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



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                                        TAL1101" 1                                                                                                  ""'TUDY
                                          Prepared Fon                                                                Prepared By.
                                         Talbot CoUnty., Xfaqland                                                     Redmadjohnstom Associates, Ltd.
                                                                                         0 C TOll ER 1:990




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                                                                                     WYE RIVER                                                                                                                         TALBOT COUNTY
                                                                                                 A-7
                                                                                                                                                     an*. @F
                                                 A@_
                                                                                                                                                                                                              PUBLIC LA-NDrNG SURVEY

                                                                                                                                                                                                         l. Black Walnut Cove

                                                    fty
                                                                                                                                                                                                         2., Dogwood Harbor, Tilghman
                                                    - -------                                                                . ........                                                                  3. i Tongers Basin, 771ghman
                                                                                                                                                                                                         4. Sherwood Pier
                                                                                                                                                                                                         5. Lowes W%arf Landing
                                                                                                                                                                                                         6. Bayshore Road at Wittman
                                            10
                                                                                                                                                                                                         7. Cummings Creek Landing, Wiffynan
                                        9                                                                                                                       5                                        8 T-11ghman Creek Landing, Claiborne
                                                                                                                                                                 -.-;.,2 4
                                                                                                                                                                                                         9.. Eastern Bay Landing at Claiborne
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          *borne
                                                                                                                                                                                                         10. Jetty Landing at Clat
                                                                                                                                                                                                         11. Grace Creek Landing near Bomnan
                                                                                                                                                     3                                                   12. Balls Creek Landing near Neavitt
                                                                                                                                                                                                         13. Oak Creek Landing at Newcomb
                                                                                                                                                                                                         14. Bellevue Landing
                                                                                       ZE4
                                                                                                                                                                                                         15.. Miles River Bridge Landing
                                                                                                                                                                                                         16'. Tunis Mills Bridge Landing
                                                                                                                                                                                                         17. Willa Road Landing, Glebe Irtlla
                                                                                                                                                                                                         lk Skipton Creek Landing
                                                                                                                                                                                                         19. Wye Landing

                                                   61
                                                                                                                                                                                                         20., Easton Point Landing
                                                  12
                                2                                                                                                                                                                        21- Trappe Landing, La Trappe Creek
                                                                                         0
                                                                                                                                                                                                         22. Windy Hill Landing
                                                                                                                                                                                                         23. Kingston Landing
                                          CHOPTANK RIVER
                                                                                                                                                                                                         24 New Bridge., Tuckahoe Creek
                                                                                                                                                                                                         25. Reese's Landing
                                                                                                                                                                                                         26., Covey's Landing

                                          -------------
                                                                                                                                                                                                         27. Black Walnut Point
                                                                                                                                                                                                         28,' Bar Neck Landing
                                                                                                                                                                                                         29. Tilghman Park








                                                                                                                                                   Not to Scale
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                                                         ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS


                           The following report and study has been prepared for the Talbot County Planning Office by
                           Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd. The Authors would like to thank several key people in County
                           Government departments who have reviewed componets of this study and assisted in guiding its
                           direction and execution.



                                                              Talbot County I!Ianning Office

                                                                  Dan Cowee - Director

                                                              Barry Griffith - Deputy Director

                                                      -Talbot County Department of PubliC Works

                                                              Jesse Fearins - Deputy Director



                           Financial assistance was provided by the Coastal Resources Division, Maryland Department of Natural
                           Resources through a grant provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended,
                           administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and
                           Atmospheric Administration.








                                                       TABLE OF CONTENTS



             Chapter 1:   Why a Public Shorefront Access Plan for Talbot County .......................             I



             Chapter 2:   Inventory of Existing Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5



             Chapter 3: Analysis and Evaluation of Existing Adequacy   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19



             Chapter 4: Recommendations Based on Evaluation of Existing Conditions     ....................          43
                          and Projected Future Public Access Needs



             Chapter 5: Implementation, Recommendations and Financing Strategies     ....................            52



             Appendix A Estimating Total Demand

             Appendix B A Model for Acquisition and Development
             Appendix C Siting and Design Guidelines for Selected Public Shorefront
                          Access Facilities and Activities






           Appendix D Selected Information Concerning Maryland and Talbot County Boat Registration
                        provided by Maryland Department of Licensing and Consumer-Services.
            Appendix E Letter from Maryland Deparment of Natural Resources
            Appendix F Site Concept Plans for selected recommended Public Shoreline Access Inprovements (back pocket)



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I                  CHAPTER I
I    WHY A PUBLIC SHOREFRONT ACCESS'STUDY?
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                                          WHY A PUBLIC SHOREFRONT ACCESS STUDY

                                                                FOR TALBOT COUNTY



                              Talbot County is blessed with over 600 miles of shoreline. This abundance of water frontage offers
                              numerous recreational, as well as commercial, opportunities to both County residents and visitors.
                              However, these people will not be able to enjoy and utilize this resource unless Talbot County affords
                              them adequate public access.
                              Nationwide, coastal areas have become hot spots for development. As land values escalate and private
                              interests restrict access, pressure mounts on fewer and fewer public access points to coastal waters. The
                              1987 President's Commission on Americans Outdoors called for states to inventory undeveloped
                              shoreline recreation opportunities and develop these for public use.
                              Talbot County offers the benefits of some of the most extensive shoreline in Tidewater Maryland to its
                              residents. However, these people will not be able to utilize this resource for recreational or commercial
                              purposes unless they are permitted and guaranteed future public access. Currently only a very small
                              percentage of county shoreline is publicly accessible. If the county population grows as projected, these
                              existing sites and facilities will be increasingly inadequate for Talbot county residents due to the greater
                              demand for their use.

                              A growing population, a healthy economy, and increased housing alternatives are all desirable, but
                              these will place heavier pressure on shoreline environments and water quality, making an already finite
                              resource more limited for future growth. The Chesapeake Bay Agreement recognized this intricate
                              relationship. Through the provisions of the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program, jurisdictions in
                              Maryland are being asked to look beyond their immediate boundaries to exercise their powers to protect
                              water quality in state waters. This will no doubt change the patterns of development, and can offer
                              increasing waterside recreation opportunities for more people.




                              Talbot County Public Access Study                                                                 October 1990
                              Chapter 1                                                                        Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.









                            There have been various planning studies which indirectly, or to a minor degree, have dealt with the
                            issue of public shorefront access in Talbot County. One of the first such documents was the 1973
                            Comprehensive Plan. This document was prepared in response to increasing pressures for urban and
                            suburban development and includes recommended actions, policies and standards to guide future
                            development through the year 2000.

                            A major theme running throughout the 1973 Plan was the protection of the County's natural resources.
                            The Open Space element reflected a strong commitment to both protect these natural resources and
                            provide adequate levels of recreational facilities and services. In response to this commitment, specific
                            recommendations and implementation procedures for land preservation and open space appeared
                            throughout the Plan. Relative to public access, this document recommended the improvement of some
                            public boat landings but also stated that the number of landings present at that time (29) should be
                            adequate through 1990.
                            It is now 1990 and thus time to examine this issue again. This examination should not, however, be
                            confined to utilizing some multiplier to determine if the existing number of landings still adequately
                            serve the County and its population growth since 1973.
                            Land use changes have prompted shifts in the county settlement patterns since 1973. Some landings
                            are experiencing high levels of use and may not necessarily possess opportunities for expansion. Other
                            public landings may have been under-utilized, lack many of the public improvements necessary to
                            support public use, or are located such that continued or expanded use would be considered a threat
                            by adjacent land owners. One example of the complexity of the situation is provided by Wye Landing,
                            whore lack of parking area and roadside parking up to one mile distant from the landing has prompted
                            neighboring resident controversy for years. This exemplifies a condition the County may increasingly
                            face at additional landing sites in the future unless proper planning begins now.

                            In addition to the 1973 Comprehensive Plan, there have been other studies that have examined some
                            aspect of the issue of adequate public access to county shorefront. Therein lies the problem. These
                            previous studies have all had a broader or narrower scope than public access. To date there has been




                            Talbot County Public Access Study                    2                                          October 1990
                            Chapter I                                                                      Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.







                             no study which exclusively examines the problems, issues, and opportunities associated with the public
                             access needs of Talbot County.
                             A 1980 document, Marinas and Recreational Boating, is an example of a study with a narrower scope
                             than the adequacy of public access. The document did provide some useful statistical information but
                             it is now somewhat dated. Also this document focused primarily on commercial marinas rather than
                             the larger issue of public access. It provided specific information about boating, marinas, and marina
                             related facilities in Talbot County. It also discussed the then present and potential future impacts of
                             these facilities on the lands and waters of the County. Finally it proposed strategies for regulating the
                             future location, design, construction, and expansion of marine facilities in the County.
                             The most recent document to address the issue is the July 1987 Talbot County Land Preservation and
                             Recreation Plan. This document updated the 1982 Land Preservation and Recreation Plan and was
                             intended to be an integral part of the new County Comprehensive Plan which is still being updated. As
                             can be deduced from the title this plan dealt with the much broader issue of land preservation and
                             recreation planning in Talbot County. Public shoreline access issues were generally treated as part of
                             the larger issues of recreation planning. Of this 132 page document, only four (4) were devoted
                             specifically to an inventory of waterfront parks and public landings. Even this inventory is now
                             outdated inso far as it referenced the presence of 21 landings while the actual number of landings today
                             is 28. The only other portion of this document which specifically addressed public access in any
                             significant way is a section of recommendations for natural parks and recreational open space. This
                             section lists 36 potential sites for recreational open space or natural parks, several of which are located
                             in shoreline areas.

                             It is clear that natural resource protection, land preservation, open space protection, and recreation
                             planning have long been important issues to the leaders and citizens of Talbot County. What has been
                             missing to date is a plan that focuses specifically on the issues associated with public shorefront access
                             and the adequacy of shorefront access to serve present and future residents. This document, the Talbot
                             County Public Shorefront Access Study, attempts to fill this void by specifically and comprehensively
                             examining the adequacy of public access in the county. The effort has included:
                                        Updating and amending the Inventory of e.)dsting public access sites including an
                                        identification of the nature and type of facilities at each site.



                             Talbot County Public Access Study                     3                                          October 1990
                             Chapter 1                                                                       Redman /Johnston Associates, Ltd.








                                    ï¿½  Preparing a comprehensive inventory (catalog) of existing facilities, particularly
                                       public landings consisting of maps and photographs of each site as a reference
                                       for future implementation of improvements programming efforts.
                                    ï¿½  Examining use levels to determine which sites are under or over-utilized.
                                    ï¿½  Identifying the ultimate potential for use of existing sites both In terms of size and
                                       types of facilities oservices offered.
                                    ï¿½  identifying areas or regions of the County in need of future public shorefront
                                       access facilities.
                                    ï¿½  Examining alternative funding mechanisms to support the acquisition of land or
                                       development of improvements at landing facilities or elsewhere that facil         itate
                                       public access.
                                    ï¿½  Developing a series of selection criteria for future sites to facilitate decisions
                                       regarding location and types of improvements they should support to meet
                                       present and future needs.
                                    ï¿½  Analyzing the demographic characteristics of Talbot County to ascertain any
                                       special needs for certain facility types.
                                    ï¿½  Providing a composite map showing the location of each existing and proposed
                                       public access site.
                                    ï¿½  Mapping in greater detail those sites identifled as possessing the greatest
                                       potential for expansion
                                    ï¿½  Developing design prototypes for future public access facilities to suggest to the
                                       County how large and what kind of Improvements may be necessary to better
                                       meet County needs.
                            The result is a study which can be used to guide County staff and elected officials to determine how best
                            to meet the public access needs of County residents and visitors. For example, it is envisioned that a
                            Capital Improvements Budget for public access can be derived from this study. As such, this study will
                            continue the long-standing Talbot County commitment to both utilize and protect its greatest natural
                            asset - the Chesapeake Bay and tributaries.



                            Talbot County Public Access Study                    4                                           October]990
                            Chapter 1                                                                      Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.



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I                    CHAPTER 2
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I        INVENTORY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
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                                             INVENTORY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS


                            Any assessment of the need to provide additional quantities or levels of a good or service must begin
                            with an evaluation of the existing conditions. For the Talbot County Public Access Study this translated
                            into inspecting each public access site to determine the answers to a number of questions including the
                            following:

                                       How many public shorefront access sites exist today?
                                       What location and size characteristics do these sites have?

                                       What activities can/are being pursued at each site?
                                    9  What are the existing levels of use at existing facilities that accommodate public
                                       access?

                                    *  Who are the users (i.e. in-state vs. out of state, fishermen vs. skiers)?
                                    9  What amenities are available at each location? (This involves identifying all facility
                                       improvements which serve to support public access and identifying their
                                       condition).
                                    *  What is the condition of facilities designed to support residents shorefront access
                                       needs at each site.
                                       Are there any constraints to future expansion/imp          rovements at specific facilities
                                       and if so what are they.
                            A total of 29 public access sites existed i'a Talbot County at the time of this study. The location of these
                            facilities are shown on Map 11-1. A summary of the features /amenities available at each of the sites is
                            provided in Table II-1. In addition each site is illustrated in a document titled "A Catalog of Talbot
                            County Public Access Facilities." This catalog combines maps, aerial, and ground-level photographs of
                            each facility in one concise document available for review at the Talbot County Planning Department.





                            Talbot County Public Access Study                     5                                            OctoberI990
                            Chapter 2                                                                        Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.








                            Table 11-1 clearly illustrates the considerable number of public access sites in Talbot County. However,
                            not every site possesses the same quality or quantity of amenities or improvements. Thus while the
                            overall number of access sites may meet recognized standards, the County may well be lacking in the
                            provision of certain types of recreational opportunities. This issue will be explored more fully in
                            Chapters III and IV of this Study.
                            Field Inspections of each of the County's Landings revealed that the nature of public shoreline access
                            sites in Talbot County varies greatly. Some are facilities (p iers, small ramps, or simply a pull-off) located
                            at the terminus of roads and include little, if any, County-owned land. At the other end of the spectrum
                            are those facilities complete with ramp, slips, large parking areas, and rest rooms.
                            The inspections revealed that the improvements present at the County's public access sites are generally
                            in good condition, the exception being rest rooms and trash receptacles. As is shown on Table 11-1, some
                            of the sites do not even have rest rooms. Those that do have the portable type facilities. This is apparently
                            due to the fact that the nicer brick rest room facilities once present at a number of the County's public
                            landings have repeatedly been subject to vandalism. Such is the case at the landing in Bellevue where
                            the brick rest rooms are now closed and access users are forced to use portable toilets placed behind
                            them. A similar problem exists with trash. Some of the sites have no receptacles at all and of those that
                            do, trash is sometimes found littered about the site rather than properly disposed. Fortunately this
                            condition was found to be the exception rather than the rule during the inspections.
                            Some distinctions, as to what features are available at the site, are not easily made. For example, a given
                            access site may not have been designed for shore-fishing but may well be utilized for that function. The
                            assessment of available amenities shown in Table H-1 makes every effort to include any         activity which
                            may conceivably be pursued at the given site.
                            One distinction, however, that is quite readily made is whether or not the site offers boat launching
                            facilities. There are 15 public boat launching ramps located in Talbot County. These are:

                                       Dogwood Harbor
                                       Cummings Creek (Wittman)
                                       Eastem Bay Landing



                            Talbot County Public Access Study                      6                                            October 1990
                            Chapter 2                                                                         Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.






                                                                                                                                                                             TALBOT COUNTY PUBLICACCESS INVENTORY

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          TABLE H - I



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              a
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       8            go

                                                  x  ..........

                                                                      ....... ..
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                                                              .. ......                                                                                                                                                                                                                .. . .....
                                                                . ......                 ....
                                                      ... ...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               .. .
                                                                                                                                 Lower                            Co.                .688                  Pces.                                                                           0                 29               0
              2 DOGWOOD HARBOR                                                                                                   Choptank



                                                                                                    ....................
                                                                                                    .... .... . .
                                                                                                    ....................                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   . .........
                                                                                                    .................                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 .. .. .
                                                                                                    ..... .... . .
                                                                                                    ................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ..........
                                                                                                    ...... .... . .
                                                                                                    ...................
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              . .. .....
                                                                                                    ..... .... . .                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    .........
                                                                                                    ................                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             .. ..........
                                                                                                    ........... .  I...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               .. .....
                                                                                                    ..... ..... . .
                                                                                                    ................ .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ...                                                                                                         .....                 ......           .........
                                                                                                    ..... .... .                                                                                               ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                                              ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ... .........              ..
                                                                                                                                                                                     own                                                                                                                                                     . . . . . . . .   ..
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   . . . . . . . . . ..*,.                                                                          : .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         .. ..     .........                                                                                                  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . .                                   .......      ..........      . .

                     SHERWOOD PIER                                                                                               Lower
                                                                                                                                 Choptank                         CO                 .130                  Res.



                                                                                                                                                                                                                      kit::
                                                                                                                                                                                                           ............


                      BAYSHORE ROAD                                                                                              Eastern                                             .180                  1".
                                                                                                                                 Bay                              Co                                       -Ag.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           . .........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                xi"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           .... .      .... .


                         .. ...... .
                                                                                ........ . .                                     ....
                                                                                ......... M.

                     TILGHMAN CREEK LANDING                                                                                      Eastern                          Co                 .18                   Rm.
                                                                                                                                 Bay                                                                       Ind.
                                                                                                                                                                                                           com.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ..........
                                                                                                                                                                             x i :i:            X:X:X;
                                                                                                           ..........
                                                                                                                                                                  ..........                               ...................
                                                                                                                                                                  ..........
                                                                                                                                              . . . .......... . .....
                                                                                                                                                          . .....            ?. ............
                                                                                                                                                ... . ..........
                                                                                                                                                          . ... ...                  . .......
                                                                                                                                                                                     *.........
                                                                                                                                                                  ..........


                                                                                                                                                                  .........          ..........
                                                                                                                                        .. ............                              . . ......
                                                                                                            .. ..                     .......    .. .... . .......... . .........
                                                                                                                                                                                     ............
                                                                                                                                                                                     . .......
                                                                                                                                                            ... .........            . .......
                                                                                                                                                   . ..........
                                                                                                                                              . . . . ......... .. .......
                                                                                                                                                                                     . .......
                        -Whole landing is an extensin of
                       County road. size Is based on land
                       area within 200 feet of shoreline.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7






                                                                                                    TALBOT COUNTY PUBLIC ACCESS IN'VENTORY

                                                                                                                                              TABLE HAL




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                                                                   1; t  :
                                                                         A
                                                                                                                                                               .. ......


                                                                                                                                                               . .........

                                                                                                                                                                  .. ...            ... .. x  . .. 11
                                                                                         . ...........                                                                            .......  ....   .....
              GRACE CREEK LANDING                                        Lower                             .190         comm.                    0        0                                                                                          Simple p
                                                                         Choptank              CO.                                                                                                                                                   road





                                                                                                                                              ..                                                                                  ...... ...
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         .........
                            LEK LANDING                                  Miles River           Co.        1.583         Res.                     0        0              0 120                                                                       12
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Boat rer





                                                                                                                                                                                   ...... .. ... ...
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        .. .... ....
                                                                                                            .. . .                                        ...                             ........
                                                                                                          .. ... .                                                                        .....                       ..          . .......          .. .. .
                                                                                        . . .....                                         ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                           .... .                 ....
                                                                                                                           .. ......                                                                                              ......      . .....
                                                                                                                                                                                                             ..                   .......                       ........
         5. MILES RIVER LANDING                                          Miles               State                       Res.                             0                                              0                                           commel
                                                                         River                                                                                                                                                                       side of b


                                                                                                                                  ...............*. .........
                                                                                                                                                                                       . ..... .                                  ......
        .....  .................                                                                                                                          .... . .....            .. ..                                           ......
                                                                                                                                          ....                 ....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ... .. ....
                                                                                                                                                               ..                 . ...          ..                               .....
                                                                                                                                                          ... ..                                                        .. ... .....     .. . .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ..... .         .. ..
                                                                                                                                          .....                ...                                                                .... .
                                                . . . . . . . . .........                                                                 ....            .......
                                                                         ..                                                                                        . . ........
                                                ........ ...                                                                                              .......                                                                        ......
                                                                                                                                                     .... ......        . ...     . .....
         7. VILLA ROAD LANDING                                           Miles                CO.          .130           Res.                                                                                                                       12 11bot
                                                                         River                                                                                                                                                                       No Par
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Appear,


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


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 M
                                                              ......                                      ....




                                                                                                                                                               8






                                                                                                    TALBOT COUNTY PUBLIC ACCESS INVENTORY

                                                                                                                                               T"LE 111-1.




                                                                                                                                                                   V      A




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          104
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          0


                                                                                                                                                           0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 rw

                                                                                                                                   ii i! i! mi! 1! i! ii
                                                                             . ......... .
                                                                                                                                                                   ......                 . ...


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     -.1.1.1 .............

          20 EASTON POINT                     LANDING                    Lower                 Co.         .570            Comm.                                                                                                                     24 foot
                                                                         Choptank                                          Ind.                                                                                                                      100 foot


                                                                                                                                 mom
                                                                                                                           .0                                                                                                      ......
                                   AMM.R."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          . ..... .                  ....

                                                                      . ....................                                                                                                                        ....  .....
          22     WINDY KILL LANDING                                      Upper                 CO.         1.0             Res.                                                                                                           0          10 foot
                                                                         Choptank                                          Wetland                                 101         1          ON           10         0                                  Cul-de-
                                                                                                  N
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   .....     . . ...   T
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ......   ... ... .
                                                                         Tuckahoe              CO.         .610            Wetland                                                        0                                               0          12 foot
          .24    NEW BRIDGE               LANDING                        Creek


                                                                                               ..........
                                                                                                                                                  MINE
                      ....         ...................
          ............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ........   ..................
                                                                                                                                                  . ....           . ....
                                                                                                                                                 .. ....           ..... .


                                                                                                                                                                                            .. .. ....... ........
                                                                         Tuckahoe                                          Res.                                                           0                                                          Cul-de-
          .26    COVEY'S LANDING                                         Creek                                                                                                                                                                       16 foot


                               .................                 .....
                                                                                                                                                                   ......                         ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    . . . ... ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     .........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ......            . .. .....
                                                                                                                                                                                       . ........                                                         .....
                                                                                                                                                                                            ....   ..             . .... .
                                                                         Lower                 CO.         .080            Res,                                                                                                                      No wat
          .28 BAR NECK LANDING                                           Choptank                                                                                                                                                                    deck


                 *Whole Ian" is an extension
                 of County road, size Is based on
                 land area within 200 feet of shore line.                                                                                                  9








                                  e Balls Creek (Newcomb)

                                  o  Oak Creek (Newcomb)

                                     Bellevue

                                     Tunis Mills

                                     Villa Road

                                     Skipton Creek
                                     Wye Landing

                                     Easton Point

                                     Trappe Landing
                                     Windyhill
                                     New Bridge
                                     Covey's Landing
                           These launching ramps likely represent what most people consider the major structural improvement
                           supporting or enhancing waterfront access opportunity. They are also very important to the County
                           because they represent one of the most expensive improvements that can be made at these sites. Thus,
                           at least for long-range consequences, these are the most important sites in terms of understanding
                           use-levels, since any inadequacies in regards to number of landings will mean major financial impacts
                           for the County. To that end, a Use Level Survey was taken at these sites during peak and off peak use
                           weekends. The results of this survey as well as its implications are discussed more fully in subsequent
                           chapters of this Study.

                           In addition to the sites owned and/or operated by Talbot County, additional access is afforded County
                           residents through State and municipally owned facilities, as well as an ample supply of private marinas.
                           These sites are important because while not under the County's purview, they nonetheless satisfy
                           resident and visitor needs for access to tidal waters.





                           Talbot County Public Access Study                  10                                          October 1990
                           Chapter 2                                                                     Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.









                                                                         State Facilities

                            Several of the County's public access sites listed in Table II-1 were constructed or improved with State
                            monies. However the County owns or leases and maintains each of these sites. There is one site that is
                            owned and maintained by the State. This is the Choptank River Fishing Pier located at the Emerson C.
                            Harrington (old Route 50) Bridge over the Choptank River which links Talbot County with Cambridge
                            and Dorchester County.

                            When the new Frederick C. Malkus Bridge was completed, the drawbridge was removed from the old
                            bridge to keep the channel open and the remaining two sections were left to serve as fishing piers.
                            Together, the two piers run for approximately 1.25 miles. The Talbot County side is approximately .75
                            miles long.
                            The State owns approximately 25 acres in Talbot County in association with the pier. Presently the site
                            contains a waterfront trail, picnic table, and park benches. There are plans to expand the path and the
                            parking area and add a comfort station, fish cleaning shelter, picnic shelters, interpretive trails, and a
                            new maintenance building and office. According to State officials approximately 80,000 visitors use the
                            facility each year with the heaviest use occu.rring on the Talbot side. No records are kept as to who the
                            users are, but checks of fishing licenses have revealed that a large percentage of them are from the
                            Western Shore of Maryland.

                                                                      Municipal Facilities

                            There are a total of five incorporated towns located within Talbot County. These are the Towns of Queen
                            Anne, Easton, St. Michaels, Oxford, and Trappe. Of these five, the Towns of Oxford and St. Michaels
                            have municipal access facilities which help to serve public access needs in Talbot County.
                            St. Michaels orientation to the water is confirmed by town ownership of some 1604 feet of Waterfront
                            scattered in nine locations.

                            Mary of t hese locations do not serve public access needs at the present time. Those that do include:
                                      Church Cove park containing about .8 acres of land suked for picnicing
                                      sightseeing and public gatherings.



                            Talbot County Public Access Study                   11                                          October 1990
                            Chapter 2                                                                      Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.








                                    9  Foot of East Chestnutt and Harrison Alley which provides access to five town
                                       owned slips.
                                    *  West Harbor Road which provides access t tow town owned boat ramps and 44
                                       slips.
                                    0 Foot of Cherry Street, which provides 8 town owned slips akjacent to the foot
                                       bridge.
                                    *  East Chew Avenue which provides access to town owned slips

                            Most of these sites provide parking areas attendant to slip facilities.

                            In Oxford several public facilities are available. At the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry Dock, there is 300 feet of
                            dockage available, and at the foot of Tilghman Street there is a 20 foot concrete ramp for public use.
                            Reaches of the Strand in Oxford serve as a public beach for area residents. The Town Park located across
                            from the town Office in Oxford also provides for picnic and playground activities. The town also owns
                            24 municipal slips located on two docks at the head of Town Creek near the Causeway.

                                                                         Private Facilities

                            One final type of access that helps to meet Talbot County boaters needs is the private facility. These
                            range in size from individual wharves or piers to complete marinas. For the purpose of this report, the
                            small individual finger piers, private docks or floats, launching ramp sites, and mooring areas that many
                            waterfront home sites include, will not be examined. That would be well beyond the scope of this study
                            and it is assumed they exclusively serve the residents who have built them. The commercial marina
                            however does serve area residents and visitors providing opportunity for access to tidal waters and
                            should therefore be recognized as meeting some component of access need albeit at some cost to the
                            users.

                            Marinas are typically characterized by a multitude of facilities and related uses such as slips, repair and
                            maintenance shops, railways, fuel stations, restaurants, etc. The marinas of Talbot County often possess
                            several of these facilities and may serve the needs of both commercial watermen and recreational boaters.
                            Marinas with the greatest number of support services and facilities are generally located in the areas of
                            Tilghman, St. Michaels, and Oxford. A summary of the private marinas in Talbot County is given in



                            Talbot County Public Access Study                    12                                          October 1990
                            Chapter 2                                                                       Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.







                             Table 11-2. The role of these facilities together with the State, County, and Municipal facilities in meeting
                             Talbot County's Water Access needs is addressed in Chapter Ill. (See Table 11-2)
                             The final part of this evaluation of existing conditions involves a preliminary identification of possible
                             natural constraints to future expansion or development of existing landings. To accomplish this task a
                             review of the soils and wetlands maps for Talbot County was compared to field observations. This
                             process reveals that five access sites may be affected by hydric soils. These are:

                                1. Eastern Bay, Jetty Landin& Claiborne

                                    Tidal Marsh with low Othello behind. Made land at old ferry landing. Othello in drainage swale
                                    and adjacent to tidal marsh.

                                2 New Bridge Landing

                                    Adjacent Tidal Marsh. Well-defined slope of Sassafras and Steep land, Downer behind.

                                3.  Dogwood Harbor, Tilghman Island
                                    This is probably filled, made land when basin was dredged and bulkheaded. Former tidal marrsh
                                    and low Othello, backed by Keyport.

                                4.  Balls Creek Landing, Neavitt

                                    Keyport, 0-2% slopes may have hydric inclusions; Tidal Marsh and low Othello to south.

                                5. North Tilghman Park, Tilghman
                                    This property fronts a tidal marsh inlet from Back Creek with low Othello soils behind the site.
                                    There is evidence of poor drainage inland and below hill on which the current observation deck
                                    is built. Much of this park is made land from dredged spoils, resulting from maintenance
                                    dredging of Knapp's Narrows.
                             In addition to these five public access sites, many formerly used landings are mapped as Made land,
                             either due to placement of dredged spoils and filled tidal marsh or leveling and grading for landside


                             Talbot County Public Access Study                     13                                           October 1990
                             Chapter 2                                                                        Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.







                            access. Wye Landing and Skipton Landings are fills on tidal marsh, with well-drained slopes behin           d.
                            Better drained soils are often located at the edges of tidewater, with more poorly drained soils
                            associations located inland in Talbot County (Talbot county Soil Survey Soil Conservation Service 1970).
                            Historically, many landing locations were chosen because of adequate drainage during seasons of high
                            water tables or flooding.
                            Landings on former tidal mar    sh, now filled, may contain pockets of inadequately drained soils, or be
                            threatened by flooding and erosion. Such may be the case with the following sites:

                                    Oak Creek Landing, Newcomb

                                    Bellevue Landing

                                    Black Walnut Cove, Tilghman Island
                            Opportunity for expansion of existing facilities at boat landings will in general be limited not as much
                            by nontidal regulation and permitting, but by other site constraints, such as moderately steep slopes
                            and by other factors such as landowners who are unwilling to cooperate with the County and cost of
                            adjacent land which is already developed or simply pre-empted for public shore access use.
                            This chapter examined the existing condition of public access in Talbot County. This helps to provide
                            a picture of the existing facilities. The next step is to examine the demand, which is the subject of Chapter
                            III.

















                            Talbot County Public Access Study                     14                                           October 1990
                            Chapter 2                                                                         Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.






                                                                         TALBOT COUNTY PRIVATE MARINE FACILITIES
                                                                                                        TABLE H-2                                                                                Page -I- of -4-

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




                                                                                                                                 X X.."
                                                                        .....        ..........


                                                                                                                                        qf
                                                                                                   ..... ....
                                                                                                   .... .....     . ....



                  FACHX]rY
                                                                                                                                                                                        OTHER



                                                                                                                                                                             100 ro
                                                                                                                                                                                    wboats for rent. snack bar
           Wye Mills. Maryland
           Scbnaltman!s Boat Livery


                                                                                                                                                                             Jacuzzi. hotel w/46 suites and
                                                                                                                   4W@
           St. Michaels Had)our Inn &                           60
                                                                                                                                                                             meeting rooms, restaurant and bar
           Marina


                                                                                                                                                ...... ..
                                                                                                                                                                             M e store, boa              cy le
                                                                                                                                                                                arin
                                                                                                                                                                                                  t&bi c
           St. Michaels Town Dock                               29
                                                                                                                                                                             rental. restaurant and bar
           Marina      Inc.
                                                                      ... ......
                                                                                                                                                ...........  ......
                                                                                                                                                             ......... .
                                                                                                                                                ....... . ........ .
                                                                                                                                                ....... .    . .....
                                                                                                                                                ........     ..... .
                                                                                                                                                ..........   ........
                                                                                                                                                ............. .........
                                                                                                                                                ...... ...   ... ......
                                                                                                                                                ....... ...
                                                                                                                                                             .............
                                                                                                                                                ........     . ...... .
           LoongfelloWs Restaurant                                     .....                                                                                                 Ptestaurant and bar

                                                                                                                                                             ...........
           St. Michaels

                                                                                                                                                                     0       Be      Breakfast accommodations
                                                                                                                                                                               d &
                                                                                                                                                                             travel lift. boat maintenance
           St. Michaels
                                                                        .:j .x:
                                                                                                                                                                             and repair. and boat storage
           I-liggins Yacht Yard, Inc.                           47

                                                       ..........

                                                       ..........
                                                                     ..... .....
                                                                                                                                                                             Slips for customers only. 2 hours
           Crab Claw Restaurant                                                               0             0
           St. Michaels                                                                                                                                                      maximum
                                                                                                                                 ..........

                                                                                                                                                                              mi
                                                                                                                                                . . ....                                               ockag        aila
           Chesapeake Bay Maritime                                                                                                                                           Li ted overni t d                e av ble
                                                                                                                                                                                               gh
                                                                                                                                                                             to members
           Museum


                                                                                                                                                                             Laundry service, 75' yacht charter
                                                                                                                                                                             catered food and beverages
           The hm at Perry Cabin



                                                                                                                                                                             Private Club - restaurant and bar
           Miles River Yacht Club                                                                                                                            ............
                                                       ......                                                                                                                pool, ramp, limited surnmer storage
                                                       ......                                                                     ...           ..
           St. Michaels                                         5
                                                                56


           Long Haul cove
           St. Michaels
                                                                                                                     ...         ........
                                                                                                                   ......                                                    Sales
           L.ocust Hill Boat Works
           Claiborne

           Sam McQuay's Boat Yard
                                                                6                                                                                                            Boat Builders
           Wittman




                                                                                                                   15






                                                                                     TALBOT COUNTY PRIVATE MARINE FACWTIES
                                                                                                                    TABLE U-2                                                                                       Page -2- of -4-
                                                                                                                                                              MIN




                                                                               :X._                                                                              .....
                                                                                                                                                   X..
                                                                                                                                                   .X
                                                                                                                              K.
                                                                                                                                                                              X
                                                                                     .....                      ...
                                                                                                X".
                                                                x:
                                                                X
                                                                X.:
                                                                   ...               .....                      ..
                    FACILITY
                                                                                                                                                                                                           OTHER

                                                                                                                                                                              X..
                                                                                     X.:
                                                                                                                                                                   X
                                                                               . ....                           .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                  8 Charter FIshing Boats,
                                                                                                                                                                                                  hips                      ndred Rest.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  9      store. Bay Hu
              Knapps Narrows M                                       :118
              Tilghman
                                                                                                                                                                                                  travel lift, boat maint & repair,
                                                                ..... . .                                       . ...                                                                             dry storage
                                         "'na



                                                                                                                                                                              ...........
                                                                       50
                                                                                                                       0
                                                                               X
                  ghman Island Marina
                                                                                                                                                                                                  dry storage
              Ti,
                                                                                                   ....         ... ..
                                                                                                                .........                                    .......
                                                                               .........        ...........     ....... .


                                                                               ....               ......
                                                                               ... ..              .....                                                                                                            1, fuel sales and
              Tilghman Inn & Lodging                                   20                                                                                                                         20 room mote
                                                                                                ..........                                                                                        restaurant and bar


                                                                                     X
              Bridge Restaurant
                                                                                                                                                   :X
              Tilghman                                                                                                                                        . . . . . . .

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


                                                                                                                                                                                  X"
              Lower3es Boatyard                                           2
                                                                   X           X.... .
                                                                                                                    Xx:                            @!i@                                           Builders
                                                                                                                . ...         .......                                         . . ......
                                                                                                                . .. ::::::   .......              :X,
                                                                                                                              X
                                                                                                                    -X
                                                                                                                I                                                           F: ..........

                                                                                                                                                             ............
                                                                                                                                                   N.                                             boat maintenance and repair
                                                                   X:
                                                                                                                                                               4'
              Tilghman                                                                                                                                                                            dry storage
                                                                               .........
                                                                xx
              Severn Marine services. Inc.

                                                                                                                    X
                                                                XXX
                                                                                     X          ..........

                                                                                                                                                             X,
                                                                               ...... .. ...                    ......


                                                                                                                                                                              :X-
              Hardson!s Chesapeake House                                                                                      .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                  14 Charter boats, 55 room hotel
              Tilghman
                                                                       20
                                                                                                                                                                                                  restaurant and bar
                                                                                                                              X-1
                                                                                                                              ....... . . . . .

                                                                                                                                                   X
                                                                                                                                                                                                      moo ngs, ramp, row
              Snow's Landing
                                                                       13                                                                                                                         for rent, cabins
              Tilghman
                                                                N..                                  X                        .......                                                0
                                                                                                                              ...........
              P.T. Hambleton                                                                                                                       ... ..                                         3 moorings. seafood
                                                                .....                                           .... ....     .....
                                                                          4
              Bozman
                                                                                                                                                   V






                                                                                                                                                             xkjx..







                                                                                                                                                   M.































              Chesapeake Shellfish Co.,I11c.
                                                                          9
                                                                                                X
                                                                                                                X"                                                                                Sea
              Sherwood
                                                                                                A:
                                                                                                                                                   ..... .                                             food
                                                                                                        49             oil

                                                                                                                              16






                                                                                TALBOT COUNTY PRIVATE MARINE FACILITIES
                                                                                                                   TABLE U-2                                                                                        Page -3- of -4-

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



                                                                                                                                                             ...            . .......



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


                                                                                                                                                      LQ


                    FACR=
                                                                                                                                                                                                           OTHER
                                                                                 ......         ...                                           ...
                                                                             . .....            ...
                                                                             .. ....            ..
                                                                             . .....            ...
                                                                                  .....         ...
                                                                               . ....           ...


             Easton Point Marina                                                                                                                                                                                             tore.
                                                                       25                                                                                                                       6 rental boats, ships store.
                                                                                                                                                                            .......... ".       steamed crabs, snack bar
                                                                                                ...........                                                                    ......
                                                                                                .........
             Pop-up. Iric.
             Easton
                                                                   ...       .. .....                                                         .... ..        IN
                                                                                                ............                                                  ..
                                                                       55                                                                                                                       Sales, laundromat. courtesy rides
             Baltes Marine Basin
             Oxford
                                                                                                                                                                                                to town, restaurant & hotel nearby

                                                                                                ...........                                                                                     Re
                                                                                                .........                                                                                         staurant and hotel nearby
                                                                                                .........
             Mean Yacht Haven                                          96
                                                                                                ..........
                                                                                                                                              .............
             Oxford
                                                                                                                                              ..........
                                                                                                            0                                 .........      in                ........
                                                               . .........                                                          . .......                   ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                boat parts, laundromat. restaurant
                                                                                                                                                                                                nearby. and boat storage
                                                               .........
             Oxford Boat Yard                                          70

                                                               ...........
                                                               ............                           Milo
             Town Creek Restaurant & Marina
                                                                                                                                                                                                Raw Bar and cabanna
                                                                                                                                              .........
                                                                                                                                              .........
                                                                                                                                              .........
              xf
             0 ord

                                                                              .. .....          ...........                                                                 .........
                                                                                                                                                                                                Fo
                                                                                                                                                                                                  rklift, crane, boat parts, builders
             Cuts & Case Shipyard, Inc.                                36
             Oxford
                                                                                                                                              oxx:
                                                                                                                                                                                                     ane, boat rentals. sales,
                                                                                                                                                                                                Prop
             Crockett Brothers Boatyard, hic.                  i@i@
                                                                             ...                                                              .. ...
                                                                   .... 76
             Oxford                                                                                                                                                                             travel lif t. laundromat, restau t
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ran
                                                                                                                                              11 .....             ...
                                                                                                                                                                                                boat maintenance and repair
                                                                                                      MIER                                    ...........
             Shannahan's Marine Yard
             Oxford
                                                                                                                                                                                                Sales
                                                                       17


             Bachelor Point Harbor/                                    60
                                                                                                                                                                                                low inventory sales. boat storage
                                                                                                                                                                                                maintenance and repair
             Todd Boat Works
             Oxford
                                                                             . .........

             Fier Street Marina & Restaurant                                                    .......                                                                                         Courtesy car, retail seafood
                                                                                                                                                                            .........
             Oxford


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


                                                                                                                               17






                                                                                TALBOT COUNTY PRIVATE MARINE FACILITIES
                                                                                                                  TABLE H-2                                                                                         Page _4_ of -4-

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






                                                                                               -*04.

                                                                                                                        T
                    FACHXrY
                                                                                                                                                                                                          OTHER
                                                                                 X:
                                                             X" :X1


                                                                             .. ....          .......                                                                        . . . .. ...
             Tred Avon Yacht Club
                                                                                                                                                                                                     th          rm
                                                                                                                                                                                              No   o er info ation provided
                                                                        3                     .....  X:
                                                                             X.. 1 1.

             Dickerson Boatbuilders, Inc.                             .52
                                                                                             ......     0                                                                                     Sales, builders, sailboat charters
                                                                                                                                                                                              travel lift, dry storage. maintenance
             Trappe
                                                                                                                                                                                              and repair
              Gateway Marina & Ships Store
                                                                     108                                                                                                                      travel lift. dry storage, maintenance
              Trappe                                                                                                                                                                          and repair, fuel sales and ships store
                                                                                             . .. .......



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

                                                                                             . . . . ......

                                                                                                   X.
                                                                                                              MINNIE                                                         I

                                                             I                    X


                                                                                              .,  ..........
                                                                                                              Millis                                                                      I

                                                               .........

                                                             . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                                              MENNEN
                                                                                                                                                            INN                   I



           Source: 1988 Boating Almanac



I
I
I
I
I
I                 C A     3
1
I          ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION
I            OF EXISTING ADEQUACY
I
I
I
I
I
I







                                  ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF EXISTING ADEQUACY
                               Chapter H of this Study examined the issue of the supply of public access in Talbot County. This chapter
                               completes the analysis of adequacy by examining three key aspects of public access in Talbot County.
                               These are:

                                   (1) Demand

                                          How many people are using the sites?
                                          Who are these people (i.e. residents or visitors)?
                                          What are they doing (cruising, skiing, fishing, etc.)?
                                          Are there any demands that cannot be measured in Talbot due to a total absence
                                          of some amenity(s)?
                                          What will be the nature of future demand?


                                   (2) Standards

                                       *  What.are the generally recognized standards for the supply of public access (both
                                          in general and in terms of specific aspects such as boat ramps, swimming
                                          beaches, etc.)?
                                       *  Are these standards not applicable in Talbot for some reason?

                                   (3) Planned Additions to Existing Supply

                                       9 Are there any new access sites planned?
                                       "  If so, what is their nature?
                               After analyzing these three aspects, Chapter III concludes by looking at how the supply, as identified
                               in Chapter 11, compares with the demand for these sites and their associated amenities. Based on this
                               analysis, Chapter IV discusses future public access needs in Talbot County in terms of both what should
                               occur at existing sites and what criteria should be used to guide the selection of new sites. Finally Chapter


                               Talbot County Public Access Study                     19                                           October 1990
                               Chapter 3                                                                         Redman/Johnston Awociates, Ltd.








                             V recommends implementation strategies and funding alternatives for satisfying future Talbot County
                             public shorefront access recreational needs.

                             Demand

                             In order to ascertain levels of use at Talbot County Public Access facilities, each landing was surveyed
                             at peak-use and non-peak use weekends. The results of these surveys are presented in Table 111-1. The
                             first survey was conducted during Memorial Day weekend (May 26 - 28,1990). The second survey was
                             taken on the Fourth of July. Unfortunately, during the first survey, many factors combined to provide
                             an inaccurate picture of typical peak level usage. Chief among these factors was the weather which was
                             generally cool and rainy, including very heavy rainfall at the beginning of the weekend. Thus the survey
                             conducted during Memorial Day weekend, which was intended to represent peak use levels, has to be
                             considered a non-peak survey.

                             This is not to say that the Memorial Day survey was useless. It still provides a picture of non-peak use
                             as well as relative levels of use among the County's public access sites. It rather clearly shows that Wye,
                             Trappe, and Bellevue Landings are among the most frequently used ramps in the County. It also
                             indicates that Wye Landing is by far the most popular landing among out-of-state residents. This is to
                             be expected given its location relative to Routes 404, 301, and 50, the major transportation routes in the
                             mid-shore region and the popularity of the Wye River System.

                             A much clearer picture of demand levels was provided by the peak-use level survey. This showed that
                             not only are Wye, Trappe, and Bellevue Landings among the most heavily used facilities, but so too are
                             Oak Creek and Easton Point. Another thing that this survey pointed out was that Wye Landing is far
                             and away the most popular landing in Talbot County. For example, of all the Maryland trailered vehicles
                             observed in the County on the Fourth of July, 60% were at Wye. Even more dramatic were the 82% of
                             all out-of-State trailers which were observed at Wye during this survey.

                             The surveys provide an indication of current use levels. Another factor to be considered is the nature
                             of future demand. Table 111-2 shows population projections for Talbot County. The table indicates that
                             future demand is likely to increase. The 1990 estimated population of 28,798 is projected to increase to
                             32,983 in the next ten years and to 37,042 by the year 2010. Undoubtedly the additional projected resident
                             population will utilize public access facilities and will clearly increase demand on existing facilities.



                             Talbot County Public Access Study                    20                                          October 1990
                             Chapter 3                                                                       Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd.







                                                               TALBOT COUNTY PUBLIC LANDING SURVEY - 111- 1





                                                                                              NON-
                                                          MAILMM VEHICLES MAELERED VEHICLES
                LANDING            DATE         TIME           MD           NON-MD             MD          NON-MD                             CONMIENTS

            DOGWOOD                5/28/90                                1 (PA)                                0        Trailered boat owner observed parkiNg-off-site.
                                   7/4/90    10: 18 a.m.           3      0                       21          1 (PA)     1 traller w/o vehicle or E5at was from Ohio

            CUMMING             -9/"MW 79-161 -am.                 1      2(lDE. IPA              18            0
                                   7/4/95 TU.7T-am.                0      0                       14          l(NJ)      3 se        trucMaTo-ng- dock area

            EASMRN WN- -97T9W -91T-a -m                            4      0                       1
                                   7/47W- TOM -am.                 2      0                       11          1 (PA)     I boat served cra ing. approx. IUWo-7pe
            BALLS COM-             5/28/90 10:09 a.m.              5      0                       6      ---u-           crabbing from dock
                                   7/4/90 1U.71 Fam.               5      l(DE)                   3             0        1 boaf-oEserved'ZEEbing

            OAK M&TK-              5/28/95   M-47am.               4      0                       5             0
                                   6/16/90   10:00 a.m.            9      4FD-ET-                 6           1 (VA)     12 work boats at dock
                                   7/4/90    T F W -am.            14     12(9DE, IVA             4             0        2 boats observed crabbing, I fishing. Parki%
                                                                          M & IPA)                                       Tot -suggested several more users earner in day

            BELLEVUE               5/28/90   10:38 a.m.            5      2(DE)                   16      l(IDE,IPA)
                                   7/4/90    11:24 a.m.            6      4(DE)                   6       2(IDE, ITAT 2 DE boats observed crabbing

                                                  I am.            1      0                       0             0                     vehicle Fa
            TUNIS MILLS            7 / 4@ -'ï¿½.- -3                                                                                                rked south at bridge in
                                                                                                                         the middle of the road


            VILLA ROAD          -NT2-879-0 11:07 a.m.              1      0                       1             --       1WHereTboat was crabbing.
                                   7/4/90 -9--lTa-m.               3      0                       2             0

            SKIPTON CK.-           5/27/90_ 3:30 p.m.              0      0                       --            --       Resident observed dumping hou-s-eH-oglr-ash
                                -9 7 TUM - 7T- W -am.              0      W-                                             j1dumpster.
                                   7 T4-/ W - 7T- 4- r -am.        0      0 -1                    3             1



                                                                                            21






                                                                       TALBOT COUNTY PUBLIC LANDING SURVEY - III- I







                                                                                                       NON-
                                                               TRAILEMED VEHICLES TRAILEMED VEHICLES
                LANDING               DATE          Tn"                MD          NON-MD                 MD          NON-MD                                COMIENTS

            WYE                     5/27/90 3:33 p.m.                  13        -1 (DE)                                             One un-tagged trailer observed (recorded at left
                                      @289F 9:15 a.m.                  12                                                            as MD).
                                                                                   M@
                                    6/10/90                            30        13(9DE,4PA)                                         -InTe-scrimffiate Cou@@ resident use of trash
                                                                                                                                     receptacTes observed to occur.
                                    6/16/90                            33          56(18PA.               5       --3
                                                                                   4NJ,34DE)
                                      7/4/90     10:00 a.m.          --96        87                       4                3         Roadside parld          noted to extend for 3 miles
                                                                                                                                     from Landing along Wye Landing Lane.

            EASTON POINT              7/4/90     -1 -15T -am.          13        2(DE)                    15               0         Parldng gaps suggested even more users earlier

            TRAPPE                  5/28/90      10:00 a.m.            13        0                        --               --        -One- -MaTer was f6r two jet skis.
                                                                                                                                     Two fishermen using pier.
                                      7/4/90     17-49pm.              6         0                        6                0         1 boat observed cruising/skiing
            WINDY HILL              5/28/90       6:00 p.m.      -00                                      1                0         One fishermen using pier.
                                      7/4/90 T-09 -pm.'                2         0                        0                0         2 children on bicycle: one was swimming

            NEWBRIDGE               5/28/90      -10- -1.Ta- -m.       3         0                        --               --        Landing was flooded.
                                      7/4/90       1: 15 p.m.          7         0                        9'                         All fishing rigs
                                                               I
            COVEYS                  5128/ï¿½U      10:00 a.m.            3         0                        --               --        Landing was flooded.
                                      7/4/90       1: 15 p.rrL         3         0                        2                0         4 canoes visible aloi@i bank

            TOTALS                  5/27-28/91                         64        11.3                     60-              2
                                      7/4/90                           161       106                      97               11


                                                                                                                                        NotTu-rveyed



                                                                                                       22












                                                                                            TABLE 111-2

                                                                  TALBOT COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS

                                                              YEAR                                                     POPULATIO

                                                              1980 (Census)                                                  25,604

                                                              1990 (estimate)                                                28,798

                                                              1995                                                           30854

                                                              2000                                                           32,983

                                                              2005                                                           34,044

                                                              2010                                                           37,042



                                    SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS


                                    TALBOT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE LANDUSE PLAN


                                    Table 111-3 presents Boater Registration data obtained from the Maryland Department of Natural
                                    Resources. It shows that historically the percentage of boats registered to Talbot County residents to
                                    the total County population has risen slightly from 13.3% in 1978 (assuming that the 1978 population
                                    was approximately 25,000) to 15% today. By using the 1990 percentage of boat ownership, 15%, and
                                    multiplying it by the projected population, the future resident demand for public access prompted by
                                    boat ownership characteristics can be estimated. This data is summarized in Table 111-4.






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                                                                      TABLE 111-3


                                                      BOATER REGISTRATION INFORMATION




                           TYPE OF BOA                                                       INCREASEIDECREASE

                           Pleasure                     2,996               3,689                  +32%

                           Commercial                     130                163                   +25%

                           Other                         208                 195                   -.06%

                           Total                        3,336               4,326                   +30%
                           SOURCE:TALBOT COUNTY MARINAS AND RECREATIONAL BOATING STUDY

                           MD DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, LICENSING AND CONSUMER SERVICES




                                                                      TABLE 111-4


                                                            FUT11RE RESIDENT DEMAND

                           YEAR         POPULATION          EST. REGISTERED BOATS            ADD. REGISTERED BOATS

                           1990             28,798                                                      4,326


                           1995            30,854                     4,628                             302

                           2000            32,983                     4,948                             622





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                                                                            TABLE 111-4

                                                                 FUTURE RESIDENT DEMANP

                             YEAR          POPULATION            EST. REGISTERED BOATS              ADD. REGISTERED BOAT

                             2005              34,044                        5,107                             781

                             2010              37,042                        5,556                           1,230
                             SOURCE: REDMAN/JOHNSTON ASSOCIATES, LTD.

                             Table 111-4 suggests that at a minimum approximately 14% more boats than exist today will need to be
                             accommodated in the next ten years just to meet resident boatingneeds. This does not even consider
                             non-resident or non-boating shorefront access-related needs. Moreover the projection does not assume
                             an increased rate in percentage of resident boat ownership. Thus the demand for public access facilities
                             will undoubtedly increase during the planning period.
                             Up to this point, the focus has been mainly on public access in general. It is also helpful to examine
                             specific aspects of public access, i.e. what activities are the access users pursuing.
                             A 1982 recreation survey   of Talbot County residents found that of the eight most popular recreation
                             activities listed by respondents, four were activities that have implications for public access, including
                             the three that were the overwhelming top choices. In rank-order the four activities are swimming,
                             boating, fishing/ hunting, and water skiing. Similar subsequent studies have also found these four
                             activities to be among the most popular recreational pursuits in Talbot County.
                             Another aspect of demand to Consider is who are the users. This is important because the profile of
                             users will have implications for Funding and Implementation Recommendations (Chapter V). For
                             example, expanding facilities at Eas@tern Bay Landing at Claiborne can have implications on the County
                             transportation networks. Knowing who the users are today or are likely to be in the future at that landing
                             would be important because if they are predominately visitors any improvements which significantly
                             increase use would bring increased traffic through an already crowded St. Michaels. This would have
                             ramifications for County Transportation Planning. On the other hand, if the users of this facility are


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                             primarily area residents, then this problem would not exist. Likewise the location of public access
                             facilities which are planned for improvement in the future can influence impacts on different areas of
                             the County by directing or redirecting traffic patterns.
                             Talbot County Public Landings are subject to very high levels of use by out-of-State residents. The July
                             Fourth peak level survey found that 40% of trailered and 31 % of all vehicles were from outside the State
                             of Maryland. At Wye Landing the percentage is even greater.

                             the fact that 82% of all out-of-State trailered vehicles were observed at Wye suggests several things.
                             First, improvements made there may or may not benefit County residents as much as improvements
                             made at some other landing, but they will be a form of investment in Talbot County Tourism. Second
                             it suggests that some of the over-crowding at Wye can be eased if out-of-State residents can be diverted
                             to other public access locations.
                             A final distinction to be made concerning who the users are is commercial watermen vs. recreational
                             boaters. These are two distinctly different groups who use public access facilities to pursue different,
                             although equally important, needs. The recreational boater and swimmers, picnickers, etc., use public
                             access facilities to pursue leisure needs, while commercial watermen depend on these sites for economic
                             needs. Improvements at such landings as Oak Creek, Eastern Bay, and Bellevue, where use of the facility
                             is fairly evenly divided, should be considerate of the needs of both groups and be designed so that
                             potential conflicts are minimized. Other landings, while being heavily used, are dominated by either
                             the watermen (e.g. Dogwood Harbor or Cummings Creek) or the recreational boater (e.g. Wye or Easton
                             Point) and future improvements may be directed more to the needs of those users.

                                                                            Standards.

                             The next step in analyzing the adequacy of Talbot County Public Access is to examine recognized
                             standards of adequacy. There are several types of standards for outdoor recreation planning purposes.
                             Three of these will be examined here. These are area standards, space standards, and capacity standards.
                             Area standards are utilized to determine the number of acres of recreation. and parklands needed by a
                             locality. These standards are usually expressed as a minimum number of acres per thousand population.




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                             Space standards deal with actual site planning and give the amount of land or water necessary for a
                             particular activity. These standards are usually constant and are not subject to change.
                             Capacity standards relate to the instant, daily, or seasonal capacity of a particular recreational facility.
                             They may be used as aids in developing management plans and/or determining the adequacy of
                             facilities to meet local desires. Capacity standards will thus be of primary concern in this study.
                             While standards such as these may be useful as guides for planners and decision makers, a word of
                             caution is necessary. The 1989 Virginia Outdoors Plan states it best:
                                    Because each locality has unique resources, conditions, and issues, standards must be
                                    evaluated in terms of the local situation. Standards must be used judiciously as basic
                                    norms, subject to modification as the local needs arise.
                             Table  111-5 presents standards for a number of water-related activities, each of which should be
                             considered in meeting County public access needs. Standards are given for the following:

                                        swimming beaches
                                        boat ramps
                                        fishing
                                        - bank or pier

                                        - boat

                                        - strearn

                                        picnicking
                                        boating
                                        hiking
                                        canoeing





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                              Standards identified in Table 111-5 were selected as these which could best be applied to the present
                              estimated population and the projected population for the year 2000 to obtain measures of the amount
                              of public access needed to meet these standards. This information is summarized in Table 111-6.

                                                                        Planned Access Sites

                              Before assessing the adequacy of public access in Talbot County, it is first necessary to examine any
                              additions to the existing supply, i.e. planned expansions or additions. This is done so that
                              recommendations are not made for improvements that are already planned.
                              There is only one planned new access site in Talbot County at this time. That is in Claiborne at the Jetty
                              Landing, adjacent to the existing County Landing. The plans for this new site include a new access road,
                              950 feet of bulkhead, a 3500 sq. foot timber walkway, 28 parking spaces, 32 mooring piles, 10 mooring
                              piers, and dredging around the existing boat ramp and the planned additions to a depth of five feet
                              mean low water. A conceptual plan for development of this facility is contained in Appendix F to this
                              report.























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                                                  TABLE 111-5
     STANDARDS FOR SHORE ACCESS FACILITIES PARK DESIGN..
                                   DIMENSIONS        NET ACI(rW      INSTANT          UNITS/
         ACTIVITY TYPE                  WxL           REQUIRED CAPACITY             POPULATION         REMARKS

       Fishing - Bank             8 x 50'  1         400 sq. ft.     100/mIle       1 mile shore/  (1) Consider on any
                                                                     shoreline      1,000          water body that can
                                  (2)                3 surface                                     support fish population-
                                                     acres/lake                                    VGIF suggest 10 acre
                                                                                                   minimum size where
                Boat              (1)                4 acre water/   .50 acres      4 acres/1,000  unlimited fishing pres-
                                                     boat with                                     sure anticipated. Fishing
                                                     2 people                                      water Is a plus for any
                                                                                                   community, district,
                                  (2)                8 acres wateri                                regional or state facility.
                                                     boat
                                                                                                   (2) Should be within an
                                  (3)                Rivers: .02                                   hours drive (or 50
                                                      acres/boat                                   miles) of a city of 20.00
                                                     Ali: . 14-.5                                  persons and within five
                                                      acres/boat                                   (5) to ten (10) miles of
                                                     Lakes: 8                                      a good highway.
                                                      acres/boat

                Stream            (1)                1 mile/8        4/mile
                                                      fishermen


       SOURCES:                                                                                     Does not include
           1. Virginia Outdoor Plan (1989)                                                           area needed for
           2. de Chlara and Koppelman (1975)                                                         support facilities.
           3. Gold (1980)                                                                            parking and buffer
           4. Roy Mann Associates (1976)



                                                             29





                                                    TABLE 111-5


   STANDARDS FOR SHORE ACCESS FACILITIES/PARK DESIGN
                                   DIMENSIONS NET ACRES* INSTANT                          UNITS/
        ACTIVITY TYPE                   WxL           REQUIRED         CAPACITY POPULATION                 REMARKS
    Swimming Beach                2001 x 600'(1)           3.0           150           25' Shore/      100' wide beach
                                                                                         1000          desirable with 10W
                                                                                                       swimming water
                                                                                                       assumes 30% users
                                                                                                       In water share support
                                                                                                       facilities with other
                                                                                                       activities.

                                  665' x 600' (2)          4.0           150 day/      25'/1.000       200' wide beach
                                  Length < 3.600'                        50                            desirable with 100'
                                                                                                       swimming water 1001
                                                                                                       buffer zone for
                                                                                                       utilities and picnick-
                                                                                                       Ing.

                                                                                                       150 square feet water/
                                                                                                       swimmer: three (3)
                                                                                                       acres support per acre
                                                                                                       net recommended.

                                  (3)                      2.5                         501/1,000       0.2 acres beach per
                                                                                                      11000
      801URCES:                                                                                         Does not Include
          1. Virginia Outdoor Plan (1989)                                                                area needed for
          2. de Chisra and Roppetman (1975)                                                              support facilities.
          3. Gold (1980)                                                                                 parking and buffer
          4. Roy Mann Associates (1976)




                                                              30






                                                  TABLE 111-5

      STANDARDS FOR SHORE ACCESS FACILITIES PARK DESIGN

                                   DIMENSIONS NET ACRES* INSTANT                    UNITS/
          ACTIVIT Y TYPE               WxL           REQUIRED CAPACITY POPULATION                   REMARKS

       canoeing                         (1)                        8 canoes/                     * Capacity depends on
                                                                     mile*                       stream width

                                                                                                 10'-401 4/mIle
                                                                                                 401-701 8/mile
                                                                                                 75'+     12+/mile


                                        (2)                        2-4 canoes/                   Streams must have
                                                                    mile                         average flow 100
                                                                                                 cubic feet/sec to be
                                                                                                 suitable



                                                                                                 Quality of river
                                                                                                --t!-JE
                                                                                                 on traflic. Maybe
                                                                                                 lower to preserve
                                                                                                 wildness





        SOURCES:
            1. Virginia Outdoor Plan (1989)                                                      Does not Include
            2. de Chian and Hoppelman (1975)                                                      area needed for
            3. Gold (1960)                                                                        support facilities.
            4. Roy Mann Associates (1976)                                                         parking and buffer


                                                             31






                                                    TABLE 111-5


     STANDARDS FOR SHORE ACCESS FACILITIES PARK DESIGN

                                    DIMENSIONS NET ACRES* INSTANT                       UNITS/
         ACTIVITY TYPE                  WxL            REQUIRED CAPACITY POPUIATION                     REMARKS
       Hiking                     Variable (1)       5 acres/mile       8/mIle       2 mile/ 1.000   Hiking trails should
                                                                                                     vary from 1/2 mile to
                                                                                                     several miles depend-
                                  4' wide for                                                       Anng on resources
                                  medium use (2)                     400/mile/day                    available. Shorter
                                                                                                     nature trails and walks
                                  6-10'wide for                                                      desirable In urban
                                  very heavy use (2)                                                 rights-oUway to
                                                                                                     connect facilities
                                                                                                     where possible.
                                                                                                     Develop as wide a
                                                                                                     variety of trails as
                                                                                                     possible.











       SOURCES:
           1. Virginia Outdoor Plan (1989)                                                            Does not Include
           2. de Chlara and Koppelman (1975)                                                          area needed for
                                                                                    LPO.UPUN        I                      I











           3. Gold (1980)                                                                             support facilities.
           4. Roy Mann Associates (1976)                                                              parking and buffer


                                                               32






                                                 TABLE 111-5

    STANDARDS FOR SHORE ACCESS FACILITIE /PARK DESIGN
                                  DIMENSIONS NET ACRES* INSTANT                       UNITS/
        ACTIVITY TYPE                 WxL            REQUIRED        CAPACITY POPUJATION               REMARKS

     Bicycle Trail               6'Width z          0.7 acre/mile        50         1 mile/1,000   Provide bike paths
                                   Length                                                          off roads where
                                                                                                   possible; connect
                                                                                                   schools, parks. other
                                                                                                   facilities.




                                 Minimum width                                                     Rentals desirable for
                                 3.31(2)                                                           touring

                                 One rider lanes                                                   Max. 10% grade short
                                  6.4' for 2 riders
                                 10.9' for 3 riders                                                Average 4-5% runs
                                                                                                   grade



                                                                                                   Consider parking at
                                                                                                   terminus


     SOURCES:                                                                                       Does not Include
          1. Virginia Outdoor Plan (1989)                                                            area needed for
          2. de Chlara and Koppelman (1975)                                                          support facilities.
          3. Gold (1980)                                                                             parking and buffer
          4. Roy Mann Associates (1976)



                                                                33




 I
                                                TABLE 111-5
 ISTANDARDS FOR SHORE ACCESS FACILITIES/PARK DESIGN
                                                  NET ACRES* INSTANT             UNITS/
      ACTIVITY TYPE             DIMENSIONS        REQUIRED        CAPACrff       POPULATION         REMARKS

   Boat Ramps                   12'x 20'          2 acres         8 boats/hour                     I ramp/40 boats
                                  minimum (1)                                                    anticipated use on
                                                                                                 a designat ed day


                                (2)               1-1.5 acres     50-75/day                      Average 8 trips/year
                                                                                                 21.000 sq. ft. parking
                                                                                                   ramp
                                                                                                 75' vehicular turn-
                                                                                                   around
















    OURCES:
        1. Virginia Outdoor Plan (1989)                                                            Does not include
        2. de Chlara and Roppelman (1975)                                                          area needed for
        3. Gold (1980)                                                                             support facilities.
                                                                                                   parking and buffer
        4. Roy Mann Associates (1976)



                                                              34






                                                     TABLE         111-5


      STANDARDS XOR SHORE ACCESS FAC.ILITIES'PARK D-ESIGN
                                     DIMENSIONS NET ACRES*              INSTANT          UNITS/
           ACTIVITY TIME                 WxL            REQUIRED        CAPACITY      POPULATIONI        R MARKS
        Picnicking                  Variable (1)                        4/table        10 units/      Tie In with other
                                                                                         1,000        activities

                                                                                                      Density higher in
                                                                                                      urbanized areas
                                    (2)                          2
                                    Family I00'xI00' 10,000 ft          30 peak users
                                                                      200 users/
                                                               ft2      acre
                                    Group 200'x2OO' 40,000            200 peak users
                                                                      200 users/acre


                                    (3)                                                               Shelters of 201 x 301,
                                                                                                      accommodate 60
                                                                                                      persons

                                                                                                      Shelters of 30' x 501
                                                                                                      accommodate 150
                                                                                                      persons



            1. Virginia"Outdoor Plan (1989)                                                            Does not Include
                                                                                                       area needed for
      72.       de Chlara and Koppelman (1975)                                                         support facilities.
            3.  Gold (1980)                                                                            parking and buffer
            4 - Roy Mann Associates (1976)


                                                                  35






                                                 TABLE 111-5

    STANDARDS FOR SHORE-ACCESS FACILITIES, -PARK DESIGN
                                  DIMENSIONS NET ACRES* INSTANT                       UNITS/
        ACTIVITY TYPE                  WxL           REQUIRED CAPACITY POPULATION                     REMARKS

    Boating (power) and/or        N/A (1)            12 acre/boat                  0.5 acres/      Minimum 100 acres
      Water Skting*                                                                  1,000         open water > 4' depth.
                                                                                                   accommodates 8 boats


                                  (2)                                              0.25 acres/     One ski boat/40 acres
       Requires lowest use                                                           11000         water, power boat/
    densities (Figure 1)                                                                           20 acres water


                                  (4)                                                              1 ski boat/ IS acres.
                                                                                                   powerboat/6-7.5 acres












     SOURCES:
          1. Virginia Outdoor Plan (1989)                                                           Does not Include
          2. de Chlara and Koppelman (1975)                                                         area needed for
          3. Gold (1980)                                                                            support facilities.
          4. Roy Mann Associates (1976)                                                             parking and buffer


                                                             36









                                                                              TABLE 111-6


                                                             PUBLIC ACCESS REQUIREMENTS

                                                                     AMOUNT REQUIRED
                                                           TO MEET ADEQUACY STANDARDS

                                                                      1990                        2000                       2010


                              POPULATION                             28,798                     32,983                      37,042
                               AMENITIES

                            Swimming Beach                      720' to 1,439'             825' to 1,650'              927'to 1,853'

                            Fishing-Bank                          28.8 miles                 33.0 miles                  37.1 miles

                            Fishing-Boat,                         116 acres                   132 acres                   149 acres

                            lliking                              57.6 miles                  66.0 miles                  74.1 miles

                            Picnicking                            288 units                  330 units                   371 units

                            Boating (Polver)                    8 to 15 acres              9  to 17 acres              10 to 19 acres
                                andlor Water Skiing









                                    J',jjjx)i Cminty Public Access Silidy                                 37                                                        September 1990
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                           In terms of expansion at existing sites, plans exist at several locations.
                                   0 At Wye Landing the plans include the modest expansion of the parking area, the
                                      construction of a low profile stone revetment, timber bulkhead construction, and
                                      possibly the addition of mooring slips. Limited land availability at the site is a
                                      major constraint to any major expansion of parking area.
                                   &  At Bellevue minor bulkhead improvements are programed for the fiscal year 1992.
                                      At Easton Point ramp extension and bulkhead replacements is planned for F.Y.
                                      1991.
                                   *  Replacement of the wooden boatramp with a concrete boatramp is anticipated in
                                      F.Y. 1991 at Newbridge Landing.
                                   9  Replacement of Wooden bulkhead at Neavitt is planned for 1992.
                                   0  Replacement of the dock at'nlghman Creek is scheduled for F.Y. 1991.
                                   *  Claiborne Harbor improvements planned include limber bulkhead replacement,
                                      provision of 20 boat slips, dredging and Wetland mitigation.
                                   9  Oak Creek Landing Pier improvements are scheduled for F.Y. 1.992
                                   9  Finally, Dogwood Harbor parking lot repair, resurfacing and striping are planned
                                      for F.Y. 1992

                           The budgeted costs for these improvements at all 9 of these facilities ranges from $625,000 to 675,000
                           over the next two years
                           With the exception of expansion at Wye Landing and the Jetty Landing at Claiborne, the currently
                           planned and budget projects discussed are basically maintenance types of improvements, e.g. replacing
                           the bulkhead or rebuilding a dock. These are all part of an ongoing program which is indicative of the
                           County's commitment to improving public access. However, they are not the type of improvements
                           that are needed in terms of expanding the amount of public access available in Talbot County. What is
                           needed to meet this objective are improvements in terms of the types and diversity of amenities available.





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                                                                                       Adequacy of Access

                                  Each of the following aspects of public access is discussed in terms of how adequately it is currently
                                  being met in Talbot County:

                                               swimming Beach
                                               Fishing - Bank (or pier)
                                               Fishing - Boat
                                               Hiking
                                               Picnicking
                                               Boating and or water skiing
                                               Boat ramps
                                               Swimming Beach
                                  Talbot County has very little beach area available for public use. In fact the only sites with any beach
                                  at all are Bellevue and Windy Hill. The beach area at these two facilities is very limited, totaling
                                  approximately 225 feet (185' at Bellevue and 40' at Windy Hill). The municipal beach in Oxford, the
                                  Strand, adds another 500 feet to the County total. Still, Talbot County currently only marginally exceeds
                                  the adequacy requirement of 720 feet if 25'/1000 pop. is used as the standard and will fall short of the
                                  standard in the years 2000 and 2010. If 50 - feet per 1000 population is used the County fails to meet the
                                  standard both now and throughout the planning period. This is supported by the 1987 Land
                                  Preservation and Recreation Plan which found that while County residents consider access to the Bay
                                  to be adequate, they also expressed a need for more water-oriented facilities such as swimming beaches
                                  and improved facilities at existing landings and ramps. Thus this is one amenity for which future
                                  expansion opportunities should be explored.

                                                                                       Fishing Bank or Pier

                                  Application of the standards cited suggests Talbot County needs to provide 28.8 miles of bank or pier
                                  for fishing today, 33 miles by 2000, and 37.1 miles by 2010. This seems very excessive, particularly when


                                  Talbot County Public Access Study                                39                                                     October 1990
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                            the local situation is taken into account whereby a large number of County residents have access to this
                            type of activity through private piers. This variable together with the recent opening of the State facility
                            at the Choptank Fishing Pier, suggest that this standard should not be strictly applied and that fishing
                            pier/bank facilities may be adequate to serve projected County needs.

                            Fishing Boats
                            As Table HI-6 indicates, Talbot County should provide 116 acres of surface water for fishing from a boat
                            in 1990. This number rises to 132 acres in 2000 and 149 acres in 2010. Given the abundance of water in
                            the County, this standard is easily exceeded. The more limiting factor in Talbot will be the number of
                            boat ramps provided that provide a point of access to permit the public to get to the fishing waters.

                            Hiking

                            In order to meet recognized standards for hiking trails, Talbot County needs to have 57.6 miles of trails
                            in 1990, 66 miles in 2000, and 74.1 miles in 2010. These are not, however exclusive to waterfront areas.
                            The 57.6 mile requirement applies to the entire County. The 1987 Land Preservation and Recreation
                            Plan indicates that there are three nature trails in Talbot County, but it does not give their length. To
                            this should be added the existing nature trail at the Choptank Fishing Pier, which is also planned for
                            expansion. However it is extremely unlikely that these four trails will total the 57.6 miles appropriate
                            for the County to meet the standard. Therefore hiking trails are another component of public access
                            which should be expanded. Some of these future trails should be located along or near the waterfront,
                            such as was done in the early 1980's on a limited scale at North Tilghman Park.

                            Picnicking

                            Based on the standards outlined in Table 111-5, Talbot County should currently be providing 288 units
                            for picnicking. This number increases to 330 in 2000 and 371 in 2010. A unit is defined simply as a picnic
                            table. It is not known how many picnic tables exist in the County at his time, but the 1979 Maryland
                            Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Plan stated that there were 86 at that time. Since it is unlikely that
                            200 picnic tables have been added in the last 10 years, this amenity should also be expanded in the future.
                            This demand may be met in part near public shorefront access locations but may be met in great part
                            through picnic facilities in non-shorefront locations throughout the County.



                            Talbot County Public Access Study                    40                                           October 1990
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                           Power Boating/Water Skiing
                           As was the case with fishing from a boat, Talbot County has plenty of water to meet the requirements
                           for power boating or water skiing. Presently that need ranges from 8 to 15 acres, increases in 2000 to 9
                           to 17 acres, and in 2010 to 10 to 19 acres. The supply of water available for water skiing in Talbot County
                           is not quite as expansive as that for fishing from a boat due to the unsuitability of some of the waters in
                           and around the County. This is due to the fact that some areas are too rough for water skiing. Still the
                           areas that are suitable, notably the Tuckahoe River and upstream portions of most of the other rivers in
                           the County, easily exceed the standards.

                           Boat Ramps
                           Estimating the required number of boat ramps is a more complex effort. The number of launching ramps
                           required to meet estimated demand is a function of peak use rather than average use. There are several
                           methods to estimate demand, all of which involve a number of assumptions. One method is as follows:
                           Using standards developed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the counts recorded
                           during the use-level survey can be converted to total use levels for each facility and summed to get a
                           grand total for all County Public Facilities. Based on the survey observations as recorded in Table III-1,
                           this figure is 16,037 (see Appendix 1 for explanation of methodology). The peak use period for boat
                           launching facilities is Sunday and/or Holidays. In fact, it has been found that 80% (MD DNR & Roy
                           Mann Associates) of all launchings occur at these times. Thus in Talbot County, 12,830 launchings occur
                           on Sundays/ holidays. Since there are 25 Sundays or holidays during the boating season, an average
                           Sunday or holiday has 513 launches. Assuming that each ramp permits 40 launches/day, 13 ramps are
                           needed to accommodate this use.

                           Since there are 15 boat launching facilities in Talbot, the County exceeds this standard at this time and
                           will easily do so throughout the planning period. This is supported by the check of multiplying 15 (the
                           total number of ramps in the county) by 40 (launches/ day /ramp) by 183 (days in the boating season),
                           which equals 109,800 a figure well in excess of the 16,037 now using County facilities.
                           This, however, applies only to the County as a whole. There may be individual launching facilities
                           which are currently over-utilized. This can be checked by the method discussed above (1 ramp x 40



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                           launches/ day x 183 days in season). By this standard, any single ramp can accommodate 7,320 launches
                           per year. Current use at Wye Landing indicates that even with two launching areas present on the site
                           it is already in excess of this figure. No other County landing is currently subject to over-utilization.

                           Boat Slips
                           One amenity for which design guidelines were not given, but which can be measured in terms of
                           standards, is boat slips. A simple method of estimating the surplus/deficit of boat slips is to multiply
                           the number of registered boats by.5 and subtracting the number of existing slips (Roy Mann Associates
                           and MD Department of Natural Resources). The number of registered boats in Talbot is 4,326. Tables
                           11-1 and 11-2 indicated that there are 1,301 slips available in Talbot. The .5 is an assumption of the
                           percentage of boats kept in the water. This assumption seems to be accurate for Talbot since DNR boater
                           registration records indicate that 2,214 of the 4,326 boats registered in the County (51 %) are kept at home.
                           The calculation is thus:

                                   4,326 (Total # of Boats) x.5 = 2,163 (Marina Capacity)
                                   2,163 (Marina Capacity) - 1301 (Existing Capacity Available)           862 (Marina Capacity
                                   Deficit)

                           Thus there is currently a deficit of 862 boat slips in Talbot County. This is supported by the fact that
                           there are currently waiting lists for slip rentals at every County Public Landing with slips available
                           except Cummings Creek, and Claiborne, where the demand is apparently tempered by shallow water.
                           In summary, Chapter III has examined current and projected levels of demand at County Public Access
                           facilities.. identified recognized standards for the provision of access facilities, identified planned
                           expansions/ additions to the County supply of public access and, assessed the adequacy of public access
                           in the County for various components both now and in the future. The following chapter outlines a
                           study for the County to continue to exceed standards (or make up deficits) for public access. Chapter V
                           of this Study provides recommendations concerning how this study may be implemented and funded.






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                                     RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON EVALUATION

                                                        OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
                                    AND PROJECTED FUTURE PUBLIC ACCESS NEEDS
                           Chapter III of this Study examined the adequacy of public access in Talbot County. Among the findings
                           are that the County needs to provide more swimming beaches, hiking trails, and picnicking facilities in
                           the future. Also identified was a desire for improved facilities in general, although the overall number
                           of public access sites was seen as adequate. In short residents seem to want a few "nice" sites with a
                           variety of amenities, adequate parking, no litter, clean Test rooms, etc. The object of Chapter IV is to
                           present options for achieving these and other public access objectives. Optional solutions are illustrated
                           by first identifying a problem associated with public access in Talbot County, and then discussing an
                           option or options for solving the problem. The problem areas to be discussed are:

                                      Shortage of Shorefront Access-related Amenities including:
                                      - Swimming Beaches
                                      - Hiking Trails
                                      - Picnicking Units
                                      Lack of Parking
                                      Overcrowding at Wye Landing
                                      Litter Problem at Eidsting Sites
                                      Shortage of Boat Slips
                           The second part of this chapter offers a series of recommendations which the county should consider
                           pursuing to alleviate the problems associated with public shorefront access in Talbot County. These
                           recommendations are refined in Chapter V into specific implementation and financing strategies.





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                                                                        roblem Identification

                             hortage of Access Related Amenities
                            The comparison of existing and projected levels of public access in Talbot County to recognized
                            recreation standards reveal that the County needs to provide greater amounts of certain types of
                            water-related public access facilities. The County was found to be very deficient in two areas, hiking
                            trails and picnicking facilities. Also the County only marginally exceeds the current standard for
                            swimming beaches and will be at a deficit in the near future unless more beaches are added to the
                            County's inventory.
                            One option for making up some of this deficit is to try to retrofit these amenities into existing facilities.
                            This has the advantage of presenting no acquisition cost to the County. However this approach is limited
                            by the fact that the public access sites comprise a very small land area, even less of which is currently
                            owned or controlled by the County. Many of the County's access sites are simply ramps. piers, or
                            bulkheads located at the end of County roads.
                            The option at the opposite extreme is for the County to acquire a site or sites and design new public
                            access facilities which feature the needed amenities. The obvious limitation of this option is the cost of
                            land acquisition and development. The cost of acquiring and developing a 340 acre site in Anne Arundel
                            County was estimated at approximately $10 million. This site is probably larger than Talbot County
                            would need, but it was designed to feature the same kind of amenities that Talbot needs to provide. It
                            also illustrates the substantial investment necessary if this option is to be pursued. Even with $4 million
                            in State Grants, Anne Arundel County was faced with a financial commitment of approximately $6
                            million.

                            In some cases long term site lease agreements may be an option. This has the advantage over acquisition
                            of reducing the capital costs associated with outright purchase of property. This option is particularly
                            inviting when capital investments in improvements will be low. It is much less attractive when major
                            improvements are planned.






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                            Another option which is somewhat of a combination of the first two options is to acquire land adjacent
                            to existing public access sites. This has the advantage of not requiring such a large investment. It has
                            the disadvantage however, that many of the adjacent properties at the existing sites are owned by people
                            who have apparently resisted expansion efforts in the past.
                            A fifth option for closing the deficit in the three areas mentioned above is to capitalize on the efforts of
                            the State owned facility at the Choptank River Fishing Pier. Plans by the State already include an
                            expansion of the trail system and additional picnic facilities at this 22.46 acre site. The County could
                            take a more active role in suggesting improvements at this site. This has the advantage of providing the
                            County with additional supplies of recreational amenities at no cost to the County. The disadvantage
                            is that the County would also have little control over how these sites are used, how they are improved
                            in the future, etc. Likewise state facilities at Black Walnut Point are presently invited to "Bed and
                            Breakfast" use with public use discouraged. The County should work with DNR to diversify its offerings
                            and encourage public use and increase the supply of shorefront recreational offerings.

                            A final option is represented by a new State Program to develop "greenways'@. This program, which is
                            only now in the proposal stage, is the idea of the Maryland Greenways Commission. This group,
                            appointed by the Governor, has requested that State agencies cooperate in a new effort to protect parks,
                            trails, riverbanks, and wetlands from development by creating a system of environmental highways
                            called greenways. A parallel and coordinated effort by the County could help in providing the needed
                            amenities, especially hiking trails. The disadvantage of this approach is that it is probably limited to
                            hiking trails. Another disadvantage is that this program does not yet exist. It is only a proposal at this
                            time with more detailed information due to be released by the State in the Fall (of 1990).

                            Lack of Parking

                            One problem present at many of the County's Public Access Sites is a lack of adequate parking areas.
                            Oak Creek, Easton Point, Trappe, and Wye are among the more heavily used landings where parking
                            is limited. However, the problem is not exclusive to the more heavily used landings. Some of the least
                            used landings also experience problems with parking. Villa Road, Sherwood, Tilghman Creek, and
                            Blackwalnut Cove all fall into this category, where there is very little room to park, and sometimes no
                            place at all, which in turn leads to resident complaints as the users of these landings block private
                            driveways with their vehicles.



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                           One option for easing parking problems is to purchase land near the facility and develop it as a parking
                           lot. This land does not necessarily need to be located adjacent to the facility, just nearby. This option
                           would probably be the most direct way of handling the problem, but it would also likely be the most
                           expensive.
                           Another option is to acquire the land in some manner other than fee simple purchase. For example land
                           may be leased. In this option the County would sign a long term lease agreement with a nearby property
                           owner and construct a "temporary" parking lot which would be used only for overflow parking.

                           A third option that may be available in some cases is to add a shoulder along the road. This would at
                           least get the vehicles and trailers off of the roadway. The advantage of this option is that where the
                           County already has sufficient right-of-way, there is no land acquisition cost. Even in those areas where
                           right-of-way would have to be purchased, the cost would be less than that of purchasing enough land
                           to construct a new parking lot.

                           One simple step that the County can take which may help at some of the landings is to stripe the parking
                           lot. This is planned for Easton Point as a result of complaints concerning the way in which people were
                           parking there whereby some people have been blocked in and unable to leave. Consideration should
                           be given to striping the lot at Oak Creek, where parking is fairly ample, but the odd configuration of the
                           lot leads to disorganized parking which disrupts full use of existing potential capacity. The advantage
                           of this option is the low cost. The disadvantage is that it has limited applicability to solve the problem
                           in other locations.

                           Overcrowding at Wye Landing

                           The problem discussed above of lack of parking is evident at several County Landings. However at
                           Wye Landing it takes on monumental proportions as is evidenced by the observation of vehicles parked
                           along the road-side well beyond the intersection of Wye Landing Lane and Mill Creek Road on a regular
                           basis during times of peak use throughout weekends in the months of July and August. This intersection
                           is three-quarters of a mile distant from the Landing.






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                            Most of the problems associated with overcrowding at Wye Landing are simply parking problems and
                            the same options that were outlined above for parking problems apply at Wye. However, as was
                            indicated in Chapter 111, Wye is also subject to over-utilization. That is, there are too many boats using
                            the landing, based on the standards cited, previously. The Wye Rivers suitability for small craft and its
                            popularity as a productive crabbing river are reasons for its heavy utilization. Therefore the following
                            additional options should be considered at Wye Landing.

                            0ne option to ease the crowding at Wye is to let the public know about the other 27 landings in the
                            County. Many of the users of Wye Landing are from out of state. As many as 60% of observed vehicles
                            were from outside of Maryland on one typical weekend and during the Fourth of July survey, 47% were
                            from out of state. It is unknown how many of the remaining vehicles are from Maryland, but outside
                            of Talbot County. Since so many of the users of this landing are non-residents, it is unlikely that they
                            even know about the other landings in the County. Some may even find that there are landings located
                            closer to them than is Wye.
                            Another option to ease the overcrowding at Wye Landing is to expand the existing Landing. A limited
                            expansion is currently planned as was discussed in Chapter 111. This modest expansion, however, will
                            do little to ease the crowded conditions. What is needed to truly address the problem is an area large
                            enough to accommodate another boat ramp as well as parking for nearly 180 vehicles and trailers.
                            Providing parking for 180 spaces will satisfy average levels of weekend use during the boating season.
                            The advantage of this option is that it is the most permanent solution to the problem. Also an advantage
                            would be the possibility of adding some of the amenities which are lacking in the County which a larger
                            site would afford. Another advantage to expanding at Wye is that this site is very accessible from Routes
                            50 and 404 and the road network is fairly adequate. The disadvantage, of course, is the cost.
                            A similar option is for the County to acquire an additional site along the Wye River for development as
                            a public access facility. The difference is that this would not necessarily have to be located adjacent to
                            the existing landing. A suitable landing located elsewhere along the Wye River would presumably
                            relieve much of the pressure currently evidenced at Wye Landing. The advantage of this option is that
                            it would allow the County to pursue land owned by someone other than the adjacent landowners at
                            Wye, who have to this point resisted all attempts of the County to expand this site. The disadvantages
                            include the cost of acquisition and the likely lack of an adequate road network.



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                            A final option for relieving some of the overcrowding at Wye Landing is to expand and improve Skipton
                            Landing. The advantages of this option is that Skipton is the most easily accessible landing from Route
                            50 and provides access to the Wye River system. However there are many disadvantages to this option
                            including the physical constraints at this site (i.e. small site size and steep slopes near the landing).
                            Moreover, shallow water depths at Skipton Creek would likely precipitate the need for dredging in
                            order to make this a viable landing for use by deeper draft boats.

                            Litter Problem at Existing Sites

                            The problem of litter at many of the County's public landings is one which grows worse as the summer
                            goes on. This is due to the current policy regarding the clean up of these sites whereby litter is picked
                            up only once at the beginning of the season and thereafter the only attention to litter is to periodically
                            empty the dumpsters.

                            One option for improving the problem of litter at the public access sites is simply to have County
                            employees pick up litter on a more frequent basis. As an alternative, individuals ordered by the courts
                            to perform community service or local volunteer groups may be used to perform this service. The
                            advantage of this alternative is that it would cost the County nothing in terms of salaries. A possible
                            disadvantage is that there may not always be a steady "labor pool" available. Promotion of an "Adopt
                            a Landing" program may provide a base of civic support or neighborhood resident support for clean-up
                            and maintenance needs.

                            A second option for relieving some of the litter problem is to place aluminum recycling bins at the
                            landings. Aluminum cans represent a large percentage of the solid waste stream found at public
                            landings as many boaters take coolers filled with sodas and/or beer. This option has the advantage of
                            offering the County a small source of revenue, which may be donated to local environmental groups or
                            placed into a fund dedicated to improvements at the public landings. A possible down side to this option
                            is the potential for abuse whereby items other than aluminum may be placed in the recycling bins rather
                            than the garbage can thus requiring that someone sort through the litter to separate the aluminum from
                            the garbage.

                            A final option for cleaning up the public access sites may be to simply change the policy regarding
                            dumpsters and.trash receptacles. Simple steps such as posting signs which clearly state that these



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                             receptacles are for the trash of the boaters only and possibly eliminating the trash receptacles at some
                             little used landings could improve the litter problem at a minimum cost to the County. Oddly sometimes
                             when there are no trash receptacles there is little or no litter. Generally the vast majority of litter is found
                             immediately surrounding the trash receptacle. This may sometimes be caused by dumpsters which are
                             full, usually with trash.- which is obviously not of a boating nature. One way of alleviating the problem
                             of indiscriminate dumping of household trash at the public landings is to search this non-boating related
                             litter for a possible address to identify the culprit. A fine can then be levied against the guilty party.

                             Shortage of Boat Slipa

                             The problem of a shortage of boat slips in the County was identified in Chapter III. It pointed out that
                             the current deficit is 862. This is a serious deficit considering that the current supply in Talbot County
                             is 1,301. The finding that Talbot needs to add 862 slips means a 66% increase over the current supply.

                             This problem is somewhat different than those outlined previously in that the shortage of boat slips is
                             a problem that should largely be corrected by the private sector. Presently less than 7% of all boat slips
                             in the County are provided at the Public Landings. The remaining 93% are supplied by private
                             restaurants, hotels, yacht clubs and marinas. -Therefore the role of the Government in solving this
                             problem will be limited.
                             One thing which the County can do to help alleviate this shortage is to encourage the development of
                             marinas by the private sector. This can be done by easing development restrictions. For example, the
                             Talbot County Zoning Ordinance currently only permits expansions to existing marinas or previously
                             existing water-dependent facilities. New facilities are not permitted. This policy restricts the ability of
                             the private sector to make any serious reduction in the current boat slip deficit. However, given Critical
                             Areas legislation, the County may be limited in its ability to relax standards or permit new marinas.
                             The alternative to encouraging the private sector to provide more boat slips is for the County to provide
                             them. This may be done by adding slips at existing public access facilities, constructing new marina
                             facilities, or some combination of these two options.

                             The advantage of adding slips at existing landings is that it may not always be necessary to acquire more
                             land to accommodate this expansion. In some cases boat slips may be added by simply expanding



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                            outward into the waterbody. Additional slips are thus provided without acquiring more land. In some
                            cases land acquisition will be the only option, particularly since the parking required to serve more slips
                            may necessitate acquisition of land.
                            The construction of a marina facility at a new site(s) would have the disadvantage of the high cost, but
                            would also make the biggest reduction in the boat slip deficit. Also public access facilities which include
                            marinas have the advantage of providing the County with a source of revenue. The County's 87 existing
                            slips are projected in the FY 1991 County Budget to contribute approximately $18,000 in revenue. Based
                            on these figures a new marina of, for example, 150 slips could conceivable supply the County with over
                            $31,000 annually in revenue.

                            Recommendations

                            The following list represents recommended actions for alleviating the problems identified above. These
                            recommendations derive from the problem areas identified as well as broader projected future public
                            shorefront access'need identified. This series of recommendations will be tied together and further
                            detailed in Chapter V as part of the implementation and financing strategy for the Talbot County Public
                            Access Study.
                                    *  Acquire a large   site or sites to be developed as a marina/wat       erfront park.
                                    9  Place picnic tables at existing public landings where space allows.
                                    9  Pursue adjacent property at select landings for expansion of parking and/or
                                       development of passive recreation.
                                    0  Lease adjacent or nearby property at Wye Landing to be used for temporary,
                                       overflow parking.
                                    9  Focus the Coun 'S efforts concerning publi         c access to a handful (4 to 6) of sites
                                       rather than the Z11 28. Allow the remaining sites to stay open, but curtail
                                       maintenance expense to a minimum. This will allow the County to put more
                                       money and effort into ensuring that the select landings are of premiere quality
                                       while at the same time maintaining a bank of surplus landings which could be
                                       upgraded in the future if population dynamics and demand so waffant.




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                               * Place signs on the dumpsters at the landings indicating that they are for the
                                 exclusive use of the boaters/access users, not for household trash.
                               9 Place aluminum recycling containers at the busiest landings.
                               * Emphasize the need for additional hiking trails and picnic facilities to those
                                 responsible for County Recreation Planning and explore opportunities to provide
                                 for both in the future.
                               9 Work closely with State officials and staff to ensure that development of the
                                 Choptank Fishing Pier is considerate of the County's recreation and shorefront
                                 public access needs.
                               o Create a position within County Government for an individual whose sole,
                                 responsibility is the maintenance and operation of existing public access sites
                                 and the planning, design, permitting, etc of expansions and new access sites.
                                 Alternatively the split roles of the County's Departments of Public Works and
                                 Parks and Recreation should be more clearly defined and coordinated regarding
                                 expansion, operation and maintenance functions.
                               o Publicize the offerings of all County Public Access Sites, especially at each site, to
                                 more evenly distribute the use-levels.
                               o Create a Talbot County Public Landing Fund to be financially supported by use
                                 f= for maintenance and improvements at existing landings and acquisition of
                                 new sites and development or improvements to existing sites over time. (e.g. ramp
                                 fees, trailer permit fees, etc.)
                               9 Increase maintenance efforts at existing parking lots, including striping where
                                 appropriate to make most efficient use of existing parking facilities at certain
                                 landings.
                               o Update current public landings ordinance to better deftne user responsibilities
                                 and clarify management/maintenance and enforcement authority of the County
                                 to better control of sunken vessels, abandoned cards, boats. motors conveyors,
                                 etc.







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                                             IMPLEMENTATION, RECOMMENDATIONS
                                                       AND FINANCING STRATEGIES
                              Through this point the Talbot County Public Access Study has examined previous work on the subject
                              of public access, inventoried existing access sites, estimated the demand for certain @water-oriented
                              recreation activities, and outlined problems and opportunities associated with future public access
                              needs. The purpose of this final chapter is to present a series of strategies for achieving these needs. To
                              that end, two themes dominate this chapter. The first concerns implementation or what steps the County
                              should take to meet the specified objective. The second concerns financing or how the County can pay
                              for the recommended improvements. The areas/issues to be discussed in this chapter are:

                                        Public Access Classification System
                                        Parking Program for Wye Landing
                                        Expansion and Improvements at Oak Creek
                                        IYaller Permit/User Fee System
                                        Development of Waterfront Park/Marina
                                                                Public Access Classification System
                              One of the problems identified in this and previous studies was the desire of Talbot County residents
                              for cleaner facilities and a greater variety of offerings at existing public access locations. Part of the
                              problem can be explained by the existing system of public access facilities whereby maintenance and
                              improvement efforts must be spread among 29 different sites. In order to provide residents and visitors
                              with a greater array of recreational activities and better amenities at the public landings, Talbot County
                              should focus its attention and investment on fewer landings.
                              Chapter'IV recommended that the County select four to six sites to receive the main emphasis in terms
                              of spending on maintenance, improvements, expansion, etc. and limit the attention given to the
                              remaining sites to the most basic, routine maintenance. However, upon further analysis it becomes clear
                              that this two-level distinction is too simple. There should also be an intermediate level where the degree



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                              of commitment is somewhere between these two extremes. These three levels may be classified as
                              regional, community, and neighborhood corresponding to the level of service provided and the area
                              generally impacted by the landing.

                              Level I public access sites are those where future County efforts and investments should be therninimum
                              necessary to sustain current use and maintain them in the County inventory. Perhaps limited trash
                              removal and structural repairs only in emergency situations. These facilities are frequently those that
                              are located on little or no County-owned property. Often they are simply located at the terminus of a
                              County road. These are also often the sites with low to moderate use-levels and little or no parking.
                              Thus their very design is such that it suggests only limited use, whereby the majority of users are those
                              who can walk to the landing from nearby residential areas.

                              Level II access facilities represent the middle level in this three-tiered hierarchy. These are the locations
                              with fairly moderate use. Generally there is a little more land area associated with these landings as
                              compared to those classified as level 1, although not enough to afford substantial expansion
                              opportunities. These landings typically have small parking areas or shoulder parking, suggesting that
                              the majority of users drive there. However, those that do drive to the these landings, generally only
                              make a short trip. These are not the landings usually frequented by out-of-state users. County
                              maintenance efforts at these landings should include regular trash removal and repairs to parking lots
                              and shoreline structures before they become an emergency. Limited opportunities for adding amenities
                              may exist, but expansion would generally not be likely.
                              At the top of this three-level hierarchy are the level III public acces sites. These are the most heavily used
                              landings in the County system. They are generally also the main recipient of visitor usage. Level III
                              landings typically contain the largest land areas and represent the best chances for expansion. Wye
                              Landing is an exception to this generalization as it has very little expansion potential. However, its
                              overwhelming use-levels dictates that it be classified as a level III landing. These landings are generally
                              served by large parking areas and contain the greatest diversity of amenities. Users at these landings
                              come from all parts of the County and from well outside the County. Level III sites are those which
                              should become the major focus of future County investment in maintenance, improvements, and
                              expansion.





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                                     In order to classify each of Talbot County's public access sites in terms of this three-tier hierarchy, a
                                     qualitative assessment was made. Each site was classified as either Level I, II, III based on consideration
                                     of the following factors:

                                              *   Size

                                              0   Use levels

                                              0   User characteristics
                                              e   Variety and quality of improvements
                                              *   Adjacent land uses
                                              *   Receiving road network
                                              *   Expansion potential
                                              e   Proximity to major population centers In the County
                                              *   Geographic distribution
                                     Based on the factors listed above, the following classification is suggested for the public landings of
                                     Talbot County:

















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                                 Level                                     Level                                         Level

                                 Blackwalnut Cove                          Tongers Basin                                 Eastern Baylletty Landing

                                 Sherwood Pier                             Lowes Wharf                                   Oak Landing
                                 Tilghman Creek                            Cummings Creek                                Wye Landing

                                 Grace C reek                              Skipton Creek                                 Easton Point

                                 Tunis Mills (Leeds Creek)                 Trappe Landing                                Dogwood Harbor

                                 Villa Road                                Blackwalnut Point                             Bellevue

                                 Kingston Landing                          WindyHill                                     Tilghman ParkK

                                 Covey's Landing                           Ball Creek

                                 Miles River Bridge                        New Bridge

                                 Reese's Landing

                                 Bar Neck

                                 Bayshore Road

                                 Level I landing improvements should be limited to maintenance of bulkheads and boatramps to prevent
                                 injury to users. The only regular expense associated with these facilities should be refuse removal, which
                                 should occur on a less frequent basis than at the other landings. Funds heretofore expended on these
                                 sites should be redirected to improvements at regional landings.

                                 Recommendations at Easton Point

                                 Easton Point was selected largely because of its central location, both geographically and with respect
                                 to the major population center in Talbot County. It is however, probably the most limited of the regional
                                 landings in terms of expansion potential due to its location amidst fairly intense development. On the


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                              other hand, the presence of Easton Point Marina immediately adjacent to this landing offers services not
                              commonly found at public landings.
                              One improvement that is needed in the short-term at Easton Point is parking. The situation has been
                              improved with recent striping of the parking lot, however more parking space is also needed. One
                              solution may be to provide more of a shoulder for parking. The problem may also be eased somewhat
                              by making the lot at the Talbot County Operations Center available for over-flow parking during
                              weekends and holidays and posting signs both at the landing and along Easton Point Road indicating
                              its availability.

                              Easton Point could also help in meeting the County's need for hiking trails by becoming part of an urban
                              trail network running throughout Easton. Such a program would require the assistance and cooperation
                              of the Town of Easton. County officials should seek the Town's cooperation for this venture
                              immediately.

                              Under this program, a series of walking /jogging /biking trails would link various recreation areas in
                              and around the Town. This is in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Easton which
                              recognizes the need to improve and expand its system of parks and open space. The Study even contains
                              a recommendation most relevant to Easton Point. It is policy number 7.7 which states:
                              "The Town should acquire and develop the narrow strip of land between Papermill Pond and Easton
                              Parkway south of Easton- Point as a passive open space area with elevated boardwalks and walking
                              trails overlooking the wetlands and the pond. This proposal would be compatible with the intent of the
                              Critical Area Program and would provide the Town with much needed improved waterfront access.
                              The strip of land is too narrow for development."
                              Also the need for the Town to work closely with the County to jointly coordinate parks and open space
                              acquisition and facilities development is a stated policy of the Plan. The development of a trail system
                              running throughout the Town with a link to Easton Point and Papermill Pond as described above offers
                              an opportunity for such coordination and cooperation between the Town and County, and should be
                              pursued, particularly as Easton Point annexation proceedings begin.





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                                 Recommendations for Balls Creek at Neavitt

                                 The inclusion of Balls Creek at Neavitt in the list of regional landings is based largely on the quality of
                                 the existing facility and the potential for expansion. A disadvantage to classifying.this site as a regional
                                 landing is its relatively remote location. However its potential for development as a waterfront park
                                 led to its inclusion in this category. The County owned property at this landing is over seven (7) acres
                                 in size, only a small portion of which is currently developed in association with the existing facility. The
                                 remaining land area is easily large enough to provide a waterfront park.
                                 Such a park should include hiking trails and picnickin     g areas to help alleviate the deficits identified for
                                 these particular amenities. This site may also offer opportunities to provide more boat slips. With over
                                 400 feet of water frontage, the provision of boat slips seems like a viable option. However the presence
                                 of hydric soils on this site as identified in Chapter 11 may pose development constraints which should
                                 be more fully evaluated. The advantage of providing slips as part of the development of this site is that
                                 it offers a source of revenue, which can be used for maintenance and additional improvements.

                                 Recommendations for Wye Landing

                                 The following program f   'or parking improvements at Wye Landing is recommended as one which might
                                 secure a position to be favored equally by the County, the recreational boater and area property owners.
                                 This program involves a long-term lease agreement between the County and a neighboring property
                                 owner for use of their land for temporary over-flow parking.
                                 As a creative financing approach, the County may establish a rate of $4.00 for parking at this facility. It
                                 is assumed that an average of at least 100 boaters daily during weekends in the summer months and
                                 that some 24 peak days per season could be expected over a 12 week period. At $400 a day this would
                                 generate over $9,000 annually to offset costs of leasing privately owned land and to provide available
                                 parking improvements.
                                 Current owners of property have resisted expansion and purchase proposals made by the County in the
                                 past. This approach may be an alternative as it would permit owners to continue to hold fee simple title
                                 to their property. As a component of the lease agreement, the County would have to pay all costs
                                 associated with layout, design, and construction of the parking area and attendant improvements. The



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                                     er of the property would receive a pro-rata share of the proceeds collected from parking. The
                                own                                                                                             t
                                adjacent service facility operator at Wye Landing who has apparently maintained a lucra ive business
                                over the years renting boats, might be expected to serve as the collection agent to avoid costs associated
                                with employing security personnel. This would permit the area boat leasing agent to supplement his
                                current income. The owner would receive a substantial lease payment annually, conceivably in the
                                range of $2,00043,000 and the County would generate about $3,000-$4,000 annually to offset the cost of
                                improvements that might need to be County financed and not available through the State Waterway
                                Improvement Program.
                                In short, the County meets its responsibility to provide and improve the quality of service at public
                                access facilities. The current operator of the boat livery or rental facility at the landing secures increased
                                income and the owner of land heretofore who has resisted sale of property for parking construction
                                continues to own the land, receives income to offset impacts, secures from the County any landscaping
                                concessions necessary to protect the quality of his residential environment and for long term estate
                                planning purposes could revoke the conditions of the agreement at the end of a twenty year period.
                                Improvements should be the least expensive necessary and have as little impact as possible on the
                                character of the area and surrounding residential properties. The revocability of the agreement over the
                                long term implies that County investment shotild not be great in the facility, as an indication of its
                                potential impermanence. A gravel or oyster-shelled area along with adequate screening or use of a lawn
                                area which is periodically mowed might serve the intended purpose. A conceptual plan of
                                improvements is included with this study in Appendix F.

                                Recommendations for Expansion and Improygments at Oak Creek

                                A unique opportunity for expansion potentially exists at the Oak Creek landing. Directly across Route
                                33 from the landing is a 2.439 acre parcel owned by 'the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. This property
                                provides a chance to add picnic facilities and passive water-oriented recreation to the existing public
                                access site at Oak Creek if the* cooperation of the Foundation can be obtained. Since public education
                                and access to the Chesapeake and its tributaries is a key element of efforts to restore the Bay, this proposal
                                may well be supported by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF).




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                               Assuming that the cooperation of the CBF can be obtained, this property should be developed first as a
                               separate entity. The widest upland portion near the Station Road intersection should be used for
                               parking. The parking lot should not be paved but rather should be composed of some type of surface
                               such as oyster shells or pea-gravel, which will allow precipitation to infiltrate the ground below.

                               Structural improvements should be limited to a few picnic shelters and an elevated
                               walkway /observation deck. The picnic shelters should be located on an upland portion of the site, while
                               the elevated walkway may extend into any existing wetlands which may be present, and along the
                               shoreline. In the long-range, this elevated walkway system could be linked with the existing Oak Creek
                               public access facility by extending the walkway along the shoreline and under the Route 33 Bridge to
                               the fishing and crabbing pier.
                               Although there are few mature trees on the site, there is an existing stand of young loblolly pines which
                               would make an excellent screen between the property and Route 33. This screen should be extended so
                               that it runs along the entire boundary with this busy road.

                               The improvement of the CBF property in this manner, while modest in scope, could help meet both
                               County recreational needs and state and regional objectives for the Bay. County needs are met by
                               providing picnicking facilities and, to a small degree, a hiking/nature trail. State and regional
                               organizations with interests in protecting the Bay, will find that their need for public education about
                               the Bay system could be supported by such a development. A conceptual plan of improvement and
                               expansion at Oak Creek is contained in Appendix F.

                               Recommendations for Trafler Permit/User Fee System

                               In light of decreased funding from the State and increasing use-levels at public access facilities, Counties
                               have increasingly been faced with choosing between neglecting the upkeep of their landings or
                               dedicating more local money to this ongoing program. Two Eastern Shore counties, Kent and Queen
                               Anne's, have instituted a system of user fees as a new source of revenue to offset such impacts.

                               Kent County instituted a trailer permit fee, whereby all persons launching boats from public landings
                               must purchase a permit from the County. These permits cost $5.00 per year if the permittee is a Maryland
                               resident, a Kent County property owner, or the owner of a Maryland registered boat. Otherwise the



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                              permit costs $35.00. Originally   the out-of-state fee was $100.00, but due to complaints the price was
                              lowered. However, the number of out-of-state permits is now capped at 50 per year.
                              The required permit may be purchased at three vendors located throughout the County, at the
                              Courthouse, or by mail. All money from these permits goes into a Public Landing Fund which is used
                              for costs not covered by the State, such as maintenance and some improvements.
                              The program is enforced by one inspector who visits each landing daily (he works weekends and has
                              off Monday and Tuesday). Also County Sheriffs Department Deputies will check the landings for
                              violations when they are in the area. The fine for violating the system is $100.00. Money collected from
                              fines goes into the Public Landing Fund. Total revenues generated as a result if this program have
                              averaged approximately $15,000 annually. So far this year 1,700 permits have been issued.
                              Queen Anne's County has a similar program except that their's is a user fee in contrast to Kent County's
                              trailer permit fee. That is, all users of County public access facilities must purchase a sticker, not just
                              those launching boats with trailers.
                              The charge for the sticker in Queen Anne's County is $10.00 for in-State residents and $35.00 for
                              out-of-State residents.. Citations are $50.00. This increases to $100.00 if not paid within 20 days.
                              Enforcement is provided by seven employees of the County's Department of Recreation and Parks, who
                              are authorized to issue citations.

                              As in Kent County, all money collected from sticker fees and citations goes into a Public Landing Fund.
                              In it's first full year of operation this fund is estimated to generate $40,000 in Queen Anne's County.
                              Given the shore access- facilities needs identified in Talbot County and the need to finance such
                              improvement as well as day to day operational and maintenance costs Talbot County should establish
                              a user permit system drawing upon the experiences of Kent and Queen Anne's Counties. Talbot should
                              establish a system whereby all persons using public launching facilities are required to purchase a
                              County issued boat ramp permit to be displayed on their vehicle or boat trailer. These permits should
                              be made available for purchase at County Offices and local marine supply and bait and tackle shops.
                              Because Talbot County receives State funds from the Department of Natural Resources Waterways
                              Improvement Division (WID), the fee for the permit must be the same for all Maryland residents


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                               regardless of what County they reside in. To charge out-of-County Maryland residents a higher permit
                               fee than in-County residents would result in an unfair double taxation situation for out-of-County
                               residents since they pay the same State taxes for WID funds as Talbot County residents. Out-of-State
                               residents though, do not pay Maryland taxes and may be subject to a higher fee.
                               The fee of $35.00 for out-of-State residents seems to be generally accepted on the Upper Eastern Shore.
                               Therefore it is recommended that Talbot establish this as their out-of-State fee, at least initially. A$10.00
                               per year fee, as is used in Queen Anne's County, is recommended for all in-State residents. These fees
                               should be adjusted up or down after a one year period to ensure that revenues generated will adequately
                               cover annual maintenance and improvement expenses. Additional revenues can be generated from
                               fines collected from people without permits.
                               Such a system can be expected to provide substantial revenues. This money should be placed in a Public
                               Landing Fund and dedicated to use solely for maintenance and improvements at existing landings, and
                               acquisition of land for expansion or development of new shorefront access recreational facilities. Based
                               on use-levels in Talbot and Queen Anne's County, it can be expected that this program will generate as
                               much as $60,000 in annual revenue in Talbot, where use-levels are higher.

                               Recommendations for Development of Waterfront Park/Marina
                               The problem of the large deficit in picnicking units and hiking trails has been repeated throughout this
                               study. Previous recommendations in this and the preceding chapter will only make small reductions
                               in that deficit. In order to make a substantial reduction, the County should plan for long term acquisition
                               and development of a large waterfront park.
                               The major disadvantage of pursuing this option is the cost. With revenues being brought in by the
                               parking program and permit system outlined previously, the County is in a much better position to
                               undertake acquisition and long term development of a waterfront park. However, even with such
                               revenues the County will require assistance through State Program Open Space resources.
                               In considering an appropriate site for such a development, several factors are important. Among these
                               are proximity to potential users, site limitations, quality of the receiving road system, and land




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                               ownership. Based on these factors one site has been- identified as worthy of consideration for
                               development as a waterfront park. That is the land surrounding the existing Skipton Landing.
                               The Skipton site was selected for many reasons. First of all, it is easily the most accessible from U.S.
                               Route 50 and thus many Talbot Countians and visitors can be expected to use a park located there.
                               Second, other than near the existing boat ramp, few site limitations are present. The land is basically
                               flat. Furthermore it is free of development except for one house. Another advantage of this site which
                               cannot be overlooked is the fact that it consists of land in common ownership by one party, thereby
                               simplifying any necessary negotiations proceedings. Moreover, it would not be necessary to take the
                               entire 293.16 acre parcel. Acquisition of the portion bounded by Route 50, Skipton Landing Road, and
                               Skipton Creek would be sufficient to allow the County to develop a new regional park of outstanding
                               quality. It would not even be necessary to acquire all of the waterfront portion of this parcel, thus
                               sufficient waterfrontage could be kept under current ownership to allow for the construction of one (or
                               more) waterfront homes.

                               The major limitation to development as a waterfront park is the shallow water at the existing landing.
                               However, this only affects expansion of the boat ramp. It has no effect on the remainder of the site,
                               which can serve to meet picnicking and hiking activity needs in a shorefront environment with
                               opportunities for interpretive trails to permit user interaction with the diverse habitats manifest along
                               its shorefront reach. Later when more revenues are available from the County's Public Landing Fund,
                               or when State monies become available, dredging of Skipton Creek would permit expansion of the
                               existing ramp and thereby afford some much needed relief to Wye Landing.
                               The first stage in the development of this site though, should include parking areas for this new park
                               and the existing boat ramp, picnic shelters, an extensive system of hiking, biking, and nature trails.
                               Conventional park improvements such as ballfields, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts,
                               etc.growth in the area in recent years and may be appropriate given its adjacency to a designated village
                               center in the County Comprehensive Plan. The second stage which consists of expanding the ramp
                               facility, is not absolutely necessary to ensure that this is a viable undertaking, but such an improvement,
                               if feasible, would be invaluable because it would provide an alternative site to the already over-utilized
                               Wye Landing. A conceptual plan for development of this Park and Public Shorefront access facility is
                               contained in Appendix F.



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                              Though not the preferred locations, Covey's Landing and Reese's Landing may also represent sites
                              wherein the acquisition of adjacent land might permit then to meet the larger waterfront park need
                              identified herein. Absent the ability th undertake development of a large waterfront park facility the
                              County will need to identify ways to expand other Level II or preferably Level III facilities to
                              accommodate the need for picnic and hiking facilities among several locations as opposed to one as
                              recommended. Regardless of how they are not the identification of needs outline       'd in this study should
                              serve to guide future County investment in public shorefront access facilities. Clearly, the most
                              important near-term implementation action recommended with this report is the adaption of system for
                              changing user fees to assure future source of revenues is established to meet facility needs identified.
                              Appendix B in this report provides a model for facilitating decisions concerning acquisition and
                              development of public shorefront access sites and facilities. Appendix C provides location, siting and
                              design guidelines to facilitate determination of sites for selected improvements.

                              In summary, this final chapter has presented implementation and financing strategies which, if followed,
                              will allow Talbot County to enhance its public access facilities and reduce the deficit in the supply of
                              facilities which support recreational activities appropriate at public shorefront access sites. The order
                              in which theses strategies were presented was not intended to suggest any priorities. That is left to
                              County officials. The more important objective is to provide Talbot County residents and visitors with
                              the best possible system of public access facilities. This study is a first step in that direction. Hopefully
                              its recommendations will be useful to future county efforts to meet the public shorefront access needs
                              of present and future county residents.














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                            TALBOT COUNTY PUBLIC ACCESS PLAN
     START            CRITERIA FOR SITE ACQUISITION AND DEVEIAWMENT


     DIRECT ROAD ACCESS YES     DEVELOPMENT FOR BOAT ACCESS          > 50% LINEAR FRONTAGE
                                    OR PEDESTRIAN ACCESS                   IS MARSH
     SHORE FRONTAGE

     SITE AREA > 2 ACRES                                                        NO
                                                                YES
             NO                  NEARSHORE DEPTHS GREATER
                                     THAN THREE (3) FEET
                                                                        SAND BEACH > 100
      ELIMINATE FROM             VEHICULAR TURNAOUND AREA                  FEET WIDE
       CONSIDERATION                      > 75 FEET
                                    YES         INO                        YES
                                                                      SHORE EROSION     NO
                                                                      RATE SLIGHT TO
                    SHORE EROSION RATE         SLOPES< 8%               MODERATE
                    SLIGHT TO MODERATE I
                                                                       NJ/ NO
                        NjooryEs               NO        YES           UNDEVELOPED BEACH/
                     BOAT RAMP                      UNDEVELOPED           NATURAL AREA
                   WITH PARKING                         BOAT
                                       OTHER           LAUNCH
                                      SHORELINE
                                             NE                       YES
                                      ACTIVITIES



                                                                    BEACH WITH FACILITIES
                                                                                N
                                                          K


                                             IN,


                                               64



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                                                                  APPENDIX A

                                                        ESTIMATING TOTAL DEMAND

                          The 1976 Maryland Department of Natural Resources Study, Recreational Boating on the Tidal Waters
                          of Maryland used the following equation to determine the total number of boat launchings at a given
                          site:

                          25(7.1x) + 22(5.2x) + 106 (x) = Total number of launchings over the boating season

                          Where:

                              x      the number of launchings on an average weekday
                              5.2x  the number of launchings on an average Saturday
                              7.1x  the number of launchings on an average Sunday or holiday
                          To determine the total number of launchings in Talbot County, the above equation was solved for each
                          boat ramp based on the use-level survey depicted in Table HI-1. After solving the equation for each
                          landing, the total launchings were summed to get the total number of launchings in Talbot County.



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                         APPENDIX B
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                                                                          APPENDIX B

                                                         A Model for Acquisition and Development

                              The following flow chart illustrates the questions which should be asked when any site is screened for
                              either acquisition or development.
                              Starting at the upper left hand corner, three initial criteria mustbe satisfied before a site canbe considered
                              for boat access or pedestrian access. These are:

                                 Lshore frontage
                                 2.direct road access,
                                 3.site size greater than two acres.
                              Many of the County sites which are currently used as boat launch areas do not satisfy criterion 3;
                              however, because they are already publicly used, they should be screened for development, and if
                              appropriate, land acquisition for parking and turnaround for trailers should be considered.
                              If these criteria are satisfied, the nautre of the shoreline sh ould be assessed.. Where marsh does not
                              dominate the shoreline, the site maybe suitable for a beach area. Park standards for beaches recommend
                              at least 100 feet in width, and 200 foot wide beaches are preferable. This standard may be prohibitive
                              in Talbot County, where beaches are generally narrow. Some beach areas may be suitable for
                              nourishment and development, but where erosion rates are severe, natural undeveloped beaches, with
                              appropriate public access are more suitable.
                              Where marsh does dominate the shoreline, other uses than beaches may be appropriate. Boat ramps
                              may be located in small areas that do not require dredging or filling, and where there is room for
                              adequate parking and vehicular turnaround. If these criteria are not satisfied, the site may be useful for
                              car top boat launching, if slopes are less than 8% and the distance for carrying a boat not prohibitive.
                              If none of these criteria are satisfied, the site may still be considered for other sh oreline recreation: part
                              of a trail link-greenway with other parks or recreational facilities, an outdoor classroom, a way to
                              preserve scenic vistas or local character. Fishing piers and swimming floats may be alternatives to the
                              limitations posed by shoreline characteristics.



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                                                               Siting and Design Guidelines for
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                                      SITING AND DESIGN GUIDELINES
                                                     BOAT RAMPS



                     Location


                           0
                              Primary consideration should be given to sites in waterbody areas where the
                              demand for boat ramp facilities exceeds the supply.

                           0
                              Sites should be at least three to five acres in size with two or more acres suitable
                              for parking. Peak day overflow parking could be grassed area or other permeable
                              surface located outside of buffer.

                              Water depth should be a minimum of two feet at the end of the ramp at mean low
                              water.


                              Avoid sites with excessive situation or erosion.

                              Sites requiring extensive dredging or filling should be avoided.

                           0
                              Site should be close to a public road to avoid the expense of access road
                              construction.

                      Design

                              Avoid direct runoff from parking into tidal waters and wetlands.

                              Build ramps at a slope of eleven to thirteen percent with lane widths between
                              twelve and sixteen feet.








                                  Ramps constructed on flowing rivers should enter the river at an angle to
                                  facilitate boat launching and reduce siltation.

                                  Extend the ramp to a depth of five feet, install riprap at the end of the ramp or
                                  increase the slope for the last ten to fifteen feet of the ramp to protect the end of
                                  the ramp.







               0     Provide about 35 car-trailer parking spaces for each launching lane. Each car-trailer space
                     should be ten feet wide and forty feet long, and the parking lot should provide adequate
                     maneuvering room.

               0     If two launch lanes are constructed. build a pier between the two to serve both lanes and to
                     insure that one user cannot tie up both lanes.                  ?
               0     Support facilities should include litter receptacles, tt@h@on   and restrooms.
               0     Provide a signage system and Information center, especially for high use areas. These could
                     include:

                           maps of fishing grounds and other special boating activity areas;
                           boating rules and regulations, including notice of posted speed limits, maps of
                           restricted zones.
                           directories and fixed weather-proofed maps attached to information panels.
                           interpretive information which describes natural or historical features at the site or In
                           the vicinity.

               0     Provide an aesthetic buffer of the site from adjacent land uses, especially residential.

               0     Maintain slope gradients and scale which are compatible with natural features.


          Source:    Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 1986.
                     Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 1976.








                                       LOCATION AND DESIGN GUIDELINES
                                           CAR TOP - CANOE PUT-IN AREAS



        Lomtion

               0     Facility should be on a waterway suitable for canoeing and along a stretch of that waterway that
                     Is deficient In canoe access opportunities.

               0     Access point should be within a short portage of parking area.

               0     Facility should not be located on water that is too shallow. has an extreme drop-off. has severe
                     currents or has underwater obstructions.


         Design

               0     Approach to waterway should not be too steep and should be clear of brush. If banks are
                     steep, consideration should be given to reconstructing the bank through grading and possibly
                     the installation of steps.

               0     Site should provide adequate and safe parking, preferably in an off-road location.

               0     Site should have picnic tables, litter receptacles, restrooms, an information kiosk and signs
                     which designate the site as a canoe access facility.

               0     Design to maintain low capacity in wilderness preservation areas.



          Source:    Virainia Beach Scenic Waterway Plan., 1985.








                                        LOCATION AND DESIGN GUIDELINES
                                                      FISHING AREAS



         Location

               0     Facility should be located on a water body with a productive fishery and acceptable water
                     quality.

               0     Consideration should be given to potential conflicts with adjacent land use and other water
                     activities.

               0     A shore fishing area should be free of obstructions such as steep banks. dense brush or low
                     hanging tree limbs.

               0     Consideration should be given to incorporating fishing facilities into water-related
                     construction projects. For example, catwalks and platforms can be built into bridge projects,
                     or fishing areas can be developed in areas adjacent to bridge approaches.                   Safety
                     considerations must be Integral to the location and design of such facilities. Fishing areas may
                     also be developed at park sites, next to boat landings. on breakwaters, along bulkheading
                     projects or at highway waysides. Adequate space for safe parking must exist or be easily
                     provided.


          Design

               0     Support facilities appropriate to fishing areas include parking areas, restrooms, drinking
                     fountains, litter receptacles, picnic tables, fish cleaning facilities, and boat rental, bait and
                     food concessions.

               0     Fishing structures should be of barrier-free design to afford fishing opportunities for the
                     widest range of participants.

               0     Piers should be of open-pile construction, and piers constructed over vegetated wetlands
                     should be high enough to prevent loss of existing vegetation through shading.



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                    Southeastern Virginia Planning District Commission. 1988.
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                                                             APPPENDIX D


                                           Selected Information Concerning Maryland and Talbot County
                              Boat Registration provided by Maryland Department of Licensing and Consumer Services.




                                                                                                                      OEC"IVED Ai-11 2
                                                                   (Revised Form)
                                              Mpoor or ctIMICA"s or Ot"1191 ISSUED TO    I OA T1          for Year Wing            state of toffitely of
                                                            I          .                   -             )I N4606or 11J19
                                                            173,.523 .            - -   I :                             ---
                            U" J or is  foot                 16 feet to 1.498 The" 30 foot                10 rest to L411 non 40 fell
        PULL              lnboerj                 It                          MUMS T gall                  Inboola -i-4-2111
                                                                                                                            .1
  --HAT" I AA@_                   ZKO114                                              ldhagla    IMO "I' _LMA_ -MALINAU11- .1bbAltd
       we"
  I            __  JUL        76        196            __2200         314      48        5          698     400     102         155
               _23881-     2334        932        13     22881      14989     1038      11         7360    25609 487t         4745
                 29103      1. 63        29        a       61#60      130                2                    0                  23
                  6044       27                    3         '13                         0                     1      0           0
      Other                          ------- 9--
                  7671       30          54        2        421        50        4       0            36      40     13          14

                            N
                                 '40 is a to                                                               U04 worth to
                              or                                                                                      M                  Other fiettictall
       l1ULL             tnb 6
                                                                            -Austlis    &M                                                  (taplain)
  LATMAL       (Mttootd   9                                         9  110 W0040

                     4      324'.                 2 t      661.3     4731      257     182            0              99         22        uscu
                    19      753.                                                                                                          Documented
                                                 253     -54147---  43665  _6849-     5028-           0                                   Vessels
                     8      AQ           Q        12   __38011.       BA9      43       45                                                7r5tt
                     2        0          0         0@    6064          29      to        3            0            201           2
      other                                                                                                          0
                     2        2          0         3     3132         122      71-                    0            423          20
                                                                             Scorg or_ Ift"11CRING STSIgm
             In addition     7
                               ,511 Docitmeiited   vessels are
             principally used In t1aryland
                                                                               N"o your NUAQFIPI system thsnJ44 from last y4ell ----Yoe trifles explain)-,



  OPSTOWT101111   ris#@* forest Only V4114 sawtIlleftep  Outel.41"I an It Deees-ter of%4 work wall any Alectoponeles fron'the Inton4ed fatmet.. Pillow note
             -T..' am-&OTIP4 system feel*, 4411"ItIoRe,  Froes-lutes) skovee Itsit'gespI6164 term to Coormingont WIP-1). U.S. Coast C-jGtJ, Usehingt no C.
                                                                                                                                              a
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		REPORT NUMBER
		A12312
                                                                  STATE OF MARYLAND
                                                     LICENSING AND CONSUMER SERVICES               12/18/89
                                                               STATE OFFICE BUILDING
                                                         ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND  214 4

                                                ACMEFORTS OF MARYLAND DOCUMENTED FORTS - BY COUTY


                                                             REGISTRATION YEAR 1989
                                            COUNTY                                                      NUMBER OF BOATS


                              ALLEGANY												  13	
					ANNE ARUNDEL											3271
                              BALTIMORE COUNTY                                                               542   	             
                              BALTIMORE CITY											  25
                              CALVERT												 316
                              CAROLINE												   6
                              CARROLL												   4
                              CECIL													 375
                              CHARLES												  26
                              DORCHESTER												  66	
                              FREDERICK												   8		                             
                              GARRETT                                                                         13 
                              HARFORD                                                                         54  
                              HOWARD                                                                           5  
                              KENT                                                                           541  
                              MONTGOMERY                                                                       5
					PRINCE GEORGES											  29 
                              QUEEN ANNES                                                                    297
                              ST. MARYS												 202		
					SOMERSET												  49
                              TALBOT                                                                         257  
                              WASHINGTON                                                                       5
					WICOMICO                                                                        10 
                              W0RCESTER												  38
                              UNKNOWN                                                                       1357  


                               GRAND TOTAL                                                                  7511
 



		REPORT NUMBER				STATE OF MARYLAND
		   A12334				LICENSING AND CONSUMER SERVICES
							    STATE OFFICE BUILDING
							  ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 214 4

					BOATS KEPT AT HOME BY OWNER'S COUNTY OF RESIDENCE

							  AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1989


ALEGANY						1931					
ANNE ARUNDEL				     18444	
BALTIMORE COUNTY 				     18615
BALTIMORE CITY					2160	
CALVERT						3346
CAROLINE						1126
CARROLL 					      3154
CECIL							2339
CHARLES						4077
DORCHESTER						2183
FREDERICK						3863
GARRETT						 730
HARFORD						4942
HOWARD						2929
KENT 							 996
MONTGOMERY						9212
PRINCE GEORGES				     10522	
QUEEN ANNES 					2795
ST. MARYS						4397
SOMERSET						1357
TALBOT						2214
WASHINGTON						3363
WICOMICO						3268
WORCESTER						2472

UNKNOWN/OUT OF STATE				6157

TOTAL						    116540	



	REPORT NUMBER					STATE OF MARYLAND
	   A12312			    	LICENSING AND CONSUMER SERVICES    12/18/89
						          STATE OFFICE BUILDING
						        ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 21434

			OWNERS COUNTY OF MARYLAND DOCUMENTED BOATS BY COUNTY RESIDEN

							REGISTRATION YEAR 1989
COUNTY							NUMBER OF BOAT

ALEGANY								5
ANNE ARUNDEL						   1618
BALTIMORE COUNTY						    644
BALTIMORE CITY						     53			
CALVERT							    136	
CAROLINE							      6	
CARROLL							     23	
CECIL								     44
CHARLES							     75		
DORCHESTER							     32	
FREDERICK							     49	
GARRETT								1
HARFORD							    102	
HOWARD							    134							
KENT								     61
MONTGOMERY							    711	
PRINCE GEORGES						    278
QUEEN ANNES							     91	
ST. MARYS							    128
SOMERSET							     23
TALBOT							    165	
WASHINGTON							     13	
WICOMICO							     43
WORCESTER							     13	
UNKNOWN							   3053	

GRAND TOTAL                                        7511



	REPORT NUMBER				STATE OF MARYLAND
	   A12332				DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

						LICENSING AND CONSUMER SERVICES

					BOATS REGISTERED IN MARYLAND - BY RESIDENCE OF CYN

						    AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1989

COUNTY			TYPE OF USE				TOTAL VALID
			PLEAS   COM FISH   OTHER        	 CERTIFICATES
ALLEGANY		 2176	      11	   15				2232	
ANNE ARUNDEL	28632	     384	  468			     29484
BALTIMORE COUNTY	26632	     314	  406			     26772
BALTIMORE CITY	 3249		45	   45				3339
CALVERT		 4437		80	  133				4621
CAROLINE		 1223		48	   23				1294
CARROLL		 3443		41       47				3531
CECIL			 3367		54	   69				3451
CHARLES		 4730		97 	  102				4899
DORCHESTER		 2919	     186	   72				3075
FREDERICK		 4127	      45	   25				4200
GARRETT		 1239		10      145				1444
HARFORD		 6734		66	   72       		6872
HOWARD		 3840		48	   24				3912
KENT			 1727		91	   61				1879
MONTGOMERY		12886	     141	  127			     13154
PRINCE GEORGES	12431	     156	  153			     12743
QUEEN ANNES		 4078	     139	  124				4341
ST. MARYS		 5992	     176	  151				6319
SOMERSET		 1724	     112	   38				1874
TALBOT		 3962	     163	  195				4326
WASHINGTON		 3592	      27	   29				3645
WICOMICO		 3450      186 	   69				3725	
WORCESTER		 2988	     138	  185				3311		

TOTAL-MARYLAND   148893	    2760	 2781			    154434	

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 1574     17	   21				1135 	
DELAWARE		 1212	      23	   16				1251
NEW JERSEY		 1122	      16	   16				1154
PENNSYLVANIA	 8643	     106       97				8848	
VIRGINIA		 4767	      65	   86				4936
WEST VIRGINIA	  338		 7	    1				 346
ALL OTHER		 1366	      35	   32				1423 
UNKNOWN   		   16		 0	    0				  16

TOTAL-OUT OF STATE  18558    292	  269			     19089			

GRAND TOTAL	     167451	    3022	 3150			    173523   				


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                                                "Jog






   William Donald Schaefer Maryland Department of Natural Resources Torrey C. Brown, M.D.
        covernor                                                    5-werr
                                   Boating AdWnistration
                                   Tawes State Office Building      Bruce A. Oiltmite
                                      590 Taylor Avenue             Director
                                   Annapolis. Maryland 21401

                                             January 3, 1990



        The Honorable Thomas G. Duncan
        President
        County Council of
         Talbot County
        Courthouse
        Easton, Maryland 21601


        Dear Councilman Duncan:

             This is to acknowledge that the Depaitment of            Natural
        Resources, Boating Administration has reviewed 411 of the comments
        received from various local Jurisdictionst boating organizations,
        neighboring states, and the general boating pub@lic concerping our
        proposed fee schedule for Stat6-funded public boat ramps and have
        come to a conclusion as to our position regarding this matter....
             As you are aware, any local jurisdictio4      which decides to
        charge a fee to use a State-funded public boating facility must
        first obtain approval from the Department of Natural Resources as
        required in the terms and conditions of the Wa@erway Improvement
        Fund Grant application.      Since Talbot County agreed to this
        requirement when requesting Waterway Improvement: funds,to construct
        local public boating facilities, the above referenced condition
        will apply if you elect to charge a fee to use. these facilities.
        In addition, the Department has the authority    to approve or deny
        these fees on an annual basis.

             In that the source of revenue for the Waterway Improvement
        Fund is primarily the 5% excise tax which is      paid when someone
        purchases their boat within the Statel the Boa@inq Administration
        cannot allow a local jurisdiction to differentiate fees charged to
        Maryland registered boaters. Therefore, a local jurisdiction can-
        not charge Maryland residents who live in anot.her jurisdiction a
        higher fee.
                                     MON
























































                             Tclephone: 301-974-7604











         The Honorable Thomas G. Duncan
         January 3, 1990
         Page Two


              As for vessels not registered in the State.of Maryland, since
         these boaters do not contribute to the Waterway Improvement Fund
         the Department has no objection to local jurisdictions charging a
         higher fee to those individuals to use public boating facilities.
         However, the Boating Administration believes that user fees should
         be fair for AU boaters using Maryland's waterways and therefore
         we oppose any fees which are inordinately high for non-Maryland
         boaters. We believe that local governments sh    'ould recognize the
         overall economic benefit of tourism and "good neighborliness"..

              With regard to the issue concerning the one-time user, the
         Boating Administration will require that local jurisdictions
         charging a fee make some provision which will allow a boater to use
         these facilities an a daily basis. As to the collection of these
         fees, the local jurisdiction may decide how to collect this fee as
         long as the system used is fair and equitable.

              Concerning the actual fees, the Boating     Administration   has
         established the following             fee schedule which a local
         jurisdiction can implement if it lects to charge a fee to use
         their public boat landings.

                                    inum F= SghedUle
                   $5.00      MD Registered Vessel (Daily  Rate)
                   $10.00     Out-of-State Registered vessel (Daily Rate)
                   $25.00     MD Registered Vessel (Annual Rate)
                   $35.00     Out-of-State Registered Vessel (Annual Rat!e)
              Approval of any fees will depend on the local estimated and/or
         documented costs to operate facilities built with Waterway
         Improvement Funds as well as the anticipated number of boaters
         expected to use these facilities. Again, these are maxim         fees
         and only apply to those boating facilities which were constructed
         with Waterway Improvement Funds.        Furthermore, there is n2
         requirement by DNR that a local jurisdiction must charge a fee to
         use these facilities.

              To reiterate, any local jurisdiction which elects to charge
         a fee to use a State-funded boating facility for the 1990 or any
         subsequent boating season must abide by this policy. In addition,
         each local jurisdiction will have to continue to obtain prior
         approval from the Boating Administration on an annual basis before
         implementing any fee collection program.

              We believe that this policy meets our goal.to ensure that any
         fees charged to use these boating facilities are equitable to all
         Maryland boaters as well as to the local jurisdictions which are
         responsible for their operation. I hope that you agree with this
         policy and will support it now and in the future.











        The Honorable Thomas G. Duncan
        January 3, 1990
        Page Three


             Again, we value our cooperative relationship with Talbot
        County and urge you to contact me if you heive any questions
        regarding this or any other matter related to the Boating
        Administration. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss this
        matter.






                                            ruce A. Gilmore, Director
                                           Boating Admihistration


        BAG:RPG:elc
                                             naer
                                           @iiu@ae. @Gilm.



















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                                                                     3 6668 14100 9904