Rocky River Nature Trail Final Report

Final ReportTown of Siler City

Rocky River Nature TrailJanuary 31, 2013

Prepared by:

SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA Rocky River Nature Trail• 2

Chapter 1: Site Analysis and Context Context and Land Use Physical Charactaristics of the Study Area Potential Trail Connections

Chapter 2: Concept Layout of Rocky River Nature Trail Trail Character and Hierarchy Types Trail Implementation and Funding Sources

SummaryAppendix Maps of Downtown Master Plan Context Map and Potential Trail Connections Analysis Map Trail Layout Concept Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTSRocky River


CHAPTER 1: SITE ANALYSIS AND CONTEXTCONTEXT AND LAND USESiler City is located in Chatham County in Central North Carolina. The County was formed in 1771 and its commerce developed from a mixture of industry and agriculture. Siler City is the County’s largest municipality, located on the western side of the County between the Triangle and Triad regions (at the junction of US 64 and 421). Siler City is the industrial epicenter of the County with a population of roughly 8000 residents with a 50% Latino population.

The Central Carolina Business Campus (CCBC), an approximate 380 acre site of beautiful rolling hills, woodlands, and wetlands is located within the town limits of Siler City. The CCBC is comprised of 14 commercial lots of approximately 215 buildable acres. The CCBC is easily accessible with close proximitiy to both US 64 and US 421. The land area, accessibility, and natural features make this an ideal location for both commercial development and recreational activities. The northern property line is the Rocky River with tributaries lying within the business campus. The Town of Siler City has required buffer zones along the river and its tributaries. The approximate mile-long section of the Rocky River within the campus is one of North Carolina’s most scenic rivers. Currently, the CCBC is the site of Chatham Hospital (a UNC Healthcare affiliate) and home to a branch of the Central Carolina Community College system. Roadways, water and sewer, telecommunications, and power infrastructure are in place. The property is mainly owned by the County with an adjacent tract, with river frontage, owned by the Town of Siler City.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STUDY AREAThe following are analysis considerations for the potential to create trails within the CCBC and along the Rocky River. The detailed study area inventory was from the Loves Creek tributary along the Rocky River to the eastern boundary of the CCBC.Based on the findings below, the Rocky River Nature Trail is feasible to design and construct.

SoilsThe site is underlain by metavolcanic rocks of the Carolina Slate Belt. Four soil types in and near the study area of the proposed trail are derived from this metavolcanic rock and are the Nanford and Badin soil series on the sideslopes to Rocky River, the Georgeville soils series located on the flatter ridgetops away from the river bluffs, and the Mattaponi soil series located on the flood plain areas (where they occur) adjacent to the Rocky River.The Nanford and Bain soils on the sideslopes are well-drained, contain clay, and have about a 20-40 inch depth to shattered rock. This is something to consider when cutting into the slope for creating a wide, level trail section, but does not prohibit trail construction. The Georgeville soils are well-drained, contain clay, and are deep with

Rocky River

Quartz rock outcrop on ridge

Beech trees on side slope

Large Oak at Loves Creek tributary


more than 40 inches to any restrictive bedrock layers and have few restrictions for trail development. The Mattaponi soils are old alluvial deposits (soils which are deposited by flooding), well-drained, and deep and do not restrict trail development.

TopographyThe topography of the area is varied and allows for differing levels of trail terrain experience. The existing topography will not restrict trail development. The upper ridgetops and open field areas allow for gentle trail slopes, where a paved, accessible trail could be located. These slopes percentages are generally between 3% and 8%, with limited understory, rocks, and tree roots. The sideslopes provide a more challenging walking environment, with slopes percentages higher than 8%. These areas also have more exposed rock, tree roots, and uneven terrain than the flatter ridge top areas. The area directly adjacent to the Rocky River is vaired. The flood plain area is flat with soft terrain. Some areas directly adjacent to the Rocky River have extreme slopes that prohibit trail placement with slopes exceeding 15% and limiting river access. There are also areas where the severe slope is traversable and would provide potential trail users with a more extreme single-track opportunity.

Flora and FaunaThe flora and fauna of the study area is typical for this area of North Carolina. Interesting plant communities include large beech tree slopes with open understory, large oak, gum, and hickory hardwood tree species. Dense Arundinaria Cane patches are located in the floodplain, Christmas Fern on northern slopes, and moss and lichen communities on rock outcrops. Invasive privet is also located in abundance along the river corridor. Mountain Laurel or Kalmia latifolia, is found on dry rocky slopes, with Resurrection Fern on large trees and rock outcrops. Where man-made activities have occured, mixed pine forests exist where previous logging or agriculture occurred, and open meadows where hay is harvested.The variety of plant communities offers year-round interest in animal populations including migratory waterfowl, song birds, and raptors (owls, hawks, etc.), as well as resident deer, raccoon, opossum, squirrel and rabbit habiitats. No doubt many reptiles and amphibians inhabit the area near the stream along with other water-dependent species such as mussels, crayfish, stream invertebrates, and certainly a variety of fish species.

Views and CharacterSeveral points of interest and attractive views exist along the proposed trail corridor. There are many scenic rock outcrops along the sideslopes and in the river corridor, steep bluffs where adjacent stream channels intersect the river, and broad floodplain sections. Along each of these points there are different vegetative communities with different aspects and plant types. There is also one historic cultural feature in the form of a possible dam or foundation wall located along the river in a flat, floodplain area. Each of these provides opportunity for interest along the trail. The bend in the river near the middle section of the site is a significant area in that it offers many of these assets in one place; high views, access to the river, outcrops, and a variety of plant communities.Based on the analysis findings the trail is feasible to design and construct and a concept trail design and map are included in the next chapter.

Sceneic Rocky River view

Beaver activity

Christmas Fern

Steep slope adjacent to Rocky River


POTENTIAL TRAIL CONNECTIONSThe study area for the Rocky River Nature Trail and trail location is part of the overall Town of Siler City’s proposed greenway trail system plan. The Town’s greenway plan incorporates the section of the Rocky River located in the CCBC, and indicates connections to US 64 and downtown utilizing Loves Creek. The map below indicates the Town’s proposed trails.

The map also indicates proposed trail connections with in the CCBC. Potential exists to implement sidewalks on Progress Boulevard, Campus Way, and Technology Way as properites develop along these roads. There is currently sidewalk located on Medical Park Drive which could be connected to Progress Boulevard and Campus Way to create a closed loop. The sidewalks along Progress Boulevard would also provide connection to Austin Bridge Road, and the greenway section of Loves Creek that is currectly in the planning stages connecting Bray Park to the Pony Farm Road area.

Trails are also proposed along the tributary of the Rocky River located just north of Technology Way. A single track trail could be located in the buffer zone and connect to a sidewalk on Technology Way, similar to the one proposed along the Rocky River, and also connect to Progress Boulevard.


CHAPTER 2: CONCEPT LAYOUT OF ROCKY RIVER NATURE TRAILSteep Slope Overlook

TRAIL CHARACTER AND HIERARCHY TYPESThe proposed trail along the Rocky River and within the Central Carolina Business Campus will have a variety of users and therefore should accommodate all types of users. The potential users within the campus are hospital employees, patients of the hospital and medical office building, and the Central Carolina Community College students, employees, and faculty. As a public trail, the trail will also be potentially used by all Chatham County residents and visitors. The trail offers many benefits to the Campus, Town and County. The trail is recommended to be a natural surface trail which will facilitate the environmental education opportunties as well as providing a low impact facilitity for recreation and enjoying the outdoors. The trail will also provide residents of Siler City a venue for physical activiity.

Parking and Trail head Locations The proposed trail located directly adjacent to the Rocky River will be accessible by two proposed parking areas and trail head locations. The parking areas are proposed to be small, gravel areas that would accommodate 5-8 cars. These areas are proposed south of Loves Creek on Progress Boulevard and along Campus Drive close to the Medical Office Building. Both areas are located on gently sloping ridge areas but will require excavation and fine grading. Trail head areas would include amenities such as bike racks, trash receptacles, and a small kiosk with a trail map. The trail head areas could also provide small trail markers to indicate mileage.

Trail SegmentsThe character of the trail will vary as the terrain varies. The spur trails to access the parking and trail head areas would be a non-paved, single track trail with a natural surface. These trails would be selectively cleared of understory, invasive species of plants, and unhealthy trees. The trail spurs would follow the ridge line across the slope to provide a technical but traversable path. The trail spurs become less steep as the trail approaches the river and flood plain area.

The trail located along the Rocky River is approximately 1.25 miles long and primarily located in the flood plain. This area in general is gently sloped but can still provide a technically challenging trail experience. This section is also proposed to be an

Example of trail head signage

Spur trail location on a side slope

Example of trail marker


Trail location along flood plain of river

Ridge overlook area

Large rock out crop along river

unpaved single track trail with a natural surface. The trail surface in this area has a softer soil base but still provides the technical aspect of uneven surfaces, rocks, roots, and decomposing leaves. The trail segment along the Rocky River will provide scenic views of rock outcrops, adjacent farmland, tree, plant, and animal species and river ecology.

Bridge CrossingsThe trail segment along the Rocky River will require three bridge crossings at the two perennial creek tributaries and the intermittent creek tributary. These stream crossings are steep and have eroded stream banks of 5-6’ in height. The two perennial creeks have a continuous flow of water with origin points to the west of the business campus and to the south close to the hospital location. Water quality and the stream cross section is important to maintain as the campus develops and water runoff increases into the Rocky River.

Trail Spurs to Scenic AreasA few trail spur locations exist along the river to provide possible locations for benches or rest areas. As the trail approaches the eastern boundary of the business campus the proposed trail traverses a steep slope to the top of the ridge. This area is steep (+8%), and would require building level areas into the slope with wooden posts serving as “steps”. The spur reaches the flatter ridge area providing gorgeous views of the river below and pasture land across the river. This area is recommended as an over-look area where a bench could be situated to promote the scenic value and topography of the river corridor.

Another spur is along the flood plain of the river towards the eastern boundary of the campus. This area would need to be cleared of understory but would provide a flat scenic area to view the river. The spur’s terminus would be at a large boulder that is covered with moss and fern. A bench could be placed in this area to view the river and provide a great environmental education opportunity for plant life and river ecology.

Paved SegmentsThe paved trail locations for this study area are located from the ridge / overlook area mentioned above and would connect into the proposed sidewalk along Campus Drive. The paved trails would be located on flatter ridge top areas and gently sloping side slopes. The location for these trails is conceptual as these trails traverse buildable parcels within the CCBC. The County can stipulate in the sale of the parcels to implement a paved public trail as part of the development. These trails would be designed and constructed as the parcels are developed. These trails would have a cross section of 6’-8’ paved surface that is accessible to persons with disabilities. These trails could also be used by bicycles, accomodate strollers, and patients from the hospital recovering from illnesses or surgeries. The paved trails would connect into the sidewalk system and provide potential recreation activities for the users of the business park. The proposed trail system would add value to the land for salability of the parcels, providing a recreation activity for employees and visitors.

Perennial stream - bridge crossing


TRAIL IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNDING SOURCESIt is recommended that the Rocky River Nature Trail STEP Committee continue to remain active to facilitate the implementation of the trail. The next steps for implementation of the trail would be to hire a design consultant, a contractor, and identify funding for the trail construction. It is recommended to begin constructing the trail adjacent to the river corridor as this would be the most feasible first phase of the overall trail system within the Central Carolina Business Campus.

Trail ImplementationA design consultant is needed to produce design development and construction drawings for the exact trail location. Sample tasks for this phase of design would include flagging the trail location, the parking areas, trail spurs, and trail heads. A surveyor would provide a digital survey for these locations for use by the designer to produce the construction drawings. The construction drawings would be used for permitting the project through the Town of Siler City’s Inspections Department, and provided to a contractor to estimate probable costs. Designers fees could range from $15,000 - $30,000.

Once a contractor is chosen, the process for construction would include selectively clearing the identified trail corridor, fine grading the corridor and parking areas, stabilizing the area and installing erosion control measures, and installing the parking areas and amenities. The trail surface in most areas of phase one of construction would be the natural forest floor and the trail corridor would require minimal disturbance. Estimated fees for construction have a wide range based on this concept plan. Fees could range between $50,000 - $350,000, depending on the scope of phase one and such variables as volunteer labor.

Funding SourcesSeveral possibilities are available for funding the technical design and construction of the Rocky River Nature Trail. The following is a sample of programs, grants, and partnerships.

-Locally generated general revenues or bond referenda-Payments-in-lieu generated by development activity (Capital Improvement Funds)-Donations from individuals and organizations (e.g., fund-raising for a greenway segment)-Partnerships with Chatham Hospital-Partnerships with Triangle Land Conservancy -Grant funds

Regarding possibilities for pursuing grant opportunities, the following information summarizes the characteristics and availability of several potential sources:

N.C. Trails ProgramThe North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation and its State Trails Program offer two grant programs: (1) Adopt-a-Trail Grant Program and (2) Recreational Trails Program. The grants cover trail construction and maintenance projects, trail side facilities and land acquisition projects. The Adopt-a-Trail Program requires no match and grants up to $10,000. The application deadline is the end of January.


The Recreational Trails Program is a federal grant program authorized by Congress in 2012 as Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21 Century (MAP-21). The program is administered at the Federal level by the Federal Highway Administration.At the State level, the program is administered through the Division of Parks and Recreation and its State Trails Program. The North Carolina Trails Committee is a seven-member advisory committee who will review all applications and make recommendations for funding. The Secretary of DENR has the final approval authority for North Carolina. For more information: www.ncparks.gov/About/trails_grants.php

Urban and Community Forestry GrantsThe Urban & Community Forestry Grant Program assists local governments and non-profit groups with projects which will lead to a more effective and efficient management of urban and community forests. Grants are awarded on an annual basis through the USDA Forest Service and are administered by the NC Forest Service, Urban & Community Forestry Program. The program awards matching funds to encourage citizen involvement in creating and sustaining urban and community forestry programs. Grant cycle opens January 1 of each year, and grant applications/proposals due by March 31 at 5:00pm. Requests should range between $1,000 and $15,000. The Urban & Community Forestry Grant Program funds must be matched equally (dollar for dollar) with non-federal funds. For more information: www.ncforestservice.gov/Urban/urban_grant_overview.htm

Land and Water Conservation FundThe LWCF Program provides matching grants to States and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.In most years, States receive individual allocations grant funds based on a national formula. Then States initiate a statewide competition for the amount available. The first step for potential applicants is to contact the cooperating State office to find out about local application deadlines, state priorities and selection criteria, and what kinds of documentation are required to justify a grant award. Interested applicants should call or write the appropriate state agency to request application information.LWCF Program website: www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/lwcf/plan_prjts.html

Clean Water Management Trust FundEstablished by the General Assembly in 1996, CWMTF receives a direct appropriation from the General Assembly in order to issue grants to local governments, state agencies and conservation non-profits to help finance projects that specifically address water pollution problems. CWMTF will fund projects that will enhance or restore degraded waters, protect unpolluted waters, and/or contribute toward a network of riparian buffers and greenways for environmental, educational, and recreational benefits. Applications for CWMTF grant funding are due on February 1st of each year. www.cwmtf.net


SUMMARYThe County and Town have a great asset in the Central Carolina Business Campus to enhance the salability of the parcels and provide a recreation opportunity which will benefit the residents of the County and Siler City. Providing an amenity such as the Rocky River Nature Trail will provide a key trail segment in the overall Siler City greenway system plan. This trail has the potential to connect many other trail segments and also provide a network of trails and greenways within the campus boundary. The Rocky River Nature Trail Committee should continue to work to facilitate additional resources to fund the design and construction of the trail.

Below are a few statistics concerning property values and greenways.

“Developer building a development between a retail area and a High School. Built a greenway linking the retail and school and charged a $10,000 premium for the lots and those lots were the first ones to sell.” –Birmingham, AL

“Developer in Apex, NC built a greenway through the development he was building; the greenway behind houses sold at a $5,000 lot premium.”

“National Association of Home Builders national study: “Proximity to green space increases the value of residential homes 10-20%.”

Similarly, below are a few statistics concerning the health benefits of greenways.

From Active Community Environments (ACES) through the CDC – “Physical activity and public health: Regular physical activity decreases the risks of cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, and diabetes maintains muscle strength and joint structure and function is necessary for normal skeletal development during childhood; may relieve depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses; along with appropriate dietary patterns, may lower obesity levels.“

“30 minutes of exercise each day can go a long way to improving quality of life- reduce hypertension, blood pressure and reduce the risk of certain cancers.” –CDC

“Individuals must choose to exercise, but communities can make that choice easier.” From Rails to Trails Conservancy

Rocky River Nature TrailContext Map and Potential Trail Connections

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Rocky River Nature TrailTrail Layout Concept Plan


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Rocky River Nature Trail Final Report

Documents

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