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13400 D R A F T COASTAL ZONE INFORMATION CENTER CHESAPEAKE BAY: INVENTORY OF POTENTIAL SHORELINE ACCESS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE AREAS PART I: THE WEST SHORE Dept. of Natural Resources GV191.42.M3C5 1973 pt. 1 Prepared by: GV 191.42 Maryland Department of Natural .M3 Resources C5 Program Planning and Evaluation 1973 Section pt. 1 April, 1973 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction II. Site Evaluation: The Regional Perspective A. Summary of County Based Evaluation B. Regional Evaluation C. Areas with Outstanding Potential for More than One Use Activity III. Generalized Recreational Demands A. Southern Maryland Region B. Baltimore Region IV. Charles County A. Introduction B. Inventory C. Summary of Use Potential V. St. Mary's County A. Introduction B. Inventory C. Summary of Use Potential VI. Calvert County A. Introduction B. Inventory C. Summary of Use Potential VII. Anne Arundel County A. Introduction B. Inventory C. Summary of Use Potential VIII. Baltimore County A Introduction B. Inventory C. Summary of Use Potential IX. Harford County A. Introduction B. Inventory C. Summary of Use Potential INTRODUCTION The "Chesapeake Bay: Inventory of Potential Shoreline Access, Recr,eation and Open Space Areas" was undertaken in the summer of 1972 in order to identify shoreline areas in Maryland that are predominately unpre-empted by human use, and to evaluate the potential of these areas to provide opportunities for public recreation, open space, or water access.. The inventory is divided into two parts. Part I, "The West Shore", covers the shoreline of Chesapeake Bay and its immediate sub-bay regions in St. Maryls, Calvert, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Harford Counties, and the shoreline of the lowerPotomac River estuary and its immediate sub-bay regions in St Mary's and Charles Counties. Part II, "The t;ast Shore", covers the shoreline of Chesapeake Bay and its immediate sub-bay regions i n Cecil, Kent, Queen Annes, Talbot, Dorchester, Sommerset, and Wicomico Counties, and the shoreline of Chincoteaque/Sinepuxent/ Assawoman Bays in Worchester County. Areas along the shoreline that are undeveloped or sparsely developed or areas generally unpre-empted by some other land use (e.g., housing, commercial activity, agriculture, etc.) are described and evaluated in relation to their natural suitability to provide beach swimming, boat launching, pier fishingg camping, picnicking, or a natural area*. Each area, where appropriate, is described according to its location, accessibility, size, adjacent land aseq length and type of shoreline, topography, and vegetative cover. Where localized evidence, such as numerous fallen shoreline:trees, indicates high erosion rates, it is subjectively noted. Areas are evaluated as having either high, low or ze ro potential for each of the particular use activities, both in relation to other areas within *The term "natural arealf will include natural environment areas, open space, wildlife management areas, and the activities of nature study and nature walking. the county and in relation to other areas within the region (i.e., the "East Shore" or the "West Shore"). Information in the inventory was generally obtained from 1:12,000 scale true color aerial photography provided by the Maryland Wetlands Division and 1:24,000 scale false color infra-red photography provided by the Maryland Geological Survey. Onsite inspections were made of over one half of the areas inventoried. Areas are referred to by name and number and correspond, by number, to the areas depicted on the county maps. Areas delineated on the 1:62,500 scale county maps as striped regions generally represent the extent of the undeveloped or sparsely developed region.. This extent is generally determined by a major change in land use or by a major roadway. For,purposes of recreational use, it is possible to consider a smaller, or in some cases a larger area than that discussed. Several areas depicted on the maps as undeveloped areas do not have corresponding descriptions in the text* These areas were felt to offer little potential for use as recreation or open space areas, In addition to site descriptions and evaluations, information describing generalized recreation demand and recreation supply deficits is provided for the Chesapeake Bay region. Additional information is provided for each county describing existing patterns of population growth, land use, sources-of employment', development trends and existing opportunities for public recreation. Site Evaluation: The Regional Perspective A. Summary of County Based Evaluation: Following the shoreline inventory for each county is an evaluation of the relative recreation or open space potential of each site as it relates to other sites within the county. Every site is evaluated in relation to its potential for beach swimming, picnicking, camping, pier fishing, boat launching, and a natural area. 6ites were evaluated as having a "high potential" (H) for a particular use category when it was felt that they offered high potential relative to other areas in the county. Sites were evaluated,as having a "low potential" (L) for a particular use activity when potential existed but was felt to be low relative to other within the county.' Sites were evaluated as having 11no potential" (0) for a particular use activity when it was felt that they had no, or extremely limited,-potential. Those areas evaluated as having a high potential for a particular use relative to other areas within a county are summarized in Tables The county-based site evaluations are subjective in nature and are based solely upon the area@s intrinsic physical suitability to support a particular use activity with a minimum of alteration. No, attempt was made to define sets of universal criteria by which each activity could be numerically and systematically evaluated and compared. Several proceedures were examined by which relevant evaluation criteria are weighted, scaled, balanced, etc. but it was felt that these systems were either numerical-extrapolations of an initial subjective input, or were too burdensome or'time consuming for their ultimate value or usefullness. Generalized criteria considered in the evaluation of each site are listed in Table 7* The list of general criteria in Table 7 indicates that sites were evaluated primarily for their physical attributes* Consideration was not given to the various spatialq politicalt economic, and land tenure considerations that can influence the feasibility or suitability of utilizing an arda for a particular recreation or open space activity. In additiong no attempt was made to assess the relative suitabilit y of an area for other, non-recreatior/open space related, uses. As the shoreline access, recreation and open space inventory was conducted primiarily from aerial photographs, the thoroughness or completeness of the inventory is largely related to the acreage of the areas inventoried. It can be considered that the inventory of sites larger than 100 acres is relatvely complete. The inventory of sites smaller than 100 acres - and especially sites smaller than 20 acres - should be considered as being less complete. Correspondingly, the lists of sites Ievaluated as having a.11high potential" for particular use activities should be consid ered to be the most complete for those activities requiring relatively large acreages - such as campingg natural areast and to a lesser extent, swimming beaches. The list of "high potential" sites should be considered less complete for those activities requiring relatively small acreages such as picnicking, boat launching, ahd pier fishing. B. aegional Evaluation: Those areas cited in Tables 1-6 of the county based evaluat ion as having high potential for.camping, beach swimming, pier fishing, or a natural area relative to other areas within a county were evaluated in relation to all such areas in all counties on the west shore of the Chesapeake Bay'and the shoreline of the Potomac River in St. Mary's and Charles Counties. Those areas regarded as having outstanding potential (H*) relative to all areas in this region are listed in Tables 8-11. The Regional Evaluation was conducted in the same subjective manner as was the county"based evaluation. The same limitations and statements of qualification regarding the county based evaluation apply to the regional evaluation. A brief listing is made of those'areas evaluated as having outstanding potential (H*) for.more than one particular use activity. C. Areas with Outstanding Potential for more than One Uie Activity: Those areas offering outstanding potential for more than one use activity are listed below. While no attempt is made to recommend which uses or combinations-of uses that are best suited for any particular area, it is suggested that some areas cannot concurrently support all of those use activities for which they are evaluated to offer outstanding or high potential. Maryland*Neck (Charles County): Offers outstanding potential for pier fishingg camping, and a natural area. In addition, it is evaluated as offering high potential for boat launching, picnicking, and beach swimming. Point Look-In (St.. Mary's County): Offers outstanding potential for,beach swimming and camping. In addition, it offers.high potential for picnickingg and some potential for boat launching, pier fishing, and'' a natural area. North of Camp Winslow (St. Mary's County): Offers outstanding potential for.beach swimming and camping, and high potential for picnicking and a natural area* In addition, some potential is offered for pier fishing and boat launching. Bay Forest Drive (St. Mary's County): Offers outstanding potential for beach swimming'and camping, an d high potential for picnicking. In additiong some potential is of fered for boat launching, pier fishingg and a natural area. Flag Ponds (Calvert County): Offers outstanding potential for .beach swimming, camping and a natural area. In addition, it offers high potential for picnicking and some potential for boat launching and pier fishing# Parker,Creek (Calvert County): Offers outstanding potential for camping and for a natural area. In addition, it offers high potential for picnicking and some potential for beach swimming. Graces quarters (Baltimore County): Offers outstanding potential for camping and for a natural area. In addition, it offers high potential. for boat launching, pier fishing, and picnicking. Gunpowder Delta,(Baltimore County Offers outstanding potential for camping and for a natural area. In addition, it offers high potential for boat launching and picnicking, and some potential for beach swimming. Gunpowder Neck (Harford County): Offers outstanding potential for camping and for a natural area. In addition, it offers high potential for boat launchingg pier fishingg picnicking, and beach swimming. Old Baltimore Road - Abbey Point (Harford County): Offers outstanding potential for beach swimming and camping. In addition, it offers high potential for boat launching, pier fishing, picnicking, and a natural area* Spesutie Island (H arford County): Offers outstanding potential for pier fishing and a natural area. In addition it offers high potential for boat launching and picnicking, and some potential for beach swimming and camping* TABLE I: AREAS WITH HIGH POTENTIAL FOR BOAT LAUNCHING Reference County Area map Number Charles Wan Point 2 3lossom Pt.. - Cedar Point Neck 1 4 4aryland Neck 5 3i mms Landing - Hens on Landing 7 ?ersimmon Pt. (2) 1 10 St. Mary's 4ueen Tree Landing 3 1 3t. Cutb erth Wharf 3 2 Ireen Hold Pond 3 4 J ?oint-no-Point. 3 10 icotland Beach 15 3t. Inegoes Neck, 17 ?oplar Hill Creek 3 20 lewton.Neek 3 24 Calvert 'Ohesapeake Heights 5 6 )rum Point 5 11 3ollers.Point 5 12 ?eterson's Point 5 13 Anne Arund el ?airhaven Cliffs 7 1 imithsonian 7 1 6 @amp Letts 7 7 larn6ss Creek 7 11 3ay Bridge South 7 16 3ayberry 7 17 Ilmsteads Point 7 18 darrs Beach - Sparrows Beach 7 25 Baltimore 3unDowder Delta 'races Quarters 9 land Parroll Is 9 6 TABLE I: CONTINUED Reference -jW county Area -map Number TBaltimore River 1_10 Point __j__L4 Sky Park Black' Marsh 91 15 _J A__ garford Otter -Point Creek- 11 2 . 1. -1 4-- mission Line 11 iSusouehanna River 5-ill Main Post Gunpowder Neck Old Baltimore Ad. AbbeX Point ill, 9 aDesutie.Island 12 TABLE 11: AREAS WITH HIGH POTENTIAL FOR PIER FISHING Reference County Area Nap Number Charles Blossom Pt. - Cedar Pt. Neck 4 Marvland-Neck 5 St* Mary0s I-Green Hold Pond-- 3 4 Pine Hill Run to Tippet Pond 3 5 Scotland Beach 15 St. Inegots Neck. 3 17 Calvert Drum Point 5 .11 Anne Arundel Bay Bridge S outh 7 16 Ulmsteads Pt. 7 18 Carrs Beach Sparrows Beach 7 25-- Baltimore Graces quarters 9 3 Carroll Island 6 Miami Beach 9 8 Black Marsh 9 15 Fort Howard 16 Harford Aunpowder Neck 11 .7 Old Baltimore Rd.ZAbbey Point 11 9 Spesutie Island 11 12 TABLE 3: AREAS WITH HIGH POTENTIAL FOR PICNICKING Reference Map County- Area Number Charles 1-4-Wan Point -lJ Pt. Cedar Pt. Neck ossom 1 1 [Mar.yland Ne'ck 1 t 5 s.Landing - Henson Landin- 1 t -@-7 rp@r7simmon Pt.* (2) 1 - [-- t io-T F -ary's n Tree Landing 3J 1 st. m lEsperanza Pond 3-F- 3 Green Hold Pon4 3 4 Pine Hill Run to Tippet Pond 3 5 Wise Marsh/Paige Pond 3 6 Biscoe Pond 3 7 -Bay Forest Drive 3 8 North of Camp Winslow 3 9 Point-no-Point 3 10 Point Look-In 3 14 St. Inegoes Neck 3 17 Poplar Hill Creek. 20 White Point Beach 3 21 Newton Neck 24 3 Blakistone Island 26 Calvert South Beach 5 2 Parker Creek 5 7 -Flaa Ponds 9 Drum Point 11 Anne Arundel Fairhaven Cliffs 7 1 Smithsonian 7 6 Cedar Point 7 8 TABLE 3: CONTINUED Reference Co nty --Area Map, Number Anne Arundel Mayo Point 7 (continued) Poplar Poin.t I- ___ __ - j 7J Harness Creek 7 1 Thomas Point Brewer Pond 7 1-3 _V -J- Rays Pond Ulmsteads.Pt. [7, 18 Forked Creek 20. I-Eagle Hill--. Gibson Island 21 Bodkin Pt. 7 23 Carra Beach - Sparrows Beach 7 25 Baltimore Gunpowder Delta 9 1 Graces Quarters 9 2 -Dundee Creek 9 4. Fror_ Mortar 9 9 Middle River 10 Breezy Pt./Browns Creek lZ 9 Hart and Miller Islands 9 13 Harford -Otter Point Creek 11 2 Susquehanna River 11 5 Main Post 11 Gunpowder Neck Lauderick Creek 11 8 -Old.Baltimore Rd./Abbey Point 11 9 Spesutie Island 11 12 TABLE 4:. AREAS WITH HIGH POTENTIAL FOR BEACH SWIMMING J Reference County Area ap Number Charles Maryland Neck 5 St. Mary's Point Look-In 3 14 Pine Hill Run to Tippet Pond 3 5 Bay Forest Drive 8 North of Camp Winslow 3 9 Point-no-Point 3 10 PoDlar Hill Creek 3 20 Calvert Flag Ponds 5 9 Drum Point Anne Arundel -Fairhaven Cliffs 7 1 -Ulmsteads Point 7 18 Carrs Beach - Sparrows 3each 7 25 Baltimore Hart and Miller Islands .9 13 Harford Gun2owder Neck 11 7 Old Baltimore Rd./Abbey Pt. Road 11 9 Pooles Island 11 10 TABLE 5:,- AREAS:WITH HIGH POTENTIAL FOR CAMPING Reference. County -Area Map Number dp--Wwm@ Charles Maryland Neck 5 Simms Landing Henson Landing 1 7 St. Mary's Point Look-In 14 Esperanza Pond 3 3 Pine Hill Run to Tippet Pond 31 5 Bay Forest Drive 31 8 North of Camp Winslow 9 Ste Inegoes Neck 17 PoDlar Hill Creek 20 Calvert Parker Creek 51 Flag Ponds 5 Anne Arundel, Fairhaven Cliffs 7 Smithsonian 7. Camp Letts 71 7 Brewer Pond 7 13 Forked Creek 7 19 7-1timore Gunpowder Delta Graces quarter's 2- 3 Dundee Creek 9 4 Harford Susouehanna River', 11 5 Gunpowder Neck 11 7 Lauderick Creek 8 Old Baltimore Rd./Abbey Point 11. 9 Pooles Island 10 TABLE 6o; AREAS WITH HIGH POTENTIAL FOR A NATURAL AREA Reference County Area MaD Number Charles Blossom Point - Cedar Point Neck 1 4 Maryland__Neck 1 St. Mary's Esperanza Pond, 3 3 Pine Hill Run to Tippet Pond 5 North of Camp Winslow 3 9 Frogs Mar h 3 11 Cherryfield Pt. 18 Poplar Hill Creek 20 @_@alvert Parker Creek 7 Flag Ponds 9 Purgatory-Creek 5 10 Anne Arundel Cheston Point 2- .5 Smithsonian Camp Letts 2- 7 Cedar Point 7 8 -Mayo Point 7 9 -Thomas Point 12 Brewer Pond 13 Forked Creek 7 19 -Eagle Hill 7 20 -Gibson.Island 7 21 Bodkin Pt. 23 Baltimore -Gunpowder_Delta 9 1 Gra6es Quarters 9 3 Aundee Creek, 9 4 Carroll Island 9. 6 @7 -Hart and Miller Islands 13 TABLE 6: CONTINUED Referen.ce County Area' Map Number Baltimore Black Marsh 9 15 Harford Susquehanna River 11 5 Gunpowder -Neck 11 7 Lauderick Creek 11 8 Old Baltimore Rd./Abbey Point, 11 9 Pooles Island 11 10 Romnej Creek - Mosquito Creek 11 11 Spesutie Island 11 12 TABLE 7: GENERALIZED CRITERIA CONSIDERED IN THE EVALUATION OF THE USE POTZNTIAL OF SHORELINE SITES Potential Use Generalized Evaluation Criteria Beach Swimming Length and width of natural beach, size of banks, nature and extent of adjacent inland land, accessibility, vistas, water quality,, water clarity, nature of water bottom, adjacent land and offshore uses. Camping Acreage, topography, vegetative cover, accessibility* additional "attractions", adjacent land and offshore uses, Natural Area Vegetation (type, diversity, mix) associated wildlifel topography, acreage,' adjacent land use, and undevelopedness Pier Fishing Acreage, accessibility, shoreline typet water depths, c dition of site (level and type of development), erosion on rates, adjacent land and offshore uses, known fish inhabiting the area. Boat Launching Acreage, accessibility, shoreline type, water depths, condition of site (level and type of development),. erosion rates, adjacent land and offshore uses. Picnicking Vegetation, ac'reage, additional attractions, topography,, accessibility, adjacent land uses. TABLE 8: WEST SHORE AREAS WITH OUTSTANDING POTENTIAL FOR PIER FISHING Reference Area County Map Number Maryland Neck j @h7arles --Bay_Bridge_South -Anne Arundel Carrs Beach/SDarrows Be ach-1 Anne Arundel _1 7 -1 1 A ._-Spesutie Island Harf ord 12 TABLE 9: WEST SHORE AREAS WITH OUTSTANDING POTENTIAL FOR BEACH SWIMMING Reference Area Countj Map Number Point Look-In St. Mary's .14 Bay Forest Drive St. Mary's North of Camp Winslow St. Mary's 3 Flag Ponds Calvert 9 Hart and Miller Islands Baltimore 13 Old Baltimore Rd./Abbey Pt.. I Harford In 1 1" 9 TABLE 10: WEST SHORE AREAS WITH OUTSTANDING POTENTIAL FOR CAMPING Reference Area -County Map Number Maryland Neck Charles Point Look-In St. Mar7's 14 3 Pine Hill Run to Ti.p-pet Pond St.-Mary's 3. Bay Forest Drive St. Mary's North of Camp ".4inslow St.__MarL:s 3 9 Parker Creek Calv ert 5 7 Flag Ponds Calvert 5 9 GunDowder Delta Baltimore 91 91 1 Graces Quarters Baltimore 3 TABLE 10: CONTINUED Reference Area Count Map Numb --y ___er arford Gunpowder Neck H Old Baltimore Rd./Ab 11 el Pt. Harford TABLE.11: WEST SHORE AREAS WITH OUTSTANDING POTENTIAL FOR NATURAL AREAS Reference Area County Ms.) Number. Mar1land Neck, Charles Parker Creek Calvert --Fla Ponds Calvert Smithsonian Anne Arundel un owder Delta Baltimore, Graces Quarters Baltimore 3 Carroll Island -Baltimore 9 Gunpowder Neck Harford, 7 Lauderick Creek Harford 8 Romney-Cr6eek-Hosouito Creek Harford 11 Spesutie-Island Harford 12 M5 Generalized Recreational Demands: Southern Maryland Region The Maryland Department of*State Planning in its Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation.and Open Space Plan, Phase 119 notes the following recreation demands, by activity for the:Southern Maryland Region (Calvert,, St, Mary's and Charles Counties). 1970 1990 Millions of Occasions Millions of'Occasions Rank Activity Peak Season Annual Peak Season Annual 1 Swimming beach 2.9 3.7 6.0 7.7 2 Driving for Pleasure 2'6 9.7 4.4 16.2 3 Picnicking 1:5 4-6 2.5 7.8 4 Sightseeing 1.4 3:5 2.5 6.5 5 Fishing 1.1 2.0 1.6 2.9 6 Boating 0.8 1.5 1.7 3.2 7 Walking for Pleasure 0.8 2.8 1.4 5,2 8 Hunting 0.6 1,2 019 1,7 9 -Playing Outdoor Sports o.6 1.9 1.0 3,1 10 Water Skiing 0.5 0.7 1.3 1.8 11 Camping o.6 10 For the above activities, the following land and facility surpluses and deficits, as determined by the Department of State Planning are given below& 1970 1990 Deficit Deficit Activity_- (surplus) (surplus) Swimming Beach 277 acres 596 acres Driving for Pleasure information not avail. information not avail. Picnicking 671 acres 1,195 acres Sightseeing 80 miles 178 miles Fishing 127 acres 247 acres Boating* 6,823 slips 14,543 slips Walking for Pleasure information not avail, information not avail, Hunting 120v123 acres 179770 acres Playing Outdoor Sports (504 acres) (278 acres) Water Skiing information not avail, information not avail. Camping 209 acres 543 acres *more related to marinas than to boat ramps. This studyq using Department of State Planning figures, has computed the percent deficit (surplus) relative to available land and/or facilities below: Percent Deficit Percent.Deficit Activity (surplus) 1970 (Surplus) 1990 Swimming Beach 94% 97% Driving for Pleasure. Picnicking 93% 96% Sightseeing 71% 84% Fishing 48% 64% Boating* 95% 98% Walking for Pleasure - Hunting 99% icr/. (40) Playing Outdoor Sports 146% Water Skiing - - Camping -1d M. 90%. *more related to marinas than,to boat ramps. By multiplying Peak Season Demand by the per-cent deficit (surplus) of land and/or facilities, it is possible to determine a priority ranking for each actility discussed. Peak Season Demand Priority times percent deficit (surplus) Ranking Activity 1970 1990 1970 19W Swimming Beach 272 582 1 1 Driving for Pleasure - Picnicking 140 240 2 2 Sightseeing 100 210 3 3 Fishing 53 100 6 6 Boating 76 160 4 4 Walking for Pleasure - - Hunting. 59 9 5. 7 Playing Outdoor Sports (87) (48) 8 8 Water Skiing - Camping 46 2-17 7 5 It should be cautioned that this priority ranking assumes the validity of the Department of State Planning demand and deficit land figures. This is an assumption that can be questioned* Assuming the validity of these figures* howeverg the six highest priority recreation activities in the.Southern Region of Maryland for 1990 are beach swimming, picnicking, sightseeingg boating, camping, and fishing. All of these activities are considered in the Access, Recreation and Open Space Inventory to follow. All of the activities except sightseeing, camping and picnicking are dependent, to a large extend, upon being located on shoreline regions. Those activities not dependent upon a shoreline location are often times enhanced by the additional attractions associated with a shoreline setting. The activity of sightseeing is addressed by all of the above categories and by the "Natural Area" category considered in the inventory. Generalized Recreational Demands: BaltimorC Region The Maryland Department of State Planning in.its,Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Plan, Phase II, notes the following recreation demands (top 12 'Out of 17)9 by activity, for the Baltimore Region (Anne Arundelq Baltimore, And Hariford Countie 8@_ 1970 1970 Millions of Occasions Millions of Occasions Rank Activity Peak Season Annual Peak Season Annual 1 Walking for.Pleasure 18.5 68.8 31.5 117.2 2 Playing Outdoor Sports 15.8 51.4 24.5 79.6 3 Swimming Pool 7.2 9.2 13.7 17.6 4 Driving for Pleasure 6.o 22.0 10.0 36.9 5 Attending Outdoor Sports 4.5 13.1' 7.5 22.1 6 Sledding & Tobogganing 4.o 4.6 7.6 7.9 7 Picnicking 3.5 11.0 6.1 19.0 8 Swimming Beach 3.5 4.5 7.2 9.3 9 Sightseeing 3.5 8.9 6.5 16.6 10 Boating 2.7 4.9 5.6 10.1 11 Nature Walks 2-5 6.2 4.1 10.1 12 Fishing 1.2 2.1 1.7 3.1 For the above activities, the following land and facility surpluses and deficits, as determined by the Department of State Pl anning are given below: 1970 1990 Deficit Deficit Activity (surplus) (surplus) Walking for Pleasure Information not avail. -Information not avail. Playing Outdoor Sports 6j8lO acres 119980 acres Swimming Pool 74 acres 164 acres Driving forPleasure information not avail. information not avail. Attending Outdoor Sports 128,354 seats 219,282 seats Sledding & Tobogganing, information not avail. information not avail, Picnicking 559 acres 19195 acres Swimming Beach 355 acres 743 acres Sightseeing information notavail. information not avail. Boating* 229827 slips 47,423 slips Nature Walks information not avail. information not avail. Fishing (2,740) acres (2,610) acres *more related to marinas than to boat ramps This study, using Department of State Planning figures, has computed below the percent deficit (surplus) relative to available land and/or facilities. Percent Deficit Percent Deficit Activity (Surplus) 1970 (Surplus) 1990 Walking for Pleasure - Playing Outdoor Sports 72% 82% Swimming Pool 75% 87% Driving for Pleasure - - Attending Outdoor Sports 96%' 98% Sledding & Tobogganing - - Picnicking 64% 79% Swimming-Beach 99% 99.5% Sightseeing - - Boating* 99%+ 99%+ Nature Walks Fishing (950%) (625%) *more related to marinas. than to boat ramps. By multiplying Peak Season Demand by the percent deficit (surplus) of land and/or facilities, it is possible to determine a priority ranking for each activity discussed. Peak Season Demand Priority times percent deficit (surplus)* Ranking. Activity 1970 1990 1970 1990 Walking for Pleasure - - - Playing Outdoor Sports 1140 258o 1 1 Swimming Pool 54o 1190 2 2 Driving for Pleasure - - - - .Attending Outdoor Sports 430 735 3 3 Sledding & Tobogganing - - Picnicking 224 48o 6 6 Swimming Beach 350 720 4 4 Sightseeing - - - - Boating 270 560 5 5 Nature Walks - - - - Fishing -114o -1060 7 7 *all figures are divided by 190OOtOOO. It should be cautioned that this-priority ranking assumes the validity of the Department of State Planni.ng.demand and deficit land figures an assumption that can be questioned. In addition, five popular activities couldnot be included.in this ranking because the necessary information-was-not available for the computations. With the abovelimitations, in mind,-it can be concluded that high priority recreation activities in the Baltimore region are those activities that occur in highly developed outdoor recreation And pla, as (e.g., playing outdoor sports, pool swimming, and attending ,yground are outdoor sports)., ..Activities such as beach swimming, picnicking and boating:are also high.pr1ority 3@ecreation activitiess ranking just behind the more highly developed recreational.activities. The emphasis of the access..recreation and open space inventory is on those activities that are, by necessity or desirability, best located in sparsley developed shoreline areas. In this respect, it.more accurately addresses those activities such as beach swimming, boatingg fishingg picnicking, etc. than it does pool swimming or organized outdoor sports* Charles Countyi/ PoRula tion The 1970 census showed that Charles County had a population of 47,678, an incre,ase,of approximately15,000 from 1960. There are two incorporated towns in the county# LaPlataq the county seat, with a population of 1,561 and Indian Head with a population of 1,350. The Indian Head area near the Naval Ordinance Station contains the only population concentration in the county* In addition, Waldorf is a major shopping and residential center while Cobb Island and.historic Benedict are the only two significant waterfront-related. communities, According to census estimates, the population of Charles County is expected to-increase to 97,000 by 1980. Land Use Charles County, consisting of approximately 450 square miles, is largely rural in-tharacter with rolling fields and large areas of tree cover, The County is bordered on the north by Prince George's County, on the west and south by the Pot-omac .. River,and.on the east by the Wicomico River and St. Mary's County. Its border extends across the Potomac River to the Virginia shoreline. Only 8.4% of the total land area of this county is classified as developed land with approximately one-half of this total devoted to public and,semi-public uses,, mostly-Federal government installations. ---According to 1959 figures,approximately one-half of the land area was ittilized for farming purposes mostly for field crops such as tobacco, corno soybeansq.vegetables, and melons. Approximately one-quarter of the farms were worked by non-owners or tenant farmers. One-third of the county 1. The Charles CountX Comprehensive Water a Sewerage Plan pr nd ' epared by Johnsonland Williams, Consulting Engineers (December, 1969, 1971 Amendment); the DNR internal report by Keith Roberts in the Water Supply Situation in Charles County, the Brief Industrial Facts for Charles County (October, 1972) published by the Department.of Economic and Community Development.' the Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan for Charles and St. Mary's Counties (April, 1968) prepared by the Allen Organization, and the information materials on State Recreation and Park areas developed by the DNR. ',has been classified by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service as having little economic value except for recreation and open space development. Trees such as oak, scrub and loblolly pine, locustq ash., elm, sweetgum, dogwood, hickory, birch, mapleg persimmong and poplarmake up the forests of the county. Probably the.-most distinctive feature of the county is n.early 150 miles of shoreline, mostly on the Potomac River and its tributaries: Mattawoman Creek, Nangenoy .Creek, Port Tobacco River, and the Wicomico River, To Rography The topography of the county is comparatively-low lying with most of its'surface a smooth plain ranging from 100 to 220 feet above sea level'o although it drops.to,25 feet terraces along the estuarines.1of the'Potomac. Along the numerous streams that disect the county, local relief of more`than'. 100 fe-et is commons In the western-and southern parts of the county elevations range much lower - from 50 to 100 feet above sea level. Valleys are less steep and less deeply incised with a correspondingly low local-relief. Alo ng the Potomac River and at the entrances of its larger tributaries are low-lying flats.not more than 10 to 25 feet above sea level, varying in width fiom a few feet at Indian Head in the north to more than a mile in the southern part of the county* Drainage from the lands in the county is to three main waterways: the Potomac River, the Wicomico River, and the Patuxent River. West of U.S* Route 3019 the drainage is to the-Potomac either directly or through subsidiary streams such as Mattawoman, Nanjemoy, and Port Tobacco Creeks.* East of Route-301, the major drainage is toward thesouth through Zekiah and Gilbert o Swamps to the Wicomico River. Farther east, a relatively small area of the county drains to the-Patuxent River. Main Sources of Employment The largest single employer in the county is the U.S. Naval Ordnance Station which employs approximately 39000 persons, most of which reside in the county, According to 1971 figuresq Government workers, for which Naval Ordnance Station provide 2/3 of the employment,. formed the largest employment sector, 32% of the total employed. The wholesale and retail trade - including auto- mobile dealers, gas stations, eating and drinking establishments,and retail stores - form the largest industrial employment section in the county approx- imately 22% of the total employment. The service sector - marinas, camping, motels, etc. formed the next largest employment sector, approximately 19%. Agriculture provided 7,5% ofthe total employment. Construction provided a pproximately 7% of the total. Other sources of employment were manufacturing, approximately 4.5%; transportation, communication and utilities, approximately 4.5%; and other 3.3%.' Approximately 30% of-the residents of the county were employed outside of the county. Water Supply Present consuption of 3.8 mgd is between 5% and 10% of the available water supply estimated atapproximately 77 mgd. The only two significant industrial water uses, the Potomac Electric Power Company and the American Telephone and.Telegraph Company, have privately-owned water systems which have sufficient capacity to meet their needs into the foreseeable future. Thus Charles County's groundwater supply is seen to be more than adequate to meet future needs of the present time, although industrial development and ra pid residential deve lopment in.the area may alter this situation somewhat in the future& At the present time there are no plans to develop or utilize surface sources of water supply. Likely Developmental Patterns Charl es County is the only c.ounty of the tri-county region that has highway access from both the North and the South. It is near enough to Washington, D.C. to.be'a prime area for rapi .d growth, although at the present time it still has the lowest population density of any county an equivalent distance from Washington. However, its population increased approximately 30% in the decade from 1960 to 1970 and 'a 'doubling of population is forecast, according to census estimates from 1970 to-1980. Much of this population is expected to reside in the portion of the county nearest Washington. Approximately one-third of the county's population is served by 36 small community water systems while approximately 22% of the population is se@ved by 22 sewage treatment plants. As community sewage becomes more availableg' development will be spurred to some extent. A new planned community, St. Charles City, with a planned ultimate population of 80,000, has recently been developed and can be expected to be an added spur to population growth in the county. The recreational sector is looked upon as a major future source to be developed as the county, in conjunction with St. Mary's County, plans t 0 exploit its many recreational resources to bolster its tourist trade.. Present Public Recreation Areas, Forests, Parks, Natural Environment Areas and Wildlife Refuge.Areas Federal A Potomac Heritage Trail has been proposed by the National Park Service that would originate in Point Lookout State Park at the tip of St. Mary's County, traverse both St. Mary's and Charles Counties, ending at Cedarville State Forest, with feeder trails extending into the Gilbert Run and Zekiah Swamp Areas. State Cedarville State Park is located on the Prince Georges-Charles County line, 20 miles from Washington D.C. in an area rich in the Indian folklore and history of the Piscataway tribe. It presently is composed of 340 acres but plans are underway to transfer 2,883 acres from Cedarville State Forest to form a 3,223 acre state park. Facilities are available for camping, picnicking, trail hiking, and pond fishing. Fourteen miles of marked foot trails wind through the park. Also located in the park are a forestry demonstration areaq tree plantation, and charcoal kiln. Chapel Point State Park on the Port Tobacco River is presently*in the land acquisition stages When completed, the park will be composed of 858 acres, of which the state presently has an option On 828 acres* Purse State Park is.located on the Potomac River near Douglas Point. It is composed of 148 acres, on which no development has yet oc curred. Smallwood State Park is located four miles west of Pisgah, on the Mattawoman Creek* In the Park is located the restored home' of General William Smallwood. Revolutionary War Hero and Governor of Maryland from 1785 to 1788* It is presently composed of 399 acres with the acquisition of 74 additional acres planned. It is used as a developed day .use area and historical site and contains, besides the home, a self-guided trail and excellent picnicking facilities. Cedarville State Forest, from which Cedarville State Park is being created, is presently composed of 3,235 acres with the acquisition of 281 additional acres planned. It is presently utilized for timber development, hunting, and limited day-use activities. When the transfer of land to Cedar- ville state Park has been completed, the forest will be composed of the 633 acres* ..Doncaster State Forestq located on Maryland Neck, consists of 19485 acres and is presently used for timber development, hunting, and limited camping. Mattawoman Natural Environment Area, located on Mattawoman Creek in Prince Georges and Charles County, is to be utilized to protect Mattawoman Swamp and Wildlife Area, The State is in the process of acquiring 9,435 acres which will compose the Natural Environment Area. In addition, the Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area which will consist of 3,714 acres when acquisition is completed, will be eventually transferred to the Mattawoman Natural Environment Area to make the ultimate total acreage of the;.Natural Environment Area of 13,149 acres, Myrtle Grove Wildlife.Management' Area, located southeast of Mason Springs in northwestern Charles County, presently consists of 754 acres but the State plans to acquire an additional 2,960 acres. Hunting for upland game 'is avai lable in the management area as is fishing in a state fishing lake. Present plans,as stated above, are to eventually transfer the Myrtle Grove Area to the Mattawoman Natural Environment Area. The State is.also considering purchase of acreage in Zekiah Swamp to be utilized as a natural environment and scenic area. County/Local There are plans to develop recre,ttional facilities on the 110 ounding Wheatley reservoir, one of the three flood control det' acres surr ention projects in the county, for recreational purposes. Other public areas include the recreational facilities at elementary and high schools in the area totallin g ap-iroximatelY 350 acres at 16 sites. Private There are several private marinas in Charles County along the Potomac River, on the Port Tobacco River, at the upper end of the Patuxent River, and at the confluence of the Wicomico, and the Potomac Rivers. There is also a five acre private farm pond one mile south of Marshall Hall. Finally, the Lions- Club owns a 15 acre tract in Waldorf, Maryland that they plAn-to develop into small local park. INVENTORY OF POTENTIAL SHORELINE ACCESS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE AREAS: CHARLES COUNTY* 1. Neale Sound Location: On Neale Sound between Swan Point Neck and Cobb Island. Size: Approximately 70 acres Accessibility: Off Maryland Route 257 approximately 2 1/2 miles northwest of Rock Point, Maryland. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and residential Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W174, Flight 1 Description: The Neale Sound area is primarily flat undeveloped woodland with some farmland on its west side. The shoreline is approximately one mile long and is generally in a marsh condition. There are some small areas of marshland inland. One residence is located on the west side of the area. There is no road access to the shoreline. Use Potential: Neale Sound has potential for boat launching and picnicking. * The Potomac River Upstream of the Mouth of Mattawoman Creek. 2. Swan Point Neck Location: On the shore of the Potomac River approximately 5 miles upstream from the mouth of the Jicomico River. Size: Approximately 1,000 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 257 to Swan Point Neck Road. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and residential to the east and pending residential to the north. Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W174, Flight 1 Description: Swan Point Neck is a flat undeveloped woodland area. Approximately 120 acres of marsh and wooded swamp is associated with Wise Creek near Swan Point. Approximately 280 acres of adjacent land north of the Swan Point Neck area in the vicinity of Bachelors Hope Point is also largely undeveloped woodland, although a system of roads has been constructed and the area may be pending development. The shoreline, excluding the Bachelors Hope Point area is approximately 3 1/2 miles. Except for Swan Point, which is sandy point, there is little sand beach. The beach is generally backed by woodland or a narrow strip of marshland. A dirt road runs along the shoreline on the areas south edge. Use Potential: Swan Point Neck has potential for boat launching, camping, pier fishing, picnicking or a natural area. Boat launching potential also exists on Cuckhold Creek off the Bachelors Hope Point area. 3. Huckleberry Location: On the Potomac River southeast of the mouth of Port Tobacco River and north of Huckleberry, Maryland. Size: Approximately 260 acres Accessibility: The first right hand turn off Popes Creek Road going south from U.S. Route 301. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W174, Flight 1 Description: The Huckleberry area primarily consists of rolling undeveloped woodland. A 6 acre marsh is located along the shoreline. The river that runs into the marsh flows through a relatively steep valley. The shoreline is approximately 1/2 mile in length and is fronted by a narrow sand beach. Erosion rates appear high in this region. Use Potential: The Huckleberry area has potential for boat launching, pier fishing, camping, picnicking, and a natural area. 4. Blossom Point - Cedar Point Neck Location: The peninsula bordered on the west by Nanjemoy Creek, on the south by the Potomac River and on the east by the Port Tobacco River. Size: 1,977 acres (Proving Grounds), 4,500 acres (Blossom Point-Cedar Point Neck) Accessiblity: U.S. Route 301 to Maryland Route 6 to Maryland Route 536 (Blossom Point-Cedar Point Neck Road). Adjacent Land Use: Primarily agricultural Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W174, Flight 1 Description: Blossom Point-Cedar Point neck is a large peninsula of undeveloped woodland, agricultural land, open field and marsh land. The tip of the peninsula is the 1,977 acre Blossom Point Proving Grounds. The lower one half of the Proving Grounds are cleared for military use. The northern part of the Proving Grounds are a mix of undeveloped woodland and marshland. Much of this area is managed for wildlife by the military. The shoreline of the proving grounds is over four miles long, but has very little sand beach. However, there is some narrow sand beach on the east shore. The topography is flat and a road provides access to the shoreline at Blossom Point. The area north of the Proving Grounds on the Blossom Point-Cedar Point Neck Peninsula is approximately 2,500 acres of agricultural land, woodland, and marshland. The area between the Proving Grounds and Kings Creek is largely undeveloped woodland. Marshes are associated with Kings Creek and Goose Creek. The Goose Creek area is presently managed as a wildlife area. The shoreline area between the Proving Grounds and Goose Creek is agricultural. There is no sand beach in this area. West and north of Goose Creek, the area is a mixture of woodland and agricultural land. Use Potential: Blossom Point and Cedar Point Neck have potential for boat launching, pier fishing, camping, beach swimming, and a natural area. 5. Maryland Neck Location: The Potomac River shoreline on that portion of Charles County known as Maryland Neck from one mile upstream from Riverside, Maryland to Litton Point near the mouth of Chicamuxerr Creek. Size: Approximately 17 sq. miles or roughly 11,000 acres. Accessibility: The entire area is bordered by Riverside Road (Maryland Route 224). Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and woodland. Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W174, Flight 1 and wetland photos CH 10138 1-15. Description: Maryland Neck is a large, linear area of undeveloped woodland on the Potomac River. The area is interspersed with numerous small marsh areas and several widely scattered residential developments. The shoreline is approximately 17 miles long and is generally fronted by a narrow sand beach. The beach is wider in the vicinity of Liverpool point south of Mallows Bay. In many areas, it is backed by high wooded banks. The topography varies from flat to gently rolling. Roads provide access to the shoreline at no fewer than 6 places. Many shallow coves are located along the shoreline. The Merrick Boy Camp for underpriviledged boys is located at Maryland Point. Purse State Park - a 150 acre undeveloped state park, is located near Wades Bay. The Maryland Neck Area has been described by the U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation as "perhaps the most promising recreation-open space resource along the entire Potomac Estuary."* Problems of dirty waters with heavy silt loads and associated algal blooms have, in the recent past, made the Maryland Neck region unattractive for water related recreational use. Use Potential: Maryland Neck has excellent potential for boat launching, pier fishing, camping, picnicking, beach swimming (pending improved water quality) and as a natural area. * The Potomac - A Model Estuary, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, July, 1970 Page, 73. 6. Taloe Neck Location: On the west shoreline of Nanjer oy Creek between Little Creek and Bluff Point. Size: Approximately 2,300 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 6 to Tayloes Neck Road to Cedar Lane. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural Aerial 7 PhotoS: wetland photos CH 6A 2 and 3. Description: Tayloe Neck is primarily an area of flat, undeveloped woodland with some residential and agricultural land located on the shoreward side of Cedar Lane. A marsh area, associated with Little- Creek borders the area on the south. The shoreline is approximately one mile in lenqth. There is no sand beach and some peripherial shoreline marshes. Access to the shoreline is limited by private homes. Use Potential: Tayloe Neck has potential for boat launching, picnicking, camping and a natural area. 7. Simms Landinq-Henson Landiniq Location: On the west shore of the Port Tobacco River. Size: Over 800 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 6 to Simms Landing Road or to Henson Landing Road. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural Aerial Photos: Wetland photo CH 10-4 Description: Simm s Landing-Henson Landing is primarily an area of gently rolling undeveloped woodland interspersed with agricultural land and a sparse scattering residential dwellings. There are several small shoreline marshes with the largest it being a 7 acre marsh located Landing The shoreline is approximately two just south of Simms miles long and is generally of the woods-to-water type. There is no sand beach. Roads provide access to the shoreline at Simms Landing and at Henson Landing. Use Potential: Simms Landing-Henson Landing has potential for boat launching, picnicking, camping, and a natural area. 8. Persimmon Point (1) Location: On the west shore of the Wicomico River approzimately 3 miles downstream from Allens Fresh Run. Size: Approzimately 500 acres Accessibility: Off Mt. Victoria Road which is off U. S. Route 301. Adjacent Land use: Agricultural Aerial Photos: Wetland photo ch 12-2 Description: Persimmon Point is predominatley an area of flat, endeveloped woodland. Persimmon Point Creek running north cisects the area and a small march is associated with the mouth of the creedk. The shoreline is approximatley one mile long. Ther is no sand beach and no road access to the shoreline. Use Potential: Persimmon Point has potential for picnicking, camping, boat launching, and a natural area. 9. McReynolds Point Location: On the west shore of the Wicomico River, about one mile downstream from Allens Fresh Run. Size: approximately 140 acres Accessibility: Off Mt. Victoria Road shich is off U.S. Route 301. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural Aerial Photo: Wetland photo CH 12-4 Description: The McReynolds Point area is primarily flat, undeveloped woodland. The shoreline is approzimately 2000 feet long and has no sand beach and low banks. A dirt road provides access to the shoreline on the area's east edge. Use Potential: The McReynolds Point area has some boat launching and picnicking potential. 10. Persimmon Point (2) Location: On the west shore of the Wicomico River approximately one mile north of Rock Point. Size: Approximately 70 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 257 to Camp ST. Charles Road. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural Aerial Photo: Wetland photo CH 15-1 Description: Persimmon Point (2) is an area of undeveloped woodland with one or two interspersed residential dwellings. The shoreline is approzimately 3,000 feet long and has no sand beach. There is no road access to the shoreline. Use Potential: Persimmon Pt. has potential for boat launching, pier fishing, and picnicking. 11. Fennell Point Location: on the west shore of the Wicomico River on the north side of the mouth of Charleston Creek. Size: approximately 90 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 257 to Hatton Creek Road. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural Aerial Photo: Wetland photo CH 15-3 Description: Fennell Point is an area of old agricultural land that has been left to grow into young wookland. There is a small marsh near Fennell Point. The shoreline is approximately one mile long and is either marshland or woods-to-water type. There is no sand beach and no raod access to the shoreline. Use Potential: Fennell Poiont has potential for boat launching and picnicking. r- -P > 0 0 r, ct Q) () @L -C 0 0 0 r- r- L@.. u E Z F to 0 In C) -r-i -H .4J z (D to z S-l @E (D 4-@ V., :3 4-@ E z V. M 0 0 0 M :3:P r-4 1@, P- 77 0 M C ul cf)z a, co E-4 0 .-@! t" 0 *4 0 @4 0 0 4j C5 eD ri 41 Q) E 0 0 .41 -4 0 0 0 4-) C3 > 0 z r7l @-4 H rd X Z C) Cl- r-4 0 M r-q M rq to 41 rq C3 r- 4@3 -ri 15 C) C@ 4-) M@ I sz -rq 0 0 z 41.) a)z 0 Y .14 It 1. ri 0 4.) 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Many of them are joined together in the Mattapany Sanitary District which has a collective population of about 16,000. The population in the county is estimated to increase to 60,600 by 1980 according to census estimates. Land Use St. Mary's County, consisting of approximately 375 square miles, is rural in character with most of the county either rolling fields or forests. The County is bordered on the north by Charles County and on the other three sides by the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers and Chesapeake Bay. Approximately 67% of the county is covered by trees such as oak, shrub and loblolly pine, locust, ash, elm, sweet gum, dogwood, hickory, birch, maple, persimmon, and poplar. Only 9% of the land in the county is classified as developed with 40-50% of such land devoted to public and semi-public uses, mostly Federal Government installations. The U.S. Soil Conservation Service has classified 30% of the county as having little economic value except for recreation and open space development. Approximately 50% of the land is considered agriculturally 1. The following sources were utilized in the development of this profile: St. Mary's County Comprehensive Water and Sewage Plan developed by the Beavin Company, Consulting Engineers, the DNR internal report by Keith Roberts on the Water Supply Situation in St. Mary's County, the Brief Industrial Facts for St. Mary's County, Maryland (Ocrober, 1972) published by the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan for information materials on State Recreation and Park areas developed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. productive. A factor that should be kept in mind considering potential land uses in the county is that all of the county was laid down in sedimentary fashion and changed sustantially by fluctuations in sea level. In fact, every part of the county was at one time or another part of the bed of the Potomac River. Thus adequate susurface investigations should be undertaken before sustantial structures are constructed. Probably the most distinctive characteristic of the county is its shoreline extending nearly four hundred miles along the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers and Chesapeake Bay and containing many deep cut bays. Topography The County is relatively flat with the highest point only 200 feet above sea level. Although there are eight major drainage basins in the County, it is poorly drained. The drainage basins are the Patuxent River, Chesapeake Bay directly, Choptica Creek, Clement Creek, Breton Bay, Poromac River, St. Mary's River, and Smith Creek. Main Source of Empoyment The county presently serves as a "bed-room" community with the Patuxent Air Station the major source of employment within the county. There are no major sources of industry employing large numbers of workers. Almost half of the persons employed in the county work for the government, 10% in agriculture, and most of the rest in wholesale and retail trade or service occupations. Water Supply All parts of the county have an excellent supply of groundwater. The Aquia and Piney Point aquifers are particularly good in this respect. Present use does not exceed 6 mgd. Since the potential yield of the county's aquifer exceeds 100 mgd, no problems regarding water supply are expected in the foreseeable future. Because of the quantity and quality of the county's groundwater supplies, it will continue to predominate over surface water as a water supply source. Likely Developmental Patterns Although the county will probably remain a locus of bedroom communities, efforts are being made to promote agricultural and recreational pursuits. Since nearly half the land in the county is suitable for agricultural production, large commercial farms are looked upon as sources of future employment and development. Steps are being taken to discourage settlement in areas having productive soils. The county's shoreline and stream valleys are seen as major recreational assets. Irs nearly 400 miles of water frontage (310 miles of which are on salt water) have the potential of offering many opportunities for water-based activities. Irs stream valleys are seen as potentially the locus of activities oriented to the enjoyment of their natural features through picnicking, bicycling, horse-back riding, and other non-intensive recreational activities. In addition, the large-scale harvesting of pulpwood is being considered and the seafood industry is thought to have much unrealized potential. At present, only Leonardtown and Lexington Park have municipal sewer systems. Imminent extension of public water and sewage in the Mattapany and Piney Point Sanitary Districts and in Leonardtown will affect the patterns of growth in these areas. (As noted above, the Mattapany Sanitary District consists of developments around Patuxent Air Force Base; the Piney Point Sanitary District consists of a number of small communities in the Piney Point- St. Georges Area in the southwestern part of the county). The pattern of future growth in the county is in large measure bound to the provision of adequate sanitary facilities. Thus, there exists a method by which growth in the county can be guided to conserve prime farmland and recreational areas while allowing adequate growth to occur. -4- Present Public Recreation Areas, Parks and Wildlife Refuge Areas Federal A Potomac Heritage Trail has been proposed by the National Park Service that would originate at Point Lookout State Park, traverse both St. Mary's and Charles Counties, and run through Cedarville State Forest. State Point Lookout State Park, located at the southernmost tip of St. Mary's County, presently consists of 513 acres oriented primarily to water- based activities. The State plans to acquire an additional 192 acres for an ultimate park acreage of 705 acres. Fishing for striped bass, white bass, Norfolk spot, croakers, and blues is a major attraction of the park.. The park has 5 1/2 miles of beach on the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay but swimming is limited in the summer months due to the sea nettle problem. Camping, boating, and picnicking facilities are also available. Greenwell State Park near Hollywood on the shores of the lower Patuxent River consists of 175 acres and will be developed as a park especially adopted to the needs of the handicapped. St. Clement's Island, the landing site of the first settlers in Maryland, is located off Elton-Point at the mouth of St. Clements Bay. It is now being developed as a historic area with picnicking and boating the main recreational opportunities available. St. Mary's Court House in St. Mary's City has been designated as a two acre historic site since it was there that Maryland's first capital was located. Proposals have been made to expand the site to 50 acres. St. Mary's Park, on the St. Mary's River, not far from the Courthouse historic site, is presently in the process of acquisition with 671 out of a planned total of 2481 acres having already been acquired. It is presently planned to be developed as a recreational and Natural environment area. The construction of an artificial lake in the park is planned to further fishing, INVENTORY OF POTENTIAL SHORELINE ACCESS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE AREAS: ST. MARY'S COUNTY 1. Queen Tree Landing Location: On the west shore of the Patuxent River between Cat Creek and Coatigan Run. Size: Approximately 850 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 235 to Queen Tree Road. Adjacent Land Use: residential, agricultural and woodland Aerial detland Photos: SM1-9RL-10 Description Queen Tree Landing is predominately undeveloped woodland with small areas of wooded swamp and shoreline marsh. Approximately 35 acres of farm field are located on the neck between Cat Creek and the Patuxent River. A narrow sand beach fronts most of the 8000 feet of Patuxent River shoreline and becomes wider in the vicinity of a 500 ft. jetty situated at the mouth of Cat Creek. Dirt roads provide access to the shoreline at Coatigan Run and approximately 2000 feet upstream from the jetty at Cat Creek. Use Potential: Queen Tree Landing offers potential for beach swimming, pier fishing, boat launching, camping, picnicking, and a natural area. 2* St. Cutberth ',4harf Location: On the west shore of the Patuxent River near the town of Hollywood Size: Approximately 8 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 245 to Steer Horn Neck Road. Adjacent Land Use: agricultural, residential Aerial,Wetland Photos: SMI-9RL-35 Land Based Photos:. 8C Description: St. Cutberth dhar-f is Drimarily a grass covered sand neck extending into the Patuxent River creating a small, but relatively deep (6ft.) protected bay. The shoreline is sand beach approximately 20 ft. wide and over 350 feet long. The beach is backed by grass covered sand and a small tidal marsh;. The area is,wooded (approxi mately 4 acres) at the base of the sand neck. A dirt road provides access to the shoreline at the head of the protected bay.. The area offers an excellent view of the lower Patuxent River. Use Potential: St. Cutberth 4harf has potential for a small boat beach. However, without acquisition of some launch or county swimmin. adjacent farmland, there would be limited space for parking and sanitary facilities. 3. Esperanza Pond Location: dest.of the Patuxent Naval Air Test Center on the west shore of the Patuxent River. Size: Approximately 150 acres Accessibility: Mar7land Route 235 to Millstone Road Adjacent Land Use: residential, ar-,ricultural, undeveloped woodland Aerial -4etland Photos: SM1-9RL-27 Land Based Photos: 9C, 10C Description: Esperanza Pond is an unieveloped woodland area which encompasses two Gmall ponds: Esperana Pond (gacres) and Homing Creek .(7acres). It borders on the Patuxent River for 4,oOO feet where the shoreline is predominately sand beach (15 ft. width) backed by 15 it. high banks, except where it is backed by small wetland strips at the mouths of Homing Creek and Esperanza Pond. Dirt roads -)rovide access to the shoreline at the area's northern and southern edge ind in the wooded region between Homing Creek and Esperanza Pond. Erosion aopears high, the water bottom is sand and pebbles, and water clarity is poor. Views of the mouth of the Patuxent are excellentq although there is both visual and noise intrusion resulting from the area's proximity to the Patuxent Naval Air Test Center. Backland topography is flat and predominant species of vegetation are tulip poplar, virginia pine, holly, and red cedar. Use Potential: Esperanza Pond ha@3 potential for picnicking, camping, and a natural area. 6uch activities as boating, fishing, and swimming have only fair potential because water access is restricted by the-high bluffs. 4. Green Hold "ond L I -1- 17' Location: Immediately west of the Patuxent Naval Air Test Center on the west shore of the Patuxent River. Size: Approximately 390 acres. Accessibility: Maryland Route 235 to Green Hold Pond Road Adjacent Land Use: Naval Air Test Center, commercial, apricultural and undeveloped woodland. Aerial Wetland Photos: SM1-9RL-28 Description: Green Hold Pond is predominately undeveloped woodland with a small, three fingered pond (35 acres), in the areats northern portion and a 25 acre marsh in the near shore area, south of the pond. There are 2000 feet of shoreline on the Patuxent River with a wide sand beach backed by low, grass covered sand. A-dirt road inland a.pproximately 150 feeti parrellels the beach. Two or three residences are located on the peninsulas between the fingers of the pond and two residences are located on the shorelin-e between the road and the beach. Views of the mouth of the Patuxent are excellent, altholigh there is both visual and noise intrusions resulting from the area's proximity to the Patuxent Naval Air Test Center. Backland topography is rolling and @redominate species of vegetation are tulip poplar, virginin pine, and red cedar. Use Potential: Green 'Hold Pond has potential for picnicking, camping, beach swimming, boat launching, pier fishing,, and a natural area. Note: The entire shoreline remion from Millstone Road (Es-jeranza Pond) to the boundary of the Patuxent Naval @-ilir Test "enter (Green Hold Pond), and inland,nearly to Maryland L?oute 235 is sparsley developed and could be considered as one unit instead of two (-@speranza Pond, Green Hold Pond). 5- Pine Hill 1@un to Tippit Pond Location: On Chesapeake Bay immediately south of the Patuxent Naval Air Test Center. Sj7,e Approximately 2000 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 235 south to any of the left hand turns between the intersections of Maryland Route 712 and Maryland Route 439. Adjacent Land Use: -latuxent Naval Air Test Center to the north, sparse residential to the south and sparse residential and commercial to the west along Maryland Route 235. Aerial '4etland Photo SM1_9RL-45, 46, 47, and 48. s Land Based Photos: SM11 Description: Pine Hill Run to Tippet Pond is predominately of undeveloped woodland interspersed with farm fields, small shoreline marsh areas, and a very sparse scattering of farm structures and farm residences. Farms 'fields are located along the shoreline south of Pine Hill Run, and mid-way between N orris Pond and Beaverdam Creek, and inland between Beaverdam Creek and Turkey Neck Creek. 6mall marshes are located at Tinpet Pond, Norris Pond, Beaverdam Creek, Turkey Neck Creek and Pine Hill kiun. There are two and one hctlf miles of shoreline on Chesapeake Bay withapproximately 10 feet of sand beach along mest of the shoreline. Approximately 6000 feet of this beach is backed by small (4-6 ft.) bluffs and undeveloped woodland; a@)proximately 4000 feet is backed by small bluffs and farm fields, and approximately 300b feet is backed by marshland. Roads provide access to the shoreline south of Pine Hill iun, south of Beaverdam Creek,,'north of Norris Pond, and between Norris.Pond and Tippet Pond. Backland topography is flat ind the predominate species of vegetation are sweetgums,,loblolly pine, and sassafras-. Use Potential: Pine Hill Run to Tippet Pond offers potential for a multiplicity of recreational uses including camping, picnicking, beach swimming, pier fishing, boat launching, or a natural area. 6. Wise Marsh/Page Pond Location: On Chesapeake Bay approximately four miles south of the Patuxent Naval Air Test Center. Size: Over 80 acres Accessibility: Off Maryland Route 235 south of the Maryland Route 489 intersection Adjacent Land.Use: Residential near the shoreline and woodland inland Aerial Wetland Photos: SM1-9RL-49 Description: Wise Marsh/Page-Pond is a rectangular area of undev eloped. woodland with a 11/2 acre marsh located along the shoreline in the southeast corner. Page Pona is located to the north but is separated from the woodl and area by a small residential area. Wise Marsh - to,the south is likewise separated from.the woodland area by a small residential development. The shoreline is approximately 1000 feet long and is fronted by sand beach backed by small (0-3 ft.) banks. The woodland extends to the edge of the beach except in the immediate. vicinity of the small shoreline marsh. A dirt road provides access to the shoreline at the are4s south edge. The adjacent inland woodland becomes an extension of the inland woodland of areas E and G. Use Potential: Wise Marsh/Page Pond offers potential for beach swimming, pier fishing, boat launching, picnicking, camping, or a natural area. 7- Biscoe Pond Location: On Chesapeake Bay between Wise Marsh and Biscoe Pond. Size: Approximately 900 acres. Accessibility: Maryland Route 235 to James Church Road Adjacent Land Use: Undevelo ed woodland, agricultural P Aerial Wetland Photo: SM1-9RL-51 Description: Biscoe Pond is a-mix of undeveloped woodland, pond, marshland, and agricultural land. One or two residences are located near the shoreline at the end of James Church Road* The agricultural land is primarily located along the shoreline and is interspersed by three small ponds and their related marshes. doodland backs the agricultural land and extends wetward to Maryland Route 235. Two small areas of shoreline woodland are located in the areas northern one third.. The shoreline is approximately 7,000 feet long and is fronted by wide sand beach. The beach is backed by either woodland, agricultural land or marshland. dirt road provides access to the beach immediately north of Biscoe Pond. The beach is broken in three places by tidal guts. Principal species of vegetation are loblolly pine, sweetgums, and sassafras. Use Potential: Biscoe Pond has potential for beach swimming, pier fishing, boat launching, camping, picnicking, or a natural'area. 8. Bay Forest Drive Location: On Chesapeake Bay,-north of Saint Jerome Neck. Size: Approximately 45 acres. Accessibility: Maryland Route 235 to Bay iorest Drive Adjacent Land Use: Along the shoreline adjacent land is agricultural to the north and snarse residential to the south. Inland area "G" woodland is'on the north and'over 1,500 acres of undeveloped woodland on thesouth. Aerial 'detland Photos: SM1-9RL-35 Land Based Photo: SM-12 Description: Bay Forest Drive is a triangular piece of undeveloped woodland with approximately 1,500 feet of wide sand beach* The beach is generally backed by grass covered sand and then woodland, although in places it is backed by 1-6 feet. wooded banks. A road provides access to the shoreline at the area's southern edge. Another dirt road runs parrellel to the shoreline approximately 200 feet inland and terminates at a military radio complex at the area's northern edgei The primary species of vegetation is loblolly pine. Use Potential: Bay Forest Drive offers potential for beach swimming, picnicking, boat launching and pier fishing. The area also has potential for a camping or a natural area when it is considered in combinations with its adjacent woodlands, 9. North of Camp Winslow Location: On Chesapeake Bay, north of St. Jerome Neck Size: Approximately 200 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 235 to St. Jerome Neck Road Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and recreational (Boys Club Camp) Aerial Wetland Photo: SM1-9RL-55 Land Based Photos: SM-15, 16 Description: North of Camp Winslow is an area o f undeveloped, mature w dland. A pond and marsh boarder the area on the northwest. The 00 shoreline is approximately one mile long. and is fronted by a wide (+20 feet) sand beach along its southern 4/5 and a narrow ( 10 ft.) beach on its northern 115. The beach is backed by areas of grass covered sand and by areas of 1-6 foot wooded banks. A private dirt road provides access to the. shoreline in the are,@s southern one third. Topography is flat and primary species of vegetation are oak and loblolly pine. Use Potential: North of Camp dinslow has potential for beach swimmingg camping, picnickingq pier fishing, boat launching or a natural area. 10. Point-No-Point Location: On Chesapeake Bay on St. Jerome Neck. size: Approximately 400 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 235 (Three Notch Road) to St. Jerome Neck Road. Adjacent Land Use: 'Residential and agricultural Aerial detland Photo: 03MI-qRL-58 Description: Point-No-Point is predominately undeveloped woodland with some open field on the southern part and a lar7e pond - St. Clarence Creek - on the north. Two small .)onds are located behind the beach in the wooded area. Poin-No-Point has roproximately 3000 feet of undeveloped shoreline. The re mainder of the area is fronted by a row of shoreline residences* wide sand beach is backed by f@rasscovered sand and then pine covered sand. A private road provides shoreline access at the south part of the point. B-ickland topography is flat and primary species of vegetation are oak, sweetgums, and loblolly pine. Use Potential: Point-No-Point his potential for beach swimni'ng, picnicking, boat launching (St. Jerome S @Ireek) or a natural area. 11. Frogs Marsh Location: The west shore of the St. Mary's River across from Tippity Wichity Island. Size: Approximately 660 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 5 to Great Mills -ioad Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and undeveloped woodland Aerial detland Photo: SM1-9RL-74 Description: Frogs Marsh is an area of undeveloped woodland. Craney Creek, and several small associated tributaries run through the area and provide water to Frogs Marsh, an eig@t acre marsh near the shore of the St. Mary's River. The shoreline is irregular and, except at the mouth of Frogs Marsh, is of the wood-to-water type. The backland topography is gentley rolling anA, at present, there is no road access into the area or to. the shoreline. Use Potential: Frogs Marsh has potential for a natural area. Some potential also exists for camping and boat launching. 12. Chanc'elor Point Location: On the east shore of the St. Mary's River north of St. Inegoes Creek and south of .3t. Mary's City. Size: Approximately 90 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 5 to Rosecroft Road Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and undeveloped woodland. Aeria'l 'detland Photo: SM1-9RL-82 Description: Chancelor Point is an area of undeveloped woodland. Its shoreline is approximately 1000 ft. long and is fronted by a narrow sand beach. The beach is backed by high wooded-banks. A small pond on the area's northern edge is fronted by a barrier beach of approximately 150 feet in length., There are no marshes as3ociate4 with this pond. Because of its banked nature, there are no roads providing access to the shoreline. Use Potential: Chancelor Point ha a low use potential, although'some picnicking potential exists. 13. Windmill Point Location: The west shore of the St. Mary's River immediately north of Carthagena Creek. Size: Approximately 450 acres Accessibility: Near the terminous of Maryland Route 224 Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and recreational (a marina on Carthagena Creek) Aerial Wetland Photo: SM1-qi@L-110 Description: .Vindmill rPoint is an area of undeveloped woodland with some small patches of shoreline marsh. Thompson Creek bisects the area's southern shore. The shoreline is approximately two miles long. South and west of Windmill Point, the shoreline is eroding extremely rapidly. North and west of Windmill Point, the shoreline is fronted by narrow sand beach and appears to have medium erosion. There is no road access to the shoreline. Inland topography is flat. Use Potential: Windmill Point has some potential for camping, picnicking, boat launching, or A natural area. 14. Point Look-In Location: On Chesapeake Bay south of St. Jerome Creek on Fresh Pond Neck Size: Approximately 350 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 5 to Fresh Pond Neck Road Adjacent Land Use: Residential and agricultural Aerial Wetland Photo: SM1-9RL-94 Land Based Photo: SM-4 Description: Point Look-In is primarily an area of undeveloped woodland. There is, however, a 9 acre cleared field and an area of thinned woods in the vicinity of Fresh Pond in the middle of the area's shore - line region. One additional 1112 acre pond is located in the northern portion of the area's shoreline. The shoreline is approximately one mile long and is fronted by a wide sand beach. The beach is generally backed by small 1-4 foot wooded banks, except in the vicinity of Fresh Pond where some pond and farmfield backs the beach. A private road provides access to the shoreline north of Fresh Pond. One residence is located north of the pond on the farmfield and one is located south of the pond along the shoreline. Use Potential: Point Look-In has potential for boat launching, beach swimming, picnickingi camping, or pier fishing. 15. Scotla nd Beach/Duffy's Tavern Location: On (;hesapeake Bay approximately two miles north of Point Lookout. 3ize: Approximately 80 -icres Accessibility: Route 5 to the first right hand intersection t veling north from Point Lookout. ra Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial detland Photo: SM1-9-RL-96 Land Based Photo: SM-20, 21 Description: Scotland Beach/Duffy's Tavern is an area of undeveloped woodland with a parking area and tavern located at its southern edge at a location where a paved road dead-enis at the water's edge. The wooded area is fronted by approximately 1,500 feet of narrow sand beach. The beach is backed by small banks and numerous fallen trees.are an indication that erosion is high. The backland topography is flat and principle species of ver-,etation include loblollv pine, sweetgum and brush. The tavern area has a cleared dirt parking lot of approxim!itely 1 acre, immediately adjacent to the shoreline. Numerous cars have been abandoned C") on the beach at the base o f the small bank at the edge of the parking lot. The paved road ends at the shoreline bank, where its asphalt is broken. The bank at this point is approximately 6 feet. Use Potential: Scotland Beach/Duffy's Tavern has potential for pier fishing, boat launching, and picnicking. 16. Cornfield Harbor Location: On the Potomic, approximately two miles northwest of Point Lookout. Site: approximately 176 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 5 to Cornfield Harbor Road Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and residential Aerial Setland Photo: SML-10RL-5 Description: Cornfield harbor is an area of woodland with shoreline on the Potomac Aver and on Potter 'Creek to the north. There is very little beach with the shorline on the Potomac about 2000 feet characterized by wooded banks, and the shorelin on Potter Creek about 3000 feet - characterized by a thin strip of-marshland. Backland topography is flat and there is no road access to the shoreline. Use Potential: Cornfield Harbor has potential for boat launching, and picnicking. 17. St. Inegoes Neck Location: The Penisula between the St. Mary's River and Smith Creek. Size: Approximately 1,700 acres including Webster field. Accessibility: Maryland Route 5 to Beachville Road Adjacent Land Use: Undeveloped woodland residential. Webster Airfield is on the north part of the Neck. Aerial Wetland Photo: SM_10RL_12 Desription: St. Inegoes Neck is predominately undeveloped agricultural with small inland patches of undeveloped woodland. The shoreline on Smith Creek is highly irregular and contains some areas of sand beach. The shoreline on the Potomac River is straight, and has some narrow sand beach. The beach becomes slightly wider in the cove north of Sage Point. The beach is broken by a ridal gut at Sage Point providing for flushing of Sage Pond. Approximately 12 acres nof marsh are associated with Sage Pond. Several dirt roads provide access to the shoreline. Use Potential: St. Inegoes Neck has potential for boat launching, picnicking, pier fishing, or wildlife management. 22. St. George Island Location: The shoreline of the Potomac on the southwest corner of St. George Island which is located at the confluence of the St. Mary's River. Size: Approximately 60 acres Accessibility: Near the terminous of Maryland Route 249 Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Wetland Photo: SM1-10RL-52 Description: This area on St. George Island is a mixture of undeveloped woodland and marshland. The largest marshes are located at Deep Point and at Jimmy Island. The shoreline is approximately 5000 feet long and is fronted by sand beach. At places, the beach becomes wide and is backed by gras covered sand, marsh, or woodland. There is no road access to the shoreline. Use Potential: St. George Island has potential for beach swimming, nicnicking, boat launching, and pier fishing. 23. Mulberry Point Location: The west shore of Breton Bay about one mile south. of Leonardtown. Size: i'@pproximately 360 acres. Accessibility: Maryland Route 237 to Maryland Route 243 to Bull Road. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural Aerial detland Photo: SM1-101?L-67 Description: Mulberry Point is Predominately undeveloped woodland with a 10 acre farm field located along the shoreline at.Mulberry Point. The shoreline is approximately 5000 feet long and is of the woods-to-water type. There are small areas of shoreline marsh and a residence is located on the shoreline near the f.-arm field on Mulberry Point. There is no road access to the shoreline. Use Potential: Mulberry Point his potential for campingi picnicking, and boat launchinz, 24. Newton Neck 1rovin,-, Ground Location: On the east shore of Newton Reck at the mouth of Breton Bay. Size: Approximately 280acres Accessibility: Off Maryland Route 243 near its terminous Adjacent Land Use: Apricultural Aerial Jetland Photo: SM1-10RL-35 -Descrintion: The Newton Neck area is a mix of undeveloped woddland, agricultural land, and siall s4oreline marshes. A 9 acre pond is located on Payne Point. '-"he agricultural land is locited south of the pond on Paine Point. The shoreline is approximately 6000 feet long and is fronted by a narrow sand beach. The br@-ach is generally backed by small. wooded banks. road provides access to the shoreline north of.Payne Point. Use Potential: Newton Neck, has potential for boat launching, picnicking, and camping. 25. Shipping Point- Location: On the west shore of St. Clements Bay between Neck Creek and Deep Creek. Size: ,,pproximately 190 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 242 to Maryland Route 470 to Shipping Point Road. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural Aerial Wetland Photo: SM1-104'?L-,)2 Descrintion: Shipping Point is primarily undeveloped woodland. A small marsh is located near the tip of the point and two farm fields have been left to grow into immature woodland. The shoreline is approximately 5000 feet long and is generally of the wood-to-water type. There-are some stretches of narrow sand beach. There is no road access to the shoreline. Use Potential: Shipping Point has potential for boat launching, and picnicking. 26. Blakistone Island Location: In the Potomac River offshore from Cotton Point, Maryland. :`ize: Approximately 50 acres Accessibility: By boat only. Aerial Wetland Photo: SM1-10RL-110 Description: Blakistone Island, also known as St. Clements Island, is primarily open field with some small marsh and a sand point on its northern end. There is some sand beach on the island's northern point and along the cover on its southern end. A 500 foot pier protrudes from the east side of the island's northern point. The island was the location of the first landing by white man in Maryland in 1634. Use Potential: Blakistone Island has potential for picnicking and swimming by visiting boaters. 27. St. Catherine's Island Location: The Potomac River at the mouth of St. Catherine's Sound, south of Whites Neck. Size: Approximately 60 acres Accessibility: 8y boat only Aerial detland Flhoto: SM1-10RL-124 Description: St. Catherine's Island is primarily marshland wooded swamp and some open field. A lar.-e naval facility is located on the. field part of the island. There is sand beach along the eastern edge of the island and narrow sand beach along the southerw,-@stern edge. A 200 foot-pier is situated in the cove on the islands northern shorelira Use Potential: St. Catherine's Island has potential for day use picnicking by boaters-and for a natural 4-) $4 4 ul tn 4.> C.-4 Q) r_ CH W :3 0 bo LZ .rq Q) t4 4.3 0 E-4 Q) 0 ;4 41 @4 E-4 tic 0 ra 04 0 bo -H S E r-O E- CU r. C, 0 -rl bD .rq SA X: 0) 0 @4 -H 4.) C) 0 0 41 0 N" $4 4-) a) m 10 0 .0 N 0 4-> z 1. C.-4 EH 0 4J (H r. .14 W m 0 0 c .rf z $@4 m 10 :zl. P, :r W 0 > rf 0 10 @4 r_ Cl% 0 .7 -- 4-) a)0 w 0 a; -H C) Q) 0 4-3 0 0 P. M, L" tr @, P- rq 4-) -1 0 F= 0 ZA C- POTENTIAL USE CONTINUD Boat Fishing Picnic Swimming Natural Site Name Launch Pier Area Beach Camping Area Other Comments White Point L L H L L L Beach � St. George Island L L L L 0 0 � Mulberry L 0 L 0 L L Point � Newton Neck L H L L L Shipping L 0 L 0 0 0 Point Blakistone 0 0 H L 0 0 Historic Accessible by boat Island only. First landing in Maryland. St. Catherine',@ 0 0 L 0 0 L Island H =,High Potential Relative to other areas in the County. L = Low Potential Relative to other areas in the County but potential does exist. 0 = No Potential or extremely limited potential. *Nature walkai nature study, open space, @C. 14Ap S-ts A4RY%@ CocAl T Y 5-00 Ycqi.E, ORE-V xpwc4r. Fyjsr1A4r 6cq-r LAtmoonfrS *40VO /@Udi,/C 4ANDIVICS r Wit ul ti W4 % sr-- TV co Calvert County Population According to 1970 census figures Calvert County had a population of 20,682 an increase of approximately 5pOOO from 1960. The only two incorporated townsv Chesapeake Beach and North Beacht were summer colonies that have gradually developed into permanent developments* According to census estimates the county's population is expected to increase to 26,200 in 1980. Land Use Calvert County is composed of 218 square miles of stream-dissected Plain and flat terrace. upland It is bordered on the north by Anne Arundel Countys on the west and south by the Patuxent Riverv and on the east by Chesapeake Bay. It thus has extensive thoreline consisting of 32 miles on Chesapeake Bay and 78 miles along the Patuxent River. The 1959 Census of Agriculture indicated 60.9% of the county was in farm land consisting of 991 relatively small farms averaging 119 acres. Tobacco is the main cash crop in the county and is expected to remain so for the next twenty years although the market for tobacco is somewhat declining* The topography of the county rules out mechanized farm operation in most parts of the county but some success has been achieved in raising corn and beef cattle on the more gentle western shores of the Patuxent. The county is heavily forested with about two-thirds of county covered by forests about 7fr/a of which are marketable quality. Topography The topography of the county can be characterized as a thoroughly dissected upland plain with a narrowv less dissected, fiat terrace along the Patuxent River* The greater part of the county is more than 120 feet above sea level* Hunting Creek which flows into the Patuxent and Fishing Creek which f lows into the Chesapeake Bay nearby divides the county into two parts. C'ounty Further south Battle Creek and Parker Creek have almost similarly bisected the Ste Leonard Creek nearly travels the width of the county originating within a half-mile of Chesapeake Bay and flowing across the county to the Patuxent River* As a result of such active stream cuttings much of the county consists of rolling and rather steep sided slopes* Along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline the County terminates in high cliffs that rise about 150 feet from the waters edgeg.-with the streams that flow into Chesapeake Bay cutting deep ravines in'the cliffse In contrast the slopes towards the Patuxent River., while relatively steepq do not generally extend to the riverts edge* Along most-of the River lies a narrows level bottomland terraces which is widest. at the mouth of Hunting Creek and at the southern end of the River in the vicinity of Solomon's Island. The terrace elevation ranges from abou t 10 feet to 40 feet above sea*levele The main drainage areas of the county are those associated with Lyons Creek, Hall Creeks Hunting Creeks Battle Creeks and Ste Leonard Creeks which flow into the Patuxent and Fishing Creek and Parkers Creek which flow into Chesapeake Bay. Main Sources of Employment According to 1971 figures approximately 35% of the employment in the county is presently provided bry the construction sector* However many of thesejobs are associated with the construction of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and are not permanent in nature. Agriculturep the largest permanent employment sector, made up 17% of the total employment while the wholesale and retail trade sector was a close second at 16%. Employment by the governments primarily the Naval Research facilities at Randle Cliffs and Solomons Island comprised 15.3%.of the total, with service sector employment about 6.5% and other sectors 10*5%* Approximately 23% of the residents of the county commute outside of the county for@employment. -The seafood industry$ particularly oystering is seen as an area with potential for growth. Howevers there is disagreement as to how increased oyster production can be achieved particularly in face of the closing of several oyster bars because of pollution conta minationo Water Supply The geologic conditions-of Calvert County are favorable for the use of groundwater as a source of water supply. The most favorable sediments are those of the Nanjemoyp Jacksons Pleistocene$ and,Aquia Geologic periods* The Nanjemoy and Jackson formations are presently the major aquifers used for water supply in the county.' The total groundwater supply is estimated at 6 mgd which is judged to be adequate through the year 2000. Estimates of water needs are based on the assumption.that water needs will continue to be limited primarily to commercial and residential usage in a largely rural county. The use of community or public water supply is limitedt with most residents utilizing private wells. The community of Prince Frederick has a small municipal systems the two UeS. Naval Research. facilities at Solomons Island And Randle Cliffs have their own private systems and there are ten other small private community systems, The community of Prince Frederick has recently bought.an existing water system to begin an expanded municipal water supply system. The Solomons Island area is thought to need a community water system although the provision of sewerage facilities in the area is regarded as a more pressing need., Plans have also been developed to have North Beach and Chesapeake Beach join in a regional plan for water supply and distribution with the other smaller systems throughout the county. Because of the availability of sufficient groundwater supplies'@' and the small size of the county's many drainage bas4ns, it is infeasible to utilize surface water as a major source of the county's water supply* Likely Development of Patterns The existing developments in the county are largely one-time summer colonies along the Bay such as North Beach, Chesapeake Beach* and Dares Beach that have gradually developed into permanent communities and large private exclusive subdivisions such as Chesapeake Ranch and White Sands that were developed along the bay shore.in the 1960's, With the improvement of Routes 29 4.2 and 260 leading into and through the county, the trend towards permanent residences in such communities has been accelerated. Howevers development of the remaining land along the Bay front will be difficult because of poor beach access due to the steep topography, Other small population centers such as Huntingtons Prince Fredericks and Sto.Leonards have developed mainly as commercial centers furnishing the necessary services for the rural population of the county and are located along Routes 2 and 4. Along the Patuxent Rivers development has been very light except, for Br6omes Island, White Sandst and Cape St. Leonard. In general, most of the land adjacent to@the river has-been.retained in either agricultural use or timber growth* Residential development inland is widely dispersed on individual lots or on small strips along county roadse It is expected that Calvert County will retain its rural character compared with the rapid development of its.sister counties to the north. Develo pment of new residences can be expected to occur on individual sites remote from others on lots of.considerable size or for use as summer residences* The type of soil in the County is in the sassafras series and is well suited to septic tank percolatione. Howevert the steepness of slopes in many parts of the County may hinder development. Also, some of the lesser types of -soils on the county are poorly adopted to septic tank installation limiting development unless central sewer systems can be provided* Topographically the best area for large urban development lies between Route 4 to the Patuxent River. The County presently has only four sewerage systems, two in.the two incorporated communities of North Beach and Chesapeake Beach and two associated with the U.S. Naval installations at Solomons Island and Randle Cliffs., It is expected that small interim systems will have to be constructed to service those subdivisions that are gradually making the transition from summer colonies to permanent communities. Sanitary subdistricts have been established to encourage the development of specific areas and of sufficient density to make the provision of sewerage services feasiblee A 119 acre industrial park has recently been developed six miles southwest of Prince Frederick on Route 231, There are also three other industrially zoned sites in the county ranging from 24 to 514 acres* Industrial development at these sites will undoubtedly spur localized growth. The construction of the Calvert Cliffs Power Plant will provide jobs for 100 people but it is uncertain how much impact it will have on the growth rate of the County* Present Public Recreation Areast Forests, Parks,, Natural Environment Areas, and Wildlife.Refuge Areas State Calvert Cliffs State Park is located on Chesapeake Bay near the southern end of the countye It presently consists of 982 acres with the acquisition of 422 acres planned to provide a total 1,404 acres* The park provides the only public access to the geologically important Calvert Cliffs which contain numerous fossils from the Miocene Age* Within the park the cliffs range to heights of 110 feet. The development planIfor the park takes into consideration the physical barriers and limitations placed on the park by deeply cut creeks, steep wooded areas, and cliff's proc livity for erosion. Thus, most of the park will be devoted to low densit y activities such as environmental education., camping$ hikings and nature study. To assure vehicle and visitor control throughout much of the park$ a shuttle bus has been proposed to link a high density use visitor center near the entrance of the park with an interpretive center/marine museum situated near the top of the cliffs*o A swimming poolq picnicking facilitiess play fields, and game courts will be located near the visitor center to serve active recreation demands. In.additions. group-use facilities and an environmental education center have been proposed for the acreage not yet acquired. Plans are underway to develop a liquid natural gas unloading and revaporization terminal on the southern border of the park. As a result of an agreement between the Columbia LNG Corporation and the Sierra Clubs Columbia will dedicate 600 acres ofthe 1,,100 bayside site to open space through scenic easements and will lease a mile-long beach and fresh-water marsh to the State* County/Local There are several potential or actual local recreational areas associated with the elementa ry and secondary schools in the county but no detailed information, is presently available on the acreage and facilities involved. The county is in the process of compiling a Comprehensive Master and Open Space Plan which will provide information on existing recreational areas in the county and presumably,make recommendations for future areas. Private The Nature Conservancy owns two areas in the county which.they plan to retain in their natural state as nature preserves which will be used for researchs scientifics and educational purposes* They are Battlecreeks Cypress Swamps and a 100 acre preserve off Route 506 near Bowens in West Central Calvert County and Helen Creek Hemlock Preserve., a 21 acre area on Helen Creek in southwestern Calvert Countys There are also several private camps in the County: the 285 acre YMA Kings Landing Camp in Huntingtont the Girl Scout Camp:Bay Breeze in Lusby; the Christ Church Group Camp in Island Creeks the Friendship Camp in Bowensq and the Kaufman Camp for Boys and Girls in Plum Points The two navy installations in the county also have recreational areas., Camp Roosevelt at Randle Cliffs and the Navy Recreation Center,at Solomonst Maryland. In additions there are several developed private bayside recreational areas: the 3$000 acre Chesapeake Ranch Club in Lusby (which has a lake and a pond within its site as well as bordering on the bay), the.27 acre Chesapeake Beach Park in Chesapeake Beach (which also contains a 129000 square foot pool); and the 203 acre North Beach Park in North Beach& There are also several marinas and boating launch sites in the county, located primarily in the North Beach-Chesapdake Beach area on Chesapeake Bay, the Solomon area at the southern end of the Countyt and the Boome Island area on the Patuxent River. There is also presently an open space area associated with the Calvert Cliffs power plant called the Baltimore Gas and Electric Conservation areas INVENTORY OF POTENTIAL SHORELINE ACCESS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE AREAS: CALVERT COUNTY 1. Chesapeake Beach Location: On Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of Fishing Creek, immediately north of Chesapeake Beach. Size: Approximately 30 acres Accesibility: Maryland Route 260 to Maryland Route 261. Adjacent Land Use: Residential and commercial Aerial Photos: AROS Mission #174, Flight 1 Description: Chesapeake Beach is a commercially developed area with a large marina located on Fishing Creek, and a rod and gun club headquarters and a private ammusement park with a swimming beach located on Chesapeake Bay. Two stone jetties of approximately 500 foot length are located at the mouth of Fishing Creek. Use Potential: Chesapeake Beach has potential for a boat launch ramp or for jetty fishing, although little unused land is available to provide parking. 2. South Beach Location: On Chesapeake Bay immediately south of Chesapeake Beach. Size: Approximarely 30 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 261 south of Chesapeake Beach. Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W174, Flight 1 Description: South Beach is an area of rolling, undeveloped woodland A small marsh separates the area on the north from Chesapeake Beach. The area is bordered on the south by the Randle Cliffs Beach residential area. The shoreline is apporoximately one mile long and is fronted by a narrow sand beach. The beach is backed by wooded cliffs. In the northern 1/6 of the area, the beach becomes somewhat wider and the cliffs are lower. Use Potential: South Beach has potential for picnicking or a small natural area. Some beach swimming would be possible on the area's northern 1/6. 3. South of Camp Roosevelt Location: On Chesapeake Bay between Camp Roosevelt and Willows Beach Colony. Size: Approximately 90 acres Accesibility: off Maryland Route 261 north of Willows Beach Colony. Adjacent Land Use: Residential (south and west), Camp Roosevelt (north). Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W174, Flight 1 Description: South of Camp Roosevelt is an area of rolling undeveloped woodland. The shoreline is approximately 2000 feet long and is fronted by narrow sand beach. The beach is backed by wooded bluffs. There is no road access to the area and potential access to the shoreline is limited by the shoreline bluffs. Use Potential: South of Camp Roosevelt has potential for picnicking or a small natural area. Some camping potential also exists, but the limited acreage and lack of additional potential attractions makes this potential minimal. 4. Plum Point Creek Location: On Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of Plum Point Creek immediately south of Breezy Point Beach. Size: Approximately 5 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 261 to Dixon Road to Breezy Point Beach Road. Adjacent Land Use: Commercial (marina) and residential. Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W174, Flight 1 Description: The Plum Point Creek Area is a small area of sand beach and shrub covered sand adjacent to a large marina dredged into the marshes associated with Plum Point Creek. The beach is about 500 feet long and a dirt road provides access to the shoreline. A 100 foot stone jetty protrudes from the beach at the mouth of Plum Point Creek. Use Potential: The Plum Point Creek Area has potential for jetty fishing, boat launching picnicking ,and beach swimming. 5. South of Carpenter Beach Location: On Chesapeake Bay, south of Plum Point. Size: Approximately 130 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 263 to Dares Watson Road. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and residential Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W174, Flight 1 Description: The area south of Carpenter Beach is primarily rolling, undeveloped woodland. A small, 2 acre marsh is located along the shoreline at the south edge of the area. Residential dwellings are located along the shoreline north of the Area. The remainder of the adjacent land area is agricultural. The shoreline is approximately 1000 feet long and is fronted by a wide sand beach. The beach is backed by low wooded and shrub covered banks. There is road access to the shoreline immediately south of the small marsh. The road runs through the adjacent farmland to the south of the area. Use Potential: The area south of Carpenter Bench has potential for beach swimming picnicking, boat launching and a natural area. Camping potential exists but is limited because of the area's size. Chesapeake Heights Location: On Chesapeake Bay immediately north of Dares Beach. Size: Anproximately 60 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 402 to Dares-Witson Road. Adjacent Land Use: Residential (south), agricultural (north) and a road system for a proposed housing development (west). Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W174, Flight 1 Land Based Photos: CA 14,15 Description: Chesapeake Heights is a mixture of undeveloped woodland, marshland and wooded swamp. The topography of the wooded areas is rolling. The shoreline is approximately 1,000 feet long and is fronted by sand beach of varying width, although generally it is narrow, The beach is backed by high wooded banks in most areas. A low area, with no bank is located on the area's south edge and is accessible by a paved road that terminates near the shoreline. Erosion appears high and primary species of vegetation are sweetgum and loblolly Dine. To the west of the described area is an area of woodland with a system roads provided for a housing development. These roads have existed for over 10 years with no housing construction having occured. Use Potential: Chesapeake Heights Heights has potential for boat launching, pier fishing, and picnicking. The land area, without the adjacent land which is pending, development, is too limited in size for camping or a natural area. 7. Parker Creek Location: On Chesapeake Bay south of Dares Beach Size: Approximately 3,290 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 402 to Goldstein Road or to Double Oak Road. Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W174, Flight I Land Based Photo: CA 13 Description: Parker Creek is an area of rolling undeveloped woodland rolling shoreline agricultural land and marshland. The marshland is located along Parker Creek and consists of approximately 500 acres of salt marsh, brackish marsh and fresh water marsh. It extends inland almost three miles. The marsh is bordered by high wooded bluffs containing diverse species of hardwoods and coniferous species. The farmland is located shoreward off Goldstein Road and is interspersed with areas of undeveloped woodland. The rolling hills in this region offer excellent vistas of Chesapeake Bay. The shoreline is approximately 1 1/2 miles long and is fronted by a narrow sand beach. The beach is backed by high banks. A row of shoreline woodland runs on the top of the banks. There is no road access to the shoreline. Two or three residential dwellings are located along Goldstein Road. Use Potential: Parker Creek has porential for picnicking, and camping. It his excellent potential for a natural area. 3. Calvert Beach-North Location: On Chesapeake Bay north of Calvert Beach, Maryland. Size: Approximately 220 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 2 and to Calvert Beach Road. Adjacent Land Use: Residential along shoreline; undeveloped woodland and agricultural inland. Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W174, Flight 1 Description: The area north of Calvert Beach is primarily rolling undeveloped woodland with one or two interspersed residential dwellings. The shoreline is approximately 1 mile in length and has high bluffs. There is little or no sand beach and no road access is provided to the shoreline. Use Potential: The area north of Calvert Beach has potential for picnicking, camping and a natural area. 9. Flag Ponds: Location: On Chesapeake Bay south of Long Beach and north of the Nuclear Power Plant at Calvert Cliffs. Size: Approximately 1,040 acres Accesability: Maryland Route 4 and 2 (Solomons Island Road) along the area between Tom Parron Road and Planters Wharf Road. Adjacent Land Use: Residential to the north and a power plant complex to the south. Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W174, Flight 1 Description: The Flag Ponds area is a large rolling undeveloped mixed woodland with a unique area of freshwater marsh, wooded swamp and woodland along the shoreline in the vicinity of Flag Ponds. A cleared Dower line right-of-way cuts through the area's interior in the vicinity of Maryland Route 2 and 4. The shoreline is approximately two miles in length. A high bluff line runs along the shoreline in the southern portion of the area. The bluff moves inland as it runs north and in the immediate vicinity of Flag Ponds is over 2000 feet inland. It is in the northern half of the area where the bluffs are fronted by the unique natural formations of fresh water marsh, wooded swamp and lowland woodland. Sand beach fronts the shoreline in the vicinity of Flag Ponds and becomes wide in a small cove immediately south of Flag Ponds. Very little sand bench fronts the bluffs in the southern half of the area. A dirt road provides access to the shoreline at the cove south of the Flag Ponds. Use Potential: The Flag Ponds area has excellent potential for a natural area. Potential also exists for camping and picnicking. There is potential for beach swimming, boat launching, and pier fishing in the cove south of Flag Ponds. 10. Purgatory Creek Location: On Chesapeake Bay immediately south of Cove Point. Size: Approximately 480 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 4 to Cove Point Road (Maryland Route 497). Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photos: EROS Mission #W147, Flight 1 Description: The Purgatory Creek area is primarily a rolling undeveloped woodland. A small pond associated with Purgatory Creek is located near the shoreline. The shoreline is approximately one mile long. There are high bluffs along most of the shoreline (except near the mouth of Purgatory Creek) and there is no sad beach. A road provides access to the shoreline at the base of the bluffs at the north edge of the area. Use Potential: The Purgatory Creek area has potential for a natural area, boat launching picnicking, and camping. 11. Drum Point Location: At the mouth of the Patuxent Aver, bordering on both the, Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay. Size: Approximately 35 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 4 to Maryland Route 760 to Drum Point. Adjacent Land Use: Primarily residential Land Based Photos: CA 7,8,9, and 10 Description: Drum Point consists primarily of open field, grass covered sand and wide open sand beach. An abandoned bathing house facility a burried swimming pool are located on the area. In addition, an old, scenic lighthouse recently declared surplus by the General Services Administration is on the southernmost tip of Drum Point. Approximately 200 yards up the Patuxent River from the lighthouse is a small Gea Nettle Research facility operated by the University of Maryland. The shoreline is approximately 3,500 feet long on the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay. It is fronted by wide and beach. The Drum Point Area offers vistas of the Patuxtent U.S. Naval Air Station, the Patuxent River, Chesapeake Bay and the cliffs near Little Cove Point in Calvert County. Use Potential: Drum Point offers potential for beach swimming, boat launching, pier fishing, and picnicking. 12. Sollers Point Location: On the east shoreline of St. Leonard Creek, approximately 3/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Patuxent River. Size: Approximately 3 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 2 and 4 to Sollers Road. Adjacent Land Use: Residential and agricultural Land Based Photos: CA 5 and 6 Description: Sollers Point area is a cove on St. Leonard Creek that is characterized as a low, non-bluff area wedged between the waters of St. Leonard Creek and the bluffs and hills located between 30 and 200 feet inland. The shoreline is approximately 200 yards long. There are some small marsh areas and there is no sand beach. The water is clear and the water bottom is primarily pebbles and shells.. Presently, the area is being used as an informal public boat launch. Users are requested to deposit a dollar in a box before launching. The ramp is made of corrugated metal slabs and a derelict boat shop exists on the shoreline adjacent to the ramp. Use Potential: Boat launching 13. Peterson's Point Location: Located on the east shore of the Patuxent River on the west side of the mouth of St. Leonard Creek. Size: Approximately 125 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 2 to Maryland Route 264 to Mackalls Road. Adjacent Land Use: Residential and agricultural Land Based Photos: C A 1 and 2 Description: Peterson's Point is a mixture of rolling farmland, woodland and field. A small marsh is located on the northern edge of the area. The shoreline on the Patuxent River is approximately one mile long and generally has high wooded banks and no beach. There are no banks near the end of the road at Peterson's Point. Here, there is a narrow sand beach of approximately 100 feet in length. Primary species of vegetation are black honey locust, loblolly pine and virginia pine. The area offers excellent views of the Patuxent Aver. Use Potential: Peterson's Point has potential for boat launching, pier fishing or a natural area. cr r_ 0 E > 0 0 a) cu cu CU @. cc E- :1 Q) 4 0 z CIO bo a 0 *4 C15 E co E 0 Z to E-4 M rl .ri P4 0 0 tA d) (D ul .-Y ca sz -ld S@ m 17, tv (D 4.4 4J rq x 4-4 @4 4-) U z SA E 4) .0 0 r-4 0 (1) 0 .0 X., 0 0 -Y hn 1.4 1@4 z m ca E > $4 m 0 0 0 C, 0 0 m 0 0) to a) > = bE, t@ S@ 0 0 Co :3 U EO r-q r -0 ;@ ( ) 1 0 0 r-4 0 $4 m r-f -H 0 CLI u cx@ 7f cr cl, 4) E cD 0 ,A 4J tr -0 E@ -H W 4-) tr, a) W .1-1 cc 0 rl 0 ci !@- P. 0 Q w IL4 0 X: W -rq Q@ 4-)Z E 0 0 4-) 0 0 .r4 J1. 4) r-I :3 CO -H W 4j -ri > U) x ::I 4-3 C15 0 z :2i r-I 0 z ct H C! -ri cu -4 -q 4-) 0 4) 0 1-4 C, 0 0 4.) 0 0 r-4 CL) 0 r-4 4-) 0 (L) cn a4 LU Vp zg tg .,got ta IVI 0 = S-POv1Q.,OVV'7 -7f 7F40e OAPV Z -78 7/?W7d 0..Yv rNovvv .ro-yv7HSDVVW otvv7aootw (7-3cj0731)ao1vt-7 A-LOO O..,D Y.YA 7 19 C/YW ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTYL/ Population According to the 197.0 censust.Anne Arundel County had a population of 297t539, an increase of approximately 90,000 from 1960, There are two incorporated communities in the countyj the City of Annapolis with a population of 29,592 and Highland Beach with a year-round population of 6. The unincorporated community of Glen Burnie with a population of 38,608 is the largest community in the county and much of the population of the county residesinthe northern areas of the county adjoining Baltimore Cityo According to census estimatespthe population of Anne Arundel County is expected to increase to 415,700 by 1980. Land Use Although Anne Arundel County has experienced rapid population growth over the past two decades2 approximately 3/4 of its 416 square miles were either vacant or in agricultural use according to 1967 stat'isticso The county is bordered on the north by Baltimore Cityp Baltimore County and Howard County; on the west by Prince Georgets County; on the south by Calvert County; and on the east by Chesapeake Bayo It has 430 miles of shoreline along the Bay and its many large and small rivers and creeks* 1/ The following sources were utilized in developmentof this section: Anne Arundel County Comprehensive Water and Wastewater Plan developed by Whiteford,, Falk and Machs Inc.9 Consulting Engineers; the DNR internal report by Keith Roberts on the Water Supply Situation in Anne Arundel County$ the Brief 1ndustrial Facts for Anne Arundel County, Maryland (October, 1972) and the Community Economic Inventory for Anne Arundel County2 Maryland published by the Maryland Department of Economic and Community Development; Anne Arundel County General Development Plan (May, 1967); Draft of the Anne Arundel County Soil SuryU to be published by the UoSo Soil Conservation Service; and information materials on State Park and Recreation Areas developed by the.Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Much of the Countyts shoreline is occupied by waterfront residences but there are several industrial sites having deep-water frontage in the Marley Neck Area in the northern portion of the county* Approximately 28.6% of the county is farmland* The ipain.agricul.tural crops are corn, small grains hay and tobaccos Tobacco has always beeh the cash crop and today it is the most important agricultural crops Approximately 46% of the countyfs acreage is forested with about 47% of that amount in commercial forests& The principal commercial species are oak p hickory$ soft maples beechs gum, yellow poplar, loblolly pine and virginia pines Approximately one-fifth of the countyts developed acreage is. occupied by Fort George Meade in the western portion of the county, while substantial acreage is also occupied.by Friendship Airport in the northwest corner of the county, One half the developed acreage is in residential use while manufacturing and other industrial activities occupies only 1/12 of the developed acreage or Less than 2% of the county's total acreage, Governmental and institutional uses comprise. most of the remaining developed acreage$ with public parks and recreational areas comprising the rest. Since a large proportion of the military an d institutional land is in reservations that are largely vacant., less than one-fifth of the county's land is intensively used* Topography The topography of the land is variable, rangtng frdm flat to sharply rolling, but most of the county is gently sloped. Level areas of the county are located north of the Severn and.Magothy Rivers. The more steeply sloped areas are located'in a north-south direction in the central part of the county. The latter were caused by many small streams which have cut deep ravines as they flow into Chesapeake Bay. The county has seven main drainage areas all of which eventual ly drain into Chesapeake Bay* Two-thirds-of the county drains northward and eastward into the Patapsco, Magothys Severns Souths Rhode and West Rivers and Herring Bay; the remaining one-third drains westward to the Patuxent River which forms the border between Prince Georges and Anne Arundel Counties as it flows south to Chesapeake Bay* Surface drainage is general ly excellent although there is one poor drainage area in the Deale-Shadyside area* Major Sources.of Employment The largest employment sector in the county is that of governments 30,1% of the total employed* On the federal level Fort Meadep the UOSO Naval Academy in Annapolis, and the Naval. Ship and Development Center are the principal sources of employment; while on the.State level the various branches of the state government located in Annapolis., the state capitol., provide the majority of the employment opportunities. County and municipal workers make up the remainder of the government sectorts total* of the other sectors of employment, wholesale and retail trade is the largest, 23%. closely following by manufacturing 22%. The largest single private employee is Westinghouse Electric Company employing 7p875., approximately half the total manufacturing employment* The service sector employed about. 10% of the totalp construction about 6%; agriculture 1.2%1, and other, the remainder, In 1960$ approximately 1/3 of the county's residents worked outside the county; presumably more are presently employed outside the county as the suburban growth around Baltimore and Washington has spread into the county@ Water Supply Approximately 3/4 of the county's residents obtain their water from public water supplies* Some of this water supply is obtained from the Baltimore Watpr System (BWS) and from the Washington Suburban Sanitary %ommission (W,@SC). Surface water, not already developed by either BWS or the WSSC., is utilized by the military and institutional organizations in the county.while-groundwater is available for both private and public deve-lopments Groundwater presently forms the major source of water supply in- the county providing 75% of the totale The Patuxents Patapscop Ravitans and Magothy formations are good sources of groundwater* Only the northwestern portion of the county is limited by drawdown and quantity problems although the possibility of salt-water intrusion provides a concern in other areas of the county* With sound groundwater conservation methods most of the countyts water needs until the year 2000 can be met from existing groundwater supplies. Any additional supplies that are needed will have to be obtained from the BWS or WSSC. Likely Development Patterns Anne Arundel County is likely to continue to grow rapidly as it becomes amore integral part of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan complex. Most of the industrial development in the county is expected to occur in the Glen Burnie metropolitan area in thenorthern part of the county, Located in that area are the largest amounts of potential industrial water supply, a good road system and population centers with large work forces nearby, Growth in other areas of the county is expected in and nearby existing urban centerse Although it-is expected that half of the-county's land will still be undeveloped in the year 20009 most of the countyts population will be living in urban rather than rural conditions. At presentg approximately 50% of the county is serviced by public sewerage systems* However, most residential development in the county outside of that in the areas of Glen Burnie, Fort Meade, Riviera Beachp and Annapolis are serviced by septic tank systems. GOASit"'i 2" INFORMATION CEINTER Most of the federal and military installations operate their own waste disposal systems in cooperation with state and local health authorizatione With the rapid growth expected for the countyp a county-wide comprehensive waste disposal system is seen as a necessity since 85% of the county's population is expected to be served.by public sewerage systems by the year 2000* Present Public Recreation Areasq Forestsq Parksq Natural Environment Areas, and Wildlife Refuge Areas2./ J State Patapsco State Park consists of 7,800 acres stretching along the Patapsco River Valley on the outskirts of Baltimoree While the majority of the park is in Howard and Carroll Counties and Baltimore City$ the southern portion of the park is in Anne Aru ndel Countye The park offers day-use facilities., historic sites, over-night camping facilities and natural and scenic areas in six separate recreational sites along the Patapsco Rivere The State plans to acquire an additional 2p276 acres to complete its development of the area* Sandy Point State Parkt located on Chesapeake Bay at the western terminus of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (U.S. Route 50-301) consists of approximately 800 acres. It offers opportunities for swimming and sunning on its sandy beachesv picnick ingg surf-fishing, boatingg bird-watching$ and visual access to Chesapeake Bay.' Adding to the park's attraction is a marsh area located near the beach areas* Severn Run,Natu-kal Environment Area.consits of 583 acres located at the headwaters of the Severn River near Dans Corner2 Maryland* Its 2/ Unless noted otherwisep there a@e no plans to increase the acreage of the recreation areasq parkss etce, described in this section. purpose is to provide protection for the headwaters of the Severn River* The State plans to acquire an additional 1,035 acres for anultimate total of lj618 acres* The Buckingham State Forest Tree Nursery is located in Harmonss Maryland near Friendship Airport* It consists of 132 acres devoted to developing nursery stock for the State Forestse County/Local At the County level the emphasis has been on providing neighborhood recreation areas rather than regional parks suitable for passive recreation or bayside parks containing beach areas. With the exception of the Andover recreation areas the countyls 35 neighborhood recreation areas are 25 acres or less and are developed largely for intensive recreational use, The Andover recreation area consists of 44 acres and is used for horseback riding as well as for intensive recreation activities. Several of these areas are located next to schools as part of cooperative effort with the school system to provide recreation facilitiese Approximately 50% of the funds for development of outdoor areas at the County's 72 elementary C) school areas has been contributed by theCounty Parks Department* .Other county recreational areas include Friendship Parks a 144 acre tract leased from the Friendship Airport Authorityvused for both passive and intensive recreation activities and Lake Waterford Parks a 68 acre tract in Pasadena which contains an 11.acre lakes 4 large wooded areavand group camping facilities as well as intensive recreation facilities. The county has acquired 40 of a 150-acre Smallmill Creek Park in Glen-Burnie which will preserve the stream valley in a natural state as well as providing more intensive recreation opportunities.along its perimeter* The County has also acquired 47 acres for Maryland City Recreation Area which borders the Patuxent Rivero Besides providing intensive recreation facilities for Maryland City, this area is Part of the countyts long range plan to acquire the land areas along the Patuxent Rivere As mentioned above, the county is involved in a joint effort with neighboring counties and the State Department of Natural Resources to protect the Patuxent River watershed area through a large scale.acquisition program* The county has acquired 400 acres out of a planned total acreage of ?,,500-3i5OO acreso The County Parks Department was.also donated the 44-acre Thomas Point peninsula at the mouth of the South Rivere It is heavily wooded and contains lk miles of waterfront. The County plans to utilize the park area for passive recreational activities which appreciate the park's natural features as it is one of the few undisturbed areas on the bay. Access and such activitie@ such as fishings group camping# hikings and nature study are allowed through a permit system through which the,County Parks Department hopes to protect the areats natural features* The county has also acquired 19 acres of an eventual 63 acre stream valley park in Odentono Development will be divided equally in intensive and passive recreation areas. The County also operates the following four wharfs and piers which are utilized as landing areas for boats and for crabbing and fishing activitiess.Carrs Wharf in Mayos Deale Pierp Galesville Pier., and ShadySide Wharf. The County has also purchased a 2k acre tract on Tracy Creek in Deale to obtain available waterfront for future developments The other recreationalareas owned by the county are the 208 acre Eisenhower Memorial Golf Course located on Route 178 in Crownsville; a 10-acre. tract in Londontowne on which is located the London Town Public House which is being restored as a Chesapeake Bay historical museum; two community fish pondss Friendship Ponds a one acre pond on an 8*2 acre site near Friendship$ and Patuxent Ponds a 3*2 acre pond on a 9*8 acre site near Conaways; and three v6st-pocket parks, one in Brooklyn Heights and two in Harundale. As part of its long range program the County has plans to balance its present emphasis on neighborhood intensive recreation areas by acquiring three regional parkss one each in the northp centrals and south sections of the county and by hopefully acquiring two of the private beaches that have been closed in the past decade. Such bayside areas would provide much needed public access to the Bay and public beach facilities* In an anomalous situation a 100-acre Fort Smallwood Parks Bay shore park is located in northern Anne Arundel County although it is owned and operated by Baltimore City as part of its recreational system* It is expected that eventually ownership of this park will be transferred to Anne Arundel County and that it will thus become part of the county recreational systems The City of Annapolis has one 33 acre park located on Spa Creeks Truxton Park, that has been developed for both intensive and passive recreation activities. The city is in the process of acquiring sufficient adjacent acreage to Truxton Park to double its size* Private There used to be several private beaches along the shore of Chesapeake Bay in Anne Arundel County which were open to the public for a fee. However., during the past decade all of these have closed except for Mayo Beach, which now may also be closing. INVENTORY OF POTENTIAL SHORELINE ACCESS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE AREAS: ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY 1. Fairhaven Cliffs Location: In southern Anne Arundel County on the shore of Chesapeake Bay, immediately south of the town of Fairhaven. Size: Approximately 350 acres. Accessibility: Maryland Route 2 to Maryland Route 261 to the Old Colony Cove area. Adjacent Land Use: Residential, agriculture and undeveloped woodland. Aerial Photo: AA1-1RL-68 Land Based Photos: AA 5 & 6 Description: Fairhaven Cliffs is predominately a rolling undeveloped woodland area, with several small, rolling farm fields located near the shoreline. A small five acre marsh is located in the southeastern portion of the area. The shoreline is approximately three miles long and is fronted by a narrow sand beach. The beach is backed by low, grass and shrub covered banks in the south and by higher wooded bluffs in the north. A dirt road runs along the shoreward side of the farm fields in the area's southern half and parallel to the beach approximately 75 feet inland. Use Potential: Fairhaven Cliffs has potential for boat launching, camping, pier fishing, swimming, picnicking or a natural area. 2, Long Marsh (Lake Louise): Location: On Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of Parker Creek (Anne Arundel County), immediately north of Masons Beach* Size: Approximately 30 acres. Accessibility: Maryland Route 468 to Maryland Route 256 to Mason's Beach Road, Adjacent land Use: Residential Aerial Photo: AAl-1RL-71 Land Based Photo: AA7 Description: This area, formerly known as Long Marshq has been filled with sand dredge spoil and bulkheaded with large rocks, It'is a peninsula and has water on three sides. A 3-2- acre IVI shaped lake is located in the center of the area, There is no beach and very little vegetation. Road access to the area is restricted to a private driveway* Use Potential:-Long Marsh (Lake ImUse) has potential for boat launching or pier fishing. 3., LanLLn& Field: Location: On Flag Pondq which is north of the mouth of Deep Cove Creek and which is separated from Chesapeake Bay by the area known as Franklin Point (south of Columbia Beach)e Size: Approximately 130 acres Accessibility: Off Maryland Route 468 (Shadyside Road) approximately two miles south of Shadyside. Adjacent land Use: Airport and agricultural Aerial Photo: AA1-IRL-22 Description: The Landing Field area is predominantly an area of undeveloped woodlande The shoreline on Flag Pond is over ' mile long.. The southern half of the shoreline is of the wood-to-water type with sane small marshes in cove areas, The northern half of the shoreline is generally marshland, There is no sand beach and there are no roads to the shoreline. Use Potential: Landing Field has potential for picnicking, camping., boat launching or a natur al area. 4. Jack Creek: Location: On Chesapeake Bay south of the mouth of the West RiVere Size: Approximately nine acres Accessibility: Near Maryland Route 468 near Shadyside. Adjacent Land Use: Agriculturalv marshland Aerial Photo: AA1-IRL-24 Descriptio : Jack Creek is a small area of undeveloped woodland in an area that is primarily marshland. A 21 acre adjacent farm field is located inland, The area is fronted by a small sand beach, The only access to the wooded area is by a private dirt roado Use Potential: Jack Creek has some potential for picnicking. 5. Cheston Point: Location: The north shore of the West River. Size: Approximately 150 acres Accessibility: Maryland Route 468 to Cumberstone Roado Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural Aerial Photos: AAl-IRL-56 Description: The Cheston Point area.consists of two peninsulas separated by Cheston Creek. Both peninsulas are primarily low, flat undeveloped woodland areas and are inaccessible by road. A narrow strip of wetland borders most of the shoreline.- Use Potential: The Cheston Point area has potential for camping, picnicking or a natural area. 6. Smithsonian: Location: On the southwest shore of the Rhode River near the mouth of Muddy Creek. Size: Approximately 800 acres Accessibility: Off Maryland Route 488 approximately two miles south of the Maryland Route 214 intersection. Adjacent Land Use: Residential, and agricultural Aerial Photo- AAl-IRL-82 Description: The Smithsonian Area is predominately an area of rolling undeveloped woodland and marshlande The marsh, which is associated with Muddy Creek, is ap@roximately- 190 acreso Woodland borders on either side of the marsh and extends north of the marsh for somewhat-less than a milee There is approximately one mile of wooded shoreline north of the marsh on Muddy Creek and Fox Creek.. A small marsh is associated with Fox Creek. There is little sand beach. Much of this area is presently owned and managed by Smithsonian Institution as a nature study area. Use Potential: The Smithsonian area has potential for continued use as a natural area, Were it not to be used as a natural area, it would have potential for boat launching, pier fishing, picnicking, camping and beach'swimming. 7- Camp Letts: Location: The northwest shore of the Rhode River and bordering on Sellman Creek, Bear Creek and the Rhode River, Size: Approximately 470 acres Accessib ility: Mar7land Route 214 to Camp Letts Road Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural Aerial Photo: AAl-1RL-529 53, 84 Description: The Camp Letts area is predominately flat undeveloped woodland and marshland. The largest marsh areals along the west shore of Sellman Creek. Smaller marshes are located on the west shore of Bear Creek. The top of the peninsula between Sellman Creek and Bear Creek is used as a youth camp and contains athletic fields and related camp developments* Most of the shoreline of the peninsula is wooded, There is little sand beach and there are no roads to the shorelineo Use Potential:. The Camp Letts.area has potential for picnicking, camping, boat launching,, beach swimming, or a natural area. 8. Cedar Point: Location: On the South River between Glebe Bay and Brewer Creek. Size: Approximately 80 acres Accessibility: Md. Route 214 to Loch Haven Drive to Larkington Cove Road. Adjacent LandUse: Residential Aerial Photo: AA1-1RL-49 Description: Cedar Point is a peninsula that is predominately a flat, undeveloped woodland area. The shoreline, which is over a mile long, is highly irregul@ir. Marshes are located in a thin strip along much of the shoreline and in a cove on the are;A3 south-west portion. There is little sand beach and the shoreline-is inaccessible by road. Use Potential: Cedar Point has potential for boat launching, pier fishing, picnicking, or a small natural area, 9. Mayo Point: Location: On the south shore of the South River immediately upstream from Selby Bay. Size: Approximately 75 acres Accessibility: Md. Route 214 to Loch Haven Drive. Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photo: AA1-lRL-31 Description: Mayo Point is predominately undeveloped woodland and marshland. The largest marsh region is a 10 acre peninsula on the area's southeast side, Othermarshes are located in coves on the area's northwest and south shores. The remain&er of the shoreline - approximately 2,500 feet - is either of the wood-to-water type (east shore) or is fronted by some sand beach (northwest shore). Use Potential: Mayo Point has potential for beach swimming, picnicking, boat launching,-pier fishing, or a natural area. 10. Poplar Point: Location: The north shore of the South River between Md. Route 2 and Church Creek. Size: Approximately 80 acres Accessibility: Md. Route 2 to the second right hand turn north of the South River Bridge. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural Aerial Photo: AAJ-lRL-89 Description: Poplar Point is predominately an undeveloped forest area. The shoreline is approximately one mile long, is irregular, and is generally fronted by a thin peripheral strip of.marshland. The shoreline is bulkheaded along its southeastern most point. There is no sand beach and no road access to the shoreline. The water becomes approximately 30 feet deep within 400 feet of the shoreline. Use Potential: Po plar Point has potential for boat launching, pier fishing, picnicking or a natural area. 11. Harness Creek: Location!. On the north shore of the South Ri ver upstream from Hillsmere Shores. Size: Approximately 100 acres Accessibility: Md. Route 665 to Quiet Water Farm Road (near the intersection of Hillsmere Road and Annapolis Neck Road). Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and residential Aerial Photo: AAl-1RL-33 Description: Harness Creek is an area of undeveloped woodland bordering the highly irregular shoreline of Harness Creek. Approximate.17 40 acres of agricultural land are adjacent to the woodland on the east and separate the area from highly developed Hillsmere Shores. The shoreline with its numerous coves is approximately 2 miles in length., There is very little sand beach and a thin strip of peripheral marsh fronts much of the shoreline. A dirt road provides access to the shoreline at the areats southernmost point. Use Potential: The Harness Creek area has potential for boat launching, picnicking$ pier,fishing, or a 'natural area. 12. Thomas Point: Location: On the north side of the mouth of the South River. Size: Approximately 50 acres Accessibility: Md. Route 665 to Arundel Road to Thomas Point Road. Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photo: AAJ-lRL-127 Description: Thomas Point is predominately undeveloped woodland and marshland. A-)proximately 20 acres of the Point is marshland. The shoreline is aboutone mile in length. Along the south edge of the area there is some narrow sand beachbackect by low wooded banks. The western shore is genefally of the woods-to -water type and the*northeast shore*is.predominately marshland. Most of the shoreline appears to be eroding rapidly. A large quantity of junk and debris is on the Point's easternmost tip, Thomas Point is presently owned by Anne Arundel County; a permit is required for access. Use Potential: Thomas Point has potential for picnicking beach swimming or a small natural area. A high level of use, however, would not be desirable because of possible access congestion in the developed neck leading to Thomas Point. 13. Brewer Pond: Location: On the south bank of the Severn River just up- stream from the Sherwood Forest residential development. Size: Approximately 450 acres Accessibility: A dirt road off Sherwood Forest Road which is off Hd. Route 178. Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photo: AAl-3RL-13 DescriDtion: The Brewer Pond area is predominately a rolling undeveloped woodland. It is bordered by Brewer Pond on the east and 1\J1 by Hopkins Creek on the west. The shoreline is over one mile long and is generally backed by high wooded bluffs. A narrow beach runs between the bluffs and the water. Small areas of marsh are located along the western part of the shoreline and at a couple of places along Brewer Pond. Several dirt roads run through the area; one provides access to the top of the bluffs upstream from Brewer Pond. While the area is presently zoned Residential/Agricultural, a large housing project (Downs Development) is under development on the southeast edge of the Brewer Pond area. Use Potential: The Brewer Pond area has ptoential for camping, picnicking or a natural area. 14. Rays Pond: Location: On the north shore of the Severn River midway between Annapolis and Severna Park. Size: Approximately 160 acres Accessibility: The second left hand turn off of Old Annapolis Road (Md. Route 648) heading north past Arnold. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and residential Aerial Photo: AAl-3RL-33 Description: Rays Pond an area of sharply rolling undeveloped woodland. It fronts on over one mile of Asquith Creek, the Severn River and Rays Pond. The shoreline is characterized by high bluffs broken in places by shallow ravines. There is no sand beach. Some small marsh areas are associated with Rays Pond and with Asquith Creek. There is no road access to the shoreline. Use Potential: Rays Pond has potential for picnicking or a natural area* 15. Annapolis Radio Towers: Location: On Green bury Point on the north side of the mouth of the Severn River. Sizel Approximately 85 acres Accessibility: Bullard Boulevard to West Road. Adjacent bgnd Use: Field Navy use) Aerial Photo: AAl-3Rl_4o Description: This area on Greenbury Point is an open field area that is being used as a-U.S. Navy communications complex. The shoreline is entirely bulkheaded and some trees back the bulkhead on the west shore. It may be possible that such uses.as bulkhead fishing or picnicking would be compatible with the areas present use. Use Potential: The Annapolis Radio Tower&Area has potential for picnicking or some bulkhead fishing. 16. Bay Bridge (south): Location: On Chesapeake Bay immediately south of the Route 50-301 Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Size: Approximately 8 acres Accessibility: The last exit to the south before arriv@ng at the bridge from the west. Adjacent Land Use: Industrial, and a fresh water pond. Aerial Photo: AAl-3RL-82 Description: At this @iriting,.the area immediately south of the bay bridge is being used for the storage of bridge construction equipment. A 700 foot and a 300 foot jetty form a protected harbor area for the mooring of barges and small boats. The shoreland area is primarily a cleared, gravel parking and storing area (approximately 4 acres). Use Potential: The area south of the bay bridge has potential for boat launching and pier fishing. 17. Bayberry: Location: The south shore of the Magothy River, upstream from Shore Acres development. Size: Approximately 150 acres Accessibility: Broad Neck Road to,Shore Acres Road. Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photo: AAl-3RL-75 Description: The Bayberry area is predominately a flat undeveloped woodland. A small pond with related marsh is located on both the east and west edges of the area, just back from the shoreline*. The shoreline is approximately 1,500 feet long and is of the wood-to-w-ater type. A dirt road bisects the.area and provides access.to the shoreline. Use Potential: Bayberry has potential for camping, boat launchingg picnicking or pier fishing. 18., Ulmsteads Point: Location: The south shore of the Magothy River near the mouth of Forked Creek. Size: Approximately 60 acres Accessibility: Shore Acres Road about one mile northeast of the Broad Neck Road intersection. Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photo: AAl-3RL-74 L Land Based Photos: AA 10, 11, 12 Description: Ulmsteads Point is a sparsely wooded point of land bordering on both the Magothy River and Forked Creek. There are many large areas of open field, brush and young trees. Older trees border many shoreline areas. The tip of Ulmsteads Point is a shaded area that is-rented to groulps for picnics.-'The shoreline is approximately 213 of a mile long and is fronted by sand beach varying in width from 4 to 20 feet. The widest beach area is near the picnic area at the tip of the point* The beach is generally backed by low banks. Primary species of vegetation-are white oak, sassafras, Virg'3.nia pine, and black honey locust. Use Potential: Ulmsteads Point has potential for picnicking, beach swimmi ng, boat launching, and pier fishing. 19. Forked Creek: Location: The headwater region of Forked Creek on the aouth shore of the Magothy River, south of Ulmsteads Point. Size: Approximately 400 acres Accessibility: Off Shore Acres Road about one mile northeast of the Broad Neck Road intersection. Adjac@nt Land Use: Residential Aerial Photo: AAl-3RL-74 Description: The Forked Creek area is an area of rolling undeveloped woodla @d encompas sing almost the entirety of the headwater region of the Forked Creek watershed. There are approximately 2,000 feet of shoreline on the tidal portions ot Forked Creek. The shoreline is generally of the wood-to-water type, although a 3 acre marsh is located at the southernmost portion of the shoreline. There is no road access to the shoreline and the waters of Forked Creek are deep (12-15 ft-)- Use Potential: Forked Creek has potential for camping, picnicking, boat launching or a natural area. 20. Eagle Hill: Location: On the shoreline of Broad Creek which is on the north shore of the Magothy River. Size: Approximately 200 acres Accessibility: Md. Route 177 to North Shore Road to Eagle Hill Road. AdJacent Land Use:, Undeveloped woodland, and 'residential*' Aerial Photos: AAl-3RL-95 Description: Eagle Hill is an area of rolling undeveloped woodland. A high hill, located approximately 1000 feet inland, offers an excellent vista of the entire lower Magothy River. A road runs to the summit of the hill; a small field is located to the south at the base of the h1ll. The shoreline is approximately 3000 feet long and is generally in a marshland condition. There are, however,'small areas of wooded shoreline and small sections of sa-nd beach. There is no road access to the shoreline. Use Potential: Eagle Hill has potential for picnicking, camping, boat launching, beach swimming, or a natural area. 21. Gibson Island: Location: On Gibson Island at the mouth of the Magothy River. Size: Approximately 400 Acres Accessibility: Md. Route 177 (Mountain Road) to Gibson Island Road. Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photos: AAl-4RL-2 Description: The area on Gibson Island is predominately flat' undeveloped woodland. One or two residential dwellings are locatoed on the area@s western edge. Dirt roads run through the area to Holland and Purdy Point at the north shore'of the island. The shoreline is approximately 3 miles long. Along the west edge of the island it is generally of the wood-to-water type; along the north and east shores it is predominately in a marshland condition. Use Potential: Gibson Island has potential for camping, picnicking, boat launching, and a natural area. Pinehurst Road: Location: On the Chesapeake Bay south of Pinehurst at the base of Bodkin Neck, liae: Approximately 150 acres Accessibility: Md. Route 177 (Mountain Road) to Pinehurst Road. Ad,'jacent Land Use: Residential, agricultural and undeveloped woodland. Aerial Photo: AAl-4RL-53 Description; The Pinehurst Road'area is an area of flat, undeveloped woodland. It offers, however, only about 800 feet of undeveloped shoreline land. Most of the land between the shoreline and th e undeveloped woodland is pre-empted'by sparse residential use. The undeveloped shoreline that exists, is located at the northern part of the area and is fronted by wide sand-beach. There are no roads in this area. Use Potential: The Pinehurst Road area has potential for camping, picnicking, beach swimming, boat launching, pier fishing or a natural area. 23. Bodkin Point: Location: On the peninsula between Chesapeake Bay and Bodkin Creek at the south end of the mouth of the Patapsco River. Size: Approximately 130 acres Road'* Accessibility: Md. Route 177 (Mountain Road) to Pinehurst Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photo: AAl-4.RL-55 Land Based Photo: AA 13, 14. Description: Bodkin Point is predominately an area of undeveloped woodland. The shoreline is somewhat less than two miles in length. The east shore is generally consists of narrow sand beach backed by high banks. It appears to be eroding rapidly. The north shore is generally of the wood-to-water type shoreline. The largest marsh areas are located at Bodkin Point and at Cedar,Point. The marsh at Cedar Point is fronted by a short segment of wide sand beach. Presently there are no roads on the Bodkin Pointq although the area is zoned for a cluster-type housing development. Use Potential: Bodkin Point has potential for boat launching, pier fishing, beach swimming, picnicking or a natural area. 240 @South Baltimore: Location: In Bal timore City on the south shore of the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River. Size: Approximately 1-50 acres Accessibility: The vicinity of the Md. Route 2 Patapsco River Bridge and the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Adjacent Land. Use-: Highways and Industrial Aerial Photo: AAl-4RL-73 Descriptio The South Baltimore area is presently an area of marshland, spoil d:L-sposal and gravel mining. It has a highly irregular shoreline of over 2 miles. In its present condition, the area offers no recreation potential. However, it offers rather exciting potential for possible reclamation for urban park use. Use Potential: The South Baltimore area has no recreational use potential in its present condition, although it offers potential for reclamation for urban park use. 25- Ex-private Beaches: Five private beaches formerly opened to the public for a fee - are located in Anne Arundel County but are no longer used for beach swimming purposes, although all contain wide sand beaches. They are listed below: a. Beverly Beach: Located on Chesapeake Bay, north of the,mo .uth, of the Rhode River. It is accessible from Beverly Avenue which is off Md. Route 214, and it can be viewed on aerial photo AAl-lRL-27- The area is presently owned by Wilford T. Agar, Jr. and is a!.-3sed I.-c-the.public, b. Triton Beach: Located south of the -iiouth of the South River below Saunder's Point.. The area is accessible off Carvel Lane which is off Md. Route 214 and it can be viewed on aerial photo AA1-lRL-11. It is owned by Kirk of Maryland, Inc. (2o4.acres)#, and is closed to the public. c. MaZo Beach: Located on Saunder's Point south of the mouth of the South River. The area is accessible off Shoreham Beach Road which is off Md. Route 214, and it can be viewed on aerial photo AA1-lRL-11. It was r'ecently sold by the International J-Cls of Washington D.C. in order to.be developed into a resort retreat for Washington Area 'diplomats. d. Caris Beach: Located on Chesapeake Bay south of Eastport. The area is acce ssible from Edgewood Road which is off Bay Ridge Avenue, and it can be viewed on aerial photo AA1-lRL-12?-. Oc'casional outdoor conerts - open to the public - are staged at Carrs Beach, but the area is no longer used for beach swimming. It is owned by Frederick Smith (12 acres). e. Sparrows Beach: Located adjacent to Carrs Beach on the north and owned by Mary Sparrow (11 acres), Use Potential: Carrs Beach/Sparrows Beach has potent ial to be reclaimed as an area offering beach swimming, boat launching, picnicking, and pier fishing. Present development plans for Beverly Beachl Mayo Beach, and Triton Beach preclude possibilities for public recreational activities. ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY: EVALUATION OF USE POTENTIAL Boat Fishing Picnic Swimming Natural Site Name Launch Pier Area Beach Camping Area* Other Commeni7s@ Fairhaven Cliffs H L H H L Long Marsh L L 0 0 0 0 Landing Field L 0 L 0 L L Jack Creek 0 0 L 0 0 0 Cheston Pt. 0 0 L 0 L H Smithsonian H L H L H H Presently managed as a nature study area. Camp Letts H 0 L H H Cedar Pt. L L H 0 0 H Mayo Pt. L H L 0 If Poplar Pt. L L H 0 0 L Harness Creek H L H 0 0 L Thomas Pt. 0 0 H L 0 H Brewer Pond 0 0 If 0 H H Rays Pond 0 0 If 0 0 L 03 44 0 0 +3 oil to to to m w Of pro @A Irl z H E-4 Z: 0 p 0 0 6 E-4 Ow 00 0 Ag 04 xE 0 0 46) IV4 bo 0 r-4 r. 0 -r4 14 0P-D 10 X 4) 0 0 r-4 :1 1:4 0ISS ra p 4 0x 0 4) r-4 d) 4.) 4> Of 0 0 W r-4 III "-f Co r-I 4.) "q coW 4J 0 0 4.) 4) 4.) 114 041 4) 0 04004 -H Q4 :s q:1 m 4.) C3 I-- Z !d T; IS cc -H 0 0 to C4 C4 -H a) 04zz r-f 4-) 4) to 14 to 4-) r-4 co If 11 9 -A 4) V U 0 4) to cla r-4 )It -H @r M! 04 0 z 0 0 $4 0 At E-4 0 1.4 ca rq w @-l 94 ;4 W .0 1 C: :5 k cts ca r-4 0 ca -H ri 0 0 CC 04 0 C/2 L.Lj z C4 C4 la LM to IS W. az .9 XI c:I miq 00 S'C'41,c- Pvouc. HL 10CMIJ c LAVoimes BALTIMORE COUNTY Population According to the 1970 Census the population of Baltimore County was 621,077 an increase of approximately 128,000 from 1960. There are no incorporated cities in the county. The largest communities in the county are Catonsville, population 54,812; Dundalk 85,377; Essex 38,193; Parkville 33,897; Randallstown 33,683; and Towson, the county seat, 77,809. The areas around Baltimore City are the most densily populated areas in the County. According to census estimates the population in the County is expected to increase to 850,000 by 1980, an increase of approximately 230,000. Land Use Baltimore County, consisting of 608 square miles, surrounds the City of Baltimore. It is bordered on the west by Carroll and Howard Counties; on the south by Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City and the Chesapeake Bay; and on the east by Harford County. The areas of the county surrounding Baltimore City have felt the major impact of urban growth; the northern portions of the county are still largely rural and agricultural. Most heavy industry is located in the southern portion of the county on tidewater areas. Light industry is primarily located in industrial parks spread throughout the county, particularly in the southwest and central sections along railroads and new highways. The The following sources were utilized in the development of this section: The Baltimore County Comprehensive Water and Sewerage Plan (October 1, 1970) prepared by John B. Fink Associates, Inc.; the DNR internal report by Keith Roberts on the Water Supply Situation in Baltimore County; the Brief Industrial Facts for Baltimore County (October, 1972) and the Community Economic Inventory for Baltimore County, Maryland published by the Maryland Department of Economic and Community Development; and information materials on State Parks and Recreation Areas developed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Baltimore Beltway (1-695) around Baltimore @;ityis rapidly becoming a, focus for now industries. Approximately 30.3,61 of the county's total acreage is farm land. Field crops, vegetables, poultry, livestock, and dairy products *are the prir.cipal farm products produced in the county. Approximately 36/6 of the county is forested land with arproximately 113 of the forested land used for commercial.purposes. The main commercial forest species are red oak, yellow popular, white oak beach, hickory, sweet-gum, and yellow pine. The county contains three'major reservoirs which are part of, the water supply system for 3altimore City and the county; Prettyboy Reservoir on the Gunpowder River in the northwest corner of the county; Liberty Reservoir on the Patapsco iiiver on the county's western border, and Loch Haven Reservoir also on the Bunpowder @iver in the central portion of the state. Topography Since the county contains land both in the Atlantic Coastal Plain and the Piedmont Plateau there are a wide variety of land forms in the county. They range from the sandy and gently undulating coastal plains contiguous to Chesapeake Bay to the Piedmont Plateau's rolling CD hills, rushing streams and meanderin7 rivers. The elevation in the county ranges from sea level to 1,000 feet with the most of the county between 200 and 700 feet in elevation. The county has 25 miles of shoreline along Chesapeake Bay and an additional 150 miles along the estuarine areas of the Patapsco, Gunpowder, Back, and Middle -Rivers. The Gunpowder ;iiver flows diagonally across the county from the northwest corner to the southeast corner into the Chesapeake Bay. The Patapsco River forms the county's border with Howard and Anne arundel Counties as it flows from Liberty Reservoir to its junction with Chesapeake Bay* The estuarine area of the Patapsco provides the harbor for Baltimore City. Back River and Middle -iiver are essentially tidewater rivers whi:ch form backwater areas for Chesapeake Bay. Main Jources of Employment Manufacturing is the 1:irgest employment sectorlin the county. comprising approximately 31i6" of the total (213 of this employment is provided by the Bethlehem Steel complex at Sparrows Point); government was the second largest at 26,/'0'; and wholesale and retail trade.third at 2256. Agriculture provided 0.7' or the total and other sources the Z) remainder. Defense, aerospace, and electric comDaines formed the remainder of the top five industries, all employing more than 1,000 persons. Water Sunply Baltimore City had developed most of the largest nearby water sources by the time Baltimore County had changed from a mainly rual to an urban-rural conglomerate county. its a result, Baltimore County's water system is actually an extension to the 3alt-imore City Water System (BWS). The Bdo"Is regional plan includes proposals to (1) supply water for Baltimore County's water needs, (2) provide new transmission lines to take care of increa@3ed industrial and residential growth,and (3) replace existing water supply facilities where needed. The rural areas of the county are adequately served by individual wells. If the 3WS's regional plan is not used to meet the county's needs, alternate sources must be utilized. The major sources available to the county are 30 mgd from the Sus-iuehanna and 67 m7d from the Gunpowder and Patapsco 1?ivers. iince the county projects a need for approximately 275 mt-,d by 2010, the jusr;uehanna would have to be developed since it is the only logical source for additional water supply for the -4- county. 2he reason for this is the quantity potentially available from the Susquehanna and the fact that the only other major alternative, the Potomac River, is already b,2ing developed by the dashington Sub urban Sanitary Commission. Development of several local sources could also be investi7ated. However, service from the B'dS has thus far been good and Baltimore County can reasonably expect to continue to be supplied by that system. -Likely Pattern of Development The county has experienced its most rapid growth near Baltimore @J City and in its coastal plain areas i-enerally. The area northwest of Baltimore "ity has experienced the heaviest growth. Transportation corridors containing rail and highway facilities h-ive also been the locus for industrial and residential development. Development has been spurred as a result of Interstate ore City. The )95, the beltway around Baltim 1980 Guideplan for the county proposes that new growth be directed into presently undevelooed urban areas, or selected adjacent areas, in order to prevent urban sprawl. Both suburban centers in existing towns such as Towson, Catonsville, and Dundalk, and new towns such as Liberty southwest of present @@andallstown, would be areas in which qrowth would be encouraged. A greenbelt area is proposed to slurroiind the3e urbanized areas in which park.s, Dublic ooen spaces, and very low density housing would- be located. The rema'inder of the county would remain rura 11 with some growthoccuring at four rural centers in which "country village" type of growth could n be accomodated. stronm determinant as to where -rowth will occur will be the location of sewer services. U'nder a city-county a-reement Baltimore County builds and o-oerates the sewer@, county boundaries, collects a sewer service charITe from users of the' system,:ind pays Baltimore City -5- or transmission costs (if any) and treatment costs. Thus, provision of sewer services to new areas is somewhat dependant ur)on agreements with Baltimore City and the other counties which also utilize 3altimore City services. Present Public -Recreation Areas,_ Parks and wildlife Manai@ement areas Federal: There'are no federally owned areas in Baltimore County. However, the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is located nearby, in the Baltimore Harbor area of Baltimore City., The 'Port was used as nart of the American defense of 3-iltimore Harbor during the Jar of 1812. It was during a T),ribd when the Fort successfully -.1rithstood a B,itish rocket as ult that Francis jcott Key wis inspired to write the "Star Spangled Banner." State: The Pata.psco itate Park is a 7,300 acre park on the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford and Carroll Counties and Baltimore City. The Park offers picnicking at six developed areas, "improved" and flunimproved" camping sites, shelters available on a rental basis, hiking trails, fishinn-, and h-*sloric interpretation. Plans call for the additional acquisition of 2,270 acres. C." The Gunnowder 3tate Park is located alone, the Big and Little Gunpowder Rivers in.Harford and Baltimore Counties. The area is in the acquisition stage with approximately 10,000 acres of a proposed 15,000 acres already acquired. Presently, onportunities exist for picnicking and walking. In aadition, a swimming beach and a large playfield are C, loc--ited at the Hammerman Area of Gunpowder State Park. Soldiers Delight State INatu ral Environment Area is located within ten miles of Baltimore City. The area presently consists of 923 acres with an additional accuisition of 1,153 acres planned. The area is underlain by.serpentine rock and has numerous rock outcrops. The flora is representative of a 5ernen t4 ne rock area and coisists of scitlered, stunted -6- pines, post oaks and large barren areas. Gwynnbrook Wildlife Management Area is located in Western Baltimore County near Soldiers Delight. It consists of 75 acres containing the regional headquarters and a community pond. There are no plans for further acquisition for this area. County/Local Major county parks in Baltimore County include Southwestern Area Park (230 acres) near Baltimore Highlands south of Baltimore City; Western Area Park (180 acres), Villa Nova Park (64 acres) and Scotts Level Park (37 acres) west of Baltimore City in the Liberty Road-Woodlawn area; County Home Park (220 acres) and Ivy Hill-Oregon Ridge Park (558 acres) near Cockeysville north of Baltimore City; and Batann Park (38 acres) and Double Rock Park (56 acres) northeast of Baltimore City. These parks generally emphasize intensive recreation activities but also provide some passive recreation opportunities. The county also has several water- front parks: Fort Howard Park (62 acres); Cox's Point Park (26 acres); Rocky Point Park (375 acres); and Turkey Point Park (32 acres). Public beaches are located in Rocky Point and Turkey Point Parks. The county also has several local waterfront Parks: Fleming Park, Peach Orchard Park, Mersit Point Park, Chestewood Park, Lynch Cover Park, West Inverness Park, Sue Creek Park and Kingston Park. Numerous neighborhood Dark areas and school recreation areas are also located in Baltimore County. The County is currently placing an emphasis on providing such facilities for its growing population. Baltimore City also owns and operates two parks in Baltimore County: Robert E. Lee Park (450 acres) located in the Jones Falls watershed area north of the City and Graham Area Park (117 acres) located near Gunpowder State Park east of the city, ND LIVENTORY 'OF PORTENTIAL S-01RELINE ACCE-3S, RECR-,'ATION Al -OPEN SP.11CE AREAS: BALTIMORE COUNTY 1. GunDowder Delta: Location: The upper extent of the tidal portion of the Gunpowder River between the Bird River and the main stem of the Gunpowder River. Size: Approximately 1,700,acres Accessibility: U.S. Route 40 to Allender Road. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and residential Aerial Photos: BAl-25RL-60, 61, 62, 69, and 70 Land Based Photo: BA-12 Description.: The GunDowder Delta area is a mix of rolling undeveloped woodland, expansive freshwater marshland, and interspersed areas of agricultural land. Most of the farm land is located between the south edge of the marshes associated with the Gunpowder River and the rolling woodland between the Gunpowder and Bird Rivers. The shoreline is over 5 mile s long and is highly irregular. Much of it is marshland although there are segments of woods-to-water type shoreline. There is little sand beach and no road access to the shoreline. In addition to the large marsh associated with the Gunpowder River, a smaller, 60 acre marsh is located on the southeastern edge of the wooded area between the Bird and Gunpowder Rivers. This area is proposed for acquisition by the State of Maryland for the Gunpowder State Park. Use Potential: The Gunpowder Delta area.has potential for camping, picnicking, boat launching, beach swimming or a natural area. 2. Bi@rd River@(2 acres): Location: On the south shore of the Bird River; one area is located upstream from Bird River Beach (area a) the other area is located on Railroad Creek (area b). Size: Each area is approximately 75 acres. Accessibility: Off E benizer Road (Md. -Route 14q) Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and residential Aerial Photos: BAl-25RL-71 and 25RL-58 Land Based Photos: BA-13 Description: These two small areas are located in coves on the south shoreline of the Bird River and are predominately undeveloped woodland fronted by shoreline marshland. There is little fastland shoreline land, and no road access to the shoreline. Backland topography is gently rolling and primary species of vegetatior! are black honey locust and sweetgum. Present Baltimore County plans propose small county parks in each of these locations (Baltimore County Recreation and Parks Master Plan.) Use Potential: The Bird River areas have potential for picnicking. 3. Graces Quarters/Battery Point: Location: Near the town of Chase on the west shore of the Gunpowder River. Size: Approximately 400 acres Adcessibility: U.S. Route 40 to Maryland Route 149 (Graces Quarter's Road). Adjacent Land Use: Gunpowder State Park (undeveloped woodland and marshland). Aerial Photos: BAl-25RL-20 and 38 Description: Grace's Quarters is generally undeveloped woodl ana and marshland: The largest marshland, approximately 70 acres, comprises almost the entirety of Battery Point. The remaining marshes are located peripherally alon- the area's southwest shoreline. A large civil defense tower, requiring a fenced exclusion area approximately 2,600 feet in diameter, is located on a field tract on Grace's @uarters. The remainder -of the area consists of undeveloped hardwoods. The shoreline - about three miles long - is generally in a marsh condition with very little sand beach. There is approximately 3,000 feet of wood-to-water type of shoreline on the northeast shore of Grace's quarters. Several dirt roads are located in the areAls northwest portion. A dirt road provides access to the water's edge on the northeast shore (see map 1). A-350 foot pier is situated at the terminus of this access road. Use Potential: Grace's quarters offers potential for camping, picnicking, boat launching, and pier fishing. The Battery Point area also offers natural area potential. Acquisition by the State of Maryland for use as either a natural area or a developed recreation area could complement and/or expand the existing and proposed uses of the Gunpowder State Park - Hammerman Area. 4. Dundee Creek: Location: Northwest of Carroll Island along the south and northwest shoreline of Dundee Creek and including the peninsula between Dundee Creek and Saltpeter Creek. Size: Approximately 570 acres Accessibility: Md. Route 150 to Reid Road. Adjacent Land Use: 'Agricultural and sparse residential Aerial Photos: BAl-25RL-56 Land Based Photos: BA 10 & 11 Description: The Dundee Creek area is predominately an area of flat undeveloped woodland, fronted along the shoreline by a zone of marshland. There are also a couple of small interspersed farm fields. The shoreline is over 3 miles in length. Its marshland nature precludes road access to the water's edge. The northwest edge of the area has been proposed for acquisition by the State of Marylandfor the Gunpowder State Park. Use Potential: The Dundee Creek area has potential for camping, picnicking, boat launching and a natural area. 5. Saltpeter Creek: Location: On the south shore of Saltpeter,Creek near the town of Bowleys Quarters. Size: Approximately 420 acres Accessibility: Off-Carroll Island Road which is off Md. Route 150. Adjac2nt Land Use: Residential and agricultural. Aerial Photo: BAl-25RL-55 Description: The Saltpeter Creek area is predominately an area of low, flat undeveloped woodland and marshland with some interspersed agricultural and residential areas. The largest marshes are associated with two tributaries to Saltpeter Creek located at either edge of the area. The remainder of the shoreline - approximately one mile, is a combination of narrow marshland and wood-to-water type of shoreline. There is little sand beach. Baltimore County has proposed a small park to be located in the northeast Dortion of the area (Baltimore County Recreation and Parks Master Plan.) Use Potential: Saltpeter Creek has potential for camping, picnicking, boat launching or a natural area. 6. Carroll Island: Location: The west side of the mouth of the Gunpowder River in Baltimore County. Size: A.pproxim3tely 1,100 acres Accessibility: U.S. Route 40 to Maryland Route 150 to Carroll Island Road. Adjacent Land Use: Industrial (Electric Power Generation) Aerial Wetland Photos: BAl-25RL-41 and 17 Description: Carroll Island is generally undeveloped, and is pr edominately marshland with scattered patches of-woodland. The largest woodland is a 60+ acre tract on the northwest portion of the island. The shoreline about 10 miles long - is generally marsh. There is little sand beach except in the cove between Lower Island Point and Carroll Point. Roads provide access to the water's edge at Lower Island Point, Carroll Point, and Whiteoak Point (see map 1). A large civil defense tower is located in a field area on the east center of the Island, south of Whiteoak Point.. Several scattered buildings and roads are the only other developments on the Island. A man made channel separates Carroll Island from the mainland (Middle River Neck). A bridge on Carroll Island Road crosses the Channel. A large, coal@-fueled electric power generating plant is located on Middle River Neck, immediately west of the channel. Use Potential: Carroll island has natural area potential. Potential also exists for boa t launching and jetty fishing. 7. Seneca Creek: Location: On the south shore of Seneca Creek near Miami Beach. Size: Approximately 60 acres. Accessibility: Off Bowleys quarters Road which is off Md. Route 150 Adjacent Land Use: 'Residential and undeveloped woodland. Aerial Photo: BAl-25RL-52 DescriDtion: The Seneca Creek area is a small area of undeveloped woodland, marshland and some residential land.. The shoreline is generally in a marshland condition and is in places fronted by a narrow sand beach. Approximately four residential units are located just inland from the shoreline in the middle region of the area. There is no road access to the shoreline. The area has been suggested as a site for a Baltimore County Park (Baltimore County Recreation and Parks Master Plan). Use Potential: The Seneca Creek area has potential for picnicking and boat launching. 8. Miami Beach: Location: On Chesapeake Bay immediately south of the mouth of Seneca Creek. Size: Approximately 10 acres Accessibility: Near the end of Bowley's Quarters Road which is off Md. Route 150. Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photo: BAl-25RL-51 Land Based Photo: BA-6 Description: Miami Beach is a privately operated swimming and picnic area ($1.50 charge Der-person). The beach is stabalized by a series of stone jetties and is backed by a high bank. A congested picnic and concession area is located on top of the bank. Use Potential: Miami Beach has potential for beach swimming, pier fishing, and picnicking. 9. Frog Mortar: Location: Near Bowleys Quarters on a peninsula in the north end of Frog Mortar Creek. Size: Approximately 15 acres Accessibility: Off Bowleys Wuarters Road-just south of the Carroll Island Road intersection. Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photo: BAl-25RL-77 Land Based Photo: BA 4 & 5 Description: Frog Mortar is presently a private park used for picnicking and swimming by groups and organizations. It has a well maintained, shaded picnic area and a small artificial beach. The area has been suggested for acquisition as a small Baltimore County Park (Baltimore County Recreation and Parks Master Plan, Baltimore Regional Planning Council Regional De.velopment Plan). Use Potential: Frog Mortar has potential for picnicking and boat launching and beach swimming. 10. Middle River: Location: On the south shore of the upper extent of the tidal portion of the Middle River near the Md. Route'150 Bridge. Size: Approximately 150 acres. Accessibility: Immediately off Md. Route 150 near the Middle River Brida-e. Adjacent Land Use: Residential and commercial Aerial Photo: BAl-25RL-18 Description: The Middle River area is predominately low, flat undeveloped woodland located on a peninsula between Hopkins Creek and the Middle River. Some residential units are located along the shoreline near the end of the peninsula and a marina is located adjacent to the area on its northern side. -The shoreline is approximately one mile long and is generally of the wood-to-water type. There is little sand beach-and only one or two small marsh areas. Banks are generally low.. A large amount of litter and debris is located in this area. The Middle River area has been suggested as a site for a Baltimore County waterfront park (Baltimore County Recreation and Parks Master Plan, Baltimore Regional Planning Council Regional Developmen t Plan). Use Potential: The Middle River Area has potential for picnicking and boat launching* 11. Turkey Point: Location: On the south'shore of the Middle River,between Norman Creek and Sue Creek. SiZe: Approximately 50 acres Accessibility: Back River Neck Road to Turkey Point Road. Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photo: BAl-25RL-8o DescriDtion: Turkey Point is an area of flat undeveloped woodlandq marshland, and field land interspersed with several residential dwellings. Large (3 acre and 6 acre) marshes are located on either edge of the area* Anproximately 700 feet of fastland shoreline are located between the marshes. A couple of houses are located in this area and a paved road provides access to the shoreline. A small marina facility is located on the southwest edge of the southwest marsh. Use Potential: The Turkey Point area has potential for boat launching, pier fishing, and picnicking. 12. Breezy Point/Browns.Greek: Location; On the north shore of Browns Creek and on Chesapeake Bay on the peninsula between Browns Creek and the Middle River. Size: Approximately 60 acres Accessibility: Off Breezy Point Beach Road which is off Back River Neck Road. Adjacent Land Use: Residential and agricultural- Description: The Breezy Point/Browns Creek area consists.of two areas separated by a small, residentially developed peninsula. One area consists'principally of the privately operated Breezy Point Beach; the other are@a consists primarily'of undeveloped woodland. Breezy Point Beach proVides - for a user charge of 52.00 per-person opportunities for beach swimming and picnicking. Adjacent to Breezy Point on Browns Creek is an area of marshland and undeveloped woodland (about 25 acres). The other area on Browns 'Creek is approximatel@ one mile upstream from Breezy Point and consi.sts of approximately 30 acres of undeveloped woodland with about 1,500 feet of irregular shore- line. Use Potential: The Breezy Point/Browns Creek areas offer DOtential for beach swimming (Breezy Point), picnicking (Breezy Point & Browns @reek), boat launching (Breezy Point) and pier fishing (Breezy Point). 13. Hart and Miller Islands: Location: Off the mainland shoreline of Back River Neck at the mouth of the Back River. Size: Miller Island = 44 acres Hart Island = 156 acres Accessibility: By boat only Aerial Photo: BAl-25RL-46 and 87 DescriDtion: Hart and Mi.ller Islands are the only major islands in the Baltimore metropolitan area and are inaccessible by roads. The nearest mainland points to the islands are at Baylight Beach at the north end of the Black Marsh and at Rocky Point Park which is at the end of Back River Neck. Miller Island is predominately a marshland with a shoreline generally fronted by sand beach. Hart Island is a mixture of marshland and undeveloped woodland. A wide sand beach fronts much of the islands shoreline. A proposal is currently being studied that would call for the construction of a large dike around both islands, with the sheltered area to be used as a dredge disposal site. Upon completion of the filling process, it is proposed that the islands be developed as a recre ation area. Use Potential: Hart and Miller Islands have potential in their present state for beach swimming, picnicking, or a natural area, accessible to the boating public. Potential also exists to provide access to the non-boating public via a bridge or a passenger ferry. 14. Essex Sky Park: Location: On the north shore of the Back River upstream from Porter Bar. Size: Approximately 280 acres Accessibility: Off Back River Neck Road at Essex Sky Park Road. Adjacent Land Use: Residential, undeveloped woodland and commercial (small airfield). Aerial Photo: BAl-25RL-15 Land Based Photos: Description: The Essex Skypark area is predominately an area of low, flat undeveloped woodland.. The area is presently owned by the Back River Realty..,Co. but is leased to Essex Sky Park for use as a small private airport facility. A cleared area and a runway are located in an inland protion of this area. There is approximately 3/4 mile of shoreline on the Back River. It is a mixture of marshland and wood-to- water type. There is little sand beach. Many parts of the wooded area between the shoreline and the airfield are known to be wet during much of the year. Primary species of vegetation are sweetgum, tulip poplar, and oak. Use Potential: Essex Sky Park has potential for picnicking, boat launching or a natural area. 15. Black Marsh: Location: At the end of the Peninsula between the Patapsco River and Back River. Size: Approximately 11200 acres Accessibility: Off of Bay Shore Road or Miller Island Road which are off of Md. Route 151-20. Adjacent Land Use: Residential Aerial Photos: BAl-25RL-91, 92, and 93 Land Based Photo: BA-20 Description: The Black Marsh area is a large ai@ea of marshland, undeveloped woodland and agricultural land. It is presently owned by Bethleham Steel and has been - to date - protected from development. The area offers over 4 miles of shoreline - most of which is in a marshland condition. There is'some wooded fastland shoreline near the terminous of Bay Shore Road, along portions of Shallow Creek, and along parts of that portion of the shoreline on the Back River. Most of the agricultural land is located in the southern portion of the area. There is very little sand beach. Two large stone jetties are located along Chesapeake Bay in the southern half of the area. Some sand beach fronts the shoreline inbetween these two jetties. At the northeast portion of the Black Marsh area in an area known as Baylight Beach. This is primarily a residential area, although in the vicinity of Roman's Cafe there is a small beach and a crabbing pier open to the public for a fee. Use,Potential: Black Marsh has potential for picnicking, boat launching, pier fishing, beach swimming and a natural area. 16. Fort Howard VA Hospital: Location: On Chesapeake Bay on the north side of the mouth of the Patansco River. Size: Approximately 60 acres Accessibility: At the terminous of Md. Route 20-151 Adjacent Land Use: Residential - Institutional Aerial Photo: BAl-25RL-130 Land Based Photos: BA-16, 17, 18 Description; Fort Howard is presently a U.S. Army Veterans Hospital. Approximately 60 acres of hospital.property bordering on Chesapeake Bay - were recently disposed of by the General Services Administration and acquired by Baltimore, County for recreation purposes. The area is primarily undeveloped woodland. There are some small shoreline marsh areas and cleared areas.. Most of the shoreline has some form of rip-rap bulkheading. The area is.accessible by a dirt road from the main hospital grounds. Use Potential: Fort Howard has potential for picnicking, boat launching, or pier fishing. POTENTIAL USE CONTINUED Boat Fishing Picnic Swimming Natural Site Name Launch Pier Area Beach Camping _Area* Other Comments Essex Sky Park H 0 L 0 0 L Air Plane rides Black Marsh H H L 0 H H Port Howard L H H 0 0 0 To be developed as a Baltimore County Park H = High Potential Relative to other areas in the county. L = Low Potential Relative to other areas in the county but potential does exisi. 0 = No potential or extremely limited potential. = Nature dalkso nature study, open space, WMA, etc. f law 40 jibs: A C@ 5b: ID C C 94 0 6c tv-6010 e.9 .p.7VpfS ly3ofO ;;*CVVpf Pek-ISIX-3 '@-- s,cr,.oyiv7H.rtV,VW cVOrYW CWW700007. A.LevnO.? ...-FcV.OW1.L7vq 0/ C/ HARFORD COUNTYI/ Population According to 1970 Census figuresq the population of Harford County was 115,378$ an increase of approximately 38,700 from 1960: Incorporated towns are Aberdeen - 12,375 people, Bel Air - 6,307 peopleg and Havre de Grace 9,791 people, Other communities of significant size are Joppatowne - 9,0929 Edgewood - 8,551 and Aberdeen Proving Ground - 7,403. The population of the County is estimated to increase to 150,400 by 1980. The population is primarily concentrated along the U*S, Route 40/1-95 corridor in the southern part of the county. It is anticipated that future population growth will .-J occur primarily in this corridor and between Bel Air and Edgewood, Land Use Harford County consists.of approximately 448 square miles and is bounded by Pennsylvania on the north, the Chesapeake Bay on the southt the Susquehanna.River on the easty and the Little Gunpowder River and Baltimore County on the west. The northern 80% of the county is located in the Piedmont Plateau and consists of rolling topography that is generally rural and agricultural in nature* The southern 20% of the county is in the coastal plain and is experiencing increasing urbanization. Here, a major regional transportation corridor runs in a northeast-southwest direction. The l/ The following sources were utilized in development of this section: Harford County Plan for Water, Sewerage and Storm Drainage developed by Whitman$ Requardto and Associates; the DNR internal report by Keith Roberts on the Water Supply Situation in Harford County; the Brief Industrial Facts for Harford County,, MarXiand (October, 1972) and the Community Economic Inventory for Harford County, Maryland published by the Maryland Department of Economic and Community Developmentv Draft of the Harford Ciounty Soils Survey to be published by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, and information materials on State Park and Recreation Areas developed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. intruded by large estuaries such as the Bush and Bird Rivers* The northern part of the county is in the Susquehanna River Watershedo Major tributaries include Broad Creek and Deer Creek* Drainage in the southern part of the county is through the Little Gunpowder which Ilows into the Gunpowder River., Swann Creek@which flows into Chesapeake BaynearHavre de Grace; and Winters Run2 Byners Run., and Grayts Run which flow into the Bush River*' All of these streams have relatively narrow valleys with steep banks until they flo w into the river sub-estuaries* Main Sources of Employment Forty-four percent of the working force is employed by the federal government - primarily by the military installations at Aberdeen Proving Grounds and Edgewood Arsenals These two installations historically have been the major economic force in the southern portion of the county, employing approximately 10,000 people. The next two largest employment sectors are the manufacturing and about 16% each. Agriculture employs 4% of the working force and other sectors the remainder* The Beta Shoe Company which employs 2p680 people is the largest industry in the county. It is projected that the Ue-3a Army will cut back part of its operations at Edgewood-Aberdeen, This could result in a significant alteration in.the Harford County Employment profile. Wa ter Supply Water resources are varied in Harford County, Ground water supplies are considered significant in the coastal plain region where average well yields are 100-250 gpm, 'Present groundwater use is 6.5 mgd and is expected to increase to 8.5 mgd by 1980, It is expected that use will stabilize at this level, Experience indicates that the geologic formations of the Piedmont Province generally produce well yields of approximately 10 to 15 gpmo Generally 2 these yields are not sufficient to consider extensive development of Piedmont Province ground water supplies as a major source of public water supply, The county has major sources of surface water supplies in the Susquehanna Rivers Deer Creeks Winters Runs Little Gunpowder Rivers and Broad Creek. These resources are presently only lightly used forwater supply in relation to their ultimate potential. Participation in the Baltimore Regional Planning Council's long-range water plan is seen as the best way to meet the anticipated water requirements of the projected county growth* LikelZ Development Patterns It is projected that future growth in population and development will occur primarily in the southern portion of the county$ along the transportation corr idor from Joppatown to Havre de Graceo Existing population centers and other major transportation arteries are also expected to experience growth. The general trend away from agricultural land use and towards residential and industrial land use is expected to continue. The availability of sewerage service can be expected to dictate the spatial extent of growth. Expansion of interceptor sewerage systems are proposed for the U.S. Route 40/1-95 corridor and for a corridor paralleling Maryland Routes 24 and 543 from the Bush River Region to the Bel Air-Hickory region. Present Public Recreation Areas., Parks and Wildlife Management Areas Federal: The Susquehanna Nati onal Wildlife Refuge is located in the Su@quehanna Flats area of the Chesapeake Bay north of Spesutie Islando This area is approximately l5tPOO acres and serves as a feeding area for migratory waterfowl and fish (principally shad-and rock)o In addition, portions of Aberdeen Proving Grounds are-managed for deer and wildlife'but are not open to the public. State: Susquehanna State Park is located north of Havre de Grace on the Susquehanna River and is presently IyO15 acres* Plans call for the additional acquisition of 1$800 acres. The areas which is in the early stages of development,, offers picnicking, boat launching., bank fishing, walking and historic interpretation. Deer Creek State Parkt consisting of 683 acres, is located eight miles northwest of Bel Air. Plans call for'the additional acquisition of 494 acres. Th@_ park is, located along Deer Creek and is considered to have some of the best trout fishing in the state* The area al so offers picnicking, nature trails, and an.interpretive center* A shelter is available for rent. The Gunpowder State Park is located along the Big and Little Gunpowder Rivers in Harford and Baltimore Counties* The area is in the acquisition stage with approximately 10$000 acres, of a proposed 15,000 acres already acquired. Presently, opportunities exist for picnicking and walking, A tract of four hundred and sixty three acresq known as the Palmer area and located on Deer Creekq, is also owned by the State* There is no development on this area. County--Local: Harford County has over 30 county parks totalling over 730 acres. The largest parks are the County Home Property (150 acres) and Heavenly Waters (103 acres) both near Bel Air, Eden Mill (57 acres) in the northern part of the county, and the Parker Conservation Area 100 acres) on Deer Creek. The Mullins property near Aberdeen (100 acres) and the Butler property near Falston (75 acres) were recently acquired but are not yet developed. Most other County Parks are smaller than 20 acres and are used as neighborhood intensive recreation,areas. Public boat launching areas, either owned by the county or other municipalities within the county are located at (1) Flying Point Park off Willoughby Beach Road, (2) Willoughby Beach Public Landing off Willoughby Beach Roadq (3) Otter Point Landing off Otter Point Roadq (4) Broad Creek Public Landing off Route 623t and (5) Tydings Park Public Landing off Tydings Park. Private: There are several privately owned boat clubs and marinas located along the county's bay shoreline* INVENTORY OF POTENTIAL SHORELINE ACCESS9 RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE AREAS: HARFORD COUNTY* 1. Winters Run Location: At the upper tidal extent of Otter Point Creek near the town of McComas. Size: Approximately 250 acres Accessibi-lity: Off Maryland Route 24 between U.S. Route 40 and Willoughby Beach Road. Adjacent Land Use: Agri-cultural Aerial Photo: AAl-24RL-129 Description: The Winters Run Area is primarily a large marshland area associated with Winters Run at its confluence with Otter Point Creeke Approximately 60 acres of undeveloped woodland are situated in the southeast portion of the area between Willoughby Beach Road and the marsh area. Here, the marsh edge is accessible by a dirt road off Willoughby Beach Road. Use Potential: The Winters Run area has potential for picnicking or a natural area* Including those portions of Harford County included within the boundaries of the Aberdeen Proving Grounds and the Edgewood Arsenal. 2, Otter Point Creek Location: On the northwest shoreline of Otter Point Creek between U.S. Route 40 and Otter Point Road. Size; Approximately 10O.acres Accessibility: Off U.S* Route 40 approximately two mi-les northeast of McComas. Adjacent Land Use: Residential, highway, and commercial (marinas) Aerial Photo: HAl-24RL-97 Land Based Photos: HA 20 and 21 Description: The Otter Po int Creek Area is predominately-an area of sharply rolling undeveloped woodland. A cleared area owned by the State Highway Administration and currently littered with highway construction debris is located in the southwestern most portion of the area between U.S. Route 40 and Otter Point Creek. Several deep ravines cut through the wooded area between the Highway Administration Site and the development at Otter Point, The shoreline, approximately 2/3 mile long is generally fronted by a narrow strip of marshland., The only road access'to the shoreline is at the Highway Adminis- tration Site, Use Potential: The.Otter Point Creek Area has potential for boat launching, picnicking or a small natural areas 3. Bush River Location: On the shoreline of the Bush River immediately downstream from the U.S. Route 40 bridgeo Size: kpproximately 70.acrese kccessibi-Ii : Immediately off U.S. Route 40 at the Bush River Bridge* Adjacent Land Use: Residential and Highway kerial Photo: Hkl-24RL-91 Land Based Photos: Hk 14 and 15 Description: The Bush River Area is predominately a marshland bisected by the Bush River. The river in this region is free flowing, approximately 20 feet in width and navigable by small fishing boats. There is a small area of fastland woodland bordering the river in the vicinity of the highway bridge. kn abandoned garage and boat slip area are located in this area. Use Potential: The Bush River area has potential for boat launching 4. Transmission Line (Bush River) Location: On the east shore of the Bush River immeidately'south of the Penn-Central Railroad tracks* Size: Approximately 160 acres Accessibility: Off Bush River Road which is off Old Baltimore Road, Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural and railroad tracks. Aerial Photo: HAl-2ARL-89 Description: The Transmission Line area is predominately an area of undeveloped woodland. The area is bisected by a cleared transmission line right-of-way. A few residential units are located along the shoreline at both the northern and southern edges of the area, The shoreline is approximately 2,000 feet long and is fronted by sand beach in the area between the transmission lines and the railroad tracks. The southern portion of the shoreline is either of the wood-to-water type or is bulkheaded.. A small creek is located at the southern edge of the area and forms a small pool and marsh area at the southern edge of the shoreline. Use Potential: The Transmission Line Area has potential for picnicking and boat launching. 5- Susquehanna River Location: The west side of the Susquehanna River shoreline from Havre de Grace to Deer Creek. Size: Over 1,300 acres (including the part of the existing Susquehanna State Park) Accessibility: Off Lapidums Road which is off Maryland Route 155 or off Wi-1kenson or Rock Run Roads which are off Maryland Route 161. Adjacent Land Use: Agricultural Aerial Photos: HAl-24RL 51 6v 71 81 91 10, and 11. Land Based Photos: HA 17, 18, 19 Description: The Susquehanna River shoreline from Havre de Grace to Deer Creek is predominately an area of undeveloped woodland with steep bluffs, and many exposed rocks* There are severalimpoverished residqnees.locAted along the narrow flood plain between the rivers edge and the bluffs. A little used railroad track runs along theriver's edge on the flood plain between Havre de Grace and the Conowingo Power Plant, Several major highway.and railroad routes cross the southern portion of the area-'in-the vicinity of Garrett Island. In addition, a large stone quarry is located in this region. The shoreline region from Lapidums to the mouth of Deer Creek is presently part of the Susquehanna State Park and offers opportunities for boat launching, picnicking, hiking and historic interpretationo Use Potential: The Susquehanna River area offers potential for camping, picnicking, hiking, boat launching and a natural area, COASTAL ZONE INFORMAT'101@ CENTER MILITARY LANDS-. ABERDEEN PROVING GROUNDS AND EDGEWOOD ARSENAL (Areas.6-12) 6. Main Post Location: The east shore of the Gunpowd er River in the northwest portion of the main post of Edgewood Arsenal in Harford Countyo 2@ize-. Approximately 289 acres. kccessibility: U.S. Route 40 to Maryland Route 152 Adjacent Land Use: Railroad Tracks and military kerial Photos: HAl-25RL-8 Description: This portion of the Main Post is a mixture of field, undeveloped woodland and marshland. Marshes are located a-long Canal Creek and Reardon Inlet. Woodlands border the east.shore of Reardon Inlet and extend from the west shore of Reardon Inlet to the Pennsylvania Central Railroad tracks,, which are coincident with the border of the arsenal, The area between Reardon Inlet and Canal Creek is field. The shoreline is approximately two miles long and is either marsh or,wood-to-water type with little sand beach. Warehouses, water tanks., transformer stations, and a nuclear reactor located on the field between Reardon Inlet and Canal Creek. Roads provide access to the shoreline at Canal Creek, Hog Point and Piney Pointo Use Potential: Main Post offers potential for boat launching, pier fishing, picnicking and swimming. Ball fields could be located in the field area between Reardon Inlet and Canal Creek provided existing developments are moved, 7. Gunpowder Neck Location: The long, narrow peninsula between the Gunpowder River, the Bush River and the Chesapeake Bay in Harford County. Size: Approximately 5,100 acres Accessibility: U.S. Route 40 to Maryland Route 24 to Rickett Point Road. Adjacent land Use: military Aerial Photos: HAl-24M-115, 116, 1177 1187 1199 120, 121, 122, lo6, 107, lo8, log, and 110. Description: Gunpowder Neck is predominately undeveloped woodland (hardwoods) and marshland with several cleared fields, barren areas, roads, and a scattering of armored vehicle and ammunition testing facilities.. Major marshland areas exist at Robins Point, Rickett Point, Ford Point, Days Point (and south)t Boon Creek., Leges Point, Sandy Point, Watson Creek, Coopers Creek, Maxwell Point - Swaderick Creekt and Wright Creek* Undeveloped woodlands exist between the marshes at Wright Creek and Swaderick Creekt around the marshes of Coopers Creek, along the shoreline from'Watron Creek to Days Point, and between the Rickett Point - Robins Point marshes and the Ford Point marsh. The remainder of the area is open field generally with sparse development and exposed soil. The major unvegetated areas are located northwest ofFord Point and on Leges Point. The approximately 15 miles of shoreline on the Bush and Gunpowder Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay is a mixture of marsh andwood-to-water type with stretches of sand beach at the Neckts southernmost tip from Rickett Point to Robins Point, along the west shore from Day's Point to Maxwell Point, and along the eastern shore from Briery Point to Sandy Point and in the vicinity of Leges Point. Gunpowder Neck (continued) Dirt roads provide access to the water's edge at Rickett Point, Robins Point, Leges Point, and Maxwell Point, The highly developed central complex of Edgewood Arsenal is adjacent to the north of this area. Use,Potential: Gunpowder Neck offers potential for natural areast camping, fishing, boat launching, and beach swimming, Specific potentials include: (1) Ford Point south - natural area, boat launch, beach swimming, pier fishing. (2) Sandy Point to Bone Creek, includingLeges Point -.boat launch, (3) Days Point to Watson Creek - beach swimming, boat launchingt natural area. camping, pier fishing- (4) Cooper Creek area natural area, beach swim (5) Maxwell Point to Wright Creek.-.boat launch,, natural area. 8, Lauderick Creek Location: The northeast corner of Edgewood Arsenal in Harford County, bordered on the east and south by the Bush River and by Lauderick Creek on the southwest. Size: A@proximately 1,200 acres Accessibility: U.S, Route 40 to Maryland Route 24 Adlacent Land Use: railroad tracks, military Aerial Photo: HA1-21@RL-100 DescriDtion: Lauderick,Creek is predominately undeveloped hardwood and coniferous forest land. However, several marsh areas are located along small tributaries to Lauderick Creek and the Bush River. The largest of these marshes, at Monks Creek, is.approximately 90 acres in size. The shoreline is approximately four miles in length and is generally a woods-to-water or marshland type with very little sand beache The immediate backland topography is rollinge A 125 acre cleared tract in the northwestern portion of the area is used as a NIKE Air Defense firing battery. Dirt roads provide water access on the west shore of Lauderick Creek and on the point inmediately south of the NIKE firing battery. Use Potential: Lauderick Creek offers potential for a natural area or for developed recreation including camping, boat launching, pier fishing, hunting and some limited beach swimming4 9. Old Baltimore Road/Abbey Point Location: The peninsula between Romney Creek and the Bush River from Sod Run to Abbey Point. Size: Approximately 59000 acres Accessibility: U.S. Route 40 to Perryman Road to-Old'Baltimore Road Adiacent land Use: Agricultural Aerial Photos: HA-44IL-15,. 169 17t 18, and HAl-24RL-63, 64, 659 66, 709 71, 72, and 73.. Description: Old Baltimore Road/Abbey Point is generally undeveloped woodland, marshland, and open field. Sparsely scattered military installations and a cratered artillery impact area.are located to the west of Cod Creek Road. There are three major undeveloped woodlandregions: (1) along the Bush River and Romney Creek from south of Old Baltimore to Sod Run,. (2) along the Bash River from Pond Point.to Turner Coveg and (3) along Chesapeake Bay from one half mile@west of Abbey Point Road-to Romney Creek, Major marsh areas are located on the Bush River from Bush Point to Abbey Point including Cod Creek and Abbey Creek, along Romney Creek in the vicinity,of Briar Point, and along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline from north of Abbey Point Road to Locust Point, The remainder of the area is either field, cratered field or exposed soil. There are over 16 miles of shoreline on the Bush Rivert Romney Creek,, and the Chesapeake Bay, Major stretches' of,sand beach are located along the Bash River from Sod Run to Old Baltimore, near the southern terminus of Cod Creek Roadp and along the Chesapeake Bay from Locust Point to the Abbey Creek marsh, Paved or dirt roads provide access to most major subregions within the area. Roads provide shoreline access at Cod Creek, Rock Jetty Point, the end of Abbey Point Road and at four locations between Sod Run and Old Baltimore Road. A sewage treatment plant is located immediately south of Sod Run,, Use Potential: The Old Baltimore Road/Abbey Point area of Aberdeen Old Baltimore Road/Abbey Point (continued) Proving Grounds.offers excellent potential for a diversity of public recreation uses* The wooded area from Sod Run to Old Baltimore is particularly well suited for a variety of park activities, including camping, boat launching, boat rental, pier fishing, beach swimming, and picnicking. Potential for primitive camping and boat launchin g exists at Rock Jetty Point. Boat launching, pier fishing, beach swimming and picnicking potential exists near the terminus of Cod Creek.Roado Boat launching potential also exists at the end of Abbey Point Road, and camping potential exists in the adjacent woodland to the northeast. The area from Rock Jetty Point to Briar Point, Locust Pointt and Abbey Point has potential for use as a natural area* 10. Pooles Island Location: In Chesapeake Bay approximately one mile southeast from the southern tip of Gunpowder Neck in Harford County. Zile: Approximately 280,acres Accessibility: by boat.only Aerial Photo: HA-LUM-70 Description: Pooles Island is 7,000 feet.long and 2,200 feet wide at its widest point and has approximately three miles of shoreline. The middle of the Island includes marshland.and smallp open water ponds; the southern part is generally wooded swamp; and the northern part is a mixt@ure of wooded swamp and woodland. The periphery of the entire Island is a sand beach. @t places, the beach is@relatively wide and backed by grass-covered sand. Use Potential: Pooles Island has po tential for picnieldng and swimming by boaters, and for a natural area. 11, Romney Creek Mosquito Creek Location: The mainland segment of Aberdeen Proving Grounds between Romney Creekand Mosquito Creek in Harford County, Size: Approximately 10,000 acres using the,Michaelsville-Monocacy Island Road as a delineation of-the area's inland extent* Accessibility: U.S, Route 40 to Maryland Route 715.. Adjacent 1,and Use: Military Aerial Photos: HAI-24RL-74, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 56, 57t 58, 59, 60, and 61. Description: Romney Creek-Mo .squito Creek is almost entirely undeveloped and is characterized by expansive shoreline marsh areas backed bywooded swamp and undeveloped woodland. Development is limited to three or four dirt roads and three cleared-field areas located near Delph Creek, Michaelsville, and northwest of Woodcrest Creek, The near shore region of the area is primitive. The shoreline, approximately ten miles long, is relatively regular and is generally fronted with a narrow sand beach, The beach becomes wider in the cove immediately north of Cherry Tree Point and along the shoreline from Cherry Tree Point to Stoney Point. Large shoreline marshes are located at Mosquito Creek on the area's northeast portion and at Taylor Island - Delph Creek - Old Woman's Gut at the area's southeast portion* Smaller marshes are located along the shoreline of Romney Creek. Wooded shoreline is located between Stoney Point and Cherry Tree Point, and a small, wooded shoreline area is located near Black Point. The area is entirely wooded inland from the shore area marshes (pxcept,for the cleared areas noted)* Much of this woodland appears to be wooded swamp. Dirt roads provide shoreline access at Monocacy Island on Romney Creek and south of Delph Creek on Chesapeake Bay. Use Potential: Because of the primitive nature of this areal and Romney Creek - Mosquito Creek (continued) because of the minimum amount of fastland shorelandp this area is well suited for a natural area,. There is also boat launching potential at Monocacy Island, Limited camping might be provided in the wooded areas away from the shoreline, 12. Spesutie Island Location: In Chesapeake Bay at the northeast edge of the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Harford County. Size: Approximately 11800 acres Accessibilitv: By road over the Spesutie Narrows Bridge, Aerial Photos: HA-214PI-17, 189 19, 20, 24, and 26, Description: Spesutie Island is nearly bisected by Back Creek, Marshes associated with Back Creek predominate the center and southwest shore of the Island. The remainder of the periphery of the Island, with the except-ion of a.small marsh on the northeast shore of,Spesutie Narrows, is fastland, generally in a cleared field-condition. There are a few small, wooded areas near Sandy Pointj.Bear P.oint.and along the middle of the Spesutie Narrows shoreline. A few scattered developments are located all along the unforested periphery of the Island. Use Potential: The center of the Island has natural area potential, The remainder of the Island has potential for pier fishing, boat launching, swimming, and picnicking, and possibly some camping. p 10 - \-n, P- , -.1- I @p 0 0 :0 rl @o @d 0 1-3 W 0 :4 F'j - o H 1-1 c+- C-1- M 0 P, cl- CD En F-i .0 CD C+ 0 0 (D to CD 0 11 (D :4 C+ @4 (n @,s E pi Fj Fj 0 :::r Fi. FJ 9 CD n @-l r+ 0 (D ril cn .4* @j CD I's ril Fj X, 11 In CD @-A 0 H El, R p 11 5* 1 ED 0 n z w 0' ct- & @ls @ls CD 0 CD CD 0 En CD P;r CD C+ 0 CD CD 0 0 0 H to 0 t-4 0 0 CD 0 @d CD r+ 0 0C+ MC Z CD C+ En Fj' 0 r, 1.1 $IS P) CD 0 0 0 CD ::r CD Fj CD P F- 11 r+ & VD CD (n CD c.+ 0 ct, ol0 0 CD F-i 0 ct-0 ::r C+ P. CD t:r (D Cf- CD CD td CD CD L-4 0 0 0 0 9) 0 9) CD 0 ci- ED 9D CD CD (n :@ 5* 5. C+* C@ F, C:nir- C+. 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