @@Restroornsjj4jl_ at   Tackle                permit filtered runoff to
                                                                         enter, the water table.



                                                                         Fish cleaning area




                                                                         Buffer
            Bulkhead or barrier
            placed well upland of marsh.             Pier





                                                                         Legend:

                                              Shelter                          Buffer

                                                                               Signage









            52=: Recreation Planning & Design Criteria, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, July, 1987.








                                                 Figure: !Y-2
                             Concept Layout for Pier and Bank Fishing Access





                                     Wate r



                                                      Pier
                                                                                   $horelinc


                              Buffer                                  Buffer
                              (Vegetation)                            (Vegetation)




                                                                       Picnic
                              Fish cleaning                             Area
                              shelter                                    0
                                                     Parking           Restroom










                                        C:=3


                                            Legend:

                                      C=I   Access Road

                                        4   Vehicular TraffIc
                                            Pedestrian Path

                                            Signage
                                            Vegetation Buffer














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                     Where steeper slopes exist, locateparking            it is imperative to assess the carrying capacity of
                     areas above the crests to avoid extensive            the site and the adjacent lands to preserve the
                     regrading and maintain orreestablish the             integrity of the fishinig resource.
                     natural vegetation on the hillside. Also,
                     stabilize the toe of the slope to prevent                 The land requirements determined for
                     erosion.                                             proposed facilities may be applied to a site based
                                                                          on the environmental considerations and site
                     'Where steep slopes to a water body exist,           limitations considered during the site inventory
                     use of pier access is recommended.                   and needs assessment.

                     The scale, species, and spacing of plants                 a) Area RCQ.uirements
                     should be compatible with those.of the,
                     surrounding, undisturbed shoreline areas.                 The anticipated visitation- levels and user
                                                                          patterns can be determined from visitation
                     Site grading should be implemented to                records, observation of existing use, and user
                     create rounded earth forms compatible                survey data sources at existing fishing sites. For
                     with those of the natural shoreline.                 new fishing sites, the visitation trends at similar
                                                                          areas in other locationscould be used todetermine
                4    Development of fish access areas should              the appropriate size requirements for the site and
                     protect and enhance views and visual                 support facilities.
                     access to water and shorelines.
                                                                               Generally, the minimum river width for
                     Pollution along a water body should be               fishing is about 30 feet with a safe casting area
                     examin  ed.                                          of 15 feet of clear space behind the angler. The
                                                                          number of anglers able to use a.stretch of water
                     The availability of utilities to the site            at one time varies according to waterquality and
                     should be considered on larger access                type -of fishing. An acceptable spacing for
                     sites where facilities are essential for site        recreational anglers along a bank is
                     development.                                         approximately 20 yards apart.

                3. Land Requirements -                                         The site from which casting takes place must
                                                                          be on firm, level ground covered with short grass
                The land requirements for the development                 or sand. The casting area must be clear of trees
             offishing access are entirely resource dependent.            but some bushes and trees suitably located near
             For example, the size and physical characteristics           the water may provide adequate cover. A
             of the site being considered for development                 surrounding;woodland environment for fishing
             determines the number of. visitors and the size              will tend to reduce the outside noise and increase
             and type of support facilities which the site can            the seclusion of the area, which is preferred by
             effectively serve. In determining the land                   most anglers'.
             requirements for a potential fishing access area,
                                                          il                   Elm













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                     b)  3Y=Dath and Subsurface Conditions                    space for every three visitors. The layout of the
                                                                              parking area should minimize pedestrian conflict
                     An assessment of the water depth and                     with vehicular circulation. The spacing of
                 subsurfaceconditions at aproposed fishing access             parking lanes should be 10 by 20 feet with a 25
                 site is necessary to determine fishing activity.             foot turning strip between the two parking lanes
                 Water depth should be a minimum of 2 feet at                 for a total of 65 feet from end of car to end of car.
                 low tide. Different fish species prefer and are              Based on these dimensions approximately 150
                 attracted to specific habitats; therefore, various           cars may be parked per acre of land. Parking
                 characteristics for'consideration include water              areas should be appropriately surfaced and have
                 current, water clarity, water depth, numbers and             parking stripes, bumper blocks, and guardrails
                 types of aquatic plants, and the nature of                   or posts. An adequate number of parking spaces
                 subsurface material. A combination of these                  should be provided for the physically
                 characteristics affords fish protection, food, and           handicapped. These spaces should be connected
                 security and provides habitat diversity needed               to a handic apped accessible walkway leading to
                 for desirable fishing conditions. Backwaters,                the fishing area.
                 marshes, and sandbars should receive special
                 management protection because of their                           d) Pedestrian Consideration
                 importance as fish spawning andnursery grounds.
                                                                                   Separate pedestrian access should provide
                     C) Vehicular Considerations                              safe access to the fishing facilities. Walkways,
                                                                              ramps, and stairs which are separate from
                     Vehicular entrances for proposed fishing                 vehicularcirculation patterns should beprovided
                 sites should be separated from and should not                from the parking areas and other support facilities
                 adversely i     act other uses. External access              to the fishing area. Handicapped accessibility
                             IMP
                 roads to parking areas should meet appropriate               considerations including appropriate slope,
                 secondary road standards with the road width of              walkway width, and handrails should be
                 at least 20 feet and shoulders or berms at least 3           incorporated into the pedestrian design. The
                 feetwide. Guardrails orposts should be provided              walkways should be designed with well defined
                 on 6 foot centers along embankments over six                 edges and should be a minimum of 4 feet in
                 feet in height. Proper traffic signs should be               width. Access for the physically handicapped-
                 posted both inside and outside the site with                 should be a walkway constructed of a durable
                 access available for emergency vehicles.                     material at least 4 feet wide and have a slope not
                                                                              greater than 5 percent.
                 Parking
                                                                                  In cases of dun6 protection along the
                     Parking areas should be located within 800               shoreline, it may be necessary to provide a series
                 feet of the shoreline, with 500 feet being desirable         of raised walkways to accommodate access
                 provided the water resource or vegetation                    across'the site without disturbing the natural
                 adjacent to the shoreline is protected. Once the             dune. Raised walkways shouldbe a minimum of
                 visitor capacity of the site is determined, parking          4 feet wide and constructed of treated wood and
                 should be provided at the rate of one parking                should be designed to provide handicapped












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                              accessibility. When the on-site grade change is                                                                                                         safe         pedestrian use                             and          be able'                to withstand
                              greater than 5%, handicap ramps should be                                                                                                               typical storms for the area. One major
                              provided to enhance accessibility to the site                                                                                                           consideration for pier construction is how the
                              facilities. Crosswalks should be constructed                                                                                                            pilings will be installed. They can be driven with
                              with curb ramps on each side whenever they                                                                                                              some type of pile driver, or pumped into place
                              cross, vehicular traffic patterns. Trails may be                                                                                                        using high pressure jets of water from water
                              recommended in areas receiving less use. Trails                                                                                                         pumps if the bottom is free of large rocks. This
                              may have varying widths and be constructed of                                                                                                           procedure is usually called "jetting" the pilings
                              several materials, providing they are constructed                                                                                                       into place. The piling is held upright and a high
                              out of a suitable surface for street shoes and are                                                                                                      pressure stream of water is used to loosen the soil
                              handicapped accessible.                                                                                                                                 around and under the piling. The piling continues
                                                                                                                                                                                      to settle as the area is probed with the end of the
                                          e) Special Devel=ment R                                                                                                                     nozzle. Once the piling has settled as far as it will
                                                                                                                                                                                      go, or the proper depth has been obtained, rocks
                                          1) Unique Requirements                                                                                                                      may need to be tamped around the piling to
                                                                                                                                                                                      stabilize it. A piece of metal water pipe flattened
                                          Each access site requires a different                                                                                                       on the end to increase velocity is usually
                              combination of development features which                                                                                                               satisfactory as a nozzle for this procedure.
                              relate to the uses planned. and the anticipated
                              level of use for the site. The following elements                                                                                                               Decking should overlap the stringers by no
                              should be considered during site development:                                                                                                           more than 2 inches to help keep the decking from
                                                                                                                                                                                      flipping up in the event it comes loose and
                              Fishing Pier Construction                                                                                                                               someone steps on the end. Overlapping the
                                                                                                                                                                                      decking 2 inches also-prevents most splitting of
                                          Wood for piers should be treated to retard                                                                                                  the decking when it is nailed in place. Spacing
                              decay. Pressure treated (CCA) wood is preferred                                                                                                         between planks on deck should be less than 1/2
                              because it can be ordered with various amounts                                                                                                          inch apart.
                              of treatment and is durable over time. CCA
                              wood that is in continuous contact with salt                                                                                                                    Fishing piers should be designed to provide
                              water should be treated to a level of 2.5 pounds                                                                                                        shade, space for gear, and benches. Fishing piers
                              of retention per cubic foot. Wood which will                                                                                                            should be handicapped accessible by firm
                              occasionally be in salt water should have 1.5                                                                                                           surfaced trails that are flush with the surface of
                              poundspercubic footretention, and wood thatis                                                                                                           the pier. Piers should also provide a bait shelf, 8
                              rarely in contact with salt water should have Q.6                                                                                                       to 12 inches wide, and an arm/pole rest inclined
                              pounds per cubic foot. All hardware used in the                                                                                                         about 300. They should provide a 4 inch kickplate
                              pier construction should be hot dipped galvanized                                                                                                       along the edge of the pier for safety. (see Figure
                              and, if in frequent contact with salt water, should                                                                                                     IV-3)
                              be stainless steel to protect against rust.

                                          The design.and construction of the fishing
                              pier should be such that it will accommodate











                                                               Fieure: IV   -3
                                                               Fishing Piers

                                         Bait shelf


                                                           Shelter


                                                                                                            Graspable
                                                                                                                rail


                                                                                                 Benches



                                                                                         Water



                                                                              Water fountain             Shoreline
                                                                                   Firm path with shaded seating area


















                                 Armrest
                           Bait shelf





                           Kick plate


                   Sgurce  A Guidg to Desiguing Accessable Outdoor Recreation Facilities Heritage Conservation and Recreation
                           Service, Department of Interior, January, 1980.












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                  Signage.                                                             Play areas should be designed and located in
                                                                                  areas which do not require the pedestrian to
                       Adequate signage should be posted to inform                cross vehicular roads to reach the facility. If
                  the public of the layout and regulations for the                road crossings cannot be avoided, play areas
                  acces's site.                                                   should be located so that necessary crossings
                                                                                  occur where there is adequate stopping distance
                  Solid Waste                                                     and appropriate signage along the roadway.
                                                                                  Speed control devices such as rumble strips or
                       Trash and garbage collection should be                     speed bumps may be used if necessary. Deck
                  furnished by the locality or a privately owned                  construction maybe implemented to avoid impact
                  refuse company-The provision of appropriately                   to environmentally sensitive areas particularly
                  designed refuse containers        'and an adequate              across marshland, and dunes adjacent to the
                  maintenance program are essential. Fish cleaning                shoreline.
                  facilities should also be incorporated into these
                  access areas.                                                        2) Electricity

                  Public Safety and Emergency Services                                 Electricity. should be provided as necessary
                                                                                  to support the bank and pier fishing facility. The
                       Local fire protection as well as local police              location of electrical lines may affect the
                  security and emergency medical services should                  aesthetics, costs, and management of the site.
                  be available. Location of emergency services                    Consideration should be given to the costs of
                  along with emergency telephone numbers should                   installing, operating, and maintaining the
                  be posted in avisible areaon the site and telephone             electrical systems. Proposed systems must meet
                  service provided.                                               all state and local codes and standards for health
                                                                                  and safety. Normally, all utility lines should be
                  Play Areas                                                      placed underground unless special conditions
                                                                                  make such an installation prohibitive.
                       It is desirable, where possible, that other                Underground utilities should be located outside
                  activities such as picnicking or play areas be                  the roadway to avoid any disturbance to traffic
                  provided near fishing areas. This provision can                 during utility maintenance activities. If electric
                  best be accomplished by designating the                         and telephone lines are located underground,
                  necessary space for users to participate or spectate            they may be placed in a common trench.
                  in an area that will minimize impacts on the
                  environment. These play areas should be located                      Lines between use areas and lines from site
                  outside the designated buffer area in conjunction               boundaries to use areas can be placed above
                  with other supporting facilities such as parking,               ground only if they do not interfere with safety,
                               and water. Additional support items                maintenance, or aesthetics. Overhead power
                  restrooms,
                  to consider are benches, trash receptacles, water               lines should be aligned behind forest cover and
                  fountains, trails, fencing, etc.                                out of view, where feasible.












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                                                          Lighting for safety and security should be                                                                                                                       be evaluated as an, altermative to any positive
                                                incorporated into the design of the facility. All                                                                                                                          discharge treatment system. The design and
                                                major road intersections and major facilities                                                                                                                              specifications for sewage disposal systems is
                                                such as parking areas, resmvms, group shelters,                                                                                                                            site-specific. The selected system must be cost
                                                and walkways, should have adequate lights.                                                                                                                                 'effective and meet all required state and local
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           standards. Accurate visitation projections are
                                                          Telephones should be available for                                                                                                                               required to determine sewage volumes. The
                                                emergency use and public pay phones should be                                                                                                                              location and selection of sewage disposal should
                                                provided in public use areas.                                                                                                                                              be in accordance with state and local regulations.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Do not overlook the proper disposal of waste at
                                                          3) Water Supply and Distribution System                                                                                                                          any fish cleaning stations.

                                                          An adequate water supply and distribution                                                                                                                                        5) Storrnwater Management
                                                system is desirable forproviding public drinking
                                                water, fire protection, and for the maintenance                                                                                                                                            Parking areas may create potential
                                                and operation of the access facility. It is                                                                                                                                environmental problems related to increased
                                                recommended that the water supply, treatment,                                                                                                                              runoff andpolluted discharge. Best management
                                                and distribution be planned to correspond with                                                                                                                             practices should be implemented during site
                                                wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal.                                                                                                                            development and afterconstruction is completed
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           to reduce these potential impacts. The following
                                                          Wherever possible, fishing access facilities                                                                                                                     design measures may be incorporated into the
                                                with high use levels should be connected to an                                                                                                                             site design for pier and bank fishing facilities to
                                                approved external public water system. This                                                                                                                                avoid or alleviate site mnoff.
                                                feature will eliminate the development cost and
                                                annual operational expenses of the water supply                                                                                                                                                      Installation of catch basins and filters to,
                                                and treatment facilities. If public water is not                                                                                                                                                     trap pollutants.
                                                available, an on-site well is suggested.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           *         Avoidance of direct channeling of runoff
                                                            The water supply and distribution system                                                                                                                                                 water onto tidal wetlands or into adjacent
                                                should be planned under the direction ofa sanitary                                                                                                                                                   water bodies.
                                                engineer and should meet local planning and
                                                health department requirements.                                                                                                                                                            *         Use of porous gravel or a perforated
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     paving block surfacing in place of
                                                          4) Sewage Disposal/Restrooms                                                                                                                                                               impervious surfaces.

                                                          The most desirable method for sewage
                                                disposal is to tie into a public or municipal
                                                system.                        Where                     municipal waste treatment
                                                .. . . .... ... .


                                                ..............
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                                                systems are not available, an on-site treatment
                                                and disposal or a holding tank and pump out
                                                facility should be used. Land treatment should


 



                                                              C.MANAGEMENT/                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Shoreline erosion control
                                                                           MAINTENANCE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Parking/pavement access maintenance
                                                               Management and maintenance refers to                                                                                                                                                                                                Signage maintenance
                                              agency actions needed to keep a facility in
                                              desirable condition for public use. Legal
                                              liabilities may be incurred in administering a                                                                                                                                                                                                     Lighting maintenance
                                              fishing facility; therefore, the facility should be                                                                                                                                                                                                  Landscape maintenance/mowing
                                              maintained in a safe condition. The administering
                                              agency of a facility is obligated to remove dangers
                                              and warn users of dangerous conditions. The                                                                                                                                                                                                           Stormwater facility upkeep
                                              legal responsibilities of the administrator should                                                                                                                                                                                                   Seasonal upkeep -preseason inspections,
                                              be researched and discussed with counsel when
                                              establishing or expanding a fishing facility. Legal                                                                                                                                                                                                    regular inspection schedules, etc.
                                              obligations may increase in proportion to the
                                              potential dangers and if user fees are charged.                                                                                                                                                                                                       Post storm cleanup plan
                                                               1. Maintenance Concerns                                                                                                                                                                                              The level of maintenance anticipated at a site
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    is directly correlated with the use level at the
                                                               Good maintenance practices should be                                                                                                                                                                 facility and the location of the site. Maintenance
                                              extended to the access waters and shoreline in                                                                                                                                                                        at public sites is an extremely important issue as
                                              addition to the access site facilities. The                                                                                                                                                                          it relates directly to the safe use of the facility. A
                                              maintenance plan may be established as a matrix                                                                                                                                                                       public agency responsible for the operation and
                                              outlining the types of maintenance tasks and the                                                                                                                                                                     maintenance of a pier and bank fishing facility is
                                              frequency which a site would require this                                                                                                                                                                             responsible for any liability associated with safe
                                              maintenance. Categories of maintenance                                                                                                                                                                                maintenance, practices at the site.
                                              frequency generally include frequent (weekly to
                                              daily), periodic (less than weekly), and special                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Management Concerns
                                              (as needed). The following maintenance duties                                                                                                                                                                                         The management of fishing access should
                                              should be considered in developing a,                                                                                                                                                                                 provide a safe, comfortable environment for the
                                              maintenance plan:                                                                                                                                                                                                     angler. The management concerns for fishing
                                                                          Fishing pier maintenance                                                                                                                                                                 access are dependent on the level of development
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    and, anticipated number of users at a particular
                                                                          Removal of shoreline and beach debris                                                                                                                                                    site. Less active use areas will generally involve
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    fewer management requirements, while larger,
                                                                          Restroom clean-up                                                                                                                                                                        more active sites will require greater amounts of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    upkeep and a more detailed management plan.
                                                                          Fish cleaning shelter clean-up

                                                                           Maintain trash collection schedule
 











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                                                                             area, the design and construction of the access
                                                                             site should cause minimal disturbance of the
                                                                             natural environment. The access developments
                                                                             should ensure the safety and enjoyment or
                                                                             education of the users, protect adjacent resources,
                                                                             consider the aesthetic qualities of an area, and
                                                                             adequately function as a tidal public access site.
                                                                             Public access and visitation can occur with
                                                                             minimum damage to the resour@e if access points
                                                                             and trails are designed to control visitor activit  y.
                   A. SITE SELECTION                                            1. User Considerations
                                                                                Providing the public with quality passive
                   A natural area is generally land which has                recreational and educational opportunities while
               scientific or educational value. A designated                 protecting and preserving the natural resource is
               nature area is managed. to ensure continued                   a major management concern and a difficult
               preservation of the natural resources it supports.            balance to achieve. Mode of travel, site access,
                                                                             trail environment or setting, location of sensitive
               In many states, Natural Area Preserves have                   features, physical demands on the user, imposed
               been established to protect special natural areas             controls, expectations of the user, and volume of
               through formal reco nition and articles of
                                        9                                    use are factors which must be considered as
               dedication which provide stringent legal                      planning objectives and management criteria.
               safeguards forpreservation. T'he preserve system              Section I of this report describes the process and
               is administered and usually managed by a state                resources available for assessing the need for
               agency. State officials must choose carefully                 public access. Natural areas and preserves are
               which areas are important enough for long-term                not public parks or areas managed for their
               protection. Many states use the state natural                 harvestable resources such as state forests,
               heritage inventories to identify the areas                    wildlif6areas, or state parks; therefore, activities
               possessing the most significant natural values.               such as camping, picnicking, and swimming,
               Natural Area Preserves are protected for                      may not permitted. Natural area access is
               scientific, ecological, research, interpretive, and           recommended for passive recreational uses such
               scenic values.
                                                                             as nature study, birdwatching, hiking, and nature
                   Encouraging properpublic use ofopen spaces                photography. Encouraging the proper public
                                                                             use of natural areas is an essential part of long-
                rotected for their natural resource values is an
               p                                                             terrn;stewardship.
               essential part of long-term stewardshi ' The
                                                          ip.
               fragility ofvarious areas within a preserve should
               be determined so that procedures can be
               established to insure that the most important and
               vulnerable areas receive special protection. In
               selecting a site for public access on a natural












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                2. Environmental Considerations                            c)  Surface Water and Groundwater
                                                                               Hydrology
                Anticipation of potential environmental
            impacts should be considered during the planning               The surface water drainage and circulation
            phases and development of the public access.               of a site should not chanLye upon development of
            This will minimize or eliminate the adverse                public access, particularly in wetland areas.
            environmental effects on the site. The evaluation          Whenever possible, access should be located on
            of environmental factors should begin with a               an upland site with an adequate vegetated wetland
            thorough inventory of all sensitive resource areas         buffer. Strict erosion and sedimentation
            and potential access points to the site. The               preventive measures should be taken. If work is
            design of the access into the natural area should          being done in wetlands, the structures should be
            reflect consideration of the topography,                   elevated on pilings and bottomless arched
            vegetation, soil types, weather, wetlands,                 culverts should be installed to maintain natural.
            drainage patterns and cultural resources along             drainage.
            and adjacent to the access site. All of these
            factors should be evaluated to determine site                  d) Vegetation/Wildlife/Habitat Areas
            development suitability, how the access should
            be located, and how the site will function.                    Access development for a natural area should
                                                                       avoid potential impacts to plants, animals, and
                a) I=og=hy                                             natural communities. The purpose of the access
                                                                       should be to provide the public with an
                Terrain and elevation changes should not be            appreciation of the environment; therefore, was
            extreme at the point of access for a natural area.         should contain vistas, observation points, or
            Trail grades and other access roads should run             overlooks for observing wildlife at a distance
            parallel to the contours as much as possible. As           and vegetation in its native context. StateNatural
            a general rule, a slope should not be steeper than         Heritage Programs focus on identifying
            1O..percent (10 foot rise in 100 linear feet).             significant habitats for rare species, natural
            Slopes of less than 7 percent are preferable.              communities such as freshwater tidal marshes,
                                                                       and other natural features such as migratory bird
                b) Soils and Substrate Materials                       concentrations. The natural heritage inventories
                                                                       provide information to public agencies for
                Pedestrian access trails into natural areas            making informed decisions and development
            should be located on stable soils. Access to or            plans. Site selection for public access to natural
            through wetlands is usually discouraged;                   areas should consider only those sites that, if
            however, the location of access facilities in these        developed, will not affect rare, endangered, or
            areas may be desirable in certain circumstances.           unique biological communities. The protection
            To best protect sensitive wetlands, -access point          of high quality habitat9orbiological communities
            trails should be raised 3 feet above mean high             may be incorporated into natural areas or buffer
            water on decked platforms.                                 zones adjacent to the access site. Construction
                                                                       practices which avoid direct and indirect impacts












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                                          to sensitive habitats should be implemented.                                                                                                                      and focus                     on natural, historical,. cultural and
                                          The limits of construction should incorporate                                                                                                                     scenic resources.
                                          sensitive areas and should be clearly marked
                                          prior to construction.                                                                                                                                                     Cultural resources should be evaluated at
                                                                                                                                                                                                            each potential access site. A site may be listed,
                                                      e) Water Qualily                                                                                                                                      nominated, or eligible for listing on the National
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Register of Historic Places. The historic or
                                                      Existing and projected water quality                                                                                                                  archaeological significance of a site may not be
                                          conditions within the vicinity of the access site                                                                                                                 obvious; therefore, during the site evaluation the
                                          should be assessed to determine the potential for                                                                                                                 appropriate State Historic Preservation Officer
                                          adverse changes being caused by access related                                                                                                                    should be contacted. Information regarding the
                                          factors. Strict erosion and sedimentation                                                                                                                         National Register of Historic Places and the
                                          measures should be implemented as part of the                                                                                                                     National Natural Landmark Program may be
                                          Best Management Practices to avoid degradation                                                                                                                    obtained from the National Park Service (see
                                          of waterquality during developmentof the access                                                                                                                   Appendix A-4).
                                          site.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     h) Other Considerations
                                                      f) Wetland Delineation                                                                                                                                         Other site features and related off-shore
                                                      The delineation of wetlands boundaries                                                                                                                conditions appropriate for inclusion in the
                                          should be determined by an on-site visit. In most                                                                                                                 environmental inventory may relate to:
                                          cases, the local delineation map or map series
                                          will be used in order to identify the general                                                                                                                     Scenic and Visual Opportunities
                                          location of wetlands. The National Wedand
                                          Inventory maps produced by the U.S. Fish and                                                                                                                               The identification of good and poor views
                                          Wildlife Service may also be useful in the general                                                                                                                both on-site and off-site should be considered.
                                          location of existing wetlands. The Combined                                                                                                                       An overall visual analysis of the site may be
                                          Federal Wetland Delineation Methodology                                                                                                                           necessary for the preservation of visual quality.
                                          should be followed for the site specific
                                          designation of wetland areas. This method is a                                                                                                                    Noise
                                          systematic approach which considers soils,
                                          hydrology, and vegetative characteristics of a                                                                                                                             The existing and projected noise levels at the
                                          site. The identification and delineation of                                                                                                                       development site and in the surrounding area
                                          wetlands should be accomplished pursuant to an                                                                                                                    should be assessed. Special attention should be.
                                          ob ective to avoid or minimize impacts to the                                                                                                                     given to the problems that traffic and traffic-
                                                 j
                                          resource.                                                                                                                                                         related noise could create for the user of the
                                                                                                                                                                                                            access trail and for sensitive habitats within the
                                                      g) Cultural Resources                                                                                                                                 natural area.

                                                      For interpretive and                                          educational purposes,
                                          the         location of site features and access trails
                                          within the natural area access site should protect












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                i)  Site Limitations                                      considered. However, the compatibility of these
                                                                          uses with one another and the resource must be
                Site limitations should be identified based               considered to avoid potential on-site conflicts.
            on the inventory and analysis of natural factors
            andenvironmentalconsideradons. A site analysis
            which outlines the physical opportunities and                    B. DESIGN CRITERIA
            constraints for a property should be conducted to
            facilitate the assessment of the site. This analysis             1. Site Plan Layo'ut
            may simply involve overlaying the identified
            environmental factors and evaluating the overall                 A natural area access site should be designed
            conditions of the site, noting areas which are not            to produce minimum disturbance to the
            suitable for developing.                                      environment, considering the safety and
                                                                          enjoyment of the users, the volume and type of
                Desirable Site Characteristics Includee                   traffic, the protection of adjacent resources, and
                                                                          the aesthetic quality of an area. The site plan
                    Natural areas which can provide                       layout should also incorporate features to
                    educational and interpretive                          mininfize adverse impacts on the environment
                    opportunities.                                        while providing passive recreation, educational
                                                                          opportunities, and interpretive features (see
                    Natural areas already coexisting with                 Figure V-1). Such an access site should exhibit
                    some level of human influence.                        a quality environment with low maintenance
                                                                          requirements.
                Undesirable Site Characteristics Include*
                                                                             2. Essential Elements and Desired
                    Sensitive plant and animal habitats which                     Relationships
                    would be disturbed by passive recreation
                    activity.                                                Essential elements and their location within
                                                                          natural areas include convenient access to the
                    Natural areas which are extremely                     site, designated trails, adequate parking,
                    remote, and ifdeveloped as access points,             picnicking areas, play -areas, restroom facilities,
                    would unnecessarily introduce human                   utilities, interpretive centers, and maintenance
                    influences.                                           facilities. A concept plan depicting the general
                                                                          relationship of the selected site elements may be
                j)  Compatibility Issues                                  helpful to establish the overall site plan layout;
                                                                          Figure: V-2 illustrates the preferred relationships
                Several passiverecreational oraccess-related              for these elements. Pedestrian access extends
            uses may be planned for a single access site                  from the parking area,to the interpretive center
            within a natural area.. For example, multi-use                and restroorn facilities. The trailhead for the
            trails for may be provided for walking, biking,               natural area is located at the interpretive center.
            and horseback riding. Facilities for picnicking,
            camping, fishing, and swimming may also be









                                                                                         Fieure: V-1
                                                                                         Natural Area Access
                                                                                         Schematic Plan





                                                                                         Retain or replant vegetation to
                                                                                         create buffer area between
                                                                                         adjacent land.



                                                                        Picnic Area



                                                                        Restroorns


                                                                                         Facilities located for easy access
                                                                                         to parking & trail-head






                                                       Interpretive
                                                       Center



                                              Trails







                                                                                                   Leizend:
                                                       Marsh
                                                                                                           Buffer


                                                                                                           Signage
                                                                                            TmmTff         Raised Boardwalk
                                                       Water



                     Source Recreation Plannine & Desien Criteria, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, July, 1987.











                                                Ffizure: V-2
                                 Concept Layout for Natural Area Access


            0.0 El 013000 D.0 0 [1 [3 0 0 0


                      Buffer                                        Buffer






                                                                  Picnic




                                              Parking









                                                Facilities 9



                 Legend:


                      Access Ro'ad

                      Vehicular Traffic

                      Pedestrian


                      Natural Buffer


                      Creek












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                         3.  Land Requirements                                       c) Vehicular Considerations

                     Specific site conditions, including habitat                     If natural area managers decide that roads
                requirements, land availability, environmental                    and parking areas are needed, these areas should
                factors, regulations, and proposed degree of use,                 be designed to have minimum impact on the
                must be assessed to determine the land                            natural resource. The use ofany type ofmotorized
                requirements and potential user capacity for a                    vehicles in areas other than on designated access
                particular access site. The land requirements for                 roads should be prohibited in natural areas. The
                the development of natural area access are entirely               destructive effects of vehicles and soil
                resource dependent. For example, the size and                     compaction related to vehicular use in these
                site conditions of a designated natural area                      areas has been proven to harm wildlife. Proposed
                determines the visitor capacity of the site. The                  access into a natural area should only be
                determined visitor capacity relates directly to                   developed where vehicle entrances are feasible
                the size and type of support facilities required for              and where the roadway does not interfere with
                the site.                                                         other uses, create safety hazards, or adversely
                                                                                  impact the area. External access roads to the site
                     a) Area HgQ     uirements                                    should meet secondary road standards with road
                                                                                  widths of at least 20 feet and shoulders or berms
                     Typical area requirements for natural area                   at least 4 feet wide. Guardrails or posts should
                facilities will vary according to other passive                   be provided on 6 foot enters for embankments
                recreational facilities and amenities planned at                  over 6 feet high on all internal and external
                the site. A natural area access may include                       access roads. Proper traffic signs should be
                facilities such as raised boardwalks and trails;                  posted.
                observation platforms and blinds along water
                resource areas for viewing unique natural                         Parking
                features, vegetation, and/or wildlife; access roads;
                parking; an interpretive center; and restroom                         Parking areas should be located within
                facilities. Additional amenities such as                          convenient walking distance of the pedestrian
                picnicking areas, camping areas, and other                        access facilities, trailheads, interpretive centers
                recreation-related facilities may be desired at                   and observation areas. Parking areas serving
                certain sites and may require additional land.                    natural area access should be located in areas
                                                                                  which cause the least direct and indirect
                     b) Water Dath and Subsurface Conditions                      disturbance to significant habitats. The amount
                                                                                  of parking should be determined from the
                     The water depth, subsurface conditions, and                  carrying capacity of the access site. In general,
                wetlands within a designated natural area should                  one parking space should be provided for every
                be left undisturbed. Water depth and subsurface                   three visitors. Additional parking may be
                conditions are not aconsideration fordetermining                  required where multiple use activities are
                the suitability of a site to function as a natural                provided. The layout of the parking area should
                area.                                                             minimize pedestrian conflict with vehicular areas
                                                                                  and circulation. The standard parking layout for












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                                                                                                                . ... . . . . .... . ... . . .                                 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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                                                                                      . . . . . . . . . .                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  . . . . . .                           . . . . .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          : : :X.X..   X :.:    :... ...    .. ': @:'* , "',,                                    .. . .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             . . ... . . . . . . . ....... . ... . . ..          . . . . . .              . ... . . . . . . .           . . . . . . .. . . . . .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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                                                                                                                               . .. . . . .... . . . . . . . . . .                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         . . . . .             . . . . . .
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ..............
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                                                                                                                                                                            . .. ..........          ........
                                                                                                                                           ...............                     ......                  ........                                                                                                                      ................. .



                                              compact and conventional types of automobiles                                                                                                                                                                             facilities.                                    Crosswalks                                           should                      be constructed
                                              is 150 cars*per acre. The spacing 'of parking                                                                                                                                                                             with curb ramps on each side                                                                                                    whenever they
                                              lanes should be 10 feet by 20 feet with a 25 foot                                                                                                                                                                         cross vehicular roads.
                                              turning strip between the two parking lanes for
                                              a total of 65 feet from end of car to end of car.                                                                                                                                                                                         e) Special Develgj@ment &guirements
                                              Bumper blocks and guardrails or posts should
                                              also be installed where necessary. In natural                                                                                                                                                                                             1) Unique Requirements
                                              areas, gravel and crushed stone surfaces are
                                              preferable to asphalt or concrete paving. Slope                                                                                                                                                                                           Each access site requires a different'.
                                              and drainage factors should be considered during                                                                                                                                                                          combination of development features which
                                              the design of these facilities. An adequate number                                                                                                                                                                        relate to the activities planned and the anticipated
                                              of parking spaces should @be provided for the                                                                                                                                                                             level of use for the specific site. The following
                                              physically handicapped. These spaces should.                                                                                                                                                                              elements should be considered during site
                                              be connected to a walkway suitable for                                                                                                                                                                                    development.
                                              handicapped access which leads to the site's
                                              support facilities and trails.                                                                                                                                                                                            Trails

                                                            d) Pedestrian Considerations                                                                                                                                                                                                Factors to consider when designing a trail
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        are alignment, topography, vegetative cover,
                                                            Designated pedestrian access should provide                                                                                                                                                                 aesthetic value, points of interest, road crossings
                                              safe connections to site facilities' including                                                                                                                                                                            or other potential dangers, and final destination.
                                              maintenance areas, parking lots, restrooms,                                                                                                                                                                               Trails should allow users to enjoy passive
                                              interpretive centers, and trails. These areas                                                                                                                                                                             activities such as nature photograpy,
                                              receiving high le                                                 'vel of pedestrian use should be                                                                                                                        birdwatching, and natural history interpretation.
                                              physically separated from vehicular traffic as a                                                                                                                                                                          The trail should begin and end near the
                                              safety precaution. These heavily used areas                                                                                                                                                                               interpretive building. The entrance should be
                                              should also be surfaced with a hard material,                                                                                                                                                                             clearly marked with a sign which includes a trail
                                              while trails and passive areas may be constructed'                                                                                                                                                                        map that marks the highlights of the area. An
                                              using more natural materials. Access walkways                                                                                                                                                                             interpretive trail could deal with the history of an
                                              should be designed for handicapped accessibility                                                                                                                                                                          area, the natural resources, and the different
                                              with'well -defined edges and should, be a                                                                                                                                                                                 habitats found on the land.
                                              minimum of 4 feet in width.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Trails can be designed for the visitor to travel
                                                            Raised boardwalks are generally appropriate                                                                                                                                                                 alongside, through, or over resource protected
                                              for access into natural areas where trails at grade                                                                                                                                                                       areas. This can be done by a raised boardwalk or
                                              are not feasible                                           ' or appropriate. The boardwalks                                                                                                                               footbridge which permits maximum observation
                                              should be a minimum of 4 feet wide with railings                                                                                                                                                                          without destruction to the protected areas. It is
                                              constructed'of treated wood with a slope of 5                                                                                                                                                                             recommended that trails lead to points of interest
                                              percent or less. When                                                                         on-site'grade change is                                                                                                     via routes carefully chosen to minimize erosion,
                                              greater than 5%, handicap'ramps should be                                                                                                                                                                                 soil'compaction, and disturbance to wildlife.
                                              provided to enhance accessibility to the site












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                    Foot trails should be designated for hiking             it should run along water bodies and habitat
                only. Motorized vehicles are not compatible                 areas of interest.
                with non-motor uses. Barriers such as logs,
                stairways, and narrow stream crossings can be               Trail Base Preparation
                utilized to discourage non-pedestrian users.
                However, some trails should be handicapped                      In preparing the base for atrail, the subsurface
                accessible.                                                 material and slope of the land should be
                                                                            considered. If the site is wet, the trail should be
                Trail Construction                                          raised six inches above the surrounding area.
                                                                            This is done through the use of board walls or
                    Trail dimensions should be based on the type            grading, if environmentally acceptable. In some
                and volume of use anticipated, on the stability of          situations trails may run along hillsides where
                native soil, and on the type of terrain along the           cuts must be made in' order to achieve level
                proposed route. Generally, a pedestrian trail               treads as shown in Figure: V-3.
                tread width should not be less than 2 feet wide for
                foot trails. Main trails should be approximately                The following characteristics should be
                6 feet wide and fire trails a minimum of 8 feet             incorporated in trail surfacing:
                wide. Additional width could be considered to
                reduce impacts from heavy traffic. As a rule of                 * Use of compacted materials.
                thumb, t he width of the trail varies according to
                its use. Short trails within heavily used recreation            *    Resistance to anticipated foot traffic and
                areas will normally be considerably wider than                       erosive factors.
                the trails designed for an area that will not be
                used as often. Bushes and trees that are in the                 *    Usability when wet, and minimal dust
                route of the trail should be cut flush with the                      when dry.
                ground. Trees and stumps should be removed if
                the tree roots will interfere with grading.                 Grade
                Overhead limbs should be removed to a height
                of 8 feet above the finish grade of the trail.                  Trails should be built to follow the contour
                                                                            of the land if at all possible. A grade of 10
                    Tread width - 2 feet minimum                            percent or less is recommended for ease of
                    Clearing width - 4 feet                                 hiking -and to prevent erosion.
                    Height of clearing - 8 feet minimum
                    Maximum sustained trail grades - 8-10%                  Length

                Trail Layout                                                    Trails should be of a loop design returning to
                                                                            their point of beginning. Options to terminate a
                    In general, the layout of the trail should be           hike or extend a hike for a greater distance along
                inconspicuous. The trail should have a variety of           the trail are desirable for day users.
                experiences taking advantage of views, open
                spaces and forested areas, and whenever possible,








                                                               Figure: V-3
                                                          Trail Construction





                                                                Surface materials - gravel,
                                                                chips, or paving
                                               Fill made
                                      from excavated material
                                                                                1z:








                                                       ...........

                                                                                 Width necessary to take
                                                                                 care of drainage

                                                                                 *Minimum ex6avation and fill
                                                                                 3" for trail and drainage













                                                                                         Pruning height 8'









                                                       Nlinimum 4'-0" desirable


             52urm* Trail Planning and Lay-QuL Ashbaugh, B.L., National Audubon Society, 1967.












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                Drainage                                                     Revegetation

                    Drainage is one of the most important items                   During the design and construction process
                in trail construction, Water must be kept within             adequate revegetation using native plant
                manageable limits to prevent erosion and                     materials should be planned for areas where
                maintain a trail throughout the year. To facilitate          existing vegetation had to be removed.
                surface runoff, the tread of the trail should be     *
                graded so that the outside is three inches lower                  2) Electricity
                than the inside edge along a hillside. This is
                referred to as outsloping. To prevent excess                      Public telephones should be placed where
                water from accumulating along a trail, water                 they are easily found, generally at comfort
                breaks or bars and grade dips may also be used.              stations, visitor information buildings, or near
                (see Figure: V-4)                                            the parking lot. All lines should be placed
                                                                             underground, unless special conditions make
                Surfacing                                                    such an installation impossible.

                    Surfacingis acostlyitem in trail construction                 Adequate lighting around the parking area
                and natural materials should be used wherever                should be considered for safety if the natural
                feasible. Hard surface materials may be used on              area will remain open after dusk. In order to
                walkways located at an interpretive center or at             reduce the impacts of night lighting on adjacent
                points of concentrated use. Otherwise, surfacing             land uses, low-height lighting fixtures are
                material that is durable and blends with the                 recommended. Lighting should be directed
                environment should be used.                                  toward the facility use areas, shielded from
                                                                             adjacent properties and vandal proof.
                Signage
                    Adequate signage is essential at the beginning                3) Water Supply and Distribution System
                of a trail, at intersections, and at locations on the             An adequate water supply and distribution
                trail where the direction is notreadily discernible.         system may be desirable to provide public
                Trail signs should include distances to various              drinking water and fire protection, and for the
                points of interest along the way. Frequent mileage           maintenance and operation of the access facility.
                markers along the trail are helpful to the hiker             It is recommended that the water supply,
                and useful in the operations and maintenance of              treatment, and distribution be planned to
                the park. Interpretive markers and information               complement the wastewater collection,
                are desirable features on any type of trail. Trail           treatment, and disposal system.
                signs should conform with the standards of the
                natural area.





                                                                                                                    P.









                                                             Figure: V-4
                                                           Trail Drainage





                             Drainagg
                             Remove loose earth and slide rock
                             2' to 3' above edge of cut if it is
                             obviously about to slide into the trail,

                                     Ground Surface





                                                      Clear tread of all rocks and
                                                      stumps. Leave no small rocks or
                                                              roots.






                                                     Fill ftorn                                    a         0
                                                     excavated material



                                                        Trail Construction





                                             Trails should be sloped to the outside to permit
                                             run-off.  Do not guiter trails on the inside cut.



                                                              Trail




                    Slope trail to outside

                                                      Minimum Trail Slope

            Source Trail Planning and Lay6u Ashbaugh, B.L., National Audubon Society, 1967.












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                                                                        Natural areas at remote sites which are open                                                                                                                                                               system; (2) processedin an on-site septic system;
                                                         as access sites on a limited basis would not                                                                                                                                                                              or (3) collected on site in a holding tank and
                                                         require restroom. facilities. In high use areas,                                                                                                                                                                          disposed off-site.
                                                         however, restroorn facilities should be connected
                                                         to an approved external public water system or                                                                                                                                                                                         5) Stormwater Management
                                                         an on-site well.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Parking areas may create potential
                                                                        The water supply and distribution system                                                                                                                                                                   environmental impact related to increase runoff
                                                         should be planned underthe direction of asanitary                                                                                                                                                                         on-site. Best management practices should be
                                                         engineer and should meet local planning and                                                                                                                                                                               implemented during site development and after
                                                         health department requirements.                                                                                                                                                                                           construction is completed to avoid or mitigate
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   these potential impacts. The following design
                                                                        4) Sewage Disposal/Restrooms                                                                                                                                                                               measures may be incorporated into the site design
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   for natural area access facilities to avoid or
                                                                        If use of a natural area is such that disposal                                                                                                                                                             alleviate site runoff.
                                                         and/or treatment of waste is necessary, all designs
                                                         for sewage disposal shall be in compliance with                                                                                                                                                                                                        Installation of catch basins and filters to
                                                         state and local requirements.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          trap pollutants. In natural areas
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                stormwater management devices should
                                                                        The most desirable method for sewage                                                                                                                                                                                                    be constructed of stone or made to blend
                                                         disposal is to tie into an existing system. If an                                                                                                                                                                                                      with the surrounding environment.
                                                         existing system is not available, on-site treatment
                                                         is required. Prior to the design of an on-site                                                                                                                                                                                                         Avoidance of direct channeling of runoff
                                                         treatment system, the proposed area for treatment                                                                                                                                                                                                      water onto tidal wetlands or other
                                                         should be evaluated according to local                                                                                                                                                                                                                 sensitive resource areas.
                                                         regulations. The design and specifications for
                                                         sewage disposal systems is site-specific.                                                                                                                                                                                                              Use of porous gravel or a perforated
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                paving block surfacing for parking areas
                                                                        Permanent restroorn facilities should be a                                                                                                                                                                                              and pedestrian walkways.
                                                         priority at larger heavily used natural area access
                                                         sites. The facilities should be sited conveniently
                                                         to the access trailhead and other support facilities.
                                                         The restroom facilities must meet the public
                                                         health requirements of local, state, and federal
                                                         agencies within whose jurisdiction they are to be
                                                         built. A minimum of one toilet fixture and
                                                         lavatory per sex for every 30 parking spaces is
                                                         recommended. Restrooms, should be designed
                                                         to meet all requirements for access to and use by
                                                         the handicapped. Waste-water from these
                                                         facilities may be (1) tied into the local sewer













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                      ..... ........          .. ....                                                      .......
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                                        ..........
                          ...... ...    ........          .........                                              X-1: U ........ ..

                                                                       ...................
                                 X.X.                                                           X



                C.MANAGEMENT/                                                    Stormwater facility upkeep
                    MAINTENANCE
                                                                                 Seasonal upkeep -preseason inspections,
                Management and        maintenance      refers  to                regular inspection schedules, etc.
            agency actions needed to'keep a facility           in'
            desirable condition for public use. Theobjectives                    Post-storm cleanup plan
            of appropriate management are to provide for
            user safety and convenient access and to protect                  The level of maintenance anticipated at a site
            adjacent resources. Unsafe conditions should be              is directly correlated with the use level at the
            corre .cted, as legal liabilities may be incurred if         facility andthe location of the site. Maintenance
            situations prove unsafe.                                     at public sites is an extremely important issue as
                                                                         it relates directly to the safe use of the facility-
                1.  Maintenance Concerns
                                                                              2. Management Concerns
                To- ensure that the maintenance objectives
                                                                              The primary objective for the management
            are met, the maintenance plan may be established             of natural area access is to maintain the integrity
            as a matrix outlining the types of tasks and the
            frequency with which each would be required.                 of thenatural area being protected while allowing
            Categories of maintenance frequency generally                pu .blic access for interpretive, educational, and
            include frequent (weekly to daily), periodic (less           scientific purposes. The management concerns
                                                                         for each natural area site will vary according to
            than weekly), and special (as needed). The                   the setting, use patterns, and natural features
            following maintenance duties should be                       found there. Management plans based on the
            considered in developing a maintenance plan:
                                                                         preservation of the ecosystem and biological
                    Restroom cleanup (if applicable)                     requirements of rare species and other special
                                                                         features are recommended for each natural area
                    Maintaining    a regular trash collection            site.
                    schedule


                    Parking/pavement access maintenance
                    and litter control


                    Maintenance of signage and interpretive/
                    educational display

                    Lighting maintenance


                    Trail maintenance


                    Landscape maintenance/mowing












                                                                               ..... ............. ....
                                             ....           ... ...

                                                                                        . ... ...... ......
                                 ...............
                               ...... ....
                                                                                                    . . ........ .... ......
                  -ji n1loara           ny-1--.....                                            * " @@. -F--
                                                                                          . .. . . . ...... ..
                ............. . ....                          . ........... ................
                  .................                  ................ ........... ......... ....... ....... . .. ...............
                                     ....................
                                                       .. .. .... . ...

                                                                                                    ..... . ................
                               ': ............ .... ... ....I.................. ... ....... .... ... .......-
                                                                                           ............. ........



                  American National Standards Institute, Inc. Providing Accessibility and Usability for Physically
                         Handicapped F&Wle, February, 1986.

                  Chesapeake Bay Program. Agreement Commitment Report. Ches2=ake Bay Watershed Develol2M-e,-nl
                         Policies & Gui@klines, January, 1989.

                  Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Overlay
                         District: A Model Ordinance, 1989.


                  Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department, Local AgsistanCe Manual, November, 1989.

                  Chesapeake Bay Program. Agreement Commitment Report. Public AcceSs Strategy, July, 1988.

                  Chesapeake Bay Program. Agreement Commitment Report. Technical Assistance & Incentives to
                         Local Governments, December, 1988.

                  Chesapeake Research Consortium Report Number 8. Shoreline Erosion in Tidewater Vir
                         Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point, Virginia, August, 1977.

                  Dietrich, Norman. Kerr's Cost Data for Landscape Construction, 1990.

                  Dunham and Finn. Small Craft Harbors: Design. Construction. and Qperation, December, 1974.

                  Energy & Coastal Zone Administration. Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Recreational
                         Boating on the Tidal Waters gf Maaland A Management Planning Study, 1976.

                  Fogg, G. Park Planning Guidelines, National Society for Park Resources, 1975.

                  Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service. U.S. Department of Interior. A Guidr, to Designing
                         Accessible Outdoor Recreation Facilities. Lake Central Regional Office, Ann Arbor,
                         Michigan, January, 1980.

                  Hockin, Goodall, Whittow'. The Site Requirements and Planning of Outdoor Recreation Activities,
                         1977.


                  Hooper, Lennon. NPS Trails Management Handbook. U.S. Department of the Interior,
                         National Park Service, 1988.


                  Lancaster, R. Recreation. Park and Qpen Space Standards and Guidelines National Recreation and
                         Park Association, 1987.











                                           ............
                .........................
                                           ....... .......
                                                             .............
                              ..... ........                                                               ...........  ......
                              ............
                                                                                   ..............            . ..........
                                                                .............................
                                                                  ........ .. ........
                                                                  ........ ...
                                                                   ..........I........
                                                           ..........  ...............
                             Q,     n:                                 . . . ..... .... . . ..
                                          Y, .. . ... . ...                                                  ........
                                                                         ................ ......... ... .... ....
                                                                  . ...... .....
                                                  ............. ......                       . ... ...
                                                            ........ . ........
                                           .... .......... .............
                                                                                                  .............. ..

                                   .......... .......
                                                                                                           .........................



               Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Waterway Improvement Division, Boating
                      Administration. Launching Facility Guidelines. Annapolis, Maryland, September, 1988.

               -Maryland Office of Planning. M=Iand Land Preservation and Recreatign Plan, December, 1989.

               The National Water Safety Congress. Planning. Design. Qperation & Maintenance of Inland Water
                      Swimming Beaches, 1988.

               Rea, Phillip, and Roger Warren. Recreation Management of Water Resources, Publishing Horizons,
                      NC, 1986.

               Simonds, John 0. Earthscape: A Manual of Environmental Planning. McGraw-Hill Book Company,
                      1978.


               State Organization for Boating Access. Handbook for the Location. Design. Construction. Q12eration..
                      and Maintenance of Boat Launching Facilities. Washington, D.C., March, 19,89.

               U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Chesaeake Bay Study. Summaj:@ Rr4=. Baltimore District,
                      September, 1984.

               U-.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Recreation Pljnning and Design Criteria-Engiueering Manual.
                      Washington, D.C., July, 1987.

               U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. S h= Erosion Control: A Guide for Waterfront               Owners in
                      the Chesapeake Bay Area. Baltimore District, June, 1977.

               U.S. Department ofCommerce. Coastal Recreation: A Handbook for Planners and Managers. Office
                      of Coastal Zone Management, Washington, D.C., January, 1976.

               U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV. Coastal Marinas Assessment Handbook.
                      Atlanta, Georgia, April, 1985.

               U.S. General Services Administration, et. al. Uniform Federal Accessibilij@y Standards August,
                      1984.


               Virginia Council on the Environment. Development Policies and Guidelines. Richmond, Virginia,
                      October, 1989.

               Virginia Council on.the Environment. Shoreline ManagementQpt    ions for Virginia Coastal Localities
                      Vol@me 1. Institute for Environmental Negotiation, University of Virginia, August, 1988.












                                                                                   @XXXX.X:...
                                      X                                                                                                                                                 ...........                    ........................................
                                                                                                                                                       ............                          . .............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ..................   ........
                                                                                 .................. ....                                                                                                                                                                                 .... ..           ...... ....... .

                                                                                                                        A
                                                                                                                                                                                .... ......                    .......                                                                       .......

                                                  .............                                                                                 .............
                                            ....... ......                                                              W   ... XXXXXXXXIX.I......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ..........
                                                                                                            .................
                                                                                                                                          . .........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ............    . .......
                                                                                                                    ......................                                       .........                                                 ...... .                 ..........
                                                                                                                 .............................    .......  ......               ........                             ..........  .-  ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                          .............. -        . -       ............. ........              ..............



                                               Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Distribution of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in the
                                                                    Chesapeake Bay & Tributaries & Chincoteague BU, 1987.

                                               Virginia Marine Resource Commission. Coastal Prim= Sand Dunes/Reaches Guidelines. August,
                                                                    1986.


                                               Washington State Department of Ecology. Shoreline Public Acgess Handbook. Review Draft.
                                                                    Washington, July, 1988.

                                                Wilson, K. Handbook for the Location. Design. Construction. Operation and Maintenance of Boat
                                                                    Launching Facilities. March, 1989.
















                                                                                                                                    @A


























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               STATE GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

               The following is a list of state government agencies providing assistance to localities planning public
           access.


               VIRGINIA


               Dept. of Conservation & Recreation                      Dept. of Transportation
               Division of Soil & Water Conservation                   1401 East Broad.Street
               Division of Planning & Recreation Resources             Richmond, VA 23219
               203 Governor Street                                     Attn: Aerial Photography Dept.
               Richmond, VA 23219                                      (804) 786-2575
               (804) 786-2064 and 786-2556                             FAX (804) 786-1788
               FAX (804) 786-6141

               Council on the Environment                              Dept. of Waste Management
               903 Ninth Street Office Building                        10 1 North 14th S treet I I th Floor
               Richmond, VA 23219                                      Richmond, VA 23220-
               (804) 786-4500                                          (804) 225-2667
               FAX (804) 225-3933                                      FAX (804) 225-3753
               TDD (804) 786-6152                                      TDD (804) 371-8737

               Dept. of Forestry                                       Virginia Institute*of Marine Science
               P.O. Box 3758                                           The College of William & Mary
               Charlottesville, VA 22903                               Gloucester Point, VA 23062
               (804) 293-8605                                          (804) 642-7000

               Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries                        Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Dept.
               4010 West Broad Street                                  7.01 Eighth Street Office Building
               P.O. Box 11-104                                         Richmond, VA 23219
               Richmond, VA 23230                                      (804) 225-3440
               (804) 367-1000                                          TDD 800-243-   7229
               FAX (804) 367-914T                                      FAX (804) 225-3447
               TDD 800-252-7717                                        (See Appendix C for Requirements of the
                                                                       Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.)

               Virginia Dept. of Health                                Virginia Marine Resources Commission
               Division of Waste Water Engineers                       P.O. Box 756
               903A Madison Blvd.                                      Newport News, VA 23607
               109 Governor St.                                        (804) 247-2200
               Richmond, VA 23219













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                                       .... ..............
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                 MARYLAND


                 Dept. of Natural Resources                             Dept. of Natural Resources
                 Boating Administration                                 Tidewater Administration
                 902A Commerce Road                                     Coastal Resources Division
                 Annapolis, NO 21401                                    Tawes State Office Building
                 (301) 974-7616 (Planning and Policy)                   Annapolis, NID 21401
                 (301) 841-5607 (Waterway Improvement Division)         (301) 974-3382

                 Dept. of Natural Resources                             Dept. of Transportation
                 Forest, Park and Wildlife Service                      State Highway Administration
                 Tawes State Office Building                            707 North Calvert Street
                 580 Taylor Avenue                                      Baltimore, MD 21202
                 Annapolis, MD 21401                                    (301) 333-1122
                 (301) 974-3195

                 Dept. of Natural Resources                             Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission
                 Capital Programs Administration                        275 West Street, Suite 320
                 2012 Industrial Drive                                  Annapolis, NM 21401
                 Annapolis, MD 21401                                    (301) 974-2426
                 (301) 974-7656 (Land Planning Services)
                 (301) 974-7231 (Program Open Space)
                 (301) 974-7853 (Shore Erosion Control)
                 (301) 974-7741 (Engineering Services)
                 (301) 974-7250 (Enterprise Development)













                                         APPENDIX                                        A-3






                                          PENNSYLVANIA


                                          Pennsylvania Fish Commission
                                          450 Robinson Lane
                                          Bellefonte, PA 16823
                                          (814) 359-5127



                                          DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA


                                          District of Columbia
                                          Dept. of Recreation and Parks
                                          3149 l6th Street, N.W.
                                          Washington, D.C. 20010
                                          (202) 673-7692


                                          District of Columbia
                                          Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
                                          Environmental Control Division
                                          5000 Overlook Drive, S.W.
                                          Washington, D.C. 20032


                                          National Park Service
                                          National Capital Region
                                          Land Use Coordination
                                          1100 Ohio Drive, S.W.
                                          Washington, D.C. 20242
 











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                 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RESOURCES


                 The following is a list of federal government agencies to contact for information.

                 U.S. Dept. of Agriculture                               U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
                 Soil Conservation Service                               Baltimore District
                 Virginia Office                                         P.O. Box 1715
                 400 North 8th Street, 9th Floor                         Baltimore, MI) 21203
                 Richmond, VA 23240-9999                                 (301) 962-3070
                 (804) 771-2463

                 U.S. Dept. of Agriculture                               U *S. Army Corps of Engineers
                 Soil Conservation Service                               U.S. Army Engineer District, CENAP
                 Maryland Office                                         U.S. Custom House
                 John Hanson Business Center                             Second and Chestnut Streets
                 339 Revell Highway, Suite 301                           Philadelphia, PA 19106-2991
                 Annapolis, NO 21401                                     (215) 597-0703
                 (301) 757-0861                                          (215) 597-4848

                 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency                    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
                 Region Three Office                                     Norfolk District
                 841 Chestnut Building                                   803 Front Street
                 Philadelphia, PA 19107                                  Norfolk, VA 235 10
                 (215) 597-9800                                          (804) 441-7652

                 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency                    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
                 401 M Street, S.W.                                      Northwest Office
                 Washington, D.C. 20460                                  One Gateway Center, Suite 700
                 (202) 382-5043                                          Newton Comer, MA 02158
                                                                         (617) 965-5100

                 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency                    National Park Service
                 Chesapeake Bay Program Liaison Office                   Planning Department
                 410 Sevem Avenue                                        Mid-Atlantic Region
                 Annapolis, MI) 21403                                    143 South Third Street
                 (301) 266-6873                                          Philadelphia, PA 19106
                 National Park Service, National Registry Pro grams      (215) 597-7386
                 U.S. Department of the Interior
                 P.O. Box 37127
                 Washington, D.C. 20013-7127
                 (202) 343-9559











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                                         COST ESTIMATE


                                         The following provides general cost estimate information for the construction of items commonly
                               used in access facilities. It is necessary to add 4 to 10 percent for architecture and engineering costs and
                               10 percent for contingency events. The costs shown are for budget and preliminary cost estimate only.
                               In order to achieve a more accurate estimate, the estimator must consider quantities of material, prices
                               of material and labor within the area of the access site as well as the location of the site itself (e.g.,
                               remotely located, near an urban area or a major highway, etc.), the anticipated length of time of
                               construction, bid preparation time, availability of contractors, and the complexity of the job.














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                                              DESCRIPTION                                                                                                                                                               UNIT                                    COST


                                               1. Site development

                                                                  Clearing and grubbing

                                                                            General: clean brush & saplings;                                                                                                            Per acre                                $700-$1,000

                                                                            Select: handwork                                                                                                                            Per acre                                $1,200 -$2,000

                                                        * Grading

                                                                            Rough grade: furnish & spread topsoil
                                                                                      4" deep & fine grade                                                                                                              M.S.F.                                  $305

                                                        * Roads, parking spurs & parking lots

                                                                            Asphalt surface 3" thick on 4" compacted
                                                                                      base & subgrade (over 10,000 S.F.)                                                                                                S.Y.                                    $12.00

                                                                            Crushed stone 4" thick compacted on
                                                                                      compacted subgrade (over 2,000 S.F.)                                                                                              S.Y.                                    $10.50

                                                                            Shoulders, 2" gravel                                                                                                                        L.F.                                    $1.50

                                                                            Curbs, 6" x 12" vertical concrete
                                                                                      cast in place, includes excavation
                                                                                      & backfill                                                                                                                        L.F.                                    $9.50

                                                                            Parking, 2" gravel on prepared
                                                                                      compacted base                                                                                                                    Perspace                                $400

                                                                  Sidewalks


                                                                            Concrete, 6" reinforced with 6"
                                                                                      gravel base broom finish includes
                                                                                      expansion joints
                                                                                      (1,000 S.F. or less)                                                                                                              S.Y.                                    $53.00
                                                                                      (Over 1,000 S.F.)                                                                                                                 S.Y.                                    $49.00











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               DESCRIPTION                                                        UNIT           COST


                        Brick pavers, 2 1/4" thick on
                           finished compacted subgrade with
                           dry joints and 2" sand base                            S.Y.           $7.00

                        Trails


                        Hiking, 4'wide, clearing & grading
                           includes drainage structureg,'prepared
                           4" base, V' asphalt surfacing                          L,F.           $12.00

                        Bicycle, 8'wide, clearing & grading
                           includes drainage structures, prepared
                           4" base, 1" asphalt surfacing                          L.F.           $20.00

                        Fishing piers

                        Decking, pressure treate d wood, 30" above'
                           grade; 2" x 6" decking; 4" x 8".beams;
                           2" x 8" joists @ TO.C.; 4" x 4" posts;
                           concrete footings                                      S.F.           $10.00

                        Railings, 2" x 4" posts pressure treated
                           wood & galvanized hardware                             L.F.           $15.00


                        Boat launching ramp

                        2 lane concrete ramp with courtesy dock                                  $26,000

                        Picnic shelter                                            S.F.           $30.00


                        Children's play areas
                           Depends on size, age group, and amount
                           -of custom design                                                     $10,000 -$50,000

                        Grass seeding

                           Hand seeding, fine grading, fertilizer                 Per Acre       $1,800
                               & mulching

















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                                        . ... ......                 ........
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                   DESCRIPTION                                                             UNIT            COST


                            Hydroseeding, fine grading, fertilizer                         M.S.F.          $55.00
                                    & mulching

                            Swimming facilities

                            Beaching areas, complete, including beach sand,
                                lifeguard chairs, buoy lines, beach house
                                (dressing rooms, restrooms, showers, concession,
                                lifeguard and first aid quarters, storage, power,
                                water & sewage), parking, landscaping, plumbing
                                and electricity, etc.                                                      $900,000+

                            Buildings

                            Office, maintenance building, etc.                             S.F.            $60.00

                   2. Utilities


                            Storm sewage systems

                            Sewage treatment plant (secondary treatment)
                                installed cost. The cost of treatment plants
                                will depend on type of units and degree of
                                treatment required. These costs assume that
                                there is no tertiary treatment required.
                                However, the standards and requirements
                                are established by the prevailing state
                                federal agencies for the particular site          10,000 gal/day           $60,000
                                                                                  20,000 gal/day           $75,000
                                                                                  100,000 gal/day          $200,000
                                                                                  200,000 gal/day          $350,000











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                                              DESCRIPTION                                                                                                                                                                                   UNIT                                         COST


                                                                       Water and sewage lines

                                                                                Average cost per linear foot                                                                                                                                                                             $10.00
                                                                                           Prices vary according to size and
                                                                                           type of pipe and the amount of excavation
                                                                                           involved; so if the total linear feet of
                                                                                           all types of pipe on a project is multi-
                                                                                           plied by $10, a reasonably accurate
                                                                                           figure should be obtained for an
                                                                                           overall estimate.


                                                                                                      Sewage lines                                                                                                                          L.F.                                         $12.00 - $15.00

                                                                                                      Forced mains                                                                                                                          L.F.                                         $20.00 - $25.00


                                                                                                      Manholes                                                                                                                                                                           $500-$700

                                                                                                      Hydrants                                                                                                                                                                           $600-$700



                                                                       Water reservoir


                                                                                50,000 gal. prestressed concrete
                                                                                           including mechanical equipment-                                                                                                                                                               $55,000 - $70,000

                                                                                50,000 gal. steel, including mechanical equipment                                                                                                                                                        $40,000 - $55,000

                                                                       Sewage pump station                                                                                                                                                                                               $55,000

                                                                       Electric power lines & equipment

                                                                                Overhead                                                                                                                                                    L.F.                                         $350


                                                                                Overhead lines (4 aluminum triplex
                                                                                           wire) (per 1,000)                                                                                                                                L.F.                                         $180-$200

                                                                                Undergr                                                                                                                                                     L.F.
                                                                                                        pund, direct-burial cable                                                                                                                                                        $8.00 - $10.00











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                                       .. ..........
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                 DESCRIPTION                                                    UNIT            COST


                            Insulated direct-burial cable copper,
                                single-conductor (per 1,000)                    L.F.            $530

                            30' class 3 wood poles, installed
                                (shipping not included)                         E, a            $250

                            Metering equipment & service equipment              Ea              $300


                            NOTE:      These are minimum figures. Estimating for utilities is highly variable as far
                                        as costs are concerned. If extensive work is proposed, contractors and utility
                                       companies usually are helpful in providing needed information.





                 ABBREVIATIONS


                 M.S.F = Thousand square feet
                 S.Y. = Square Yard
                 C.Y. = Cubic Yard
                 S.F. = Square Foot
                 L.F. = Linear foot
                 Ea = Each
                 O.C. = On Center












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                               Requirements ofthe Virginia Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act


                In 1988, the Virginia General Assembly passed the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act to address the
            degradation of the waters of the Bay by nonpoint source pollutants such as sediment, nutrients, and
            hydrocarbons. To implement the Act, the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Board issued regulations
            which Tidewater local governments must adopt into comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and
            subdivision ordinances. - The regulations apply to all land use and development activities within
            Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas (sensitive lands adjacent to the Bay and its tributaries). The goal
            of the regulations is to achieve a no net increase of pollutants resulting from new development activities,
            a 10% decrease in pollutants resulting from redevelopment activities, and a 40% decrease in polluntants
            resulting from land uses such as agriculture and forestry.

                Under the Act, land use and development activities are stringently regulated within tidal shorelines,
            tidal wetlands, streamside wetlands, and the 100-foot vegetated buffer area landward of these features.
            Redevelopment of existing structures and construction of water-dependent facilities are the only two
            types of development activity allowed- within these areas. "Water-dependent facilities" is defined to
            include both public recreation areas and boat docking structures. However, development of water-
            dependent facilities is neverthless. subject to certain performance standards which will ensure the
            protection of water quality.

                T he first of these requirements is that the location of a proposed facility must be in accordance with
            the.local comprehensive plan. Thus, as part of the planning process associated with the Act, Tidewater
            Virginia local governments must address the issue of water-dependent facilities in their comprehensive
            plans. The plan must identify potential conflicts between increasing recreational opportunities on the
            Bay and the protection of water quality.

                To accomplish this, Tidewater local governments will be identifying areas where water quality/
            resource protection should take precedence over the construction or expansion of boat related facilities.
            The planning objective is to designate particular creeks and shorelines for intensive recreational uses
            such as marinas and other areas for passive recreation and limited boat usage. In this way, public access
            goals are achieved while protecting important living resources such as wetlands, submerged aquatic
            vegetation, and shellfish grounds.

                Under the Act, the construction ofwater-dependent facilities is subject to site design require mients
            which are intended to minimize adverse waterquality impacts. These requirements will vary from
            locality to locality, since the state regulations are tailored to meet local condi'tions. Ge'nerally, however,
            the developerof a water-dependent facility will have to prepare a water quality impact assessment as part
            of the plan review process. This assessment should delineate the boundaries of all sensitive land features
            and include ecological, hydrological, and landscaping considerations. The proposed facility will have
            to be designed so that all non-water-dependant components of the project are located outside of the 100












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              foot buffer area. Land disturbance will be restricted to the minimum necessary, and access ways through
              the buffer to the shoreline must be carefully planned. In addition, construction of the non-water-
              dependent components will be subject to stringent erosion and sediment control and stormwater
              management standards.

                  The Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department, the state agency responsible for the implementation
              of the Act, is providing Tidewaer local governments with technical assistance in the adoption of the
              water-dependant facilities requirements. The Department's Local Assistance Manual will soon contain
              planning and site design recommendations for water-dependent facilities. The Department may be
              contacted at (804) 225-3440.
























                                                          5



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                              The Maryland Chesapeake Bay         Critical Area Protection Program


               (The following is excerpted from the brochure "CHESAPEAKE BAY CRITICAL AREA
           PROGRAM...and how it effects you", prepared by the Governor's Office of Chesapeake Bay Public
           Information and the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission.)



               The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission was established by law in 1984 (Annotated Code
           of Maryland, Natural Resources Article, ï¿½8-101 - -ï¿½8-1816) to develop a protection program for the
           vitally important land and water resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

               The "Critical Area" consists of all land within 1,000 feet of the mean high water line of tidal waters
           or the landward edge of tidal wetlands or tributary streams. It also includes the tidal waters themselves,
           and the lands under those waters. Sixty counties and towns in Maryland are affected by the Critical Area
           Law.,

               The Critical Area Commission consists of 26 members appointed by the Governor. The members
           represent a variety of public and private interest groups, including state and local governments,
           developers, erivrionnientalism, foresters, and farmers. 'Me Commission also has a Chairman, an
           Executiv  e Director, and staff w ho oversee  implementation of th  e Critical Area Law.

               The Commission was charged with developing a Critical Area Protection Program to meet the
           following three goals:

                   Minimize adverse impacts on water quality that result from pollutants that are discharged from
                   structures or conveyances that have run off from surrounding Jands;
                   Conserve fish, wildlife, and plant habitat in the Critical Area; and
                   Establish land use policies for development in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area which
                   accommodate growth and also address the fact that, even if pollution is controlled, the number,
                   movement, and activities of persons in an area can create adverse environmental impacts.

               To carry out its goals, the Commission established criteria for the protection of the Critical Area.
           These criteria were to be used by the 60 affected j uri sdictions (16 counties and 44 towns) to develop and
           implement their own Critical Area Programs.

               WATER-DEPENDENT FACILITIES IN THE CRITICAL AREA


               Water-dependent facilities, such as marinas, piers, or docks, are facilities that require location at or
           near the shoreline. The Critical Area criteria, through the local jurisdictions, makes provisions for the
           development of these facilities, but only if they meet certain criteria.











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                   COMMERCIAL MARINAS AND PIERS


                   Commercial marinas in the Critical Area must meet guidelines that include the following:

                   ï¿½   No new marinas are allowing in Resource Conservation Areas unless they are part of a public
                       project.
                   *   New or expanded marinas are permitted in Intensely Developed and Limited Development Areas
                       under certain criteria.
                   ï¿½   Existing marinas in Resource Conservation Areas may be expanded if there are no adverse effects
                       on water quality as determined by the local jurisdictions.

                   COMMUNITY PIERS


                   Noncommercial piers, including community or neighborhood facilities, may be located in the
               Critical Area under these conditions:


                   ï¿½ They may not offer food, fuel, or other sales of goods.
                   * They must be community owned.
                   ï¿½ Certain guidelines for slip and mooring density for community piers are followed.

                   OTHER FACILITIES


                   Provisions are also made for the location of other types of water-dependent facilities in the Critical
                Area.  Water-dependent facilities are regulated as to their location and type of activity. For example:

                   *   Industrial- and port-related facilities are only permitted along the shoreline of Intensely
                       Developed Areas.
                   *   Public beaches and other public water-oriented recreation or education areas are permitted
                       provided adequate sanitary facilities are provided, minimal disturbance to vegetation occurs, and
                       permeable surfaces are used.
                   *   Research facilities and fisheries activities can locate along the shoreline. However, structures
                       not considered to be water-dependent (e.g., parking lots) must be kept out ot the 100 foot buffer.

                   For more information please contact:

                               Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission
                               275 West Street, Suite 320,
                               Annapolis, MD 21401
                               (301) 974-7656












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                                          Berm - A narrow raised ridge of soil that provides a visual screen, absorbs sound, or channels
                                                 overland water flow.


                                          Buffer - The separation of use areas at public facilities from neighboring properties consisting of
                                                 either natural or established vegetation.

                                          Culvert - A drain or waterway structure, usually under a roadway.

                                          Cutting side - 'Me side, generally of a river, on which the. current has an erosive effect.

                                          Fetch - Open water distance over which wind blows unimpeded.

                                          Floodplains - All lands that would be inundated by flood water as a result of a storm event of a 100-
                                                 year return interval.

                                          Impervious surface - Materials through which water will not pass (i.e., roofs, sidewalks, roads, etc.).

                                          Littoral drift - The movement of sand or other natural materials along a shoreline. The drift is the
                                                 direction toward which the material is moved.


                                          Mean low water - An *average of all measurements of low water over a given period.

                                          Percent of grade                                 The. rise or fall of a surface. The percent is determined by dividing the change
                                                 in vertical height by the horizontal distance and multiplying the results by 100.

                                          Sediments - Eroded soils and other materials that are transported from the land into rivers and the
                                                 Bay.

                                          Siltation - 71be deposition or accumulation of silt and sediment.

                                          Wake - The track left by a ship or other body in the water usually in the form of waves moving from
                                                 and at an angle to the ship or other body.

                                          W  etland - Land that under normal circurnstances has sufficient water to support wetland vegetation
                                                 or aquatic life.




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