Talbot County Land Preservation and Recreation Plan an element of The Comprehensive Plan

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

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1987

TALBOT COUNTY
LAND PRESERVATION AND RECREATION PL@@
An Element of The Comprehensive Plan

JULY 1987

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

I INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Introduction

Purpose 2

Background of County 3

Summary of Past Planning Activities 5

Political, Administrative and Advisory Bodies 8

II RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM AND STANDARDS

Introduction 10

Sources 11

Overall Recreation Acreage Goals 12

Local Standards and Classification 12

Classification of State Parks 18

Facility Development Guidelines 20

III INVENTORY OF EXISTING PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES '

Introduction 24

Mini-Parks 26

Neighborhood Parks 26

Community Parks 33

County Parks 38

Waterfront Parks and Public Landings 41

Special Parks 45

State Parks 51

Private Recreational Facilities 53

Summary of Recreation Facilities in Local 58
and State Parks

IV DEMAND ANALYSIS

Introduction 59

Demographics 60

Participation and Facility Demand 68

Evaluation of Existing Parks, Recreation Areas
and Open Spaces 79

Demand for Natural Open Space 89

V. Plan

Introduction 93

Summary of Problems, Issues and opportunities 93

Recommendations for Active Parks and Recreational
Facilities 96

Goals and Objectives 99

Recommendations for Natural Parks and
Recreational Open Space 105

Summary 124

VI Implementation

Introduction 125

Project Selection 125

Methods for Land Acquisition 126

Methods for Facility Development 128

Preservation and Conservation Programs 128

TABLES

Table Title Pacre

_II-1 Recommended classifications and Standards 13

11-2 Facility Development Standards of the
National Recreation and Park Association 22

III-1 Mini-Parks 26

111-2 Neighborhood Park Facilities 32

111-3 Neighborhood Parks 28

111-4 Community Parks 34

111-5 Community Park Facilities 37

111-6 County Parks 38

111-7 County Park Facilities 40
IIi-8 Waterfront Parks and Public Landings 42

111-9 special Park Areas 48

III-10 State Parks 51

III-11 Private Parks and Recreation Areas 53

111-12 Facility Summary 58

IV-1 Population Trends 61

IV-2 Population Distribution by Age 65

IV-3 Age Distribution Trends 1970-1984 66

IV-4 Age Distribution Forecasts 1984-2007 67

IV-5 Household Income Distribution 68

IV-6 County-Oriented Recreation Activities 73

IV-7 Activities Ranked by Popularity Tidewater Region 74

IV-8 Indications of Recreation Facility Demand 75

TABLES CONTINUED

Table Title

IV-9 Talbot County Recreation Demand of In-County
Residents for County-Oriented Facilities
(1985, 1990 & 1995) 77

IV-10 Comparision of Existing Inventory to
Established Standards 80

V-1 List of Potential Sites for Recreational
Open Space or Natural Parks 119

MAPS

Map Title EA_qe

III-1 Existing mini-Park Locations 25

111-2 Existing Neighborhood Park Locations 31

111-3 Existing Community Park Locations 36

111-4 Existing County Park Locations 39

111-5 Existing Waterfront Parks, Beaches and Landings 44

111-6 Existing Special Park Locations 50

111-7 Existing State and Federal Park Locations 52

IV-1 Locations of Towns and Villages 62

IV-2 Population Distribution 63

IV-3 Service Area of Neighborhood Parks 82

IV-4 Potential Service Areass for Neighborhood
and Community Parks 83

IV-5 Service Area of Community Parks 84

IV-6 Service Area of Neighborhood and Community
Parks 85

V-1 Potential Recreational open Space and
Natural Park Sites 106

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I I INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
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1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION

The Talbot County Land Preservation and Recreation Plan will be
an important element in the County's growth management program,
The Comprehensive Plan, and the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas
Protection Program. The Plan continues the long standing
tradition of environmental protection and enhancement of natural
resources that has characterized previous planning efforts in the
County. The recreation element of the Plan also assures that an
appropriate level of parks and recreational facilities are
provided for present and future county residents.

The Land Preservation and Recreation Plan will serve as the
basis for the Parks and Open Space element of the County's
Comprehensive Plan and will be integrated into the Chesapeake Bay
Critical Area Program. In addition, the Plan will update and
succeed The 1982 Recreation and Open Space Plan. The Plan will
also coordinate County plans and programs with State programs and
procedures and will provide the basic framework for coordination
of preservation and recreation efforts within the incorporated
areas of Talbot County.

It was not surprising, upon review of previous planning documents
and through meetings with citizen groups in the County, to find a
strong commitment to the protection of natural resources. The
open land, extensive waterways, bays and rivers have long been
important to Talbot County. Lying between the Chesapeake Bay and
the Choptank River, the County has historically relied upon its
natural resources to provide economic opportunities and a unique
quality of life. Over the years the tradition of the people of
Talbot County has been to treasure the environment. This
philosophy has been retained in the formation of the 1987 Land
Preservation and Recreation Plan.

Talbot County has provided a significant amount of active park
acreage and recreational facilities for its residents. The Plan
addresses the open space and recreation needs of the County by
recommending park and facility standards, evaluating the existing
facilities and suggesting methods to correct present and future
deficiencies. The park and recreation standards have been derived
from national and State guidelines but have been modified to
reflect the characteristics and goals of Talbot County. The Land
Preservation and Recreation Plan has also been coordinated with
the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Protection Program which will
be an important element of the County's Comprehensive Plan.

In addition to satisfying requirements for funding at the State
level, the Talbot County Land Preservation and Recreation Plan
will help coordinate plans and programs between the County and
its towns.

PURPOSE

There are several purposes and objectives that have guided the
preparation of the Land Preservation and Recreation Plan. Most
are in response to legislative and administrative requirements of
governmental agencies, yet all spring from the long-standing
traditions of the County. These major aims and objectives of the
Plan are:

1. To meet the preservation and recreation needs of the
people of the County thereby maintaining and enhancing
the quality of life.

2. To be an integral part of the new County Comprehensive
Plan which is being updated.

3. To respond to the Statewide mandate to protect and
improve the environment of the Chesapeake Bay.

4. -To guide future public and private actions, including
Program Open Space acquisition and development
activities, which will increase opportunities to enjoy
the outdoors.

5. To provide guidance and input to the Maryland State
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Plan
and establish consistency with State objectives.

6. To establish the basis for funding and technical
assistance from State and federal sources which will
help implement the Land Preservation and Recreation
Plan.

7. To provide a framework and basis for cooperation
between the County and its incorporated towns and
neighboring counties.

8. To provide appropriate standards for the planning,
acquisition and programming of open space and
recreational facilities.

Numerous sources have been consulted in the preparation of the
1987 Land Preservation and Recreation Plan. Previous plans and
documents have provided important insight into the open space,
recreation and preservation needs of the County. Meetings with
citizen groups and County officials have provided further
information and understanding. State plans, activities and
requirements have also been important guidelines for the
formulation of this Plan.

BACKGROUND OF COUNTY

Talbot County is predominantly agricultural with low density
residential areas scattered throughout. Most agricultural
production is devoted to corn and soybeans, but the broiler
(chicken) industry is important and pasture occurs in small
blocks scattered along the coastline.

The County has over 600 miles of shoreline which is generally
low (less than 20 ft. msl) rolling land with sandy and silty
soils. In this Critical Area, much of the land has poorly
drained soils with severe development constraints. These areas
are in the more upland areas in the central parts of the
peninsulas. Soils more suitable for development often are
concentrated adjacent to the shoreline. As a result of this,
development and residential areas have been able to be
concentrated along the shoreline where residents prefer to live.
Inland areas of most peninsulas, other than in the immediate
vicinity of Easton and St. Michaels, are largely undeveloped.

Major population centers include Easton, St. Michaels, Tilghman,
Oxford, Trappe, and Queen Ann. outside of the limits of these
areas, land is rural with average densities of less than one unit
per twenty-five acres.

Forests and wetlands constitute the bulk of the non-agricultural
open land. These resources occur where steep slopes or poor
drainage has restricted use. Most wetlands in the Critical Area
are either tidal marshes or seasonally flooded bottom land
forests. Most tidal marshes are brackish to fresh, dominated by
common reed in coves and along creeks. These marshes help to
prevent shoreline erosion and maintain water quality, and provide
habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, fish, and mammals such as
raccoons and muskrats.

The primary forested wetlands are seasonally or irregularly
flooded forests with loblolly pine, red maple , sweet gum, basket
oak, willow oak, and tulip poplar. Wetlands comprise about 20 to
25 percent of the forests in the Critical Area and generally are
scattered throughout all large forests. White-tailed deer, gray
squirrel, Delmarva fox squirrel, and several species of breeding

birds constitute the main wildlife in these areas.
Major marsh systems are found along the Choptank River basin and
Tuckahoe Creek. other significant, though generally smaller,
marshes occur on the Wye East River, upper Miles River, Potts
Mill Creek, Goldsborough and Glebe Creeks, and in the Wades
Point, Ferry Cove, and Back Creek sections of the Chesapeake Bay
shoreline.

Major bottom land forests and swamps are found on the tributaries
of the Wye East River, Mill Creek, Norwich Creek, and in the
north part of the county. In the south part, forested wetlands
are usually restricted to narrow bands along the tributaries of
Tuckahoe Creek and the Choptank River such as Beaverdam Creek,
Miles Creek, Kings Creek, and Williams Creek.

Shorelines

In Talbot County, natural beaches are usually narrow (less than
20 to 40 ft.) and small in extent. They are most common on
Chesapeake Bay, Eastern Bay, and the lower portions of major
creeks and rivers. In the protected coves and along the upper
reaches of the creeks and rivers, marshes and forests generally
fringe the shore. Bluffs to 40 ft. are common along Tuckahoe
Creek and the Wye East River.

Shoreline erosion is slight to low in most parts of the county.
Only in Eastern Bay, the lower Miles and Choptank Rivers, and
along the Chesapeake Bay is erosion generally so high that
vegetative or non-structural stabilization methods are
inadequate.

Forested Areas

Most of the f orests are mixtures of loblolly or shortleaf pine
with hardwoods such as basket oak, white oak, northern red oak,
red maple, and sweet gum. Many of the mixed forests originated
as planted pine plantations which were not managed, and into
which hardwoods invaded. Although this type of forest of fers
good habitat f or many cosmopolitan or widespread species, they
offer little in the form of unique features.

The more natural forests occur in the poorly drained soils of the
necks and along the more steeply incised valleys of the
tributaries of the upper Choptank River.

Major forest stands on the necks of west Talbot County are
generally poorly drained, although good quality upland. Oak and
mixed hardwood stands occur on points and headlands along Mill

Creek, on an unnamed tributary of the upper Wye East River, a nd
on Miles River neck. High quality bottomland or riverine forests
are found in the Kings Creek, Miles Creek, and Raccoon Creek
drainages. The bluffs along the upper Wye East River also
constitute a high quality system.

SUMMARY OF PAST PLANNING ACTIVITIES

Talbot County has been actively involved in land preservation and
recreation planning for many years. The land preservation and
recreation planning activities include a variety of plans,
documents, programs as well as political, administrative or
advisory bodies. All of these activities have reflected the
common goal of protecting the natural assets of Talbot County for
the enjoyment of the citizens.

In the early seventies, land preservation and open space planning
was officially incorporated into the local governmental process.
In 1973, the County's Comprehensive Plan was adopted to guide
all future development. Talbot County's Department of Parks and
Recreation was created in 1975 in response to the needs perceived
by the community to strengthen efforts in the provision-of
recreational space and activities for County residents. In 1982
the County's Recreation and Open Space Plan was passed. In 1986,
the County initiated an update of these two plans and began the
preparation of,a Critical Areas Plan and Program to comply with
the Chesapeake Bay Act.

The County Cou ncil has also appointed a Planning Commission, an
pen Space & Recreation Advisory council, and created' the Park
Board. These agencies and advisory boards have all assisted the
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County's professional staff and citizen groups in the
implementation of the goals, objectives and programs set forth in
these two plans.

The two main documents important to the history of land
preservation and recreation planning in the County are the 1973
Comprehensive Plan and the 1982 Recreation and Open Space Plan.
Although there have been a variety of public and Private efforts
related to land preservation and recreation planning, these two
documents reflect the official position of Talbot County. The
Open Space-Element of the Comprehensive Plan guided the planning
and development of recreation facilities for almost a decade and,
in 1982, was supplemented by the Recreation and Open Space Plan.

1973 Comprehensive Plan

In response to increasing pressures for urban and suburban
development, Talbot County embarked on a Comprehensive Planning
Program in August of 1972.

The County Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1973 and includes
recommended actions, policies and standards to guide future
development through the year 2000. The plan, which is currently
being updated, includes goals and objectives as well as specific
'recommendations for implementation. The Comprehensive Plan and
its various recommendations are organized around the following
categories: natural resources; public services; land use;
cultural;,aesthetics; fiscal and intergovernmental cooperation.
A major concern of the plan was the protection of the County's
natural resources which were viewed as highly vulnerable to
development pressures. The following issues and recommendations
pertinent to open space and recreation were included in the Plan:

1. Natural Resources: The Plan suggests coordination with the
State Department of Natural Resources regarding actions
affecting state or private wetlands, wildlife habitats and
reforestation programs. This was noted as a major issue.

2. Standards and Services: The Plan recommends the establishment
of standards for recreational facilities, such as requiring
10 acres of outdoor recreation land for every 1000
residents, and the improvement of some public boat landings.

3. Land Use: The Plan identifies the zoning and subdivision
regulations as important implementation mechanisms and
focuses on several major concepts including waterfront
protection, preservation and maintaining the open character
of the County. The Plan also recommended that sufficient
open space should be provided to accommodate localized
recreational and institutional needs for all subdivisions.

4. Cultural: The Plan includes the charge that the County
undertake a study to provide a mechanism for insuring the
preservation of historic features which include places as
well as structures.

5. Fiscal: The Plan suggested funding for the acquisition and
upgrading of certain public boat landings. The purchase of
additional land for outdoor recreation uses was also among
the recommendations. The possibility of private donations,
bequests of land for preservation and recreation, the use of
Seth State Forest, and the purchase of scenic easements or
property are also included as methods for funding and
implementation.

The Open Space element of the 1973 Comprehensive Plan reflected a
strong commitment to safeguarding the natural assets of the
County and providing for an adequate level of recreational
activities. Specific recommendations and implementation
procedures for land preservation and open space appeared in
several sections of the Plan consistent with this intent.
However, the full weight of recreation and open space planning
was realized nine years later when The Recreation and Open Space
Plan was adopted.

The Recreation and Open Space Plan of 1982

The Rec reation and Open Space Plan of 1982 had several purposes.
one was to establish appropriate local consistency with
guidelines and objectives contained in the State Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Plan (S.C.O.R.P.). Other aims
were to identify and reflect the needs of county residents as
they pertain to the future provision of park sites and the
improvement and development of existing and proposed parks; to
formulate standards for acquiring land; and to establish a
stronger framework for the recreational activities program.

Significant emphasis was given to locally perceived needs and a
random survey was conducted of County households to determine
participation rates in various recreation activities. The 1982
Recreation and Open Space Plan also contained an inventory and
analysis of existing parks and recreation facilities; identified
recreation and open space needs based on recreation area
classifications and standards; and recommended a plan framework
and implementation techniques. Consistent with the desires of
County residents, this Plan also emphasized the unique nature of
Talbot County and the importance of utilizing local objectives to
guide park and recreation development.

POLITICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE & ADVISORY BODIES

The County Comprehensive Plan and The 1982 Recreation and Open
Space Plan have provided the framework for parks and open space
planning in Talbot County f or almost two decades. Elected and
appointed citizens have also played a key role. In addition to
local and County bodies, many quasi-public groups have assisted
in providing parks, recreational facilities and programs for the
residents of the County. The Neighborhood Service Center, the
Talbot Y.M.C.A., the Izaak Walton League, service clubs and a
variety of athletic leagues are but a few examples. Following
are some of the political, administrative and advisory bodies
which are important to the land preservation and recreation
planning activities of Talbot County.

County Council

The County Council's primary responsibility is the governance of
all unincorporated areas of the County. Among their charges are
the appointment of representatives to the Planning Commission and
the Open Space and Recreation Advisory Council, funding of the
Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of
Planning, and formulation of policies for the growth and
development of the County. The Council is the approving body for
plans and programs including the County Comprehensive and
Recreation Plans. They also approve all planning and zoning
activities with advise from the Planning Commission. The
Council also provides approval for the Capital Improvement
Program and authorizes grant applications such as those required
for Program Open Space funding.

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission is an advisory body to the
County Council on planning, zoning and development matters. The
Commissioners are appointed by the elected County Council and
work closely with the Department of Planning to produce plans,
programs and other recommendations to implement County policies.
Evaluations and recommendations are provided to the Council by
the Planning Commission for all appropriate matters.

Department of Parks and Recreation

Created in 1975, the Department of Parks and Recreation is
responsible for the administration and programming of
recreational space and activities for Talbot County. Until 1975,
community groups and organizations had been the primary providers
of programmed activities at park and recreation sites.

Since its creation, The Department 11 ... has made substantial
progress in the acquisition and development of park sites
throughout the Talbot County. The Department has also improved
the maintenance and scheduling of active recreation facilities
and participates in the preparation of a five year acquisition
and development plan which is required by the State of Maryland
as a basis for Program Open Space grants. Other responsibilities
include the scheduling of ball fields for various leagues and
oversight of the state funded School-Community Centers Program.

The County Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible for
coordinating park, open space and recreational activities between
the County and the incorporated towns. The Department provides
technical and limited financial assistance while encouraging the
towns to actively participate in the loca programming,
acquisition and development of recreation sites."

Park and Re,,reation Advisory Board

The Park and Recreation Advisory Board provides citizen input and
recommendations to the County Council relating to recreation
programs, land acquisition, open space policies, and organization
of recreational councils. It includes appointees from both the
County and the incorporated towns. The Advisory Council also
provides -guidance and recommendations to the Talbot County
Department of Parks and Recreation.

Department Of Planning

The County Planning Department is also an important part of the
open space and park planning activities of Talbot County. The,
Planning Department is involved in the preparation,
administration and maintenance of the County's Comprehensive
Plan, the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Plan, Open Space and
Recreation Plan and other plans, programs and regulations related
to the growth and development of the County.

County Park Board

The Park Board is involved with the administration, long range
planning and policy direction for the Talbot County Community
Center and Hog Neck Golf Course. They are appointed by the County
Council and recommend policies and administrative guidelines,
prepare annual reports and submit budget requests for these
self-sustaining facilities.

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1. Talbot County, Recreation and Open Space Plan, p. 57, 1982.

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11 RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE
I CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
I AND STANDARDS
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11. RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE
CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
AND STANDARDS

INTRODUCTION

The classification system and recreation standards recommended in
this chapter are intended to provide guidelines for planning,
acquisition, and development of park, recreation, and open space
lands in Talbot county. The classification and standards system,
which will also be useful in evaluating the adequacy of existing
parks and recreation facilities, should be viewed as a guide for
planning purposes. The standards are not absolute rules and
should be used with local judgment, citizen preferences, and
common sense when evaluating the need and adequacy of park and
recreational facilities. The importance of establishing and using
a classification and standards system at the local level has been
summarized by The National Recreation and Park Association as:

1. an expression of the minimum acceptable facilities for
the citizens of an area.
2. a guideline to determine land requirements for various
kinds of parks and recreation areas or facilities.
3. a basis for relating recreational needs to geographic
areas within a co.mmunity wide park and open space
system.
4. a framework and structure that can be used to guide and
assist development patterns.
5. a means to justify the need for parks and open space
within the overall land-use pattern of the county.

The Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Plan felt
that... "outdoor recreation and open space acreage for any area
may be calculated using... standards if the population of an area
is known. It should1be noted , however, that for certain types
of outdoor recreation areas and open spaces there are no acreage
standards. Acreage for historic/cultural areas, natural areas,
wilderness areas, natural resource management areas and... similar
types of areas can not be standardized.... land for these types of
areas should be acquired to meet the prevailing conditions and
needs." The Talbot County system acknowledges this conclusion and
those type 'of parks and recreation lands are classified under
Special Parks.

The following sections outline the sources for the Talbot County
Classification and Standards Systems and explains the different
levels of the recommended guidelines.

SOURCES

A number of sources were utilized in developing the recommended
classification and standards system. National guidelines (as
published by the National Recreation and Park Association),
standards used in other counties, guidelines published by the
State of Maryland, and standards previously used in Talbot County
were analyzed, modified and incorporated into the proposed
system. Most importantly, the results and preferences derived
from meetings with citizen groups and County officials were
incorporated into the system.

The recommended classification system and development standards
have been modified to reflect the large percentage of Talbot
County's population which live in rural areas, small villages or
outside urban towns. Consequently, the classification system and
recreational standards can be used as guidelines for evaluating
present facilities and satisfying future demand and growth.
Although the original Open Space Plan for the County states that
"rural areas do not generally have the range or intensity of
recreation demand found in urbanized areas," there is a clear and
practical demand for standards to be used as guidelines in the
planning process. It is again emphasized that the recommended
standards which follow are guidelines that can be used to
evaluate Talbot County's Park System - not mandates for public
acquisition.

Another important factor that was considered in the development
of the classification and standards system was the role of public
schools. The Talbot County"s schools function not only as
educational facilities but are also a recreational resource and
facility for their students and nearby residents. It is obvious
that joint use and cooperative programs between the Talbot County
Parks and Recreation Department and the School Board is necessary
to make school recreational facilities available to the
community.

The Land Preservation and Recreation Plan encompasses the entire
County and to be effective requires coordination with the plans
and wishes of the incorporated areas. Local needs and standards
were considered in the development of the system and municipal
recreation facilities are incorporated into the classifications.
The need for a view that "crosses over" political boundaries is
particularly essential for recreation and should be considered
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ne of the County's highest priorities.

The classifications and guidelines contained in the Maryland
State Open Space and Recreation Plan were also reviewed to assure
ocal and State coordination. In fact, the Talbot C .ounty System
incorporates the classification of State lands.

The Talbot County Recreation Classification and Standards System
is organized into four parts. The first part addresses the
overall recreation acreage goals that are recommended by the
Maryland Department of State Planning in The State Recreation and
Open Space Plan. The second part of the system provides
standards and classifications for local parks which serve the
neighborhood, community, county and some parts of the region.
Part three incorporates the Maryland Classification system for
state owned acreage and facilities. The final part of the system
recommends facility standards and guidelines which are also
coordinated with State estimates of facility demand.

These standards were developed to provide sufficient land or
recreational space for the full range of facilities and
activities needed for the community. In addition to the analysis
of available State and County information, discussions with
County officials and comments made by County residents, helped to
formulate criteria by which the standards:

- Reflect the needs of the pe ople/users
- Are realistic and attainable
- Are in harmony with Talbot County's rural character
- Correlate with results of questionnaires mailed by the
County to a sample of County residents to identify
facility needs.

OVERALL RECREATION ACREAGE GOALS

The overall recreation and open space. acreage goals for Talbot
'County are derived from The Maryland State Recreation and Open
Space Plan. The State Plan specifies recreation acreage needs for
each county. These needs are based on participation ratios and
reflect estimates of the amount of land needed to support
projected facility needs. The acreage needs and standards are
ubdivided among local, State and federal jurisdictions and are
expressed in acres per 1000 population. The overall acreage
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standards for Talbot County are:

1. Local Recreation Acreage ...... 30 acres per 1000 persons
2. State Recreation Acreage ....... 25 acres per 1000 persons
3. Overall Recreation Acreage ..... 55 acres per 1000 persons

The above standards indicate that Talbot County and the
incorporated municipalities should provide 30 acres for every
1000 persons residing in the County.

LOCAL STANDARDS AND CLASSIFICATION

The local park standards and classification system is intended to
serve as a guide f or planning and evaluation of municipal and

County open space and recreation facilities. As stated previously
the overall acreage standards suggest that Talbot County provide
30 acres of local parks per 1000 persons.
It is recommended that Talbot County I s parks and open space
system be organized into seven (7) classifications. One of the
classifications, Special Parks, contains sub-categories such as
natural parks, quasi-public parks and historic-cultural areas. As
noted earlier, a specific acreage standard is not possible for
these areas since the amount of land reserved for these types of
parks depend upon the availability of natural resources, the
size of the natural system , intended use and available financial
support. An overall goal 'of 7.0 acres per 1000 persons is
suggested for the collective category of Special Parks. It is
recommended that locally oriented parks be classified in the
following manner.

The following table II-1 classifies recreation areas by their
function and suggests an acreage standard for each type of local
park

TABLE 11-1

RECOMMENDED CLASSIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS

Classification Acres/1000
Population

1. Mini-Parks 0.25 to 0.50
2. Neigbborhood Parks 1.00 to 2.50
3. C=munity Parks 5.00 to 8.00
4. County Parks 5.00 to 10.00
5. Waterfront Parks and 1.00 to 2.00
Public Landings
6. Special Parks 5.00 to 7.00
a. natural parks
b. quasi-public parks
c. historic and
cultural areas
d. linear parks
e. wayside or service parks
f. highly specialized.
facilities
9. destination parks and
open spaces
7. Private Parks and N/A
Recreation Facilities

TOTALS: 17.25 to 30.00

The following is a description of the above classification
system. The various standards and guidelines are also presented
in the description including a "Modification Rational" factor
tailored to the rural character of Talbot County. The guidelines
and standards also address function, intended design, resource
characteristics, service radius and preferred location. As with
any classification and standards system, some overlap between
types of parks is inevitable and, quite often, more than one type
of facility is found within a park. It is for these reason that
the system should be viewed as a guide and not as an absolute
mandate. This is especially true in Talbot County where the
overlap between neighborhood and community parks is frequent.

Mini-Park

Description: A small specialized facility that serves a concentrated
or limited population or specific group such as small children or
senior citizens. It can be in the form of active or passive
(landscaped area with few benches) recreation and should be
located in close proximity to the user.

Acres/1000 Poi)ulafion: 0.25 to 0.50

Size/Range: From 1,000 S.F. to less than 1.0 acre. Desirable size
should be determined by local experience relating to maintenance
costs.

Service Area: Sub-neighborhood level, serving 500 to 2,500 persons
within a 1/4 mile walking distance.

Tyr)ical Facilities: Play apparatus (slides, swings and sandboxes) for
active recreation, benches, sitting and landscaped areas for
passive recreation and sometimes a combination of both.

Rationale: This type of park should be located in the more urban
areas of the County and planned in conjunction with subdivision
development. Actual needs will be influenced by factors such as
land availability, population characteristics, proximity to other
types of parks and citizen preference.

Neighborhood Park

Descriwion:, Intended to provide active recreational activities such
as playgrounds, playing fields and organized games as well as
the passive or cultural activities of the surrounding
neighborhood. Use of these parks are normally characterized as
short-term (1-3 hours) and typically associated with elementary
school areas.

Acres/1000 Pot)ulation: 1.0 to 2.5 Acres.

Average Size/Range: 3.0 to 7.0 acres. If active playing fields and
playgrounds, the target size should be 10. 0 acres. If the
primary function is oriented to playgrounds, the target size
should be 3.5 acres.

Service Area: A typical neighborhood, with up to 2500 persons with
a walking radius of 1/2 mile and a travel time of 5 minutes - a
radius of approximately 3.5 miles.

Tvt)ical Facilities: Play apparatus, distinct play areas for different
age groupst open space for spontaneous play, multiple use paved
areas, sports fields, limited seats for spectators, senior
citizen area, picnic area, . drinking fountains, landscaped
perimeter buffers, some off-street parking, lighting. Actual
facilities will depend on demand and user characteristics.

Rationale: The target park size is based on historical experience
relating to maintenance costs compared to public recreational
benefits. Actual size should be determined by specific plans and
local maintenance guidelines. However, research indicates that
ten acres appears to be the minimum size for economic
maintenance of an active playing field. The 1/2 mile walking
distance and 3.5 mile driving distance radii are extensive for an
urban area but are compatible with the County's rural character.
The 2,500 people per neighborhood park is an estimate.

Community Parks

Descrit)tion: Arecreation area which is suited for intense
recreational facilities such as field games, court games, crafts,
playground apparatus and special facilities. It can include an
athletic complex. It may include a large natural or landscaped
area to provide citizens with the opportunity for walking,
sitting, picnics or similar passive recreational needs.
Provides for active and passive uses and may be developed as a
school-park facility.

Acres/1000 Poi)ulation: 5.0 to 8.0 Acres

Size/Range: 10 to 25.0 Acres. The target size is 15.0 acres with
actual size dependent on facilities and park design.

Service Area: A typical community encompassing several
neighborhoods or villages with a population of 2,500 to 10,000
people within a 1 1/2 to 5 mile radius. Community parks should
be within a 15 minute travel distance of the intended user and be
accessible by walking, bike paths or driving.

Typical Facilities: Community parks provide a range of active and
passive facilities to serve all age groups. These parks may
contain softball or baseball fields, football and soccer
fields, tennis and basketball courts,swimming pools, picnic
areas, multipurpose hard courts, ice rinks, community centers or
indoor recreational facilities, sanitary facilities, spectator
seating, off street parking, and bicycle paths. Community parks
should be capable of accommodating the majority of the
recreational program needs for the surrounding neighborhoods and,
if lighted facilities for night time recreation are provided,
they should be included at this type of park.

Rationale: A community park may be larger than 15. 0
acres if it is designed for some type of special recreation use
or facility for the surrounding neighborhoods. These parks may
also include special areas such as wetlands, beaches, fishing
piers, or boat landings. The recommended service radius of 5
miles is justified due to the rural character of Talbot County
and could be extended assuming that the park could be reached
within 15-20 minutes average travel time.

County Parks

Descrit)tion: County parks are regional in both character and service
area. They usually are large areas such as golf courses, natural
parks or other specialized faciliti es that serve the entire
County. Their location is variable.

Acres/1000 Population: 5.0 to 10.0

Size/Ranpae: 50 to 200+ but highly dependent upon the use and
facility being provided.

ServiceArea: County wide and sub-regional. Travel time is normally
within 30 minutes to 1.0 hour.

Typical Facilities: Nature centers, trail systems, some play
facilities, campground, golf course, botanical gardens, major
sport areas, bridle paths, areas for swimming and boating,
picnicking and parking.

Waterfront Parks and Public Landings

Description: These parks include public boat landings, boat ramps,
slips, marinas, and passive parks oriented to bays, rivers and
streams. They also include areas for the temporary parking of
motor vehicles and boat trailers, beaches and water access
points.

Acres/ 1000 t)ot)ulation: 2 . 0

Size Range: As existing and appropriate to the intended use of the
facility.

Service Area: County-wide.

Typical Facilities: In addition to landings, ram ps and slips, these
areas normally provide parking, rest room facilities, picnic
areas and, in some cases, adjacent park facilities. Since much of
Talbot County's recreational activities are water-oriented, some
of these parks actually function as neighborhood or community
parks.

Rationale: Talbot County is a water oriented community. The
Chesapeake Bay, four major rivers, streams and numerous
tributaries, coves,or inlets provide over 600 miles of shoreline.
In a sense, the County is an island since it is almost 99%
surrounded by water. Therefore waterfront parks and public boat
landings are a very valuable recreational asset. The standard of
2.0 acres per 1000 persons is derived from the existing status of
this type of park. In the future, additional landings and ramps
should be related to boat registrations or similar measures of
demand.

Special Parks

Descriwign: Special parks, as mentioned previously, are places,
areas and other open space that are unique or do not fit in any
one of the other classifications. These parks, open spaces and
natural areas are a very important part of Talbot County's
preservation and recreation assets and include natural parks and
preservation areas, quasi-public facilities, historic-cultural
areas and places, linear parks, wayside and service parks, highly
specialized facilities such as arenas and destination parks.

The 1982 Open Space and Recreation Plan recognized the important
role of these special facilities.For example, this Plan found
that from a recreational perspective the most notable resource of
western Talbot County is its relationship to the Chesapeake Bay.
These waters provide opportunities for a major component of the
County's recreational boating activity. The Plan also noted the
importance of historic-cultural activities and stated that Talbot
County is rich in historic structures and sites. They constitute
a large part of an important historical resource that is
essential to the County's travel economy.

Acres/1000 t)ovulation: No specific acreage standard is recommended
for the individual sub- categories. The overall standard for the
entire Special Park classification is 7.0 acres per 1000 persons.
Size Range: As existing.

Service Area: As existing, but normally these areas serve the
entire County. The service area will be dependent upon the type
of special park. For example, a natural park could serve the
entire region and a quasi-public park could function as a
neighborhood facility.

Tyr)ical Facilities: As provided and dependent upon the type of special
park.

Rationale: The overall standard of 7.0 acres/1000 persons reflects
the importance of the Special Park Classification in Talbot
County. Although it is not possible to establish standards for
each of the sub-classifications,an overall acreage goal is
desirable.

Private Parks and Recreation Facilities.

Descrimion: Historically, private organizations and groups have
provided a significant amount of park area and recreational
facilities in Talbot County. Playgrounds and fields of private
schools, service club facilities such as the Elk and Moose Clubs
and private golf courses are but a few examples.

Acres/1000 i3ot)ulation: As existing.

Size range: As existing and dependent upon the intended function.

Service Area: Dependent upon the facility but normally serve
neighborhood and community areas.

Typical Facilities: Play apparatus, playgrounds and athletic fields,
basketball and tennis courts, golf courses, swimming pools,
riding stables, and natural areas.

CLASSIFICATION OF STATE PARKS

State parks are designed to serve all residents of Maryland but
occasionally they contain facilities that serve a regional or
county function. The State park system also utilizes open space
and natural areas as a means of conservation and preservation or
protection and management of endangered resources. The size of
these parks vary, depending on their function, and serve county,
regional, state and out of state users.

It is recommended that Talbot County adopt the Maryland
classification and acreage standard for state owned facilities.
This will help achieve the goal of integrating local plans with
The State Open Space and Recreation Plan. An acreage goal of 25
acres per 1000 persons and the following classification system is
suggested for state facilities.

State Parks

State parks are areas with natural resources or physiographic
characteristics which are suitable for recreation development and
use. These areas are managed by the Maryland Park Service with
the primary objective of providing outdoor recreation
opportunities f or the public in a natural setting. The density
of development and management objectives may vary from park to
park in an effort to protect or enhance natural resources for a
variety of recreation uses.

State Forests

State forests are tracts of public land whose dominant forms of
vegetation are trees, shrubs, and associated plants, which are
managed and used for public open space, low density dispersed
recreation, watershed management, timber production and wildlife
habitat.

State Wildlife Management Areas

State Wildlife Management Areas are lands acquired and managed by
the State With the primary objective of protecting, propagating
and managing wildlife populations. Some of these areas also
provide recreational opportunities for sportsmen and other
wildlife enthusiasts.

State Fish Management Areas

State Fish Management Areas are acquired and managed by the
State with the primary objective of propagating, protecting and
maintaining f ish populations. There are 1, 091 acres of State
Fish Management Areas, which are located in all regions except
the Baltimore Metropolitan and Lower Eastern Shore Regions.

State Natural Resource Management Areas

These lands are acquired by the State for a variety of potential
,natural resource uses. They are not committed to specific uses
until resource management plans are developed. Interim uses are
allowed, including recreation , provided these activities do not
conflict with the area's natural resources.

State Natural Environmental Areas

State Natur al Environmental Areas are areas with significant
natural attraction because of their geological, biological, or
botanical resources. These areas are acquired and managed by the
State to preserve and protect significant natural resources while
providing low intensity recreation opportunities. Development is
usually minimal.

State Roadside Picnic Areas

Roadside picnic areas are acquired, developed and managed by the
State -along many of the major highways and roads. Although these
areas are developed for picnicking only, parking, water and
sanitary facilities may also be provided.

State Historic or Scenic Areas

Historic or Scenic Areas are areas of special or unique Statewide
historic or scenic interest which are acquired and managed by the
State. They are developed to provide recreation oppo@rtunities
which complement the historic or scenic features of the area
without damaging or intruding upon those unique features. State
Scenic Areas and State Historic Areas are contained within
existing State lands.

State Wilderness Areas

Lands which have retained their wilderness character, have rare
or vanishing species of plants or animals,and contain unique
ecological, geological, or environmental value f all into this
classification. Scenic or contemplative recreation areas are also
included in this group when they are deemed worthy of
preservation for present and future residents of the State.
These areas are not developed or modified for use and are
normally left in their natural state.

FACILITY DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES

There are numerous guidelines and standards for the provision of
recreational facilities such as fields, courts and'pools. Factors
such as population ratios, participation rates, citizen
preference, carrying capacity, attraction capability and quality
are all used in the development of facility standards.

However,past experience has proven that the best standard is
local criteria and resources. Therefore, it is recommended that
the facility standards for Talbot County be developed by the
Department of Parks and Recreation on a case by case basis and in
light of available financial resources. Table 11-2 contains

suggested facility development standards which are published by
the National Recreation and Park Association. These standards,
which reflect- dimensions, space requirements, orientation, unit
guidelines and location notes for a specific recreational
facility (i.e. tennis courts, softball, etc.) are included as
additional guidelines for the County.

Table 11-2
SUGGESTED, FACILITY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED NO. OF UNITS PER SERVICE LOCATION
ACTIVITY/ SPACE SIZE AND ORIENTATION POPULATION RADIUS NOTES
FACILITY REQUIREMENTS DIMENSIONS

@admit to Is" sq. 11, Singles - I r . 44' Long axartorth-south I por SM Usually in rec.
Doutrim - 20r - 44' lovion confirm, of church
I
with S' u. truciod WC-1411Y. Sale wlik ing
imems on all sides or bike access.

$msks"
1. youth 2400-3036 sq. It. 4W -W 184' Lam am -1 norlh-south I per SOW mile Store as badminton.
2. High $chow 5W-72W sq. It. 5a x 84' OuNfoom courts in
wighboil and carn-
cares"rom Saw-IM sq. ft. 50 x 94' iminity Pwki6 Pka
.0% S' Q trucled active recreation w@
Wall on all %des in other park milliner.

"&maw SW sq. It. to, 4-wall, 2or x 40' - Mminturn Long as a north4oulh. I Per 20,000 15.30 minute it" 4-.Ap usually
13.4 wall) 1000 lot 3-well of IIY to row of 3-well F font wall at north end. I-NM as fre" of muil i1mirpome
cou'l. Minimum 20' facility. 3-wall usually
overhead cifere outdoor in park of
"Cling

Iee I locksy 22.000 sq. ft. inciudinig A ink BS' x 2W Long axis north-south I K100 -I OW 1W.000. YO hour trawl time Cobnow two am
Wimptim arm. IminiawrinSS'st 1851. if outdoor Outdow-davands on consideration &"oakq
Additional SM sq. ft. ctirnese. nc@ of units. am do
supoorl ares. Pon of ffoult@lmnmw
fecility.
Torok Minimum of 7.200 3C,171r. 17 clowar4o Long omit north-armith. I court Par 2000. y -% mile But in befteries of 2-4.
so. ft. tingle court. 0. th lid"; 21' L in kelomboa
(2 acres for cc" a.) t'-fe-n- nit both onds. hoodicarranunity Park
adlacent, to sch"

veerisiode Minitrum of 4.000 W x W. Minimum tr Long axis north-struth I court per SOW. 11-Y. r"ife Sam 0 ischor cowl
af. h. chimarance on all sides. activities Wfp.. be*-
minton, bmk, irtc.)

smobtA
1. officild 3.0-3M A ini"inturn 0 aftwi""-w Locaft hrw Plate so I Per SOW %.It rnwe Fort of -I-&. I
Pitching dartarroo- Pitcher throwing comfolis . Lighted
so W @Fffl- a, M into hatter, Lighted- I ow 30,OW fields part of cow
Foul linex-mirs, 32Cr not twing it . Line front mumunp, cornple
Cant" fiwd-4w* home ofirse
2. LMft Loopm 1.2 A mii. m gramplintre-W pitchmet mound run
Pitching distonow-4W few-north-owt.
Foul Iinn-nW
C f*M-2W-

FMN' wdi I Minwn- I.5A lW x 3W we" a Fall swoo@o" axis I per 20,000 IS-30 minutes trawl Lhusiflt, from of blow
rninenum of IW tor I we" to southeast. film bell. to, soccor
ckWWW8 an sit Wn. For longist periclik cc" Via in ccesaminity
wrid to mouth. park or adIament to
high school.

Fo Mb"mw" 1.5A 1W x 3W with 8 Santa a field hockey. I per 20.000 IS-30mintillat Sam a field hockey.
mimmum of Ir tow
clearance on all skim.

somm i.7102.11A W to 22F x 33W to Sione a field hockey. I per 10,000 1.2 miles Numble, of vinns do-
3W with a 1W ink* ; , on popularity.
o" all Youth soccer on ornow
or florlds adjazont to
A @ or lwdm
hood Posits.

Goil-orwing not" 13AAformosimlim of OW x gW wick, Add Long axis @thvnw- I pre SCAN 30 meming "am, Pon of 8W
26 um 17 width for emb - northeast wall Soffer I' Asaroporome
additional too. driving i north- unit. may be Is
sm.

It-ON Russia" Trolds 4.3A overall width-27W Long sit a in mKiam, I per 20.WQ 15-30 murmurs trawl LIOWAV POM of high
lenWj%--II1xI.07 from mud losough tinm school . or in cant-
Track width kw 8 to 4 to north-wasir-amorth. "Wnkv park , - IF'
limits it 37. smst with finish line . n tnewsh nation sixth
at ticinhimmill and. foollow, Mum, "L
22 Table continues on Next Page

Table 11-2 Continued

RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED NO- OF UNITS PER SERWCE LOCATION
ACTIvITY/ PACE SIZE AND ORIENTATION POPULATION RADIUS NOTES
FACILITY REOUIREMENTS DIMENSIONS

1,11, a 2," sense a bommalloam. I par 5,OW (if &be Rule Slight defeat we in
Pitching downw-4V u" for youth dn%wwom for Ir
me". W-viormon. I slow P*dL OA" dw
Fast Shull Owed radom be mud $W "Wo
from pleft-225' bombalL
bor^gm foul IWAL
Slow pouh-27F Imon)
2W two"tortl

9.1140 IQ. ft. 12W xW Lonoaxoofcoi' 11 1 Pat 10.000 1-2 Miles.
with pramnary-ume is
4boko*mdL valkhrimolk north-sawth.
"Now

Think MIA won outlined had NM. MIA I wavern par rep" MIA
wmmn 114Y walah. inami-
rnums morentat 9
not to exceed ?;;.
Capecarr rural trads-
40hawsm"Imile.
Urban troilo-W hikwai
detrimille.

Ammismay RWW Usevenmen 0.1115A 3W length x mintentan Archer facing Ranh I par 50.0w 30 MN,wtu travel linto Porl of a regiormall
17 vwde between for- + or - 460. Park - 0,
gets. Roped clear specif
on sides of range mani-
murn of 30F. clear WW"
behind ter"s minomm
of W x 46' with
bunker.

Comskinalsom Skom and himmimun% 30A All wmalks and structures Center Iine of length I par 50,000 30 minutes trom low Pon of a togitknol/
Trats Fidd occur within an arem, runs northem-owth- "le" park
is at) apptorsourrolly 1301 well with stmoter
woo by I 1W deep. Min,- facing non'
wrtmen cleared was is
contained within two
suw . saglivents
with too-vera redii 44
actsm). Shoe-fall danger
zone is contained with-
in two supor I
saftnerm with 300,vtod
436 strea.

1. Par 3 418-HGW 0 50410A a Average lengqh@orv MajontV of holes on to I hour trovel liffill Oft mum con
NO-270D vards north-%Wth ams. immm*350
POOPWMW.
L standord 0 %hnknum 50A 0 Averato tongth-2250 a Irm.000 184vole courso con
Verde accommodate MID.
SW people a dev.
3.14466" sommiod 0 Minwtorn I 10A 0 Average lwqth-4@M . I AW.000 Course mov be
vards in cornavanity or district
part, but should not be
o%W 20 miles from
population center.

Sm,"Presm" peak Varin on list of pool Teaching-miniff"m of mone-ailhough can I per 20,000 15 to 30 mortutes trvW Pools for general comm-
and ar"Onit"It. Usually 25 v ards . 46' n rnust be taken in siliev (Pools should mccom. tww rnunrtV wall should be
Y. to 2A use. depth of 3 to 4 feet. of lifeguard statrons 4n rmosate 3 to 5% of total planned for tamchmL
Con,ppefigwo-mmmiur" rommion to afternoon population at a lwyml C. a it". and recre-
of 25m x 16rn. Monenum sun. ate" purpoom -th
of 27 scluore feet of enough dig to
.star surface per st- aooowmwdww
or. Ratios of 2:1 dock 3m dMft I L0*
vs. water. called in conwritrowly
park Or school 91011.

11theak Aream MIA Beach oreas should ham MIA MIA MIA Should ham send 1301-
50 sq. to. of land and torn with slope 8 msx-
50 sq. ft. of water par insum of 6% Man
user. Turnover rate is preler"I. Boating
3. There should be 3-4A Wave cornplewtv low
"Ipporlwv land per A r - . from hOwlentnt;
.1 boach.

I
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I
I III INVENTORY OF EXISTING PARKS,
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION FACILITIES
I
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111. INVENTORY OF EXISTING PARKS
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

INTRODUCTION

Talbot County contains 6456.90 acres of parks, open spaces and
natural areas. The majority of this acreage (4367.70 acres) is
in private ownership due to the extensive amount of land which
is designated as hunting areas. Local parks and open space
comprise 1598.20 acres and the State of Maryland provides 491
acres. The amount of local parks and open space exceeds the
overall goal of 30-acres per 1000 persons by a substantial
amount. The County and towns, with an estimated 1987
population of 27,700, is presently providing 57.69 acres per
1000 persons which is 767 acres above the goal.

This chapter presents.an inventory of the areas within Talbot
County that provide passive and active recreation opportunities
for local, regional and state residents. The inventory is
organized in accordance with the classification system
contained in Chapter II. A number of sources were used to
@ompile the information, including: the State's computerized
inventory, County and town records, the County Department of
Parks and Recreation and local interviews and meetings.

The inventory will assist in the update of the State Recreation
and Open Space Plan and help coordinate local and state
efforts to provide adequate open space for present and future
residents. The State, in the foreword section of their 1984
inventory report, noted that inventory information provides a
basis for assessing the current capacities and capabilities of
the Statefs recreational opportunities so that needs and
requirements may be determined. The information will be
analyzed and compared with recreation demand information to
determine the land and facilities needed to provide adequate
outdoor recreation opportunities now and in the future.

The inventory will, more importantly, enable Talbot County and
its respective towns, to evaluate the adequacy of the amount
of parks, open space and recreation facilities that is
presently available to their residents. The future needs of
the County can also be analyzed on an area by area basis by
using the inventory and the previously noted standards.

The 1987 inventory of existing parks and recreational
facilities in Talbot County provides: the name of the
individual parks or recreation areas, defines their
jurisdiction and ownership, lists their size, describes their
facilities and keys each of the sites to the State's
computerized inventory.

P
ark
Ahompson
tasTon
AClifton Park

Moo NO
EXISTING MINI-PARK
LOCATIONS

1 2 4 6

Wilea Dailey Kane
Tabot Cmmty, Maryland (as of 1987) Romm V4L FW

MINI-PARKS

Talbot County has only two areas Clifton and Thompson Parks -
which are classified as mini-parks. Both are located in Easton
and provide a total of 3.25 acres. Clifton Park is large enough
to be classified as a neighborhood park but, since it is
presently undeveloped, it was listed in this category. Neither
of these parks provide facilities for active recreation. Table
III-1 lists the existing Mini-Parks in Talbot County and their
location is noted on Map III-1.

TABLE 111-1

MINI PAIM

UXATION/ SIZE INVENTORY
NAME O%NERSBIP (acres) FACILITIES FEY

1. Clifton Park Eastcn/ 3.0 Undevelcped 139
Hinicipal

2. Thmipson Park Eastcn/ 0.25 Passive 143
N.3nicipal

TOTAL 3.25 Acres

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS

Twenty sites - comprising 127 acres of open space and recreation
area - were classified as neighborhood parks. These parks, which
are shown on Map 111-2 and listed in Table 111-3, are located in
close proximity to the towns and villages of the County. A range
of recreation facilities are provided in the neighborhood park
ystem including ball fields, tennis and basketball courts,
picnic areas, playgrounds, play apparatus, multi-purpose fields
s

and passive areas.

The inventory of neighborhood parks has been organized into a
matrix with criteria (see Table 111-2) which enables a variety of
evaluations related to jurisdiction, function, facilities and
size. Some of the conclusions from the matrix are:

1. The jurisdiction of neighborhood parks is almost evenly
divided between the County, towns and the school
system. Of the 20 sites classified as Neighborhood
Parks, 35% (7) are under County jurisdiction; 30% (6)
are under municipal jurisdiction and the remaining 35%
(7) are recreational areas associated with schools.

2. The majority of neighborhood parks (55% or 11 sites)
provide playfields for baseball, softball., soccer,
hockey, and football, In addition to playing fields, 9
of the parks offer courts for games such as basketball
and tennis. Most of the parks (15) have playgrounds
equipped with play apparatus and picnic areas are
provided at 6 neighborhood parks.

3. Only two neighborhood parks - Muskrat Park in St.
Michaels and Tilghman Park on Tilghman Island - are in
close proximity to the waterfront. Muskrat Park is a
small area with 160 feet of waterfront while Tilghman
is an 11 acre area with a playground and passive
recreation facilities.

4. It is conceivable that two of the sites - Muskrat Park
and Mill, Street Park - located in St. Michaels, could
be classified as mini-parks due to their size. They
were placed in this classification since they appear to
provide a passive recreation function for the
neighborhoods of St. Michaels.

5. The majority of neighborhood parks have been developed
with some type of recreation facilities. Only four of
the sites do not contain some type of active recreation
facility. A ten acre site in Easton (S. Clifton Park)
is totally undeveloped, a five acre site (Lakeside
Park) in Trappe has only a picnic area, and the
previously mentioned parks in St. Michaels have only
landscaping and picnic facilities.

6. The majority of the parks (16) provide one or more
support facilities, such as parking, spectator seating,
sanitary facilities, or drinking fountains.

7. Neighborhood parks range in size from 4 to 11 acres,
excluding the two passive sites in St. Michaels and
the Cordova Elementary School playground. Only two of
the parks exceed 10.0 acres and the majority are
between 4.0 and 8.0 acres in size.

8. Neighborhood parks are definitely oriented to younger
age groups as evidenced by the type of recreation
facilities found in these areas. The inventory
indicates that very few facilities for adult type games
are provided. Passive facilities such as picnic areas
and benches are provided for older age groups.

Table 111-3 contains the complete inventory of neighborhood
parks, their size and the type of facilities found in each park.

TABLE 111-3

NEIGHB00-MOD PAPM

Ur-ATION/ SIZE INVENTORY
NAM OWNERSHIP (acres) FACIIJTIES ]KEY

1. Causeway Park Oxford/@Municipal 8.0 4 Tennis Courts 124
2,Basketball Courts
1 Playground

2. Cordova Park Cordova/County 4.0 2 Tennis Courts 126
1 Youth Basketball Field
2 Picnic Tables
2 Horseshoe Pits

3. lakeside Park TTappe/municipal 5.0 Picnicking 137

4. Mill Street St. Michaels/ 0.1 TandsmPing 127
Park Municipal 2 Benches

5. muskrat St. Michaels/ 0.75 1001 Waterfront 125
Park Municipal Picnic Area

6. Neavitt Park Neavitt/County 5.0 1 Playground 91
(Broad Creek 1 Baseball/Softball
landing) Field
1 Volleyball Court
1 Basketball Court
2 Picnic Tables
(30 Stadium Seats)

7. oxford Oxford/ 5.0 1 Playground 105
Community municipal 1 Ball Field
Park

8. Perry Cabin County 11.0 3 youth ball fields 130
Park 2 soccer fields
1 basketball court
1 volleyball court

9. South Street EastorV 5.0 Playground 142
Park Municipal

10. Tilghman Til4tnan/ 11.0 8 Picnic Tables 149
Park County 1 Observation Deck
4 Cooking Grills
1 Playground
(8 Group Picnic Areas)

Table 111-3 (continued)

LOCATICN/ SIZE INVENTORY
NAME OWNERSHIP (acres) FACIIXTIES FEY

11. Trappe Park Trappe/ 7.0 2 Youth Baseball Fields 89
County 1 Nuti-purpose Field
(Soccer/slockey)
1 Play Area

12. Wittman Wittman 7.0 1 Softball Field 90
Park County 1 Soccer Field
1 Playground
1 Picnic Shelter
(See Wittman Wharf)

13. S. Clifton Easton/ 10.0 Undeveloped 140
Park Mnicipal

14. Cordova Conk&* 2.0 1Playground 99
Elementary county 1 Basketball Court

15. Glenwood EastcrV 10.0 1Playground 93
Elementary/ County 1 Baseball Field
Vo-Tech 1 Basketball Court
1 Softball Field

16. Mt. Pleasant Mt. Pleasant/ 5.0 1Playground 110
Elementary County 1Soccer Field

17. St. Michaels St. Michaels/ 7.0 2Playgrounds 114
Elementary/ County 1 Soccer Field
Middle School 2Softball Fields

18. Ti-Ighran Tilghma@ 7.0 2Softball Fields 100
Elementary County 1 Playground
2Tennis Courts
1 Basketball Court

19. Upper County Cordova/ 10.0 1Playground 97
Elementary County 2Baseball Fields
1Soccer Field
1 Basketball Court

Table 111-3 (continued)

10CATION1 SIZE INVENTORY
NAME 0%1UUZ=P (acres) FACILITIES KEY

20. White Marsh/ Trappe/ 6.0 1 Playground 95
Trappe County 2 Tennis Courts
Elementary 1 Basketball Court
1 Softball Field
1 Soccer Field

TOTAL 125.8 Acres

7t
Cordova
Elem. School

Cordova Park
Upper County
Elem.School

t
Perry Cabin'"Park
33
Al
Mill Street Park Mt. Pleasant School
Glenwood
u
skrat Park
Elem.
hool@@Easton
P St. Michaels South Street Park...@.
....-WittmanP Elem.& Middle School A 'Q:
N
South Clifton Park

Neavi
tt Par

tilghman Elementary School
W Oxford Community
ilghman Park.
T
p p chool
ra e Elem.8
r
k
'r*Car-useway Park A Lakeside ark
P
A Trappe P r
ark

/01

Map No 111-2
EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD APARKS
PARK LOCATIONS SCHOOLS

0 2 4 -6

Wiles Dailey Kane
Ta.lbot county, mwykind 31 (a s o f 19 8 7) Re*t*% Va. Seragota. Fla.

TABLE 111-2 Neighborhood Park Facilities

CRITERIA
CO A;
0 47 CO 01 IV
T Ir 4Z P
-00 to 'Ir 4 -Ir0 A. Ale
q A@
T
,q A,
ro # 0 CO
N Q
0 COO
FACILIT 0 0

Oxf)ra
1 1 1 x x x
........ .............. ................................. ................................... .................
2. Cc-dova Park x x x x x 4.0

S. Lak-zSlde Park x x x x x 5.0

....... ... ...........- ........................... .................. ............... .................
. .......................... -....... ** ...................... ---------- *.......

Mill. Street Park x x 0-1
.............. ** ... ............. ........... ** ................... .......
5. Muskrat Park I - I I I I I x I x I x 1 3.751
. . . . . . . . . . .
S. Neavi-t ;3rkA j iI x I xI IxI x I x I x 5.0
.......... ........ ............. .......................................................................................
-ford Ccmmunity x x x x x 5.0 1
Park I
............... ............................................ ....................................................
3. Perry Cabin x x x x 111.0 1
Park I I

S3@t@ Street Park x x x x 1 5.01 1
................................................ ....................................................
............. ......

Ti@grnan Park x Y, x I x I x I x
---- ----- ---------------------------------- ,.............. ......... ............ *.............. -------
!I. Tappe Park x j II x I I I x I x I I I x I j x 1 1 7.0 1
....... ............. ..................... ........ ........................................................
'2. .4i,*,an Park x I II - I I I x x I x I I I x I x x 1 1 7.0 1
..... -......... ................*................... ............................... ---------- ** ---*------
'3- So@tli CL@fton A x 1 110.0 1
P3rK 1 1 1
.................. ..... ....... ......................................................................................
I i x x x x 2-0

............ .... ............. .......................................................................................
'@[email protected] I I xx x x x x I x 1 110.0 1
El--entary/
@o-Technical

........ *......... .....................................*........ ............... *......................
:5. M:jnt Pleasant x x x -x x 5.0
E@e@entary
................... ............. I.......................................................... 11 ......... .................
-7. 3'.. Michaels x x x x x 7-0

4:=d@e Schoot

.......... I...... .....................................................................................................
x x x x 7.0
c,e en"ry
................ .................................... ........... ....................................................
:9. U.-per County x x x I x 1 110-0 1
-EIOTertary I I I I
................ .. .........I............ ..........................................................................
-3. ihite Marsh/ x x x x x it 6.0
7r-3ppe
Ele@erlt3ry

-C'AL 6 7 11 15 13 6 4 1 7 4 16 2125,81 4. 5

1. In scnoot/park facility acreage presented reflects estimation of park area only.
2. EstabLISMed optimum size: 10.0 acres
3. Based On Estimated July 1987 population of 27, 700

COMMUNITY PARKS

Community parks- are f ound near concentrations of population or
within middle and high school complexes (see Map 111-3) .. Eight
sites, listed in Table 111-4, have been classified as Community
Parks and contain a total of 107.5 acres. Five of the community
parks are located in Easton area with the remaining three at
Bellevue, oxf ord, and St. Michaels. The evaluation matrix
contained in Table 111-5 indicates the following.

1. The incorporated towns provide the majority of
community parks. Easton, Oxford and St.Michaels
provide four of the eight parks in this classification.
Only one of the sites (Bellevue Park) -is under county
jurisdiction. The remaining.three parks (37.5%) are
under the jurisdiction of the school system and are
located at Easton High School, Easton Middle School and
St. Michaels High School.

2. Community parks are primarily designed for active
recreation use. Playfields for baseball, softball,
soccer, hockey, and football are provided at
Idlewild, Easton High, St. Michaels High and Easton
Middle School parks. In addition, three of the parks
offer track facilities. Basketball, volleyball, and
tennis courts are found at four of the parks. Other
facilities found within the community park system
include playgrounds, picnic areas, and passive
recreation areas.

3. One site - Oxford Town Park - provides 200 feet of
beach area while Bellevue Park has 200 feet of
waterfront. Bellevue also provides a boat ramp and 26
boat slips.

4. Two of the areas - Moton and Stoney Ridge Parks -
within Easton were undeveloped at the time of the
inventory. The remaining six parks are developed with
passive and active recreation facilities.

5. Community parks, excluding the Oxford Town Park of two
acres, range between 7.0 and 20.0 acres in size. Stoney
Ridge Park is the largest area but is undeveloped.

6. All of the developed parks contain support facilities.
The three school-community park areas provide 4000
seats for spectator viewing.

7. Community parks also appear to be oriented to younger
and more active age groups.

TABLE 111-4

CWHUNITY PAPM

LOCUIONI SIZE INVENTORY
NAM OWNERSHIP (acres) FACI1,ITIES FEY

1. Bellevue Bellevue/ 7.0 2001 waterfront 122
Park County 1 playground
1 basketball court
1 volleyball court
1 comfort station
1 picnic shelter
26 boat slips
1 boat ranp

2. Idlewild Easton/ 15.0 2 Softball Fields 78
Hmicipal. 1 Track
1 Picnic Area
8 Tennis Courts
1 Basketball Court
1 Football Field
(12 Picnic Tables)

3. Morton. Park Easton/ 15.0 Urtka-veloped 128 &
Mmicipal 141

4. Oxford Town Oxford/Mmicipal. 2.0 Picnic Area 104
Park Playground
(Waterfront) 2001 Beach

5. Easton Easton/ 18.0 1 football field 106
High School County 1 soccer field
1 field hockey field
1 lacrosse field
3 ball fields
1 track

6. Easton Ea -.ton/ 12.5 3 youth ball fields 96
Middle School County 1 football field
1 field hockey field
1 lacrosse field

Table 111-4 (continued)

TD=ONI SIZE INVENTORY
NAME OWNERSHIP (acres) FACILITIES FEY

7. St. Michaels St. Michaels/ 18.0 6 tennis courts 11
High School County 2 ball fields
2 soccex fields
I field hockey field
1 track
1 exercise trail

S. Stoney Easton/ 20.0 Umleveloped 138
Ridge Park MUnicipal

TOTAL 107.5 Acres

Easton
...St. Michaels
Hi h,School
oton Park Idlewild Park
Easton Middle School

Easton High School

Stoney Ridge Park

Bellevue Park

Oxford Town Park

EXISTING COMMUNITY map No 111-3
PARK LOCATIONS A PARKS me"
SCHOOLS-MIDDLE 4 a
&SECONDARY Wiles Dailey Kane
Talbot County, Maryland (as of 1987) A*stom VAL Sanwow F%L

TABLE 111-5 Community Park Facilities

A@
A
N Q-
CRITERIA 0
Q 4 Nv 4v
0 0 V. r 4V
Nt 0 jqi '9
r A. 4U
4F .4F-
Ir Iq
k, 4e

FACILITY

1. Bellevue x x x x x x x x 7.0
Park

---------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Idtewild x x X x x x x x 115.0 1
Park I I
---------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Moton Park x I x 1 115.0 1

---------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Oxford Town x X x X x 12.0 1
Park I I
---------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Easton X X X X I X 118.0 1
High School I I
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
6. Easton x x x 112.5
Middle School

................ ..... .............................................................................................................................
7. St. Michaels X x x X I x 118.0 1
High School I I I
................ ........ 7--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Stoney Ridge x x 1 120.0 1
Park I
1 4 1 3 1 4 1 3 1 4 1 3 1 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 5 1107.51 3.9 3

1. In school/park facility acreage presented, reflects estimation of park area only.
2. Established optimum size: 30.0 acres.
3. Based on estimated July 1987 popuLation of 27,700.

M 4M M M M M

COUNTY PARKS

There are twa- sites totaling 310.0 acres which have been
classified as county parks. They include the Hog Neck Golf
Course and The Talbot County Community Center - Hog Neck Arena.

These parks, listed in Table 111-6, provid e a 27 hole golf course
and driving range, an indoor ice rink and soccer area,
playfields, picnic areas, horse riding -ring and shooting range.
They range in size from 50.0 to 260 acres. These parks, located
north of Easton along Route 50, are shown on Map 111-4.

TABLE 111-6

COUNTY PX;M

10CAITON1 SIZE INVENTCRY
NAM OWNERSHIP (acres) FACILITTES M

1. Hog Neck county 260.0 27 holes 32
Golf Course driving range
club house
picnic area

2. Talbot County 50.0 ice skating riWcurling 136
CcMunity indoor soccer
Canter - picnic area
Hog Neck 1 soccer/lacrosse field
Arena 3 softball fields
3 meeting room

TOTAL 310.0,Acres

All of the above parks have facilities that serve the entire county. In fact,
the public golf course probably serves the entire region. As noted in the 1982
Open Space and Recreation Plan, the Hog Neck ccmplex: has sufficient land to
expand recreational facilities. The evaluation matrix of county parks is con-
tained in Table 111-7.

-00,
p
'0000
A@A Hog Neck Golf Course
Talbot Community Center

Easton

..oool
/01

EXISTING COUNTY A PUBLIC SPECIAL map No 111-4
PARK LOCATIONS PURPOSE AREAS WAM

4
Wiles Dailey K'ane
Tabot County, Marytand (as of 1987) Room% VIL SweeeW FWL
39

TABLE 111-7 County Park Facilities

4@
CRITERIA 0
go, C-3 CO 4F q C*3
W C, (Y
4@r CO
4; 4Zk
CJO 4
Co
00 0 40
FACILITY
C'q
CO

1. Hog Neck
Golf Course x x x x 260

.................... ........................................................................................................
2. Hog Neck I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 1 1 1 1 H
Arena x x x x x x 50

3
Total 310 1111.19

1. includes: Ice Skating Rink, Indoor Soccer

2. Established optimum size: None, usually over 35.0 acres

3. Based on estimated July, 1987 population of 27,770

WATERFRONT PARKS AND PUBLIC LANDINGS

Table 111-8 contains the inventory of waterfront parks and public
landings that are in Talbot County. There are 20 sites with a
total of 61.18 acres which fall into this classification. Since
Talbot County has such an extensive amount of shoreline and 99%
of its boundaries are comprised of water, these are important
areas.

The total acreage of these parks, when compared to the estimated
July 1987 population of 27,700, indicates that 2.21 acres of
waterfront parks and public landingg are provided per 1,000
persons. This finding has been modified to 2.0 acres per 1,000
people and used as the standard in the classifications and
standards system recommended in Chapter II.

The majority of these parks are located in the western part of
Talbot County on or near coves, inlets, bays and streams which
provide easy access to the Chesapeake Bay. Three parks -
Windyhill Landing, Kingston Landing, New Bridge Landing, Reesels.
Landing and Covey's Landing - are located on the eastern part of
the County on the Choptank and Tuchahoe rivers. Map 111-5 shows
the location of these parks.

It is estimated that these parks provide 114 boat slips. slips
are located at Bellevue Landing (30), Claiborne Landing (10),
Dogwood Harbor (31), Oak Creek Landing (12), St. Michaels Public
Wharf (25), Trappe Landing (4) and Windyhill Landing (2).

The majority (11) of these sites have some type of pier and boat
ramp.Boat ramps only are provided at five additional parks.
Other facilities include picnic areas, support facilities such as
parking and comfort stations, and bulkhead areas.

Almost all of the waterfront parks and public landings are under
the jurisdiction of Talbot County. Exceptions are the Oxford
Municipal Wharf and the St. Michaels Public Wharf.

These parks range in size from 4000 square feet to the 27.0 acre
Dogwood Harbor waterfront park on Tilghman Island. The majority
of the parks (15) are less than two acres in size which indicate
that their primary function is to provide,public access to the
waterways of the County.

To fully understand the importance and significance of water-
oriented parks and recreation facilities, one must review the
inventory of waterfront parks and public landings in conjunction
with the inventory of private recreation facilities. This
inventory, which indicates a substantial amount of private
landings, slips and boat ramps, is in a later section of this

TABLE 111-8

MTERFRUNT PAIM AND PUBLIC LANDINGS

LOCUION1 SIZE INVENTORY
NAME OWNERSHIP (acres) FACILITIES FEY

1. Bellevue Bellevue/ 1.5 3o boat sl* 122
landing County ramp
pier
picnic area
CoMfort station

2. Claiborne Claiborne/ 7.0 ramp 15
Tanding County pier
(. 15 miles of sbore
10 slips
1 ranp)

3. Covey's C Cun ty 0.1 1 ranp 26
Lantling

4. Dogwood Tilgh@an 27.0 2 ranips 17
Harbor IslarxV pier
County (31 slips
.25 miles of shore)

5. Easton Easton/ 2.0 ranp 13
Point County . pier
6. Fairbank Fairbank/ 1.0 601 bulkhead/dock 21
Wharf County

7. Grace Creek Bo=nan/ .19 raiT 16
Landing county pier
(Bozman Wharf)

8. Kingston Kingston 1.3 rairp 31
landing- Landing/ CoLmty
Chcptank.

9. Neavitt Park- Neavitt/ 7.2 rainp 11
Broad Creek County pier
Landing comfort station
1 miles of shore)

Table 111-8 (continued)

U)CATICN/ SIZE INVENTORY
NAME OWNERSHIP (acres) FACILTTIES REY

10.New Bridge County 1.0 ramp 24
Larding pier

11. Oak Creek Nawxxomb/ 1.5 ramp 20
T;% ding County pier
Rt. 33 at (12 slips)
Oak Creek (1 boat ramp)

12. Oxford Wharf Oxford/ 1.0 01 miles of shore 12
NUnicipal

13.Reeses County 0.1 ramp 27
Landing -

14.Sherwood Wharf Sherwood/ 0.1 pier 18
County

15.St. Michaels Town of 1.5 25 boat slips
Public Wharf St. Michaels

16.Tonger Basin County 1.39 1 boat ramp 103

17.Wittman Wharf- Wittman/ 0.1 1 boat ramp 14
Cummings Creek Ccunty

18.Trappe Trappe/ 1.2 pier 7
Landing - County 4 boat slips
Trappe Landing 1 ramp
Road

19.Windyhill Windyhi-11/ 3.0 ramp 8
Landing County pier
Chcptank 2 boat slips
River

20-Wye Landing - County 3.0 ramp 19
Wye East River pier
picnic area
comfort station
(2 picnic tables)
beach

TOTAL 61.18 Acres

Wye Landing

Covey's Landing

o@
.id C laiborne Lan Reese's Landing
New Budge

St. Michaels
Easton Kingston
Public Wharft Landing
.N@
Wittman Wharf Easton oin

Bozmar Warf
TO a k L Cr e e k Landin
S erwood Wharf

Tonger B a s i n N'eavitf Park
Landing
.:Bellevue Landing
-Dogwood arbor
Fairbank Wharf' Oxford Wharf Windyhill Landing

Trappe Landing
ool'

oo-%

EXISTING WATERFRONT moo No
PARKS, BEACHES & A PUBLIC SPECIAL
LANDINGS PURPOSE AREAS "Wies

BOAT LAUNCHES 2
91.

ilea Dailey Kane
Talbot Resto#% Va. Sarasota. Fla.
w
County, Maryland 144 (as of 1987)

SPECIAL PARKS

Special parks include natural areas, quasi-public parks, historic
and cultural areas, linear parks, wayside parks such as local
picnic areas, highly specialized facilities and destination
parks. The inventory of special parks in Talbot County indicated
some natural areas, quasi-public facilities and historic/cultural
areas. None of the other types of special parks were identified.

In addition to those special park areas contained in various
state or county files, and formally listed in the inventory,
there are a number of major open spaces and natural areas which
could be considered as part of the inventory of natural parks.
They are described in the following paragraphs.

Unique Natural Areas: Talbot County is blessed with an abundance of
natural areas and resources. since a major portion of the county
is not heavily developed, these natural areas and resources are
still found in relative abundance. Some of these areas may be
described as unique since they are among the last remaining sites
in the region. There,are approximately 915 acres of land or
unique areas in the County which should be considered as part of
the inventory of natural areas. Although very few of these areas
are in public or quasi-public ownership, they should be viewed as
part of the open space and recreational resources of the County.
Unique natural areas include the following:

1. Urmer Chowank River Basin - The Choptank River drainage
basin, from Bow Knee Point upstream and including the
tidal portion of Tuckahoe Creek, is one of the most
productive striped bass spawning areas on the Bay.
Spawning waters probably extend downstream to the
Highway 50 bridge, and some clam and oyster beds also
occur in this reach. Large tidal marshes occur in the
Bolingbroke Creek basin, on the Choptank River at
Jamaica and Bow Knee points, Raccoon Creek, Miles
Creek, Lloyd Landing, Williams Creek, the Easton
landfill, Kings Creek, the mouth of Tuckahoe Creek,
Tuckahoe bridge, Cowards Point, Wayman Wharf, and.Rolph
Landing.

2. Riverine Forests on ChoQtank River Tributaries - Many of the
tributaries that flow through the higher and more
rolling portions of east and south Talbot County have
rather steep and well defined valleys. Bottomland
forests and swamps in the valleys transition into
diverse upland hardwood forests at the top of the
slopes. Differences in slope,. elevation, and aspect

along the gradients result in increased diversity. The
rough terrain has restricted access and development
potential and is worthy of being preserved in its
natural condition. significant sites include Norwich
Creek downstream of Highway 309, an unnamed creek north
of Trappers Corners, Kings Creek system including
Beaverdam Branch and Wootenaux Creek, Miles Creek, and
the upper reaches of Peachblossum Creek.

3. Riverine Forests of Western Talbot County - A few examples of this
occur in western Talbot County, but quality habitats
are found along the upper Wye East River, Skipton
Creek, Potts Mill Creek, and Mill Creek.

4. Flatland Forests of Western T-albot County - These forests occur on
the poorly drained soils of the necks of peninsulas and
along the edges of the lower reaches of large tidal
creeks. Many are very large (over 500 acres) and offer
moderate diversity and habitat. These forests also are
prime habitat for many migratory and forest dwelling
birds and the Delmarva fox squirrel. Fringes of these
forests offer bald eagle nesting habitat. Third Haven
Woods is an excellent protected area. other high
quality stands are on an unnamed tributary of Wye East
River, between Longwoods and Skipton Creek, three major
expanses on Miles River and Pickering Creek, south of
Kirkham off Highway 33, near Royal Oak, and on Island
and Grubin Necks.

5. CoastalForests - Undeveloped forest stands adjacent to the
bay or estuaries are few in Talbot County, but such
areas are important to shoreline stabilization and can
provide both natural area and shoreline recreation.
Such forests, even if small, may provide important
resting areas for migratory birds. Examples of such
areas occur on Tilghman Point; the mouth of Woodland
'Creek; the upper end of the Northwest Branch of Harris
Creek; the upper end of Broad Creek; Mulberry Point;
Edgar Cove, Hambleton Island, Balls Creek, Deep Neck on
Harris Creek, Barneys Cove and Blackwalnut Point on
Tilghman Island; Back Creek, Green Marsh Point, Cabin
Cove, Lowes Point, and the Poplar Islands on Chesapeake
Bay; near Fairview Point, Deepwater Point, and Long
Point on the Miles River; Irish Creek and Trippe Creek;
Grubin Neck; and Howell Point on the Choptank River.

6. Beaches and Shorelines - Due to the lack of sandy sources,
beaches in Talbot County are few and narrow. There are
small areas of coastal beach or berm that occur on the
Wye River north of Wyetown Point, at the mouth of

Woodland Creek, of f Spencer Creek and Deepwater and
Hambleton Points near St. Michaels, on Seth and
Tilghman Points on the mouth of the Miles River, at
Pawpaw Cove on Tilghman Island, near Benoni Point and
Boone Creek near the mouth of Island Creek, and on
Chlora, Martin, Chancellor, and Goose Points on the
Choptank River. A concentration of several areas also
occurs on the Choptank River near the mouth of
Bolingbroke Creek and the Highway 50 bridge.

There are additional natural areas within the County which are
devoted to nature conservancy and listed in the formal inventory
(see Table 111-9). These areas total 822.6 acres and are private
or quasi-public lands. They, along with other special parks, are
shown in Map 111-6.

Quasi-public areas provide an additional 168 acres of parks and
open space. These parks include the Izaak Walton Park (35.0
acres) with an archery range and picnic facilities, Martingham
Golf Course which also contains a pool and tennis courts, the
Moose Club and VFW Club which provide playfields, the Talbot
County YMCA and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The latter
contains five acres and houses examples of shipbuilding, an
original Chesapeake Bay lighthouse and several restored homes.

The historic-cultural portion of the special park inventory notes
only the Talbot County Historical Society structure in Easton.
The size and extent of this portion of the inventory is vastly
understated when the historic nature of the County is considered.
As noted in the 1982 Recreation and Open Space Plan. 11 ... The
Maryland Historic Trust has identified 298 buildings in the
County which are eligible for National Register of Historic
Sites. Currently (1982), the County has 21 sites with National
Register designation. 11 There are numerous other historic
@uildings and places within the County which should eventually be
incorporated into this inventory. Unfortunately, a complete
listing with acreage, facilities and location was not readily
available.

The total land classified as special parks in Talbot County
totals 990.6 acres. This does not include the potential natural
areas which are discussed earlier in this section.

When compared to the estimated 1987 population of 27,700,
special parks are being provided at the ratio of 35.76 acres
per 1,000 persons. This ratio is much higher than the recommended
standard of 7.0 acres per 1,000 people and underscores the
importance of open, natural areas within the overall park system.

TABLE 111-9

SPE= PARK AREM-

UX=ON/ SIZE INVENTORY
NAME OWNERSHIP jacres) FACIIXTIES FEY

A. NATURAL APEM

1. Warner Wildlife EastorV 8.0 Nature Conservancy 52
Sanctuary Quasi Public

2. Otwell Woodlands Easton/ 100.0 Nature Conservancy 134
Private

3. Third Haven Easton/ 310.0, Nature Conservancy 135
Woodland Private

4. chcptank County/ 277.6 Nature Conservancy 148
Wetlands Quasi
Preserve Public

-9. McManus Inst. Cmnty/ 127.0 Nature Conservancy 150
Nature Preserve Private

Subtotal. 822.6

B. QUASI

6. Izaak Walton Trappe/ 35.0 Archery Range 121
Quasi-Public Picnic Area
Trails - 2 mi.
15 Picnic Tables

7. martingbam St.Michaels/ 106.0 18 Holes 40
Golf Course Quasi-Public Driving Range
4 Tennis Courts
1 Swiming Pool
1 Pro Mlop

8. Moose Club County/ 7.0 1 Softball Fi eld 120
Quasi-Public 1 Club House

9. Talbot County Easton/ 10.0 51
'YMCA Quasi-Public

Table 111-9 (continued)

10CUICN1 SIZE INVENTORY
NAME OWNEFSMP (acres) FACILITIES ]KEY

10.VFW Club Easton/ 5.0 1 Softball Field 118
Quasi-Public 1 Club House

ll.Chesapeake St. Michaels/ 5.0 NUsetm 41
Bay Maritime Quasi-Public
M I 3eum

Subtotal 168.0

TOTAL 990.6 Acres

C. HISTORIC

12.Talbot County Easton/
Historical Quasi-Public 1.0* Historic Structure 79
society

Due to the fact that this facility is basically a building, its acreage is
not included in the total.

Third Haven Woodlands

Martinham Moose Club
Golf Course

Chesapeake Bay
V.F.W.
aritime Muse
ui;, Easton

ric Society
Histo ciety'

YMCA
Warner Wildlife Sanctuary

McManus Institu

Otwell Woodlands

lzaak Walton

EXISTING SPECIAL m" No III-
PARK LOCATIONS A NATURAL AREAS Re"
QUASI PUBLIC AREAS Muni
2 4 6
HISTORIC AREAS Wife* Dailey Kane
Tabot County, maroaM Restm% Va. SwaeoW Fft

STATEPARKS

The inventory identified seven state parks within Talbot County.
These areas contain 491 acres and include Black Walnut State
Park, Wye Oak State Park, and Seth State Forest.Table III-10
lists these areas with a brief description of their facilities.
Map 111-7 shows their location.

TABLE 111-10

STATE PAM

U)=CNI SIZE INVENTORY
NAME OWNERSHIP (acres) FACILITIES FEY

1. Black Walmt Fairbank/ 58.0 undeveloped
State Park State planned wildlife
cbservation area

2. Dept. of C=11ty/ 75.0 10 firearm target 146
Natural State ranges
Resources

3. Maryland Easton/ 147.0 19 firearm target 147
National Guard State ranges

4. Route 333 Oxford to 14.0* bike path 131
Bike Path EastorV
State

5. Rt. 33 Easton to 13. 0* bike path 133
Bike Path St. Michaels/
State

6. Seth State County/ 125.0 forest 1
Forest State

7. Wye Oak Wye Mi-11q/ 59.0 historic/special 2
State Park State

T01AL 491 Acres

*The acreage is estimated from the length of the bike paths assuming an
average width of 10 feet.

A Wye Oak State Park

Easton

Rt. 3
Bike Paih

National Guard
.4
Rt. 333 A
Bike Path A Seth Forest

Am
Coast Gua
'Dept. 0 National
Park
Resources@

@Black Walnut
State Park.,.--
.0o,

EXISTING STATE AND mw No 111-7
FEDERAL PARK A STATE
0 FEDERAL
LOCATIONS 1 2 4
wiles Dailey Kane
Talt)ot County, Maryland (as of 1987) Restor% Va. SaraooW Fla.

PRIVATE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

The public and quasi-public parks of Talbot County are
supplemented by 4361.75 acres of private parks and recreation
areas. Private parks contain a full range of passive and active
recreational facilities and range in size from small boat
landings to hunting areas of 1500 acres.

Although private parks are not used to evaluate the adequacy of
open space acreage and facilities, they are so extensive in
Talbot County that they must be included in any inventory. While
privately provided recreation should not be overlooked, public
parks and recreation facilities are the primary source of
satisfying citizen demand.
Table III-11 lists the private parks and recreation facilities
inventoried in Talbot County.

TABLE 111-11

PRIVATE PAP10 AND MCREATION APPAS

LOCATION/ SIZE INVENTORL
NAME OUNERSHIP jacres) FACILT= FEY

1 .Bethany House Chapel District 97.5 1 soccer/lacrosse field

2. Cross Court private 5.0 4 indoor tennis courts 53
Tennis Club 1 nautilus weight room

3. Calhoun MEBA Easton/ 166.0 4 sports fields
Engineering private 3 tennis courts
School 2 basketball courts
3 racquetball courts
1 swinming pool
1 mile of shoreline
1 mile of trail

4. Comtry School EastorV 8.5 2 playgrounds
private 1 soccer/lacrosse field
1 baseball field

5. Elk Club Easton/ 11.0 swinming pool 117
private club house

6. Kranesbury- TilghmarV 5.0 passive 98
Tilgbman Park private 4 picnic tables

-53

Table III-11 (continued)

LOCATION/ SIZE INVENTORY
NAME OWNERSHIP (acres) FACILITIES REY

7. Miles River County/ 10.0 riding stables 107
Riding School private

8. St. Peter and Easton/ 10.0 1 soccer/lacrosse field 115
Paul School private 1 field hockey field
1 playground
1 softball field
2 basketball courts

9. Talbat Canterbury/ 114.0 4 temis courts 61
Country Club private 1 swiming pool
18 holes of golf
driving range -
10 positions

10.Talbot County/ 25.0 trap and skeet range 144
Rod and Gun private (club house)
Club

11.Abbatt's oxford/ 12 slips 71
Boatyard Private

12.Applegarths Oxford/ 17 slips 66
Marine Yard Private

13.Bates Marine Oxford/ - 50 slips 70
Yard Private

14.Charles, F. County/ 250.0 Hunting 39
Novak I s. Private
15.Chesapeake County/ - 9 slips .47
Shellfish Co. Private 1 Rainp

16.Clarence County/ 1.0 Charter Boat Area 63
CEXIS Private

17.Crockett oxford/ 35 Slips 64
Bros. Inc. Private

Table 111-11 (continued)

LOCATION/ SIZE INVENTORY
NAME OWNERSHIP (acres) FACIUTIES FEY

18. Cutts & Oxford/ 39 Slips 92
Case Inc. Private

19.Dickerson Trappe/ 15 Slips 75
Boat Builders Private 1 Ranp

20.Easton Point County/ 2.0 26 Slips 29
Marina Private

21.Easton Point EastorV 1.0 23 Slips 50
Marina Private 1 RaTnp

22.Tred-Avon Oxford/ 2.75 Boat Ramp 94
Yacht Club Private Club House

2 3. Ecbr@ Garvin County/ 1.0 .6 Charter Boats 87
Private

24.E.Otis County/ 100.0 HUnting 38
Bridges Private

25.Gateway County/ - 60 Slips 77
Marina Private

26.James Spurry County/ 1.0 Charter Boat Area 86
Private

27.Hexbert County/ 1.0 Charter Boat Area 82
Harrison Private

28.Higgins St. Michaels/ - Commercial Marine 44
Marine Private

29.Hinkle & County/ 1.0 15 Slips 56
Garvin Private

30.Jay Tarman County/ 1.0 Charter Boat Area 88
Private

31.Jchn County/ 1.0 Charter Boat Area 83
Larrimore Private

Table III-11 (continued)

LOCATION/ SIZE INVENTORY
NAME 0%14ERSHIP (acres) FACILITIES KEY

32.Khapps Narrows County/ 1.0 50 Slips 54
Marina Private 1 Ranp

33.1ccust Hill County/ - 22 Slips 35
Boat Works Private

34.Nathan Parks County/ 1.0 Charter Boat Area 80
Private

35.Okie Powell's Couinty/ 1,000.0 Hunting 76
Private

36.Oxford Oxford/ - Charter Boat Area 68
Boatyard Private 45 Slips

37.Patrict St. Michaels/ - Sightseeing 42
cruises Private

38.Pier St. Oxford/ 6.0 89 Slips 30
Marina Private

39.Pier St. County/ 1.0 35 Slips 67
Marina Private

40.Severn County/ 1.0 48 Slips 59
Marina Private
41.Samuel Is County/ 400.0 Hunting 60
Leonard Private

42.Snows County/ 1.0 43 Slips 62
Lantling Private 1 Ramp

43.St.Michaels St. Michaels/ 40 Slips 46
Marina/ Private
Hotel

44.Thamas County/ 1.0 Charter Boat Area 81
Conley Private

45.Thampscn County/ 1.0 18 Slips 48
Boat Service, Private

Table 111-11 (continued)

LOCUION1 SIZE INVENTORY
NAME OWERSHIP (acres) FACIix= KEY

46.William CoLmty/ 475.0 Hunting 69
Meyers- Private

47.P.T. County/ 1.0 7 Slips 49
Hambleton Private

48.Reeser's County/ - 14 Slips 55
Private

49.Richard County/ 150.0 Hunting 36
Higgins Private

50.Robert County/ 1.0 charter Boat Area 84
FrmTton Private

51.Robert County/ 1.0 Charter Boat Area 85
Marshall Private

52.Sam County/ - 6 Slips 43
14c(@uay I s Private

53.Samel W. County/ 1,500.0 Hunting 73
Delahay Private

54.Talbot County 18.5 1 horse ricling ring 108
Agriculture 6 cottages
Center 1 shooting range
1 activity center

55.Miles River St. Michaels/ 12.0 Swimning Pool 113
Yacht Club Private Boat Slips
4 Temis, Courts
18 Holes'of Golf

TOTAL 4,367.7 Acres

SUMMARY OF RECREATION FACILITIES IN LOCAL AND STATE PARKS

In addition to'- the inventory of local and state parks by location,
jurisdiction, ownership, size and facilties, the following table
summarizes existing recreation facilities in accordance with the
State's Program Open Space (POS) facility classifications.

TABLE 111-12
FACI= SUMMARY

STATE DEFINED INEIGHBOR-1 COMM- I I 1PRIVATE/
ACTIVITY MINI- I HOOD I UNITY I COUNTY STATE OTHER
PARKS I PARKS I PARKS I PARKS PARKS PARKS TOTAL

No. of Acres 3.25 1 127.00 107.50 1 328.50 491.00 5414.03 6471.28

No. of Baseball/
Softball Fields 0 1 17 10 1 3 0 4 34

No. of Basketball
Courts 0 10 2 0 0 4 16

No. of Bicycle
Trails 0 0 0 0 21 0 21

No. of Football/
Soccer Fields 0 8 6 1 1 0 7 22

No. of Ice Skating
Rinks 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

Mi. of Nature Traits 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 3

Mi. of Sledding
Trials 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

No. of Spectator
Seats 0 3530 4000 0 0 500 8030

No. of Swimming
POOLS 0 0 0 0 0 5 5

No. of Tennis/
Racquet Courts 0 1 10 1 14 1 0 1 0 1 22 46

Includes private parks, waterfront parks and public Landings
and special park areas.

I
I
I
I IV DEMAND ANALYSIS
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
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I

INTRODUCTION - IV DEMAND ANALYSIS

Demand for land preservation, open space and recreation
facilities is influenced by many factors. Demographic conditions
such as population, employment and income may have a direct or
indirect impact on how an "individual participates in recreation
activities and can also impact the type, size, location and
design of individual parks. The extent to which people
participate in recreation and the type of facilities provided in
an area may also influence park, open space and facility demand.
Therefore, participation surveys can provide important
information on both the use and demand of existing facilities.
The attitude of local residents toward natural resources will
certainly influence the demand for land preservation and
conservation activities.

Program development, such as the number and quality of programs
provided at existing park and recreation areas, can also
influence demand. A well organized, properly funded, and highly
publicized program will normally attract a lot of users.
Conversely, an obscure and poorly funded program will probably
fail. Local concerns and issues will also influence present and
future demand for park and recreation facilities. Demand can also
be measured by comparing existing park acreage and recreation
facilities agains t established standards.

The National Recreation and Park Association, The Maryland
Department of State Planning and other research organizations
have noted some significant trends that will influence park and
open space demand in the future. The national population is
aging which may cause a major change in the type and potential
demand for park use. People's attitudes are changing toward
recreation and open space. Many view recreation not just as a
leisure activity, but as an important factor in maintaining
physical and mental health - an attitude that could increase
participation rates in certain types of recreation activities.
Trends in the economic sector - such as shorter work weeks,
longer vacations, flexible hours and effective income may alter
the pattern and times of recreation activity. Land use
regulations, housing trends, and growth management legislation
such as the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Act can also be factors
effecting the size, location and use of parks and recreation
facilities.

This chapter examines the factors important to recreation demand
in Talbot County. Demographic conditions and locally 'perceiveA
needs are analyzed; demand for facilities, as determined by
participation ratios, are measured; and the recommended standards
system is used to evaluate the adequacy of existing parks.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Demographic factors such as population trends and
characteristics, household composition, economic patterns and
work places, income and similar socioeconomic characteristics can
be important considerations in evaluating park and recreation
demand. Where people live and the density of population can
provide insight into the need for and location of specific types
of facilities and parks. Age characteristics - such as the
number of children, middle aged or elderly persons - can provide
information about the demand for tot lots, senior citizen
programs or active playing fields and playgrounds.

Economic profiles and employment characteristics can reveal
whether an area is a retirement or resort oriented community
filled with demand for boating, golfing and fishing or an urban
center with younger workers who need active facilities such as
playgrounds and playing fields. A review of income profiles can
indicate - the number of residents who may be dependent on
publicly provided facilities.

Population trends, in conjunction with acreage standards, can
also be a helpful tool in the evaluation of present and future
demand for different types of parks and recreational facilities.
Specific demographic conditions are discussed in the following
sections.

Population Growth

Population growth is not expected to place any significant
pressure or demand for additional parks and recreation facilities
in Talbot County. The County is expected to grow slowly in the
coming years and past population increases have not been
dramatic. For example, population increased 12.5 percent between
1970 and 1984, an increase of less than one percent a year.

Table IV-1 contains population trend information for Talbot
County as derived from the U.S. Census Reports and projections by
the Maryland Department of State Planning and Hammer, Siler
George Associates. In addition, the Maryland Department of Health
has estimated the 1987 population at 27,700 persons. Although
there are slight differences in the projection years used, the
results are similar. Talbot County is expected to grow slowly. As

population statistics are used in this report, the source will be
noted since different sources may be necessary for different
demand evaluations.

TABLE IV-1

POPULATION TRENDS

YEAR NUMBER OF PERSONS
(DSP) (HSG)

1970 23,682 23,682*

1980 25,604 25,604*

1984 N.A. 26,644

1985 26,101 N.A

1990 26,500 N.A

1992 N.A. 27,940

1995 26,801 28,305

1995 N.A. N.A

2002 N.A. 28,780

2005 N.A. 28,896

CHANGE 700 2,756
1985 -1995 1984-2005

Sources: Census of Population *, Hammer Siler George (HSG)
and Maryland Department of State Planning (DSP).

The State projects that the County will only add 700 persons
between 1985 and 1995. They estimate the 1995 population at
26,801 persons. However, Hammer Siler George has estimated that
the County population reached 26,644 in 1984. Regardless of these
statistical discrepancies, both forecasts indicate a continuation
of the 1970 to 1980 trend of slow growth. Talbot County,
according to Hammer Siler George, is expected to add another
2,756 residents by the year 2007, an increase of 10. 3 percent
over their 1984 estimated population.

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POPULATION PEOPLE/ ACRE mac.No IV-2.
0-.4
DISTRIBUTION .4-.81. . . . . . miles
(taken from 1984 aerial photo) .8-1.2 1 0 2 4
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1.2-1.6
Wiles Dailey Kane
Talbot County, Maryland Restom Va. Sarasota. Fla.

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OUEEN ANNE

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LOCATIONS OF INCORPORATED TOWNS Map NoIV-1
TOWNS AND VILLAGES 0 VILLAGES miles

1 0 2
@va
@ewj'stOwn

Wiles Dafty Kane
Falbot County, Maryland Restaq-4 Va. Sarasota. Fla.

Migration into the County is expected to account for the
majority of future population growth. Net natural increase or
births minus-ddaths is not expected to be a significant factor.
The influx of people purchasing second homes for retirement or
seasonal use is the primary reason for past and anticipated
population increases. This trend could have the effect of
creating a greater need for leisure facilities for vacationers
and retirees than for young families with small children. since
many of these people are likely to seek water-oriented home
sites, pressure will be placed on the natural resources of the
County regardless of the rate of population increase.

Population Distribution

Talbot is primarily a rural county with an overall population
density of approximately 95 persons per square mile. The majority
of population is contained in the f ive incorporated towns and a
number of small villages and communities. The towns Oxf ord, St.
Michaels, Trappe, Easton and Queen Anne hold over f orty percent
of the present population. The principal villages and
communities are listed,below. Their locations are shown on Map
IV-1.

Tilghman Royal Oak Skipton-Newtown
-Claiborne Bozman McDaniel
Cordova Bellevue Tunis Mills
Wittman Newcomb Wye Mills
Neavitt Unionville Fairbank
Longwoods Ivytown Bruceville
New Bridge Windy Hill Matthews
Copperville Sherwood Punch Point
Bar Neck Lewistown

As noted above, the majority of the County's present population
is located in or near these towns and villages. The towns 'and
villages are also the areas of highest population density, as
shown on Map IV-2, and are the primary demand areas for park and
recreation facilities. Since the County is expected to have only
a modest population increase in future years, it is reasonable to
believe that the towns and villages will remain the focal points
for park and recreation demand.

Age

Talbot County, like the rest of the nation, is characterized by a
maturing population. Local surveys and interviews indicate that
present recreation demand is not significantly influenced by age
characteristics, but an older population could affect future
recreation demand. Current residents emphasize active playing
fields and playgrounds in the local parks. As the population

matures, there may be additional demand f or more passive
recreation facilities or programs in the park system.

The inventory of existing parks and open spaces indicates that
most of the facilities are oriented to active recreation. The
developed park sites typically contain playgrounds, playing
fields and court games, activities which are normally oriented to
a younger population. However, the above statistics may impact
this trend in the future.

Although there is a spread of age groups in the County, adults
prevail. More than 75% of the present -population are over the
age of 19. Almost 5,000 people, or 18.5 percent of the total
population, are past the age of 64. Only 4.5% of the population
are under f ive years of age. The age distribution of the
estimated 1984 population is shown in Table IV-2.

TABLE IV-2

POPULATION DISTRIBUTION BY AGE

AGE GROUP NUMBER PERCENT OF
TOTAL

Preschool (under 5) 1,199 4.5

School (age 5 to 19) 5,196 19.5

Adults (age 19 to 64) 15,320 57.3

Retirement (age-over 64) 4,929 18.5

TOTALS 26,644 100.0

Source: Hammer Siler George, U.S. Census

The high percentage of "adults" indicates that the greatest
recreational demand will come from this age group. However, since
1970, the over 64 age group has continually increased. This trend
reflects the fact that many people are retiring to the County and
the overall population is aging. However, those purchasing
second homes in the County - persons who are not reflected in the
County's census data are typically in the 45-65 year age
group.

Those agencies responsible for recreation planning and
programming should be aware of the maturing population since this
group will constitute a major portion of future recreation

demand. The school age children of the County, although not
large in number, will continue to constitute a particularly
active group for park and recreation demand.

Table IV-3 presents the age distribution trends that occurred
between 1970 and 1984. As noted above, the over 64 age group grew
dramatically-and experienced a 41.6 percent change. The 19-64
age group experienced a more modest but sizable change of 24.6
percent. In clear contrast, the under 5 age group decreased by
26.3 percent and the 5-19 age group experienced a decline of
17.3 percent.

TABLE IV-3

AGE DISTRIBUTION TRENDS
1970-1984

AGE 1970 1984 CHANGE
GROUP POPULATION POPULATION NUMBER PER CENT

Preschool 11628 1,199 -429 -26.3

School 6,279 5,196 -1,083 -17.3

Adults 12,295 15,320 3,025 24.6

Retirement 3,480 4,929 1,449 41.6

Totals 23,682 26,644 2,962 12.5

Existing age distribution trends are expected to continue into
the future. . Population forecasts indicate a 22.9% decrease in
the number of preschool and school aged children. There will be
427 fewer children (persons under 19 years of age) in the County
@y the year 2007. The retirement age group, those over 64, will
increase by 1304 persons or 26.5 percent. The adult population
19-64 years) is expected to increase by 12.3 percent or 1,879
persons.

Table IV-4 presents the 1984-2007 age distribution forecasts for
Talbot County

TABLE IV-4

'AGE DISTRIBUTION FORECASTS- 1984-2007

AGE 1984 2007 CHANGE
GROUP POPULATION POPULATION NUMBER PERCENT

Preschool 1,199 970 -229 -19.1

School 5,196 4,998 -198 -3.8

Adults 15,320 17,199 1,879 12.3

Retirement 4,929 6,233 1,304 26.5

TOTALS 26,644 29,400 2,756 10.3

Source: Hammer Siler George and U.S. Census.

Income

The 1986 household income distribution f or Talbot County has
been estimated and the ranges are listed in Table IV-5. Nearly
50 percent of the County's households make less than $25,000 with
17 percent of the total households having an income of below
$10,000. Only 16.6 percent of the County households have incomes
in excess of $50,000.

This type of income distribution suggests that a large number of
County households will be dependent on local government for the
provision of recreation opportunities. Those households within
the higher income brackets are fairly self-sufficient in terms of
their leisure activities. They have the means to join private
facilities such as golf, swimming,, tennis, boating and riding
clubs and, typically, have access to a wide array of recreational
opportunities. Low to moderate income households tend to depend
more on local and State parks or natural areas for their
recreational activities.

Income distribution may also effect demand for the type of
recreation facilities provided in the County. A large number of
moderate income households tend to support a wide range of active
recreation facilities and programs.

TABLE IV-5

HOUSEHOLD INCOME DISTRIBUTION

INCOME RANGE NUMBER PERCENT

Under $9,999 1,705 17.1

$10,000-$14,999 1,097 11.0

$15,000-$19,999 1,094 10.9

$20,000-$24,999 1,06 8 10.7

1,064 10.6

$30,000-$34,999 685 6.9

$35,000-$39,999 657 6.6

$40,000-$49,999 966 9.7

$50,000-$74,999 @1,020 10.2

$75,000 or more 639 6.4

TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS 9,995 100.0%

Source: Hammer Siler George

PARTICIPATION AND FACILITY DEMAND

Demand for recreation facilities can be estimated by a variety of
measures. Participation ratios, i.e. the percentage of the total
population that takes part in a particular recreation activity,
can be useful in estimating the peak demand for different types
of facilities. State guidelines require that existing ratios of
participation in recreation activities be correlated with demand
and existing facilities. Information regarding facility demand
can also be derived from surveys, user interviews and a common
sense assessment of the popularity of local programs and
activities. This section examines the demand for recreation
facilities and programs as determined by surveys and interviews
at the local and State level.

County Surveys Awd Interviews

Various surveys and interviews indicate that Talbot County
residents are involved in a broad spectrum of recreation
activities. A 1982 survey of Talbot County residents, which was
undertaken to obtain a better understanding of their 'attitude
toward recreation activities, indicated the following:

1. Talbot County residents are active participants in
recreational activities. The survey indicated that
almost 50 percent of the respondents spent between 0-4
hours a week in active recreation; almost 30 percent
devoted 4-8 hours to active recreation and over 13% of
the residents spent more than 8 hours a week in active
recreation.

2. Over 46% of the residents belong to a swim club, tennis
club, YMCA, or similar club that provides recreation
facilities.

3. A number of residents spend a significant portion of
their vacation time in the county. Slightly over 24% of
-the respondents spend 1/2 of their vacation time in
Talbot County and 14.6% indicated they spend all of
their vacation time in the county.

4. The most popular recreation activities and their
participation percentages were:

a. Swimming 40.1%
b. Boating 40.1%
C. Fishing/Hunting 34.3%
d. Golf 17.5%
e. Camping 113.8%
f. Snow Skiing 6.6%
9- Ice Skating 5.8%
h. Water Skiing 5.1%

5. More than half of the respondents participated in
recreation programs which were sponsored by the
Department of Parks and Recreations. The. majority -
41.6 percent - selected the evening as the most
convenient time of day for recreation activities.

6. Over 66% of the residents live within five miles of a
public park, a service radius of less than 10 minutes.

Over 75% of the respondents were satisfied with the
location of existing public parks.

7. An overwhelming majority of those surveyed - 89% - felt
that public parks should be used for active and passive
recreation activities.

8. 63.5% of the respondents felt developers should provide
park space in new developments. Over 56% felt that the
County should acquire additional open space f or park
and recreation use.

9. Picnic tables, softball fields and tennis courts were
the recreation facilities preferred in public parks.
Nature trails, jogging paths, volleyball and basketball
courts and.hiking trails were also facilities that were
considered desirable.

10. The rural nature of Talbot County was reflected in the
survey and 81% of the respondents felt their homes
provided a suitable play area for children. This
attitude correlates with the sparse number of mini-
parks (tot lots and small play areas)that are found in
the County.'

In 1986, a series of citizen meetings were held throughout the
County to discuss future issues and needs. The discussions
included park and recreation needs. The results of these
meetings, along with interviews of County personnel, are helpful
in evaluating recreation demand, especially since the results of
the previous survey are almost five years old. The following are
the key conclusions from the meetings and interviews regarding
park and recreation demand:

1. The residents felt that the natural environment
fulfills the need for passive recreation areas. Public
acquisition of land for passive recreation facilities
was not a high priority. The residents also felt the
Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Program will result in
the development of the coastal -zone area for public
areas and public landings. Residents are concerned that
if such development of the coastal zone areas for
public access does occur it will be detrimental to the
natural environment, will attract non-county residents
and result in a number of problems for local residents.

2 There is a need for improved maintenance at existing
parks and recreation areas. This citizen concern was
confirmed by county personnel who agree that a number
of facilities suffer from lack of adequate maintenance.

Maintenance problems at existing parks are related to
budget constraints and the present level of funding for
park maintenance.

3. Many residents feel there is a need for additional
playgrounds and playing fields in the county. A strong
emphasis was placed on providing active recreation
facilities in public parks. There was only a limited
amount of interest in providing additional passive
facilities. Active, team oriented recreation and the
School Community Centers Programs are the focal points
of citizen interest. Although Talbot County has a large
number of playing f ields, the citizen meetings
indicated they are inadequate to meet the present level
of demand.

4. Little interest or concern was expressed for additional
cultural activities. Residents felt that private
programs, such as the privately funded Academy of Arts,
private concerts, theater events, and regional
facilities satisfied local demand.

5. There was an expressed need and desire for additional
@indoor recreation facilities such as an aquatic center,
indoor soccer, and indoor court areas for basketball
and volleyball. Presently, residents feel the YMCA is
the focus and major source of these indoor activities.
The YMCA programs were described as very good, but are
considered to be expensive.

6. There is a need for indoor programs for children of
working parents. Many of the present programs are
scheduled for mid-week or mid-day and there is a need
for more week end and evening programs.

7. There is a need, and opportunity, to expand the
programs provided at the Talbot County Community
Center. It was felt that this facility has the
potential of accommodating more indoor programs during
the non-ice season. Currently, most of its winter use
is directed to ice skating and curling activities.

8. The Chesapeake Bay, and its tributaries, was emphasized
as the major recreational resource of Talbot County.
The majority of residents felt that development
pressures will impact the County's natural resources.

9. Residents felt the County should be encouraged to
facilitate the use of school sites for recreation

activities and programs. The importance of the School
Community Centers program is.also emphasized by recent
participation' rates. In fiscal year 1986, the program
had 5000 attendants with 4250 "drop-ins". Since the
population in the 5-19 year age group is estimated at
only 5,196 persons, the participation rate is very
high.

In fiscal year 1987, The School Community Centers
Program proposes to establish recreation centers in six
elementary schools, two middle schools and two high
schools. The objective is to provide recreation and
supplementary educational activities for 750 youths in
the 5-12 year age group; 425 teenagers and young adults
in the 13-20 year age group; and 150 adults over the
age of 21.

State Surveys and Participation Ratios

The State of Maryland has conducted several surveys to determine
state, regional and local participation ratios f or recreation
facilities. The 1984 Facility and Acreage Requirements Report of
the Maryland Recreation and Open Space Plan estimated
participation rates for county-oriented facilities. According to
this report, county- oriented activities take place close to home
and are usually provided by local governments at neighborhood,
community and school park sites.

Table IV-6 lists county-oriented recreational activities by rates
of participation and is abstracted f rom the 1984 State Survey.
The ranking in the table is indicative of the popularity and
demand for different types of recreation facilities and indicates
that swimming in pools and baseball/softball are the most
frequent recreation activities in Talbot County. only one passive
recreation activity - nature walks - ranked high in the
recreation demand analysis. This finding is consistent with the
results of citizen interviews and local surveys which
consistently emphasize the importance of active recreation
facilities in the local park system. other popular activities, as
measured by participation ratios, were tenni-s, sledding, ic@e
skating, and football/soccer/lacrosse.

TABLE IV-6

COUNTY-ORIENTED RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

RANK ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION RATIO

1. swimming 35.0%

2. Baseball/Softball 29.3%

3. Nature Walks 23.3%

4. Tennis/Racket Sports 19.0%

5. Sledding/Tobogganing 16.0%

6. Ice Skating 15.0%

7. Football/Soccer/Lacrosse 12.3%

8. Basketball 9.0%

9. Bicycling Trips 8.7%

Table IV-7 presents the results of a 1986 Maryland Outdoor and
Leisure Survey which was conducted in the Tidewater Region and
lists participation rates for recreation activities. This survey
contains a more extensive list of recreation activities and
indicates that swimming, baseball/softball, basketball and
tennis are the most popular active recreation endeavors. The
regional survey also ranked a number of passive activities such
as picnics, fishing and nature walks high in popularity.

comparison of the 1984 survey and the 1986 regional survey
suggests that active recreation is more popular in Talbot than in
other Tidewater Counties. The regional survey also indicated a
higher participation ratio for some recreation activities than
were indicated in the 1984 survey. For example, in 1984, 35% of
the Talbot population was estimated to participate in swimming.
In 1986, almost 47% of the regional respondents indicate they
swim in pools. Participation ratios for baseball/softball and
tennis are similar in both surveys. Basketball is far more
popular in the region (20.5% participation ratio) than in Talbot
County with a 9.0% participation ratio.

The 1986 survey is also reflective of the natural resources and
conditions of the various regions of the State. In the Tidewater
region certain activities such as fishing, motorboating,

canoeing, rafting and kayaking have above average participation.
Those activities with below average participation are camping and
downhill skiing.

TABLE IV-7

ACTIVITIES.RANKED BY POPULARITY
TIDEWATER REGIONI

RANK ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION
RATIO

1. Concerts, fairs or festivals 55.1%
2. Swimming (pool) 46.9%
3. Swimming (beach) 42.9%
4, Picnicking 42.5%
5. Fishing 39.0%
6. Baseball/softball 31.5%
7. Motorboating 28.7%
8. Nature walks 24.4%
9. Basketball 20.5%
10. Tennis 17.8%
11. Football/soccer/lacrosse 17.3%
12. Hunting 16.1%
13. Hiking .14.6%
14. Canoeing, rafting, kayaking 13.0%
15. camping 12.6%
16. Off-road vehicles 11.4%
17. Water-Skiing 11.4%
18. Sailing 9.8%
19. Golf 9.4%
20. Ice skating 9.1%
21* Horseback riding 9.1%
22. Target/skeet shooting at range 8.3%
23. Other racquet sports 8.3%
24. Bicycle trips over 10 miles 7.5%
25. Downhill skiing 6.7%
26. Archery 5.9%
27. Cross country skiing 1.2%

Although all of the previously cited surveys have a slightly
different focus, each pertains to participation ratios in
recreation activities. The participation ratios are important
components in the State formula which estimates peak facility
demand for different types of recreation activity. As stated
earlier, the 1982 County survey indicates.popular vacation

recreation activities among a sample of Talbot County residents.
The 1984 State survey is of county-oriented activities only and
reflects the xesponse of a sample taken from the Upper Eastern
Shore. The 1986 survey is oriented to the Tidewater region
and also focuses on county oriented activities.

.Each of the surveys reveal certain activities to be highly
popular. The following table IV-8 lists the top ranked activities
from each survey and is indicative of the type of recreation
facilities that are frequently used in Talbot County.

TABLE IV-8

INDICATIONS OF
RECREATION FACILITY DEMAND

1982 1984 1986
RANK COUNTY SURVEY STATE SURVEY REGIONAL SURVEY

1. Swimming swimming Swimming (pool)

2. Boating Baseball/ Swimming(beach)
Softball

3. Fishing/ Nature Walks Picnicking
Hunting

4. Golf Tennis Fishing

5. Camping Sledding/ Baseball/
Tobogganing softball

6. Snow Ski Ice Skate Motorboating

7 Ice Skate Football/ Nature walks
soccer/
lacrosse

8. Water Ski Basketball Basketball

9. n.a. Bicycling Tennis

10. n.a. n.a. Football/
soccer

Certain recreation activities such as swimming, boating,
baseball/softball, tennis, nature walks, football/soccer and
basketball are consistently popular based on the three surveys.

The results of the three surveys are f airly broad and 'must be
used in combination with other sources to obtain a true
reflection of the recreation interests of County residents. The
more popular activities do correlate with the information
obtained from citizen and agency interviews.

The 1994 Facility and Acreage Requirements, as contained in the
Maryland Recreation And Open Space Plan, were used to evaluate
the adequacy of existing recreation facilities with peak
facility demand. Although the facility estimates are three years
old, they are a reliable source since the population of Talbot
County has not increased significantly and the participation
ratios are the most accurate available. Table IV-9 indicates
recreation demand for county-oriented facilities in 1985, 1990
and 1995. The following conclusions can be drawn from the 1995
peak facility demands and the inventory of existing recreation
facilities.

1. There will be a need for additional swimming.pools in
Talbot County in the coming decade.

2. Although the analysis indicates an additional demand of
-3.3 miles of nature trails and walks, these types of
facilities occur in private and quasi-public areas. In
addition, the provision of natural parks may satisfy
this type of demand. Nature walks occur in places that
are accessible but are not publicly owned. it is
highly unlikely that all the routes for nature walks
in Talbot County are inventoried. The official walks
amount to a total of 3 miles in a combined
hiking/nature walk category. Although there may be
need for more trails or a more accessible system, the
popularity of nature walks reflects that people hike on
their land or other private property.

3. Extensive facility demands are not expected between
1985 and 1995 due to the slow rate of projected
population growth.

4. The County owns and operates the Hog Neck Arena at the
Talbot County Community Center which accommodates ice
skating, curling, and roller skating. This facility is
not considered in the State evaluation and, by State
standards, meets the peak facility demand for ice
skating. It should be noted that recent meetings and

TABLE IV-,9

TALBOT COUNTY RECREATION DEMAND OF IN-COUNTY RESIDENTS
FOR COUNTY-ORIENTED FACILITIES (1985, 1990, & 1995)

PARTICI NW'OF -WIV, OCCASIONS ADXSTED LEWTH FACILITY NININ1M PEAK
PATION PARTICI- YEARLY MOWK) OCCASIONS OF CAPACITY FACILITIES FACILITIES
11ATE(Z) PANTS OCCUR- PER YEAR JEWDED SEASON PER DAY KHANDED KNAED
MENCES PER YEAR

im POP11LATION: 26101

SASEINI/SOFTIALL 29*3 7Ws 22,8 174365, 173521, 220 10 ITIELD 10 FIELDS 15 FIELDS
3ASPITIALL 9.0 2349. 30.4 71412, 6M4, 235 0 /CM1RT 4 CM1RTS 6 COWTS
JICYCLING TRIPS 8,7 Z1719 22#2 50411# 5W5. 260 200 /NILE I AILES I HILES
FOOTW1LL/SOCCER/LAC1tOSSE 12#3 3210, 24#6 78976- 76422- 260 .80 /FIELD 4 FIELDS 6 FIELDS
SCE SKATIN .1560 3913, 611 23882# 23672, 30 1500 /ACRE I AM I ACRES
07W VALKS 23,3 6082, 2B,7 174540, 1764", 270 196 /KILE 3 MILES 5 NILES
.0LE801106/708066MINS 1690 4176, 041 3W* 336400 10 2000 /NILE 2 NILES 3 NILES
SPECTATOR SPORTS 45#0 11745, 11s4 133896. 133099, 240 1 /SEAT 350 SEATS 837 SEATS
BVINNINS IN POOLS 35,0 9135, 25*3 231124, 232294e 115 5000 /ACRE 0 ACES I ACRES
IMS/AADOE7 SPORTS 19#0 4W# 16#9 Oslo. am, Z?o 32 /COWT 12 COWS 18 CRRTS

ON4
im POWTI 0 2000

WAEMLLISOFTMLL 29#3 7764, 22#8 177031* 174811, 220 so IFIELD 10 FIELDS 15 FIELDS
WAKETYLL f#0 2305, 30#4 72504o 68247o 90 AM 4 M1RTS 3 COURTS
RICYCLINS IRM 8,7 2306, 22,2 51102. 51270# 260 200 AILE I NILES I RILES
FOOTULLAWCER/LACROSSE 12,3 3259# 24#6 80184t 7M. 260 00 /FIELD 4 FIELDS 5 FIELDS
ICE WTINS 1560 3m, 6,1 24247* @Z16"# 30 150 /ACK I AM 1 ACRES
NATtK NAM 23*3 6174. 28,7 1772M. 10W# 270 196 /KILE 3 HILES 5 NILES
SLEDDING/TOWMINS 16#0 4240* .8#1 34344, 3W4* 10 2000 /NILE 2 NILES 3 AILES
GPECTATOIt SPORI 4510 lim, 11*4 135945# 13945, 240 1 AEAT 566 MATS 650 SEATS
9AMINS IN POOLS 35,0 9Ms 25#3 234657, 2M, .115 5000 /ACRE 0 AM I ACRES
TONS/RACKET SPORTS 194 5W, 16-1 IMI IW4* 220 32 /1COWT 12 CMRTS is CM1RTS

1"5 POPULATION! 26801

MEMLL/WTIALL 29.3 7853. 22-8 179041o IM", 220 go /Fw to FIELDS 15 FIELDS
WMETIALL 94 2412, 30*4 73328* ."132, 235 90 /=T 4 cows 3 COURTS
3ICYCLI1B TRIPS 8,7 =, 22#2 51763, 51911* 200 /NILE I NILES I NILES
FO0TKL/SOCCE1VLACROSSE 124 32979 2496 81094, 49mg 360 .10 /FIELD 3 FIELDS 5 FIELDS
ICE KAT1116 1590 4020* 6*1 24523, 23591. 30 IWO /ACRE I =6 I ACRES
STURE WW 23.3 6245o 21.7 17WI. IVMI Vo 1% AIILE 4 KILES 5 NILES
SMIDAVTO808GANING 16#0 4218, &1 RM, =me 10 -M INILE 2 NILES I NILES
SPECTATOR SPORI 45oO 12060, 11*4 lV489, W4890 20 1 ADT 573 SEATS 0 SEATS
WINNING IN POILS 354 9380, 25*3 23M3, 242508, 115 5000 /ACRE 0 AMES I ACRES
TWISAVW SPORTS 19,0 5M, 1699 16056, SM90 220 .32 /COWT 12 CMIRTS 18 MTS

Source: "Maryland Recreation and Open Space Plan: 1984 Facility and Acreage
Requirements", June 1984 Report by the Maryland Department of State
Planning

interviews in the County revealed a resident need for
additional indoor recreation facilities and a desire to
expand the programmed activities at the Community
Center.

5. The State indicated that a total of fifteen
baseball/softball fields would be needed by 1995.
However, the 1986 inventory indicates that Talbot
County already has 34 fields. Regardless, local
residents have indicated a need for additional playing
fields.

6. Six basketball courts will be needed by 1995 and the
inventory indicates sixteen existing courts. Although
the survey would indicate an adequate number of
basketball courts, additional indoor courts for
basketball and volleyball were among the needs noted in
the citizen meetings.

7. The State forecasts indicate a need for 12.5 miles of
bicycling trails by 1995. There are already more than
20 miles of bike trails in the County.

8. The County also appears to have an adequate number-of
-football, soccer and lacrosse fields. Five fields are
demanded by 1995 and 22 fields are currently available.
The existing number of football/soccer fields would
indicate a higher rate of participation than estimated
in the State survey. Field sports such as soccer and
lacrosse are growing in popularity and facility demands
for these activities should be closely examined.

9. The State Survey estimates 860 seats for spectator
sports will be demanded by 1995. The inventory
indicates the County seating capacity is well in
excess of this requirement.

10. Courts for tennis and racquet sports, especially
tennis, are popular facilities in Talbot County.
According to the State estimates eighteen courts will
be the peak demand in 1995. The inventory listed 40
courts in 1987. Again, in light of the extensive
number of existing facilities, the participation ratio
for this activity should be carefully analyzed.

There are currently more recreation facilities in Talbot County
than the State indicates will be needed, at peak time in 1995.
The participation ratios used for Talbot County apsp'ear to be
understated since all of the current facilities are used on a
frequent basis. Furthermore, meetings and interviews with
residents indicate a desire for additional facilities. There
are several demand estimates that correlate with local
perceptions of need: additional indoor facilities and programs
and the need for additional swimming pools are clearly needed by
1995.

The above analysis focuses on county-oriented facilities as
defined by the State. Many regional activities and the use of
natural resources such as the Chesapeake Bay, are also enjoyed by
County residents. These other activities are categorized as
regional and State -and attract participants from beyond the
county boundaries.

A common sense evaluation of the existing inventory of recreation
facilities provides insight into both facility demand and those
activities with very high or low participation rates. The
facilities inventory indicates there are 34 baseball and
softball fields, 16 basketball courts, 46 tennis courts and 22
football or soccer fields. In all of the above cases, the
current numbers of facilities far exceed the projections for peak
demand in 1995. There are also over 800 boat slips, over 8,000
stadiums seats and numerous private- and quasi-public facilities.
When compared to standards for the population of Talbot, these
might seem like unusually high numbers. The conclusion is that
baseball and softball, basketball, spectator sports, tennis,
boating and football or soccer are highly popular in the County.

EVALUATION OF EXISTING PARKS,RECREATION AREAS AND OPEN SPACES

The preceding analysis examined the adequacy of specific
recreation facilities in comparison to estimates of peak demand.
This section examines, analyzes and evaluates existing parks,
recreation areas and open spaces in relation to the standards and
criteria which were established in Chapter II. The local , arks
p
and recreation areas are analyzed as to their adequacy in
satisfying acreage requirements, availability of facilities,
recreational opportunities and serviceability to the people of
Talbot County. The analysis will show that Talbot County provides
lands for park and recreation areas in excess of the recommended
acreage standards and, with a few exceptions, the service radius
of the local park system is excellent.

TABLE IV-10

COMPARISON OF EXISTING INVENTORY TO ESTABLISHED STANDARDS

ACREAGE EXISTING MAXIMUM EXISTING
TYPE OF STANDARDS PER ACREAGE PER ACRES INVENTORY
FACILITY 1000 PEOPLE 1000 PEOPLE NEEDEDI ACREAGE DIFFERENCE

LOW HIGH

1. Mini Parks 0.25 .0.50 0.12 13.85 3.25 (-10.60@

2. Neighborhood 1.00 2.50 4.58 69.25 127.00 57.75
Parks

3. Community
Parks 5.00 8.00 3.88 221.60 107.50 (-114.60)

4. County Parks 5.00 10.00 11.86 277.00 328.50 +51.50

5. Waterfront 1.00 2.00 2.20 55.40 61.70 +6.30
Parks &
Public
Landings

6. Special Parks 5.00 7.00 35.76 193.90 990.60 +796.70

SUB-TOTAL LOCAL 17.25 30.00 58.40 831.00 1,618.55 +787.55

7. State Parks 25.003 25.003 17.72 692.50 491.00 (-201.50)

TOTAL ACREAGE 42.25 55.00 76.12 1,523.50 2,109.55 +5

1. Based on Estimated July 1987 Population of 27,700 for Talbot County as given in
the "Maryland Population Report", December 1984, by "Maryland Center for Health
Statistics, Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene".

2. Number in parenthesis indicates additional acreage needed to satisfy demand per
established standards.

3. From "Maryland Recreation and Open Space Plan: 1984 Facility and Acreage
Requirements" report.

Overall Acreage Standards

An overall acreage goal of 55 acres per 1000 persons was
established for Talbot County in the State Recreation and Open
Space Plan. Local parks were to provide 30 acres/1000 persons and
the remaining 25 acres/1000 persons were to be regional and state
lands. The following sections indicate that Talbot County
provides land f or park and recreation use f ar in excess of the
recommended standards.

According to the standard f or locally oriented parks, Talbot
County should provide 831 acres of land based on an estimated
1987 population of 27,700 persons. The inventory reveals that
Talbot actually provides 1,618.55 acres, an excess of 787.55
acres. This equates to a ratio of 58.4 acres/1000 persons which
is almost twice as much as the recommended standard of 30
acres/1000 persons. The analysis of land for local parks also
does not include over 4300 acres of private parkland.

The State presently provides 491 acres of park and recreation
land in the County-a deficiency of 201.5 acres when compared to
the 25 acres/1000 persons standard. Overall, the area of local
and State parks within Talbot County totals 2,109.55 acres which
provides a county-wide ratio of 76.15 acres/1000 persons. The
existing.ratio exceeds the recommended standard by over 21 acres
per 1000 persons. Table IV-10 compares existing park and
recreation land with the recommended standards outlined in
Chapter II.

Evaluation of Mini-Parks

Talbot County does not provide an adequate level of mini-parks
according to the recommended standards. The current inventory
indicates 3.25 acres devoted to this classification which is
10.6 acres short of the recommended acreage.

Mini-parks are usually devoted to tot lots and/or passive
recreation facilities and are typically found in densely
populated areas. Both of the existing facilities are located
within the incorporated areas of Easton.

The absence of mini-parks in Talbot County is not surprising when
you consider that the unincorporated areas are sparsely populated
and the need for such facilities is minimal. Surveys of Talbot
residents have also revealed that a vast majority of people
believe their yards are adequate play areas for children. The
School-Community Centers Program is also a substitute for the
more traditional mini-park and a portion of this demand is being
met through these activities.

or' ova
le School

r va Park

Uppert County
Elem 43chool

erry Cabin Par

Street Park asant School
W Z'
us at Park, Glenw d
Ar
Elem chool
W't St. Michaels out Street Par
ifman a
lem.& Middle S..choo J.
out Clifton Park
oll

ar
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M
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i Ifiman Park.
Par
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'0@0'
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SERVICE AREA OF APARKS map mo IV-3
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS 0 SCHOOLS

2 4

Wiles Dailey Kane
Talbot County, Mairyland (as of 1987)-. R*gtm Va. Sarasota. Fla.
82

Wye Mills-....

Skipton-Newton

Cor Va

ngwoods

A
Co ervill
*01alborne. 011
PAunis'Mil S
0; - ewistown
McDaniel atth ws
X ST. ICHAEL 0, 0 ZAI
Wittman iniOnvil
Mwir ASTON

Bozma 4
Sherw
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IV
t 0
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ILU

Be
ev
Fair Bank. "Nin hill
X@OR
r Ille
Bar. ck' . ......
TRAPPE

I.BOZMAN
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2. TUNIS MILLS-UN
3. ROYAL OAK

T
4. TRAPPE STATION
5.EASTON WEST
6. IVYTOWN
-MATTHEWS
7. LEWISTOWN
8. WINDYHIL.L-BRUCEVILLE

POTENTIAL SERVICE AREAS Mao No IV-4
NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY PARKS

miles

1 0 2 4 6

wiles Dailey Kane
Talbot County, Maryland (as of 1987) Reston. Va. Sarasota. Fla.

1100"

Michaels
High.School
0 P rk 10 ew rk

n
hast Is School
E 10 gh Scho
to ol

p
Ridge Park
y

Bellevue Park

Oxford Town Park

Mao No IV-5
SERVICE AREA OF COMMUN.ITY
IPARKS ALPARKS
0 SCHOOLS-MIDDLE 4 6
&SECONDARY Wiles Dailey, Kano'
albot County. Maryland (as of 1987) Reston. Va. Sarasota. Fla.

Wyo Mills

81 ipton - ewton

Cor va

Longwoods
.7 '6COPperville@_
LewistOwn
al
Tunis M
Mafthews
8,. MICHAEL
ON
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80z
herw 7'i

Punch Poin ewco o n
Ro it It'

Ne v

-TILGHMAN.'-.,'
W(6dyhM
Fair Bank TRAPPE
. - .. I Bruceville
Bar Neck

SERVICE AREA OF Map No IV-6
NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY
mom
PARKS i
1 2 4 6

Wiles Dailey Kane
Talbot County, Maryland (as of 1987)1 Reston. Va. Saraswa. Fla.

Evaluation of Neighborhood Parks

There are 20 -neighborhood parks in Talbot County comprising 127
acres. This equates to 4.58 acres/1000 persons which is well
above the recommended standard of 2.5 acres/1000 persons. Table
IV-10 shows an acreage surplus of 57.75 acres in the Neighborhood
Parks classif ication while a def iciency of 114. 1 acres is shown
in the Community Park category. However, these findings may be
an indication of the difficulty in distinguishing between
neighborhood and community parks in the classif ication system
rather than a deficiency in the number of facilities provided.
The two classifications should be merged when making a judgment
as to present and future demand.

The geographic distribution and service area of neighborhood
parks is shown on Map IV-3. The map indicates a concentration of
neighborhood parks near Cordova, Easton, Trappe, Oxford, Neavitt,
Tilghman Island and St. Michaells.

Several of the villages and population concentrations within the
County such as Windyhill, Bruceville, Bozman, Tunis Mills,
Unionville, Royal Oak, Trappe Station, Lewistown, Matthews and
south Easton are not within the recommended service area for
existing neighborhood and community parks. These potentia 1
service areas are shown on Map IV-4 and indicate areas of the
County which may need future neighborhood or community park
facilities.

Evaluation of Community Parks

The service areas and geographic distribution of Community Parks
are shown on Map IV-5. Community parks are closely related to the
more urban areas of the County and are in proximity to middle or
high school facilities. The Easton, Oxford and St. Michaels
areas are well served by the existing community park system.

The combined service area and geographic distribution of
neighborhood and community parks provide a reasonable opportunity
f or most of the County residents to participate in recreational
activities. The rural character of the County, and existing
population distributions, make the conventional or more urban
standards of service area difficult to meet. However, the service
radius used for Map IV-6 has been adjusted to meet the local
conditions in Talbot County and the above geographic coverage is
reflective.of existing service and future need.

Based on the recommended standard of 8 acres/1000 persons, it
would appear that the County needs to add 114. 1 acres to the
community park system. The standards indicate a demand of 221.6
acres and the inventory shows only 107.5 acres of community

Evaluation of Neighborhood Parks

There are 20 -neighborhood parks in Talbot County comprising 127
acres. This equates to 4.58 acres/1000 persons which is well
above the recommended standard of 2.5 acres/1000 persons. Table
IV-10 shows an acreage surplus of 57.75 acres in the Neighborhood
Parks classification while a deficiency of 114.1 acres is shown
in the Community Park category. However, these findings may be
an indication of the difficulty in distinguishing between
neighborhood and community parks in the classif ication system
rather than a deficiency in the number of facilities provided.
The two classifications should be merged when making a judgment
as to present and future demand.

Several of the villages and population concentrations within the
County such as Windyhill, Bruceville, Bozman, Tunis Mills,
Unionville, Royal Oak, Trappe Station, Lewistown, Matthews and
south Easton are not within the recommended service area for
existing neighborhood and community parks. These potential
service areas are shown on Map IV-4 and indicate areas of the
County which may need future neighborhood or community park
facilities.

Evaluation of Community Parks

The combined service area and geographic distribution of
neighborhood and community parks provide a reasonable opportunity
for most of the County residents to participate in recreational
activities. The rural character of the County, and existing
population distributions, make the conventional or more urban
standards of service area difficult to meet. However,.the service
radius used for Map IV-6 has been adjusted to meet the local
conditions in Talbot County and the above geographic coverage is
reflective of existing service and future need.

parkland. Again, the significance of this deficiency should be
evaluated in conjunction with acreage within the neighborhood
park classification. It should also be noted that a special
classification - waterfront parks and public landings - is part
of the County classification system. These water-oriented parks,
with boat landings, ramps, slips and picnic facilities, provide
many of the functions found within a typical community park.
There are 21 waterfront parks which contain 61.7 acres. The
special park classification also provides land and facilities for
community park functions. There are 12 special parks with over
990 acres located within the County.

When all of the park classifications are considered, it is
doubtful whether there is any acreage deficiency within the
neighborhood and community park system. The apparent need or
demand is for a better service area for those villages and
locations shown on Map IV-4.

County Parks

Talbot County currently provides 310.0 acres of County parkland
at Hog Neck Golf Course and Talbot County Community Center. Based
on a standard of 10 acres per 1000 persons, the County should
provide 277 acres. The present inventory exceeds the acreage
standard by more than 33 acres.

It is interesting to note that when the acreage of neighborhood,
community and county parks are combined and compared to the
collective standard of 20.5 acres/1000 persons, there is almost a
balance between acreage demand and existing inventory. An overall
deficiency of less than 5 acres results from such a combined
analysis. Again, this indicates a locational need as opposed to
demand for additional acreage.

Summary

The overall conclusion of the analysis and evaluation of existing
parks, in relation to acreage standards, is that the County
exceeds the suggested State guideline of 30 acres of local parks
per 1000 population and presently provides 58.4 acres/1000
persons.

The acreage evaluation was based on the assumption that the 1987
population of Talbot County was 27,700 persons, as estimated by
the Maryland Department of Health. Future estimates by other
State agencies indicate a 1995 population of less than 27,000
persons. Therefore, unless future population estimates change
dramatically, the demand evaluation represents both present and
future acreage needs of Talbot County.

The analysis of recreation facilities - i.e. fields, courts,etc.-
indicates that demand for the majority of locally oriented
activities is being met by the County and/or towns and the
estimated peak facilities for 1995 are presently available to the
residents of Talbot County. Further, the facility analysis shows
that some of the existing facilities substantially exceed the
State's current and projected peak demands. There are some
facilities, such as swimming pools and nature trails, which are
not adequate to meet future demand.

The unusual popularity and demand for some activities (such as
softball and tennis), are expressed in surveys and
questionnaires conducted in the County. These local preferences
partially explain the apparent oversupply of these facilities,
as measured by State and regional participation ratios. Indeed,
local surveys and questionnaires indicate a desire for
additional facilities such as baseball/softball fields, tennis
courts,indoor play areas and other active games. This indicates
either a deficiency in the current participation rates or a
problem of geographic distribution and convenience.

An evaluation of the geographic location of neighborhood and
community parks does identify certain small urban areas and
villages within Talbot County which are not readily accessible to
the existing parks and recreational facilities.

DEMAND FOR NATURAL OPEN SPACE

The demand f or natural open space and unique natural parks has
been measured differently than the active park and recreation
facilities of the County. Demand for natural open space is
evaluated in terms of critical environmental areas which may be
endangered by urban development. This section contains a brief
examination of some of the County's natural open space areas,
their sensitivities and protection needs. The section also
identifies natural areas which provide opportunities for
possible recreational use. A summary of the sensitivities and
protection needs of some of the more significant resources are
also outlined herein and are discussed in detail in the critical
Areas Element of the Comprehensive Plan.

Forest Land

Forest land is defined as those areas of 5 acres or more which
are dominated by trees or other woody plants. This includes land
that has been cut, but not cleared.

Many of the higher quality forest sites in the county have little
development pressure because of their location away from the

shoreline, steepness or poor drainage, Primary stresses on these
sites includes timber harvesting, clearing for agriculture, and
clearing for-individual residences. Although many of these
stands can be harvested for timber with proper management, the
more sensitive stands with high diversity of habitats or species,
wetlands, or steep slopes should be further identified and
,inventoried. High quality areas that might be subjected to
clearing or development could be suitable for protection by
acquisition. Joint use of forested areas, such as
cons ervat ion/preservat ion areas and recreational facilities, may
afford adequate protection.

The smaller forest sites along shorelines, particularly areas
without steep slopes or wetlands, are highly vulnerable to
development pressure, in addition to the above pressures. Such
areas are currently protected only through the desires of the
landowner. The Critical Area Plan, however, will require a loo
foot buffer for their protection. Preservation incentives such as
easements or acquisition as natural parks or recreation areas
would be an additional means of long-term preservation or
conservation.

Beaches, Sandy Shores, and Bluffs

The small extent of these resources makes them vulnerable to
endangerment by development pressure, as does their location.
The main pressure on these areas is from development for
residential or commercial use, bulkheading, removal of natural
vegetation and forestland above the shore, and restriction of
access. Other potential threats include blockage of shoreline
transport of sand materials by jetties. Jetties can reduce the
amount of sand deposited on beaches and lead to erosion and loss
of beach. Control of development through acquisition as
recreational areas is a feasible alternative. Another benef it
would be the transfer of the costs to stabilize and control the
shoreline zone to a wider user base.

Threatened and Endangered Species Habitats

The primary species of concern in Talbot County are the Delmarva
f ox squirrel and the bald eagle. Eagles usually nest near the
shore within line of sight distance of the water. Much of their
f eeding is done in the shore or along the bay. Threats to the
bald eagle include contamination of the food chain and disruption
of nesting activities. Activities resulting in discharge of
pesticides and metals into natural waters are a threat to the
eagle. To prevent disruption of nesting, no development or
clearing should take place within 660 feet of a nest. No
development or clearing should take place within 1/2 mile during
nesting season, and no disturbance should take place within 330

feet during nesting season.

The clearing of mixed pine-hardwood or hardwood forests over five
acres may result in loss of Delmarva fox squirrel populations, if
the animals are present. Any forested area or forest margin
should be examined f or their presence bef ore development.
minimum areas of five acres or a minimum marginal zone should be
left intact. Delmarva fox squirrel habitat is generally
compatible with low intensity recreational activities such as
camping, where the tree canopy is left largely intact. Thus such
areas may be suitable for use as parks or recreational
facilities.

Wetlands

Filling, clearing of timber, and alterations to hydrologic
conditions constitute major wetland stresses. Protective needs
may include restriction of timber harvest, enforcement of setback
lines for construction and filling, and development of criteria
for prevention of hydrologic disruptions of freshwater subsidies,
hydroperiod, and salinity. Recreational facilities are generally
compatible with wetlands. Acquisition for recreational purposes
of land with wetlands could afford a secondary tier of protection
in addition to regulatory implementation. However, boat and
marina facilities are not compatible uses within tidal wetlands.

Choptank River System

Due to the presence of significant shellfish beds, anadromous
f ish spawning areas, aquatic nursery areas, and submerged
aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds, special protection needs should be
afforded to this basin. Erosion and runoff need to be minimized
to prevent sedimentation, nutrient loading, and pesticide
release. Maintenance of buffer zones and the acquisition of land
adjacent to the river and tributaries to be used for low
intensi'ty recreational use can be major protection elements.
Special attention must also be paid to siting of water-related
facilities. These should be located near deep water with the
minimum possible dredging or disturbance of shallow zones. The
shortest possible access line f or boats to the bay and mainstem
of the river should be provided.

Public Access to the Bay

As indicated in the inventory section of this report, public
access to the Bay comes in many forms. The Chesapeake Bay is
considered to be the major recreation resource of Talbot County
and access to the bay is provided by landings, wharf s, piers,
marinas, boat slips as well as through private yacht clubs.

Surveys indicate that Talbot County residents consider the
public access to the Bay as adequate. However, the Bay is a
regional and State wide resource and demand for additional
access will be made in the future. Potential access includes
more water-oriented facilities such as swimming beaches and
improved facilities at existing public landings and ramps.

The Preservation Needs as described above are discussed in
further detail in.the Critical Areas Plan.

Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation, Outdoor Recreation and
Leisure Survey, 1986.

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INTRODUCTION

Talbot County and the incorporated towns have an extensive park
system for an area of their size. Not only does the County
provide land in excess of contemporary acreage standards, a
large majority of the local parks are extensively developed
with a variety of recreation facilities. Future need for park
acquisition and development for active facilities stems from
locational criteria and locally perceived needs as opposed to
any overall deficiencies in existing acreage and facilities.

Population growth is also not expected to place any significant
pressure on the park and open space system of the county except
in that it may stress natural areas. The changing composition
of the County's population - a maturing population - may
eventually effect facility development within the park system.
However, this trend has no discernible impact on park needs at
the present time.

The County's concern for the natural environment and the local
perception that the Chesapeake Bay, and its adjoining waters,
provides the residents with their most valuable recreation
facility, is also a major factor in developing recommendations
for land preservation and recreation. A number of the County's
significant natural resources occur at sites where recreational
use and natural parks may be desirable. Several of these
resource areas have environmental characteristics which are
generally compatible with recreation and conservation use and
could be incorporated into the Land Preservation and Recreation
Plan. These areas, and their environmental functions and
recreational potential, are described herein.

The recommendations contained in the 1982 Talbot County
Recreation and Open Space Plan were also reviewed and compared
to this report's findings and suggestions. The original
recommendations, findings and suggestions of that Plan have
been updated and incorporated into the 1987 Land Preservation
and Recreation Plan.

SUMMARY OF PROBLEMS, ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The preceding chapters of this report have discussed a number
of problems, issues and opportunities relative to parks,. open
space and recreation facilities. In addition, the 1982 Plan
outlined certain key issues which effect parks and open space.
The following is a brief summary of these issues and
opportunities. It is intended that the specific

recommendations for active parks, recreation facilities and
programs and natural parks will alleviate these issues and
problems.

1. There are certain areas of the County which lack
adequate provision of recreational facilities.
For the most part, these areas are located
outside the -recommended service radius of
existing neighborhood or community parks. These
areas should be provided with at least a minimum
of recreational services despite their lack of a
supporting population base. The Plan should
address this deficiency and recommend
alternative solutions to this problem.

2. The County should continue to be sensitive to
the people's needs, as they are expressed'at
public forums, and review recreational services
on an "as needed" level in addition to the park
and facility standards.

3. The recommended standards provide a generalized
framework and guidelines for accomplishing the
satisfactory provision of recreational needs to
all the County's residents. The standards may,
however, be customized to accommodate a special
situation or an area's varying development
conditions. These matters should be left to the
judgment of the County recreation staff.

4. Facilities provided within an active park should
respond to the prospective user characteristics
and be sensitive to general requirements such as
... the parks should provide for both passive
and active recreation"! as nearly 90% of the
respondents to the County's recreation
questionnaire felt. However, people attending
meetings and interview's regarding future issues
felt the natural environment should provide for
the majority of passive recreation

5. The public information program should be
continued. People should be continuously in-
formed as to where parks are located, the type
and range of facilities provided and the
recreational programs offered.

6. Joint use planning and programming efforts with
the schools and incorporated towns should be
emphasized. Whenever possible, school sites

should be developed to meet the social,
educational and recreational needs of the
County.

7. Public access to the Bay and waterfront
recreation areas and facilities should be
improved in coordination with the "Critical
Areas Plan".

A special effort should be made to integrate
Historic Preservation into the land preservation
and recreation process. Talbot County is rich
with historic structures and sites and, in some
cases, recreational activities could be provided
within such sites. At a minimum, these historic
structures and places fulfill an important
cultural need of the County, State and region.
The feasibility of such a combination should be
examined on a case by case basis.

9. Although there are many opportunities for
outdoor recreational activities, there is need
for additional indoor recreational facilities.
There is an expressed need for an indoor aquatic
center and many feel the programs at the
Community Center should be expanded.

10. The evaluation of existing park and recreation
areas revealed that these facilities generally
satisfy the needs of County residents. With the
exception of the previously mentioned urban
pockets,-the County provides adequate public
recreational and open space opportunities within
its political boundaries. The County's long
range plan, goals and objectives are attainable
with the addition of a few properly distributed
recreational facilities.

11. The County should continue to coordinate
recreation planning and programming with the
incorporated areas. The County and the towns
should also evaluate the possibility of park and
recreational space when planning for other local
public facilities.

12. The County should carefully evaluate the
"Critical Areas Plan" which will provide
opportunities for open space, preservation,
conservation and recreation facilities. Natural
parks and recreational open spaces could:

provide additional acreage for satisfying
overall State Standards; maintain and improve
the water quality of the County's most important
recreation resource - the Bay; be an important
asset for preserving the rural character of the
County; provide opportunities for public access
to the waterfront; and protect unique natural
areas.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTIVE PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

The 1982 Recreation and Open Space Plan listed, in its
acquisition program, a need for additional active parks and
recreation facilities. That program listed eight sites
associated with particular communities, two waterfront
locations, and public landings in general. These sites have
been further evaluated in this Plan and still are the areas in
need of additional open space in Talbot County. 'The following
active parks are recommended for acquisition and development by
the County and towns.

Mini Parks

Mini parks should be provided in conjunction with future urban
development. Developers should be encouraged to provide land
for mini parks within the immediate area of their subdivisions.
Facility development should be tailored to the needs of the
immediate users.

It is recommended @ that future major developments or subdivi-
sions, provide mini park space at the ratio of 400 square feet
per lot. The location of the mini park should be designated on
the subdivision plat and either dedicated to the town or an ap-
proved homeowners association formed for that development. Sub-
divisions or developments of less than 25 lots should be en-
couraged to contribute funds for use at the surrounding
neighborhood and community park system. Large lot subdivisions,
should be excluded f rom this provision since these areas will
have private play space for children and residents.

Neighborhood and Community Parks

The following neighborhood and/or community parks should be
considered. The need for these parks comes from expressed
community desires and an inadequate service radius of the
existing park system, as measured by the standards and criteria
in Chapter II of this Plan. As noted above, many of these areas
were also recommended in the 1982 Recreation and open Space

Plan. It should be clearly understood that the herein recommen-
dations relate to the park area. Although the facilities that
were recommended in the 1982 Plan are noted, it is our recom-
mendation that the facilities that are ultimately developed in
these parks be determined by the Parks and Recreation Depart-
ment in connection with area residents.

1. Claiborne/McDaniel: Although these communities are
within the service of existing neighborhood
parks (See Map IV-3), the residents have
continually requested a park in the area.

The 1982 Plan noted that since the creation of
the Department of Parks & Recreation these
communities have requested a park which both
communities could share. The Plan indicated
that active recreational facilities, such as
tennis courts, playing fields and playgrounds,
should be contained within these park areas.

A community park is recommended for this area
since it could also serve the residents from
Claiborne to Tilghman Island- an area which is
not within the service radius of an existing
- community park.

2. Bozman: A neighborhood park is recommended for
this area. The 1982 Plan noted that "requests
from the community for a Park in Bozman began in
1977. Bozman will require a park of 4 to 6
acres which would provide space for a Softball
Field, Tennis Courts, Football /Soccer Field,
Picnic Area and Playground Equipment."

3. Tunis Mills and Unionville: A neighborhood park is
recommended for the area of Tunis Mills, Union-
ville and Copperville. Map IV-4 indicates that
this area is not presently served by either a
neighborhood or community park. The 1982 Plan
stated that "this community will require a
minimum four acre site to provide a Softball
Field, Tennis Courts and Playground Equipment.
Early stages of planning have identified a need
in Unionville for the young adults in the
community."

4. Lewistown and Matthews: A small neighborhood park of
four to six acres is needed in this area. Ac-

cording to the results of a resident survey, the
facilities should include a Softball Field,
Football/Soccer Field, Tennis Courts, Picnic
and Play Equipment. The area is not within the
recommended service radius of either a neighbor-
hood or community park.

5. Windyhill and Bruceville: These communities are also
outside the recommended service radius of exist-
ing neighborhood and community parks. There-
fore, a neighborhood park in the range of four
to six acres is recommended. The 1982 Plan in-
dicated that "these communities have been iden-
tified as a service area which will require a
minimum four acre park containing softball,
Little League, Basketball Courts, Playground and
Picnic Area."

6. Ivytown: An additional neighborhood park at
Ivytown will help fulfill some of the unmet
recreation needs of the Easton area. Although
this area is within the service radius of neigh-
borhood and community parks, it is included due
to citizen request. A park at Ivytown was also
recommended in the 1982 Plan which stated that
"open Space needs from Ivytown can be met with a
3 to 5 acre site. Ivytown is recommended to
have a smaller site because of its relative
size. The Park should contain Softball/Little
League, Basketball Courts, Picnic and Playground
Equipment."

7. Royal Oak and Easton West.: Map IV-4 indicates
several additional areas of the County which
need to be monitored for neighborhood park need.
Although these areas are within the service
radius of existing parks, the density of popula-
tion indicates a potential future park need.
Later recommendations for natural parks and/or
recreational open spaces may fulfill this pend-
ing need. Therefore, no specific parks or
facilities are recommended but the needs of
these areas should be further evaluated.

Waterfront Parks and Public Landings
The recommendations f or recreational 'open space ', which were
compiled from the natural resources inventory, indicate a
number of sites with potential for public landings and
waterfront parks. As the need for additional waterfront parks
and public land 'ings is determined, these sites should be
considered. A standard of one public landing per 1000 persons,
as suggested in the 1982 Plan, indicates that additional
waterfront and landing sites will be needed.

It is also recommended that the site of the Old Choptank River
Bridge be maintained as a waterfront recreation area. The Old
Bridge , if feasible,should be utilized as a fishing pier and
public access for swimming and boating should be maintained.

The County Department of Parks and Recreation should continue
their efforts to expand one of the Choptank River Boat
Landings. The recreational open space opportunities, described
hereafter, may provide some guidance for this effort. If one
of those sites could be expanded to include active recreation
facilities, it may also meet the needs of either the Windy
Hill/Bruceville Communities or Lewistown/Matthews Community.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goals and objectives for the 1987 Talbot County Land
Preservation and Recreation Plan are very similar to those
contained in the 1982 Recreation and Open Space Plan. The 1982
goals and objectives were updated and additional goals have
been derived from the County Comprehensive Plan, the Chesapeake
Bay Critical Areas Program,and meetings with citizen groups and
public officials. However, the basic concept and design of the
1987 Land Preservation and Recreation Plan is consistent with
the earlier plan-to provide an adequate level of parks and
recreation facilities for the residents of the County and to
protect and enhance the valuable natural resources of the area.

This section summarizes the major goals for the preservation,
open space and recreation activities of Talbot County. Specific
objectives are outlined for each of the goals and are intended
to provide both qualitative and quantitative measures for the
assessment of goal achievement. All references to the County
are intended to include both the County government and the
incorporated towns within Talbot County.

Goal One: The County should Provide Public Parks, Recreation Facilities and
Open Space Areas to Meet the Psychological, Social, and Physical
needs of all the County residents.

Obiectives

1. Provide open spaces, parks, playgrounds,
and recreational areas that are readily ac-
cessible to the majority of County resi-
dents.

2. Provide the type of active and passive
recreation facilities and opportunities
that will meet locally perceived recrea-
tional needs.

3. Develop and maintain an information program
to insure that as many citizens as possible
are aware of the recreation and open space
opportunities that exist in the County, as
well as the region.

4. Utilize the standards and c lassification
system outlined in this Plan for guidance
in determining the amount, location and
size of future recreation areas. The use
of these standards should be tempered by
local perceptions of need and the recrea-
tion needs of the prospective users of the
planned facilities and/or sites.

51. Develop recreation facilities in public
parks that meet the expressed needs of the
users of the service area.

6. Provide recreation space, facilities and
programs that will meet the needs of spe-
cial user groups - senior citizens, young
people and the physically disabled.

7. Estimate the demand for parks, open space,
recreation facilities, and programs on a
periodic basis - at least every five years
- to assure that the system continually
meets the needs of County residents.

8. Give priority to the acquisition and
development of neighborhood and community
parks since these type of parks are
directly related to locally oriented
recreation needs.

100

9. Encourage the acquisition and development
of waterfront parks in the County for the
use and enjoyment of County residents.

10. Assist local civic organizations by provid-
ing equipment to community parks used for
organized activities.

11. Encourage private individuals,organizations
and quasi-public groups to maintain and
enlarge the present level of non-publicly
owned parks, open space and recreation
facilities.

12. Encourage the development of active
recreation facilities in public parks and
utilize natural parks and/or the natural
environment to provide the majority of
passive recreation activities.

Goal Two: The County Should Provide a Balanced, Diversified Flexible Park
and Recreation Program.

Obiectives

1 Maximize efforts to develop a large
regional park at the Community Center site.
Additional acreage may be needed at this -
site to meet the County's future needs for
youth sports and other active recreational
activities.

2. Continue the policy of joint education-
recreation use of school facilities and,
whenever possible, expand recreation
programming and activities at educational
(school) sites.

3. Encourage joint sponsorship and planning of
recreation programs between the Department
of Parks and Recreation, the County's towns
and quasi-public agencies.

4. Amend the County and Town subdivision
regulations to require the provision of
land for recreation in new developments.
New developments should be encouraged to
provide mini-parks and sites for
neighborhood parks. In addition, the County

.101

should provide incentives to developers for
the provision of recreational facilities at
these sites.

5. maintain an active working relationship
with all private and public organizations
that provide recreation opportunities to
insure that all available recreational
resources are effectively and broadly used
by County residents.
6. Provide a climate which encourages the
private sector to produce appropriate
recreational programs.

7. Establish a user fee policy for special
activities which are sponsored for a
limited number of participants.+

8. Initiate studies to determine the
feasibility of providing additional indoor
recreation facilities such as an aquatic
center.

9. Expand the indoor programs, during non-ice
seasons, that are provided at the Talbot
County Community Center.

Goal Three: Integrate Recreation Planning Policies with other County
Development Goals and Objectives.

Obiggfives

1. Provide a balanced and coordinated system
of parks, open spaces and recreation
facilities which will interconnect County
villages and towns. Assist the towns in
the creation of additional parks and
recreation sp ace.

2. Balance County fiscal allocations for
parks, open space and recreational
programs in relationship to other public
programs.

3. Emphasize the preservation and
improvement of public areas providing
access to the County's water resources,
its major rivers, particularly the

102

County's Scenic Rivers, and the
Chesapeake Bay.

4. Use the land use regulations of the
County to protect natural resources and
provide, when reasonable, additional
sites for park and open space use.

5. Attempt, wherever possible, to
investigate and utilize alternative
opportunities for recreation lands and or
uses, such as abandoned rights-of-way,
closed schools, and tax sale properties.

6. Incorporate historic buildings and sites
into the inventory of park and.
recreation areas. These areas are major
assets and fulfill an important cultural,
leisure and recreation function.

7. Recognize that land preservation and
recreation planning is an important
mechanism for maintaining the rural
character of Talbot county.

Goal Four: Incorporate Land Preservation, Natural Resource Management and
the Protection of the County's Natural and Cultural Environment
into the Park and Recreation Planning Process.

Obiectives

1. Strive to integrate recreational planning
and programming with' the preservation of
the County's natural and cultural
environment. Develop management and
regulatory techniques which will conserve
and/or preserve such assets as farmland,
wetlands, floodplains, upland natural
areas, scenic vistas, historical sites,
unique natural open spaces and shorelines.

2. Coordinate County and town efforts with the
State of Maryland in developing and
implementing a Critical Areas Management
Program. The Program shall include the
designation of areas for conservation,
preservation, and development in accordance
with the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Act.

103

3. Utilize critical areas and natural
resources which are identified in the
Critical Areas Program and the
Comprehensive Plan Update to select new
recreation and open space sites.

4. Emphasize conservation and passive ac-
tivities at the majority of natural parks
and resource areas.

5. Preserve, protect and enhance the coastal
areas of Talbot County while acknowledging
the economic significance of such areas.
Develop techniques and programs which will
preserve the natural beauty of the County's
waterfront.

6. Encourage the creation, preservation and
restoration of marine grass beds, tidal
marshes, and upland forests.

7. Protect and restrict the use of flood
plains for active development and create a
system of linear parks along the streams,
creeks and tributaries of the County.

8. Preserve, the County's wetland areas and,
otherwildlife habitats. Provide incentives
to establish and maintain wildlife
management areas.

9. Protect the quantity and quality of ground
and surface waters. Maintain and improve
water quality at a level suitable for human
contact, shellfish production, and
harvesting.

10. Protect potable water supplies and develop
measures which will prevent saltwater
intrusions into freshwater sources of
potable water.

Many of the goals and objectives from the 1982 Recreation and
Open Space Plan are still relevant to the needs of Talbot
County. These have been integrated with a number of pertinent
goals and objectives from the Comprehensive and Critical Area
Plans and are intended to guide the County's policies and ac-
tions for the coming decade.

104

For many years, the County has made progress in implementing
the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and the
Recreation and Open Space Plan. These efforts have established
a basis and direction for the future development of the County.
The goals, objectives and recommendations of the 1987 Land
Preservation and Recreation Plan should be in accordance with
the direction established in those plans.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NATURAL PARKS AND RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACE

The natural resources inventory, which was conducted as part of
the Critical Areas Program, has identified a number of large
sites with special features and characteristics. Since one of
@he goals of The Land Preservation and Recreation Plan is to
integrate land preservation and natural resource protection
into the park and recreation planning process, this section
recommends a number of areas for consideration as natural or
unique parks.

Many of these sites contain features which provide significant
environmental functions and values; are representative of the
natural resources of Talbot County; are unique areas or simply
are outstanding examples of the County's natural features.
@ome of these natural areas may be compatible with low
intensity recreational or educational use, but in the majority
of instances, they need to be preserved in an unaltered state.
These areas are candidates for the Natural Parks designation as
defined in the Critical Area Plan legislation.

Other large areas may provide a rural or natural character, but
are less environmentally sensitive or threatened. Although
these areas are worthy of conservation, they may be suitable
for high intensity recreational uses and a multi-use
recreational environment may afford the best means of
conservation.

A total of thirty-six sites or areas have been identified which
have characteristics potentially suitable for a natural park or
open space area. Suitability was evaluated only in an
environmental capacity with no regard to ownership, current
land use, accessibility, method of acquisition or preservation,
existing programs, or similar factors.

Natural Parks

The Critical Area Plan legislation defines natural parks as
areas of natural habitat that provide opportunities for those
recreational activities that are compatible with the
maintenance of natural conditions. The legislation encourages

105

local jurisdictions to identify areas where natural parks could
be established and to consider conserving these features. Park
boundaries should be based on biological or environmental
criteria rather than administrative convenience.

A total of twenty-five areas have been identified in Talbot
County and are proposed for screening as natural park areas.
Most of these areas are, at least partially, within the Criti-
cal Area. The sites were selected on several factors. The
primary consideration was that the areas had to be in a
relatively natural state with intact biological and geological
resources.

Other criteria included whether the site would be large enough
to retain the natural character and, where several areas had
similar character, priority was given to the larger sites. The
natural condition of the areas was also considered and
included criteria such as the absence of buildings or roads,
presence of large areas not actively managed for timber
production or agriculture, and the extent of natural shoreline.
Age and size of trees and vegetation was important and the
length of time since last major disturbance was also considered
to be important. Areas which are typical of coastal or other
natural systems are also included.

Many of the proposed areas are sensitive to development or
disturbance, provide important environmental functions and act
as a natural buffer thus helping to maintain water quality in
the Chesapeake Bay system. Preservation of these areas in
their natural state would be a significant factor in the
preservation of the water quality of the bay. Recreational
uses which would generally be compatible with such areas would
include canoeing, hiking, bicycle or bridle paths, fishing,
birdwatching, other nature observation, and primitive camping.

A list of potential sites for natural parks and recreational
open spaces are contained in Table V-1. Their locations are
noted on Map V-1. The following describes the potential natural
park sites. The letter preceding the description keys the
natural park site to Map V-1.

A. Amy's Point Marsh - Front Creek - Back Creek

This site incl udes the area north of Knapps Narrows and
Tilghman Island and west of Highway 33 north to the upper ends
of Back Creek and Front Creek. The area consists of an
estuary , brackish marsh, and mixed and hardwood forests, as
well as the island and marsh at the mouth of Back Creek.

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n4
4
3
'D I F
3

2
C

N
A T

R U

1-t1- RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACE SITES
A-Y- NATURAL PARK SITES

1 0

POTENTIAL RECREATIONAL OPEN ap No V-1
SPACE and NATURAL PARK SITES

mile a

1 0 1 2 3 4 5
9

Talbot County, Maryland Wiles Dailey Kane
107 Reston. Va. Sarasota. Fla.

This site constitutes one of the largest marsh areas fronting
directly on Chesapeake Bay in Talbot County. The creeks are
probably valuable nursery areas in a section of coast where
nurseries may be sparse. The shrub communities on the island
and along the coast have potential as a rookery or roosting
areas for wading birds and the creeks are moderately important
waterfowl areas. Agricultural land between the creeks also has
potential as f eeding grounds f or species such as the Canada
goose.

This area could be vulnerable to increased sediments and
pollutants if development of the upland portions, bordering the
creek, is allowed. Development could also contribute to
shoreline erosion which, in turn, could result in malfunction
or damage from the adjacent Tilghman sewage treatment facility.
The marshes of this reach serve as an important buffer in
stabilizing the shore.

B. Goat Island - Green Marsh Point

Goat Island has largely disappeared due to shoreline erosion
and the remaining part is primarily marshy in character. This
site includes the island, the marsh-beach-berm system behind
it, and approximately 100 acres of forest on the inland side of
the marsh. -The forest is moderately diverse and is an older
mixed forest stand with pockets of swamp and bottomland
hardwood or hydric forest vegetation.

The area is a -representative example of the coastal systems of
the region and also is a keystone area for shoreline
stabilization efforts along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline. The
forest has some potential as habitat for the Delmarva fox
squirrel and the bald eagle, although their presence has not
been documented. Wading bird, waterfowl, and forest interior
dwelling bird habitat also exists in this site.

C. Poplar Island Group

These offshore islands in the Chesapeake Bay are accessible
only by boat. At least part of the area is owned or
controlled by a conservation group. Islands included in this
site are Poplar, Jefferson, Coaches, and North Point.

Forests, tidal marshes, and beaches comprise the natural
communities, submerged aquatic vegetation(SAV) and aquatic
nursery areas which are located throughout the central portion
known as Poplar Harbor. A jetty or breakwater on Jefferson Is-
land may allow boat access without extensive disturbance of the
aquatic beds.

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Poplar Island contains one of the largest wading bird rookeries
in the entire Chesapeake Bay. It is probably the largest bird
colony in the upper portion of the bay. The primary species
utilizing this rookery has been the great blue heron, although
cattle egrets are beginning to occur. More than 450 active
nests have been reported from this site (U.S. Fish and Wildlife
service, 1978). Bald eagle and osprey nests also occur on
Jefferson and Poplar Islands... Potentially valuable oyster beds
occur south of Coaches Island.

Shoreline erosion is the major natural stress on these islands,
with development only a minor consideration.

D. Miles River Neck Area Interior Forests

Several large forested tracts occur in the region between the
Miles and and Wye East Rivers. Some of these areas are similar
in composition, physiognomy, and habitat characteristics to
Third Haven Woods (Site E). In general, these areas are less
mature and have somewhat lower diversity than Third 'Haven
Woods.

Stands D2 and D3 appear to have slightly greater topographic
relief that the other stands in this group. As a result, these
stands have- greater community and species diversity. Beech-
oak-holly associations f ound at the top of the slopes grade
into red maple-black gum-willow associations at the bases of
some slopes.

These large and undeveloped forests range in size from 330 to
1,500+ acres. They constitute the largest forested stands, and
some of the largest natural areas, in Talbot County. They are
significant habitat for the Delmarva fox squirrel as well as
many forest dwelling birds and other species requiring
undisturbed habitats.

Due to their locations in the centers of the necks,their
potential of direct impacts to water quality in the Bay is
somewhat low. These areas do serve as headwaters for many of
the intermittent and perennial streams that contribute
freshwater flow to the Wye East and Miles Rivers and to Leeds
and Woodland Creeks.

E. Third Haven Woods

This 325-acre forest, owned by the Nature Conservancy, is north
of Goldsborough Neck Road between Goldsborough Creek and Potts
Mill Creek. The area shown on the Map V-1 contains other
natural forests adjacent to this nature preserve. Third Haven
Woods is a mature upland f orest dominated by beech, oaks and

109

loblolly pine. Several small drainage areas, bordered by
swamps and bottomlands, run through the area. This old age
stand offers excellent Delmarva fox squirrel habitat and good
plant diversity.

Current management practices of the Nature Conservancy,
including a lack of publicity and lack of access, probably
represent the best management alternative. Development of the
adjacent forested areas for residential or other urban uses
presents the greatest potential stress or peril to this area.

F. Potts Mill C eek

Below Highway 662, Potts Mill Creek flows downstream to the
beginning of the Miles River. In this location, it meanders
through a brackish/fresh marsh complex and averages about 500
feet in width. Above Highway 662, the creek ranges in width
from 200 to 700 feet and flows through bottomland forests and
swamps. Mixed loblolly pine,oak and yellow poplar forest is
prevalent on the north side of the upstream part of the'creek.
Potts Mill Creek is a significant tributary which forms the
headwater of the Miles River. As such, it is a major source of
freshwater flow in the area. Anadromous fish have been
recorded from this creek and, historically, this region has
been considered as a bald eagle nesting area.

The upland natural areas along this stream are relatively
narrow which limits recreation potential. However, the
extensive swamps and marshes, significant water quality
maintenance functions, and aquatic habitat values warrant
conservation. The area is also a good representative example
of the transitional freshwater/brackish marshes and wetlands
forests.

G. Skimon Creek - Mill Creek

Skipton and Mill Creeks are major tributaries of the Wye East
River and contribute 'a significant portion of its freshwater
f low. Anadromous f ish have been recorded as f ar upstream as
Highways 50 and 662. Both Skipton Creek, and the greater
portion of Mill Creek, contain significant brackish/ freshwater
i@arshes. THe upper portion of Mill Creek, west of Highway 50,
is a wooded basin designated as a nature sanctuary.

Most of the shores of these creeks are forested and the
dominant species are oak, sycamore, yellow poplar, loblolly
pine, and red maple. The creek banks are fairly steep and
highly erodible. In the upper portions of the creeks, swamps
and bottomland forests are important features.

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Preservation of these creeks - in a natural state - is impor-
tant for prevention of erosion and sedimentation, water quality
maintenance, and flood control. Protection of water quality
and freshwater flow in this drainage area will assist in
maintaining the potential of downstream wetlands, preserving
nursery areas for anadromous fish spawning and providing
support of the shell fisheries of Eastern Bay.

Compatible recreation and educational opportunities may include
hiking or bridle trails, bicycle trails, canoeing, and nature
interpretation in the sensitive zones.

H. Wye East River Bluffs

@he western shore of the Wye East River, for about 3 miles
downstream from Wye Mills, has a buffer strip of forests
ranging from 300 to 1,000 feet in width. The first 100 to 200
feet of the bluffs are generally steep lands. The forests are
good quality, moderate to old age stands and overlook a river
channel which meanders through extensive marshes. Two unnamed
and perennial tributaries flow through valleys into the Wye
River. These valleys contain swamp and bottomland forests and
are bordered by extensive mixed upland forests.

This area offers good habitat for the Delmarva fox squirrel,
osprey, bald eagle, and forest dwelling birds. The marsh and
forested wetlands are also extensive and significant. The
surrounding steep slopes and poorly drained agricultural lands
have a potential for erosion and subsequent degradation of
water quality.

Utilization of the existing forested areas for conservation
practices and incorporation into a natural parks setting would
be an important factor in maintaining water quality in the
lower Wye East River. Compatible uses would include hiking and
bicycle trails, picnicking, canoeing and fishing. Nature
observation and educational trails would be suitable in this
setting. Wye Oak State Park adjoins the north-end of this
strip and could possibly be integrated into this area.

1. Norwich Creek

The Talbot County portion of Norwich Creek is approximately one
mile in length and is located near Queen Anne. The natural area
consists of a creek flowing through bottomland forests and
swamps. It is surrounded by a band of mixed forest with a
width of about 600 to 1,200 feet.

Although the creek is crossed by several bridges and is near a
developed area, it is one of the most accessible and
representative wetland f orest systems in the County. Although
its proximity to developed areas has resulted in some
disturbance, the educational and demonstration value of the
area may be high. The system appears to be excellent habitat
f or many bird, reptile, and small mammal species. Marshes,
tidally influenced swamps and shrub stands near the mouth of
the creek have potential as wading bird habitat. Anadromous
fish have also been reported from this creek as well as
Tuckahoe Creek which is near the mouth of this tributary.

J. Unnamed Creek Near Tam)ers Corners

This creek originates as several 'small tributaries which join
near Cordova and f low into Tuckahoe Creek east of Tappers
Corners. This system is similar to Norwich Creek although it
@as a larger drainage area. The limits of the natural area
include about one mile of the contiguous shoreline of Tuckahoe
Creek south of Rolph's Landing.

Several hundred acres of riverine marshes, up to 1,200 feet in
width, occur along Tuckahoe Creek and near the mouth of this
creek where they grade into bottomland forests. These
bottomland forests extend up the creek bef ore they grade into
swamp and marsh communities north and east of Cordova. Upland
forest borders the wetlands along steep slopes and bluffs.

Anadromous fish have been reported from Tuckahoe Creek and this
tributary. The wetlands are good habitat for waterfowl, wading
birds, and have potential roosting and rookery features. The
forests offer breeding habitat for forest dwelling birds and
potential habitat for bald eagles and Delmarva fox squirrels is
also present.
This creek drains a large area of high quality farmland which
is suitable for urban development. Thus, sediment and
nutrient/pesticide loading from this basin is potentially high.
Therefore, the wetlands of the tributary can be an important
buffer in maintaining water quality in the highly productive
Choptank River system.

The site is well-suited for many low intensity recreational and
educational uses such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, bicycling,
picnicking, bird watching, and nature interpretation. Adjacent
open grounds, along the creek and near Tuckahoe Creek in the
vicinity of Rolph's Landing, could be used for other activities
such as camping and boat launching. This area is potentially
suited for a regional or state park.

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K. Turkey Creek

The drainage system south of Turkey Creek Road is suitable as a
natural park with potential f or educational and preservation
uses. However, it is not particularly adaptable f or general
recreation purposes. The area includes a large riverine marsh
system which extends from the confluence of Tuckahoe Creek and
the Choptank River, south to the mouth of Turkey Creek. Turkey
Creek contains two branches and meanders through a 600 foot
wide marsh which extends about one mile upstream from the
mouth. A narrow band of steep slopes, with mixed forest cover,
borders the marsh and the bottomland forests.

The marshes are the most ecologically valuable resource in this
system. Although the creek has suitable characteristics for
anadromous fish spawning waters, there are no records of their
presence in. the creek. Because of the narrow width of the
system and the presence of steep slopes, recreation activities
should be limited to canoeing, fishing, hiking and nature
trails. A subdivision is being developed on the south side of
the creek which could increase the vulnerability of the system.

L. Kinps Creek Drainage

The Kings Creek drainage area is one of the largest fluvial
tributaries of the Choptank River to be found in Talbot County.
This system consists of Kings Creek and several tributaries
from which it is formed. Galloway Run and Wootenaux Creek join
to form the headwaters of the system just east of Easton.
Beaverdam Branch is the third major tributary and joins Kings
Creek south of Mathews. Kings Creek has a width of 50 to 100
feet for a distance extending several miles upstream from the
Choptank River. The first mile of the creek consists of a
broad (1,000 foot) marsh grading into extensive bottomland
forests and shrub swamps. Each of the major tributaries is
reported to be without upstream obstacles at least to Highway
328. This provides for several miles of potential anadromous
fish spawning waters. Extensive marshes border the Choptank
River at the mouth of this creek in a reach noted for striped
bass spawning.

This drainage system contains diverse and high quality habitat
for many wildlife groups. It also may serve as a major natural
corridor for wildlife movement across the county. It also
provides forested corridors, in both an east-west and north-
south direction. The corridors extend to Skipton and Potts
Mill Creeks to the northwest, to an unnamed tributary of
Tuckahoe Creek to the northeast, and to the Glebe Creek
drainage north of Easton.

113

The headwaters of this system are near the limits of Easton.
Therefore, the significance of the water quality maintenance,
buffering, flood control, and wildlife corridor functions of
this system are enhanced by the crucial location of the system.

The natural areas in this drainage are extensive and could
offer numerous recreational activities including fishing,
canoeing,and possible boat access sites for the Choptank River.

M. William, Cr eek

This system is similar to Turkey Creek in that a marsh extends
far up the creek and then grades into a bottomland forest. In
the Williams Creek area, there is little marsh facing the
Choptank River. The marsh found along the creek is a
transitional form between brackish and freshwater types.

A sufficient expanse of hardwood and mixed upland forest
borders the creek which provides an opportunity for Delmarva
fox squirrel and forest dwelling bird habitat.

The headwaters of the creek border the Easton landfill and
waste stabilization lagoons. Since publicly administered land
is nearby, -there is some possibility of joint use. However,
due to the nature of the adjoining public lands,- this
possibility needs further investigation. The location of this
drainage adjacent to the lagoons does increase the buffering
value of the wetlands and emphasizes the importance of a
natural park in this area.

N. Royal Oak Forests

Royal Oak Forests are generally located to the southeast of
the Village of Royal Oak and Highway 33 between Pecks Point
Road, the Tred Avon River and Bloomfield Road. This forested
expanse of about 1,000 acres is broken only by roads and
rights-of-ways. The forests are predominately moderate age
upland and bottomland stands. Smaller high quality stands also
occur south of Royal Oak. These forests offer good habitat for
forest dwelling birds, raptors, Delmarva fox squirrel, and
other specie 's. The accessible location of these forests
increase their potential for conservation and passive
recreation uses but also makes them highly vulnerable to
development pressure.

0. Mulberry Point

The mixed forests at the end of Mulberry Point are of
relatively high quality-and moderate age. The surrounding area

114

are experiencing moderate development pressure and therefore
the ecosystems at Mulberry Point are threatened. Major ecologi-
cal resources of the Point include the extensive SAV beds,
nursery areas, shellfish harvest and seed beds. The resources
which surround the Point are highly vulnerable to boat traf -
fic, 'Sedimentation, pollutant run-off, and septic tank failure.
Since this is a point, the amount of shoreline relative to the
acreage of the area, is relatively high. This site is repre-
sentative of the coastal systems of the regi on and a natural
parks designation would provide significant protection to the
near-shore systems. The site would not be particularly com-
patible with many of the recreational uses normally associated
with a shoreline area.

P. Ferry Neck Forest

This 150 acre area of mixed forest is similar to the fairly
large stands throughout Ferry Neck. The primary reason for
inclusion as a potential natural park is the documented
presence of two bald eagle nesting sites and the presence of
swamp stands in the forest. Existing development is light in
the area, but Bellevue is less than a mile away and
substantial development pressure is occurring on the north side
of Edge Creek.

Otwell Woodland Preserve

This preserve is approximately 200 acres of mixed forest stand
on the south side of Trappe Creek and northwest of Trappe
Station. The forest is representative of the region and has an
approximately 1.5-mile reach of natural wooded shoreline. The
area is currently managed as a natural area.

R. Island Neck Forests

The interior region of Island Neck contains over 1,500 acres of
forests which are generally contiguous except for some breaks
for roads and agricultural lands. This is one of the largest
concentrations of forest in the southern portion of the county.
The forest types include mixed upland forest, bottomland
forests, and pine plantations. Diversity is fairly high, but
much of the forest is fairly young and in early successional
stages. A Delmarva fox squirrel -population exists here and the
forest is also good habitat for forest dwelling birds and other
wildlife. There is relatively little,drainage out of these
forests so that water quality maintenance functions are
relatively low.

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S. U12r)cr Pgachblossom Creek

From Highway 50 east, Peachblossom Creek branches into two
tributaries with narrow, well-defined valleys and narrow
floodplains. ALthough they are narrow, both branches have
well-developed and rather old-age forests throughout their
lengths. The north branch originates in the Seth Demonstration
Forests. Both branches are contiguous to other large upland
forest stands at various points. The- location of these
branches provides corridors for the easterly movement of
wildlife to the Choptank River via Barker and Williams Creeks
and an unnamed tributary. Movement of wildlife to the north
and south is possible through wooded connections to Skipton
Creek and Miles Creek.

Due to the lack of significant wetlands in the lower
Peachblossom basin and the proximity of Easton, the buffer
effect of the forests and wetlands of upper Peachblossom Creek
may have increasingly significant water quality importance.

T. Unnamed Chowa k River Tributary

This tributary enters the Choptank River across from Frazier
Neck. The system consists of tidal marsh in the lower reaches
and narrow bottomland forest in the upper reaches. The two
branches originate in upland forests with some habitat
potential for Delmarva fox squirrel, forest dwelling birds, and
other species. The creek has several thousand feet of
potential anadromous fish spawning waters and wading bird and
waterfowl habitat.

Low intensity recreational uses such as hiking and camping
would be compatible in the upper reaches, while canoeing and
fishing are possible activities in the lower reach.

U. Miles Creek

Miles Creek enters the Choptank River north of Windy Hill and
south of Lloyd Landing. It is one of the largest tributaries of
the Choptank River within Talbot County. The main branch
originates northwest of Trappe and the drainage primarily
flows through agricultural lands. The creek is comprised of
over four miles of mainstream and two miles of tributaries. Its
widths vary between 50 and 400 feet but it meanders through
extensive marshes which are up to 1,000 feet in width. Almost
500 acres of marsh are associated with the creek and the
adjacent shore of the Choptank River. The upstream portions
flow through bottomland forests and swamps and upland forests
line the slopes above the creek. In most places, these forests
are over 600 feet in width.

116

Miles Creek appears to be an important anadromous fish spawning
creek. Its extensive marshes with partial tidal influence are
important as nursery areas and waterf owl/wading bird habitat.
The forests are excellent habitat for forest dwelling birds and
other species including the Delmarva fox squirrel. The
forests, near the creek's mouth, harbor several active bald
eagle nests, the largest concentration in the County. Another
significant environmental value is the corridor function which
allows wildlife movement to the interior of the county as well
as to the north, west and south.
?iversity of both plant communities and plant species is high
in this area due to varied terrain and the length of the
drainage. Several areas of relatively old-age natural forests
also occur.

Due to the overall length of this system, compatible locations
for most outdoor recreational activities can be found. Within
the immediate vicinity of the creeks, activities such as nature
observation, hiking, bicycle trails and similar activities may
be suitable as long as erosion is controlled.

V. Raccoon Creek - Kate's Point

Raccoon Creek is a 2-mile long tributary of the.Choptank River
located to the east of Barber and Bristolwood. For about one
mile, the creek flows through a slightly brackish marsh. It
then enters a narrow bottomland forest and upland forest system
where wide expanses of upland forest are contiguous to the
creek. This area includes a smaller unnamed creek entering the
Choptank River from the north at Kate's Point. Vegetative
diversity is also relatively high in this area.

W. Ur)r)er Bolingbroke Creek

This creek originates to the southeast of Trappe and then runs
parallel to Route 50 about one mile east of the highway.
Because of its proximity to the Route 50 highway corridor, this
creek should be considered as under potential development
pressure. In addition, the largest sand and gravel mining
operations in the county are at the upper end of the creek.
Otherwise, the basin is essentially agricultural with moderate
sedimentation and run-off potential.
The portion of the Choptank River, at the mouth of Upper
Bolingbroke Creek, is believed to be an area of concentration
of larval striped bass and a nursery for many young fish. The
maintenance and improvement of water quality in Bolingbroke
Creek should have a significant effect on this fishery.
Forests in the upper basin are somewhat disturbed, primarily
due to mining, and are not extensive nor of especially high

117

quality. They do have some habitat value and function as the
primary wildlife corridor in the southern part of the County.

Recreational Open Space

The natural resources inventory has also identified eleven
sites which have potential as multi-use recreational areas in
which some degree of conservation of natural resources would be
enhanced. These areas are generally of a rural nature and are
located in agricultural or natural settings, usually along the
shore. However, the natural environment of the majority of
these areas has been significantly altered by agriculture,
timber production, or other uses.

These areas were selected on the basis of their location near
some form of Bay and/or water access and their potential for
providing different types of recreational activity. Many of
the areas have open spaces - often agricultural fields - which
have potential for development into playing fields,
playgrounds, picnicking and campgrounds without major distur-
bance to important natural vegetation. Most sites also are
characterized by forests or wetlands which of f er
opportunities for hiking, nature trails or nature observation.
in addition, most of the sites have shoreline characteristics
which may have potential for development as beaches, boat
ramps or marinas.

Suitability for beaches was generally assessed by the presence'
of a sand or gravel berm or a beach with sufficient reach to
allow natural replenishment of sand through longshore drift.
These factors would minimize the cost of maintenance, but the
nature of this drift may also cause currents which may prove
too hazardous for swimming. Also considered were areas of high
shoreline erosion where stabilization measures, such as
revetments or beach nourishment, would help conserve the
resource and provide recreational opportunities such as
fishing or swimming.
The potential for boat ramp or launching facilities was also
important factors in selecting these sites. A primary
consideration was shoreline areas with proximity to deep water
but, where boats would not have to pass through sensitive wet-
lands, submerged aquatic vegetation or estuarine flats nursery
areas to reach the deep waters. Locations near the mouths of
creeks were emphasized to minimize potential boat traffic, wake
and wave effects on the creeks and to avoid the disturbance to
upstream waterfowl nesting areas.

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TABLE V-1

List of Potential Sites for
Recreational Open Space or Natural Parks

Recreational Open SRace Sites

1. Blackwalnut, Point - Tilghman Island
2. Lowes Point - Ferry Point - Harbor Cove
3. Wades Point - to Claiborne Shoreline
4. Rich Neck - Tilghman Point - Seth Point
5. Papermill Pond - Windmill Branch
6. Bridge Creek - Elberts Cove
7. Irish Creek Area
8. Peck's Point - Flatty Cove
9. Chlora Point - Martin Point Shoreline
10. Bolingbroke Creek - Chancellor Point
11. Woodland Creek

Natural Parks Sites

A. Amy's Point Marsh - Front Creek Back Creek
B. Goat Island - Green Marsh Point
C. Poplar Island Group
D. Miles River Neck Area Interior Forests
E. Third Haven Woods
F. -Potts Mill Creek
G. Skipton Creek - Mill Creek
H. Wye East River Bluffs
I. Norwich Creek
J. Unnamed Creek Near Tappers Corners
K. Turkey Creek
L. Kings Creek Drainage
M. Williams Creek
N. Royal Oak Forests
0. Mulberry Point
P. Ferry Neck Forest
Q. Otwell Woodland Preserve
R. Island Neck Woods
S. Upper Peachblossom. Creek
T. Unnamed Choptank River Tributary
U. Miles Creek
V. Raccoon Creek - Rate's Point
W. Upper Bolingbroke Creek

119

The following section describes each identified site. It should
be noted that the following sites are potential open space
areas and should not be considered as a specif ic proposal for
acquisition. The recreational open space sites are keyed to Map
V-1 by numerical designations. Table V-1 lists the potential
recreational open space sites as well as the potential natural
park sites.

1. Blackwalnut Point-Tilghman Island

The Blackwalnut Point site is located at the southerly tip 'of
Tilghman Island and extends from the tip of the point north to
PawPaw Cove, It contains shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay,
east of Blackwalnut Road, and shore frontage on Blackwalnut and
Barney's Cove. The state has already purchased a portion of the
site.

This site has f orests f or natural areas, camping, hiking, Pic-
nicking, and birdwatching. The Bay shore and the tip of the
point have potential for boat ramps with direct access to deep
water. Blackwalnut and Barney's Coves offer potential for
crabbing, clamming, oystering and fishing. The rip rap or
revetment on the western shore has potential for fishing which
could be augmented by seasonal fishing piers. Paw Paw Cove has
some beach which could have potential as a swimming beach.

Park and recreation uses could be compatible in this area
provided they include some appropriate shoreline erosion
controls. This area has one of the highest erosion rates in
the county. User fees might represent a means of providing for
1@aintenance of control measures. Present uses of this site
include low density residential, a federal government facility,
old planted pine forests, tidal marsh, beach, and agriculture.

2. Lowes Point - Ferry Point - Harbor Cove

This site is located on the west side of Tilghman Island Road
(Highway 33) between Goat Island on the south and Harbor Cove
on the north. It has extensive water access including Ferry
Cove and Cabin Cove on the south side of Lowes Point, Harbor
Cove on the north side, and the Chesapeake Bay to the east.
Lowes Wharf is also located in this area.

This site contains a significant marsh-estuarine flat nursery
area on the Chesapeake Bay shoreline. Lowes Point is an island
connected to the mainland by brackish marsh. Harbor Cove has
one of the few submerged aquatic vegetation stand along the

120

Chesapeake Bay shoreline of Talbot County. There are also
forest stands east of Cabin Cove and Lowes Point which extend
as far east as-Highway 33.

Ferry Cove has a commercial fishing boat wharf with good deep
water due to a dredged channel and a good access road.
Possible areas for small beach occur north of the wharf.

Forests adjacent to the coastal marshes include an
approximately 150-acre stand east of Lowes Point. These
forests are not of exceptional age and contain large areas of
planted pine undergoing succession to mixed forest. Thus, they
have moderate habitat potential and may have potential as
campground areas. Agricultural lands could be used for
camping, picnicking, or playing fields.

3. Wades Point to Claiborne Shoreline

This site consists of coastal marshes located south of
Claiborne to Wades Point. It also includes. a large interior
forest stand to the east of Wades Point and much of the forest
is outside of the Critical Area.

The main problem in this area is the high degree of shoreline
erosion adjacent to Wades Point, one of the historically high
erosion areas in the county. Any use of the site must include
conservation measures for erosion control and shoreline
stabilization. Other conservation objectives include protection
of the marshes south of Claiborne and protection of the
submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds and waterfowl habitat
which are located off-shore of this site.

The forest is primarily high quality hardwoods with over 250
acres with significant bottomland hardwoods and wooded swamp
stands. The forest connects to, and presumably drains to, the
shore in two places. Potential breeding habitat for forest
dwelling birds, Delmarva fox squirrel, and the bald eagle
exist in the area.

Recreational opportunities may be limited. There is a
potential beach site on Wades Point as well as launch ramp
facilities at Claiborne. Beachcombing, crabbing, fishing,
birdwatching, hiking and possibly shellfishing are other
'possible activities. This area may also have potential as a
natural park site.

4. Rich Neck - Tilghman Point - Seth Point

The Chesapeake Bay shoreline, north from Claiborne, around
Tilghman Point and south along Tilghman Creek, and a part of

121

Seth Point across f rom Tilghman Point make up the functional
part of this site. The fastland along the Chesapeake Bay side
has characteristics suitable f or beach areas, as do several
smaller beach or berm areas on the eastern side of the neck.
The area is generally open with only small wooded stands along
the coast. Shellfish beds and SAV beds which occur off both
coasts are significant resources in this northern part of the
County. Possible launch/marine sites occur on the southeast
side of Tilghman Creek behind Seth Point. Potential
recreational activities include boating, beaches, swimming,
fishing, and shellfishing. open agricultural spaces could be
developed for other recreation,

5. Par)ermill Pond - Windmill Branch

The primary attraction of this system is its proximity to
Easton. The location near the County's largest urbanized area
provides both environmental stresses and recreational open
space opportunities. Windmill Branch is representative of the
bottomland forest stream systems of the County, while Papermill
Pond contains marsh and estuarine features. Both areas are
near Easton Middle and High Schools with their existing school
facilities and recreational complexes. The potential of
joining this site with the existing public school lands and
providing a-joint use complex for educational and recreational
purposes is very good. Because of the pressures of the urban
area, the creation of a recreational, or educational area con-
servation buffer along this drainage could be important in
maintaining the water quality of the Tred Avon River.

6. Bridpe Creek - Elberts Cove

This region on Deep Neck point is predominately agricultural
but in the center of the point there is an approximately 100-
acre young to moderate age mixed forest. There are also a
relatively few marshes bordering Bridge Creek, Edge Creek, and
Elberts Cove. The primary potential recreational resource of
this site is an existing private mooring or marina with a
channel through the SAV beds and a 600 foot pier. This site,
and another developed docking area on Bridge Creek, offers a
quality boat access point to lower Broad Creek and the Chop-
tank River with the least disruption of the sensitive SAV beds
and oyster beds of the area.

7. Irish Creek Area

This site is a peninsula on the west side of Irish Creek and is
surrounded by Broad and Irish Creeks. It consists of a 150
acre forest with surrounding agricultural and residential
areas. Possible ramp areas may be located in this otherwise

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sensitive aquatic area. i@ residence near the point has a well-
developed basin for small boats.

The forest has some habitat potential for the Delmarva fox
squirrel and forest dwelling birds, but it is sufficiently
disturbed so that additional development for camping or similar
activities may be a compatible use.

8. Peck's Point - Flatty CoveI

Peck's Point is on the north side of the Tred Avon River across
from oxford and Flatty Cove is about one mile east of Oxford on
the Tred Avon. Both areas are largely agricultural with some
scattered residences. Both areas offer partially protected
coves with potential boat access to the Tred Avon and Choptank
Rivers. The sites are in relatively deep water and boating
will present few impacts -to the SAV beds and nursery areas
which are prevalent in much of this area. Several other boat
launching sites are present in this area, but the above two
sites probably have the best combinations of deep water access
and proximity to the mouth of the Tred Avon River.

9. Chlora Point - Martin Point Shoreline

This site is located southwest of Trappe between Trappe Creek
and Island Creek-The surrounding areas are agricultural and the
offshore aquatic system has generally deep water and a low
sensitivity. Therefore, this area is not particularly sensi-
tive or vulnerable. The fastland along the.coast is relatively
sandy with good longshore drift, resulting in a wide beach or
berm. This area, therefore, may have potential for beachfront
recreation. The small bay at Chlora Point has a berm and marsh
barrier across the mouth which leaves a protected interior
area suitable for waterfowl and wading birds.

10. Bolingbroke Creek -Chancellor Point

This site is located on both sides of Bolingbroke Creek and
extends from the vicinity of the Choptank River Bridge( Route
50) to Chancellor Point and about one mile upstream from the
point on the Choptank River. Fishing, clamming, and crabbing
are activities suitable for both the creek and the river.

Lower Bolingbroke Creek is an estuarine system with fairly
large marshes and SAV beds interspersed with generally open
shore. The area is a potential anadromous fish spawning and
nursery area. Wooded areas around lower Bolingbroke Creek and
Highway 50 offer potential camping sites as well as hiking
areas, since the woods are presently somewhat disturbed.
Potential campground and marina sites occur in this area.

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11. Woodland Creek

Except for its.-isolated residential areas and agricultural
nature, the south side and mouth of Woodland Creek has
potential as a multi-use recreational or recreational /housing
complex.

The Eastern Bay shore, south Pf Woodland Creek, and some areas
at the mouth of the creek, indicate a degree of shoreline
erosion. The same areas also have characteristics potentially
suitable for beach development. Areas near the mouth of the
creek offer sites - for boat ramps and a small, seasonal 'marina
or mooring sites. There is direct access or short routes to
deep water and the open bay. Two islands and a beach area in
the mouth of the creek also may be suitable for swimming,
beachcombing or bird watching. The islands may also have
nesting area potential for shore birds, wading birds, and the
diamondback terrapin. Clams and blue crabs may also be caught
here. A large estuarine pond and marsh south of the creek
offers potential habitat and a potential site for nature study.

Interior areas adjacent to Copperville Road are suitable for
recreation facilities such as a golf course. Lands midway
between the shore and the road are suitable for dwellings.

SUMMARY

The evaluation in this report are based on general features and
professional judgment. The thirty-six sites described have
combinations of size, natural features, and natural functions
.which indicate that they should be considered in a screening of
potential conservation/recreational sites in the County. Other
sites may also have value for one or more of the features, but
in general did not qualify in all three areas. For example,
there are many smaller sites in the County which may be
suitable as natural parks or as habitat for specific species.
There may be sites which offer access to shorelines or water-
based activities but do not have additional natural features
which add to aesthetic or recreational diversity.

A more detailed analysis of each site may also indicate
conditions which reduce the suitability of these sites for the
stated use. Further study may also indicate that an alternate
use is preferable. Therefore, these designations should be
considered as preliminary although the areas described should
be considered as valuable resource's and treated as such in
various planning activities

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INTRODUCTION

Implementation of The 1987 Preservation and Recreation Plan
will be dependent upon the availability of financial resources
and programs and the growth management guidelines which emerge
from the updated Comprehensive Plan. Capital budgets and the
five year capital improvement program are also important to the
realization of a plan. A full discussion of these factors will
be contained in the update of the County's Comprehensive Plan
and the Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas Program.

This chapter contains information on the process of project
selection and describes a number of programs which may have
potential for implementing selected portions of the Plan.
@olitical and administrative bodies which are important to the
implementation process are described in the introduction of
this report. This section also discusses land acquisition and
facility development techniques that may assist in the im-
plementation of the Plan.

PROJECT SELECTION

Parks, recreation and open space projects are selected in
Talbot County by an open, citizen-oriented process. Basically,
anyone can propose a project- private citizens, sports leagues,
special interest groups, civic organizations as well as county
staff-but the final decision and funding rests with the County
Council. There are separate procedures for proposals for the
Hog Neck Golf Course/Community Center and other recreation and
open space facilities in the County.

Within the incorporated areas of Talbot County, The Town
councils are responsible for recreation and open space plan-
ning. Although The -County Department of Recreation helps to
coordinate plans and programs between the county and towns,
the elected officials of each town have the responsibility to
address their own parks and open space needs.

Program proposals for the Hog Neck Golf Course or Community
Center are made primarily through the manager of each
facility. The managers present proposals to the Park Board.
The Board is comprised of three members who are appointed by
the County Council. The public is able to attend any of the
Park Board meetings. The Board reviews proposals and makes
recommendations to the County Council. Determination of
priorities is based on the Board's knowledge of the needs and
interests of the community. These proposals are addressed by
the County during the budget review and public hearing process.

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A similar approval and funding process is used for all other
recreation and open space projects in the County, except the
majority of proposals come through the Parks and Recreation
Department. Private citizens or recreation leagues normally
bring a proposal to the Parks and Recreation Staff to obtain
technical assistance and background information. Any other
proposals are generated by the Department itself. The staff of
the Parks and Recreation Department and others present all
proposed plans and programs to the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board. This board is comprised of representatives
from each incorporated town, each election district, and the
Board of Education. The Advisory Board establishes its
priorities based on knowledge of the community's needs and in-
terests and forwards recommendations to the County Council for
consideration in the budget process.

Successful implementation of this Plan will require the
continual involvement of citizen and civic groups, the above
Boards and their professional staff and other County bodies
such as the County Planning and Zoning Commission.

METHODS FOR LAND ACQUISITION

The 1982 Recreation and Open Space Plan described a number of
methods by which park, recreation and open space land could be
acquired. These methods of acquisition are discussed below and
are largely derived from the 1982 Plan.

Outright purchase

Under normal circumstances this is a "fee simple" transaction
of property. County funds, often supplemented by state or
federal grant money, are used to purchase land which is clearly
needed f or parks' and recreation development. This is the best
method of securing property because it allows the county the
greatest flexibility due to clear ownership.

Installment Purchase

This is an acquisition method by which the County negotiates
a per-acre price with a landowner and a time schedule for
acreage acquisition is agreed upon. If the development of a
certain parcel is not an immediate priority , this method can
offset the total acquisition cost over a number of years.

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Long-Term Lease with Option to Buy

This method would involve the negotiation of a leasing price
with the landowner f or Parks and Recreation use of the
property. Conditions of the lease would also provide for the
eventual purchase of the land.

Recreation-Use Easements

These allow land to remain in private ownership while being
used f or recreation purposes. only the rights necessary to
restrict use to its intended purpose are purchased by the
County. This is a good technique for obtaining the limited use
of land for temporary ball fields , play areas, archery ranges,
skeet ranges etc., while keeping the land on the tax rolls and
in private ownership. This technique is best suited to the use
of under-utilized land in less-intensively developed areas. As
development pressures increase in an area, easements become
less feasible. Easements can also be donated by recreation-
minded landowners.

Donations

Donations by private owners or organizations can be encouraged
by the County. In order to answer the specific needs of an ap-
parent donor, the County can arrange lifetime or limited
occupancy rights, tax advantages, access and agriculture-use
agreements in consideration for land donations.

Program Open Space Funds

Program Open Space (POS) warrants further explanation as it is
the principal grant program for open space acquisition and
development. Program Open Space is administered by the Capital
Programs Agency of the Maryland Department of Natural
Resources. The program provides funding in the form of 100
percent grants to local governments for land acquisition for
recreational purposes. This program also administers and funds
state land acquisition including Bay Access funds and facility
development. Allocation of Federal Land and Water Conservation
Funds used for purchase and development of parks and natural
areas is also administered with this program.

In addition to the above methods for acquisition and
development of open space, the County and towns could
potentially use bonds,user fees, other grants and aids, and
special tax districts as implementation techniques.

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METHODS FOR FACILITY DEVELOPMENT

Imple mentation techniques for facility development primarily
fall into two categories: funding and land use regulations.
Additional support for facility implementation may come from
donations, bequests, private foundations and organizations,user
fees and other secondary sources. However, the state and local
governments, through their, various funding programs and growth
management legislation, are the primary sources for facility
implementation.

Facility development concerns a wide spectrum of actions from
installing sod on a playfield to building a swimming pool.
Funding sources for facility development may include special
taxing districts, general revenues, revenue bonds, grants and
construction programs.

one example of a governmental program that provides a special
opportunity for Talbot County is joint funding with schools
through Program Open Space funds. The schools facility
development concept provides Program open Space funds for the
joint development of school sites for educational and
recreational purposes. With a projected reduction in the school
age population and an established need for additional indoor
recreation - facilities, these funds could- be directed at
facility development rather than for acquisition.

Another approach to facility development is through land use
regulations and guidelines. Possible means of implementing
facility development include land use regulations such as the
zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations and development
guidelines that may be incorporated into the Comprehensive
Plan. Through these growth management techniques, developers,
builders, and landowners can be encouraged or required to
provide various recreation facilities. Facility development
can include more than physical structures such as tennis courts
and playgrounds.

PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

An additional and economical method by which the County can
increase its total amount of preservation or recreation lands
is through cooperative efforts with other groups. Additional
land could be conserved or preserved in conjunction with some
of the programs listed below.

These programs are designed to: acquire and preserve land
through public agency or private ownership; provide research
and inventory assistance to identify resources and determine
sensitivities to various stresses; promote land use practices

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and stewardship of resources, such as shoreline erosion cost-
share programs, or agricultural management programs and others
are laws which prohibit certain activities and provide
regulatory protection

These programs can be classified into three groups based on
method. The groupings are: land acquisition for recreational
pen space or natural preservation;incentives to private land-
owners for preservation tied to commitments from the landowners
Oand laws or programs which protect natural resources.

Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a non-government organization sup-
ported by members and private sources and f ormed to conserve
lands throughout the United States. The primary function of
this group is natural area acquisition. Other programs include
natural features inventories and the initiation of programs
such as the Department of Natural Resources . Natural Heritage
Program. In Talbot County, the Conservancy administers the
Third Haven Woods nature preserve, a 320 acre high quality
pine-hardwood forest east of the Miles River of f Goldsborough
Neck Road.

Maryland Environmental Trust

The Trust is an agency created to administer the Conservation
Easement program and other lands donated for preservation pur-
poses. A Conservation Easement is a voluntary program in which
a land owner agrees to preserve some or all of the natural
characteristics of their land by transferring development
rights to another entity. Activities which may be restricted
include construction and maintenance of roads, buildino,, and
billboards; dumping of trash or fill; mining and excavAion;
and removal of vegetation. Conservation Easements may also
-cover -activities affecting drainage, flood control, soil con-
servation, or fish and wildlife habitat preservation. Local or
State government agencies or private conservation organizations
approved by the Environmental Trust may be recipients of the
easements. As of December 1985, thirteen agreements, covering
.2,399 acres were in effect in the county, fronting such waters
as Leeds Creek, Tred Avon River, Choptank River, and Tuckahoe
creek.

Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation

The foundation works with local authorities to establish
Agricultural Preservation Districts in which landowners can
sell perpetual development rights easements to the Foundation.

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The concept is similar to that of the Conservation Easement
except that the Foundation buys the rights under a complicated
formula for determining assessed value of the rights. As of
Fiscal Year 1985, there were 19 recorded districts in Talbot
County totaling 4,121 acres. Districts may be established on
several criteria relating principally to soils suitability for
agriculture. Districts are 100 acres minimum size, usually
outside of planned sewer and water service districts.

Natural Heritage Program

The Maryland Natural Heritage Program, established jointly by
the Department of Natural Resources and the Nature Conservancy
has an objective of identifying and preserving natural diver-
sity through protection of habitats f or rare species, unusual
community types, and other significant natural areas. High
priority sites may be protected in several ways, the strongest
of which is designation as a Natural Heritage Area. Lesser
levels of protection include acquisition by the state or a
private organization, conservation easements, and voluntary
landowner agreements. The program maintains a computerized
data base detailing area characteristics and populations. The
Natural Heritage Program also cooperates with the Nature Con-
servancy in maintaining a Maryland Natural Areas Registry of
suitable sites. The Natural Heritage Program also manages the
State's Endangered and Threatened Species Programs. No Natural
Heritage Areas have been designated or proposed in Talbot
County.

Maryland Acres for Wildlife

This program provides for wildlife management and provision of
plants and seeds. The program is administered by the Depart-
ment of Natural Resources- Maryland Wildlife Administration.
It consists of voluntary enrollment for wildlife management of
any rural non-residential or non- commercial area of over 1
acre for a two-year period. The plan may provide plants or
seeds to create or enhance habitat.

Tree Farm Program

Administered by the Maryland Forest, Park, and Wildlife Service
under sponsorship of the American Forest Institute, this
program encourages owners to plant timber by offering
management assistance and other incentives. Tree f arms are
privately owned woodlands of at least 10 acres dedicated to
timber production.

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Forest Conse rvation and Management Program

Under this program, the assessed value of forested land may be
frozen for tax purposes for a period of at least 15 years if
the landowner has prepared, and follows, an approved forest
management plan.

Reforestation and Timberland Improvement Tax Deduction

This program currently applies to lands of 10 to 500 acres.
It allows state tax incentives for reforestation and forest
management. Current Critical Area Commission recommendations
are that the qualifying size be reduced to 1 acre.

Woodlands Incentives Program

This is a new program to encourage reforestation. No acreage
standard has yet been set, but a 1 acre minimum has been recom-
mended by the Critical Area Commission. Cost sharing for
replanting and improving stands is provided.

Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program

This is a major legislative act which provides a coordinated
framework for addressing the problems of the bay and other
critical area concerns. - The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Com-
mission implements a cooperative program between state and lo-
cal governments to f oster more sensitive development and mini-
mize damage to water quality and habitats. This act estab-
lished the 1,006 foot zone in which local governments have
primary responsibility for developing and implementing programs
of resource inventory, comprehensive zoning, ordinances,
regulatory limitations such as Best Management Practices,
buffer zones, designation of shoreline areas for recreational
and water-related activities, and timber harvest and management
plans.

Maryland Seed Tree Law

This law requires that certain trees be left standing in areas
otherwise cleared for timber harvest. It is intended to provide
for natural re-seeding by loblolly, shortleaf, and pond pine
trees.

Maryland Endangered Species Act

This 1971 act,as amended, and the Maryland Non-Game and En-
dangered Species Conservation Act, of 1975 protect certain
species of plants and animals which are in jeopardy of extinc-
tion. These acts protect listed species by various prohibi-

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tions on the taking, possession, and sale without permits or
permission. The 1987 pending revisions also require permits
for "incidental taking", a term that refers to destruction or
disruption of an organism during other activities such as land
development.

Maryland Wetlands Act

This act establishes a permit program to regulate activities
in wetlands. This law covers all tidal wetlands which are
regularly or periodically covered by tidal waters. The law
requires property owners to obtain a permit before altering
tidal wetlands through filling, dredging, bulkheads, or other
activities. In general, a license from the State Board of
Public Works is required for activities in state wetlands
(wetlands below the mean high water line), while a permit or
notification approval from Department of Natural Resources is
required for activities in private wetlands (above the mean
high water line).

Anadromous Fisheries

The Fisheries Division of the Tidewater Administration main-
tains an Anadromous Fish Stream Investigation Project in
cooperation- with the National Marine Fisheries Service. its
purpose is to identify streams and reaches of streams used for
spawning. Although the status of most Talbot County streams is
not well documented, the Choptank River and all its tributaries,
has been designated as a Striped Bass Spawning River under
Title 08.02.05 of the Natural Resources Articles. The reach
from Bow Knee Point upstream, including the tidal portion of
Tuckahoe Creek, has been designated as a Spawning Reach in
which special seasons and harvest restrictions have been
placed..

The above programs are presented as potential implementation
tools for the preservation and conservation of land in Talbot
County.. The effectiveness of each program may vary in
accordance with the specific objectives of a particular County
program.

There are a host of land acquisition, conservation and
preservation programs available for use within the county that
are sponsored by non-county bodies. As specific projects are
delineated, the possibility of cooperative acquisition can be
further investigated as a means for achieving county goals.

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