mecklenburg county nature preserves master plan - Charlotte ...

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The mission for the Mecklenburg County Division of Nature Preserves and ...... North Office, Equestrian Center, picnic area, two canoe access areas, power.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY NATURE PRESERVES MASTER PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3 Mission and Vision ........................................................................................................................ 3 Need for Nature Preserves ........................................................................................................... 4 Benefits of the Nature Preserves .................................................................................................. 7 Supply and Gap Analysis............................................................................................................ 10 Management Goals, Policies, and Zones ................................................................................... 15 Designation of Land-banked Properties...................................................................................... 22 Acquisition of Nature Preserve Properties .................................................................................. 23 Recommendations for Future Nature Centers ............................................................................ 26 Capital Costs Associated with Recommendations...................................................................... 29 Nature Preserves: Existing Conditions, Zones, & Recommendations ........................................ 30 Appendix ................................................................................................................................... 135

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INTRODUCTION The Mecklenburg County Nature Preserves Master Plan has been updated as part of the 2008 Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Master Plan. The Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources (formerly the Stewardship Services Division) has been utilizing the 1997 Nature Preserves Public Use Master Plan and the 2003 update to manage a growing system of nature preserves; however, due to system-wide growth it has become evident the plan needs to be updated. The 2008 plan includes: a review of the Division’s Mission and Vision; an overview of the benefits of natural resource conservation, natural areas, and nature-based programming; a review of nature preserve distribution; management goals and policies; management strategies for nature preserves; a strategic acquisition strategy for future land protection; recommendations for future facilities and programming; and capital costs associated the recommendations. Currently, the Division protects and manages 14 nature preserves on 5,783.4 acres. Facilities and services include the operation of three nature centers, a 56-site campground, 35 miles of hiking trails, 37 parking areas, 25 bathrooms, and five picnic shelters. Nature-based and outdoor adventure recreation programs are provided for over 50,000 participants annually. Latta Plantation, Reedy Creek, and McDowell Nature Preserves provide outdoor nature-based recreation opportunities for over 500,000 visitors per year. Natural Resources staff collect and analyze scientific data used for land management, planning, and the land use decision making process. Staff identify, inventory and monitor natural areas, maintain the largest wildlife database in the region, manage for rare, threatened, and federally endangered species, and provide technical assistance to government agencies, outside organizations, and the public.

MISSION AND VISION The mission for the Mecklenburg County Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources is to “protect the region’s biodiversity and natural heritage for its inherent value and for the benefit of future generations by promoting open space preservation, conserving natural communities, and fostering awareness and stewardship through environmental education and outdoor recreation.” The vision is for “natural communities to exist within Mecklenburg County in perpetuity and for these interconnected high-quality natural areas to benefit and be valued by all citizens.”

Definition of Nature Preserve Definition—Nature Preserves protect natural areas and are managed for their ecological value and native biodiversity, and where appropriate, provide the public with the opportunity to explore and experience nature. ƒ

Nature preserves protect and enhance our air and water quality, contribute to the public understanding of natural systems and native species, provide sites for educational activities, outdoor recreation, wildlife observation, and nature appreciation, and preserve unique features and the natural beauty of Mecklenburg County.

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Acquisition or designation of sites of any size is authorized where warranted to protect a significant ecological, geological, or cultural resource (when co-located with a significant ecological resource).

Objectives—Nature preserves, as designated by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, are declared to be at their highest and best use for public benefit by serving one or more of the following public purposes: ƒ

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Contribute to the growth and development of public understanding of and empathy for natural systems, and the consequent development of public understanding for the interdependence of all forms of life and vital dependence of the health of the human community on the health of other natural communities. Provide sites for scientific research and examples for scientific comparison with more disturbed sites. Provide sites for educational activities and places where people may observe the natural world, learn about environmental systems, and reflect upon nature. Provide habitat for the survival of rare plants or animals, natural communities, or other significant biological features. Provide opportunities for nature-based recreation compatible with the protection of the natural area. Provide places for the preservation of natural beauty or unique/unusual natural features. Provide large, contiguous undeveloped natural lands in perpetuity for the purpose of conserving open space and creating wildlife corridors within densely developing urban areas. Provide small habitat areas within urban or suburban development areas that can act as “stepping stones” to habitat corridors or between larger protected habitat areas.

NEED FOR NATURE PRESERVES There is a clear public need and desire for nature-based recreation in Mecklenburg County. Public input framed the planning process for the 1997 Nature Preserves Master Plan. A series of meetings were conducted with stakeholders throughout the county. It became clear through those public meetings that residents desired passive open space and natural areas that would allow walking/hiking, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to learn about the natural heritage of their community. Over the past 10 years, community support for open spaces and natural resource conservation remained strong. The visioning efforts for the 2008 Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Master Plan clearly reveal the public’s appreciation for natural areas. Stakeholders and focus groups from all geographic areas of the county stated that open space and natural resources are very important to the community. Representative comments from stakeholders and focus groups include: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

“Do not have enough nature preserves.” “Preservation of the environment, our society, and our youth is what is expected of the county.” “Natural settings provide a great way to center yourself in an urban environment.” “The availability of green space is of high value.” “Green Space needs should be a focus. This includes the environment and air quality.”

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“Water protection and the connection to open spaces needs to continue to be a ‘strength’ of the system.” “We need to be a ‘green’ community.” “Land acquisition is a high priority.” “Environmental stewardship is a strength of the system.”

The importance of nature preserves and their associated facilities and programming was further revealed and confirmed in the random household Community Survey conducted as part of the master planning process. The survey was completed in January 2008, and had a goal of 1,000 completed surveys. The survey results are statistically valid with a confidence level of 95% (+/3.5%). The results of the survey continue to confirm that county residents value nature preserves and the outdoor opportunities they provide. Representative data include: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Seventy-six percent (76%) of residents have visited a Mecklenburg County park in the past year (national average 72%). Top two reasons people visited parks: enjoyment of the outdoors (62%) and close to home (61%). (Only) 39% of residents feel there are sufficient parks and green space within walking distance of their homes. From a list of 28 types of parks and recreation facilities, the top 5 requested by the public were: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

76% Walking and biking trails (national average 68%) 64% Large community parks and regional parks 62% Nature center and trails (national average 57%) 62% Small neighborhood parks of 2-10 acres 60% Park shelters and picnic areas Soccer fields (32%), youth baseball/softball fields (32%), football fields (27%), golf courses (26%), and other athletic facilities/amenities were all considerably lower.

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The top three needs (currently only being 50% met or less), based on 335,891 households in the county, are: ƒ ƒ ƒ

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Walking and biking trails Nature center and trails Community gardens

Most popular/top four programs residents have a need for (from a list of 22 program categories) include: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

50% Special events/festivals 49% Adult fitness and wellness programs 39% Family recreation/outdoor adventure programs 37% Nature education programs

The results of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) for North Carolina closely mimic the Mecklenburg County survey results, and provide a strong rationale for natural resource conservation and the provision of nature preserves. According to the SCORP, outdoor activities for North Carolina residents are very popular and include:

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75% Walking for pleasure 71% Viewing scenery 62% Visiting historical sites 53% Visiting natural areas 52% Picnicking

All of these activities and more are experienced at county nature preserves. Outdoor recreation surveys at the national level have also shown the desire of Americans to have outdoor experiences. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has conducted a nationwide recreation survey every five years since 1955. It is one of the oldest and most comprehensive continuing recreation surveys in the country. The 2006 survey found that 87.5 million U.S. residents 16 and older participated in wildlife-related recreation. Of that, the vast majority participated in wildlifewatching activities (i.e. bird watching, nature observation, nature photography, etc.) with approximately 71.1 million residents participating in these activities. This was an 8% increase over the prior survey. In contrast, the number of sportspersons (fishers and hunters) declined by 10%. Overall, nearly a third of the U.S. population enjoyed wildlife watching in 2006. Of all wildlife, birds attracted the biggest following, with 47.7 million participating from home, close to home, or taking trips specifically to bird watch. Additionally, these wildlife watchers spent $45.7 billion on their activities. Survey responses revealed that benefits to outdoor enthusiasts range from personal satisfaction to social interaction. Wildlife watchers make up one of the largest segments of visitors served at nature preserves. Finally, the Outdoor Industry Foundations Outdoor Recreation Participation StudyTM (research conducted by The Leisure Trends Group) provides data on numerous trends since 1998. The objectives of this study are to “annually track nationwide participation levels for Americans 16 and older in active outdoor activities, give insight into American’s behavior as outdoor recreationists, and provide independent and projectable research to help the outdoor industry.” Key findings of the 2006 report include: ƒ ƒ ƒ

161.1 million (72%) Americans 16 and older participated in an outdoor activity in 2005. The majority of these Americans participated in between one and three activities (62.6%). The top five active outdoor activities* by percent of Americans who participated are: Bicycling, Fishing, Hiking, Camping, and Trail Running.

* Wildlife watching was not an activity measured by this survey. This survey included only active outdoor recreational pursuits.

All of the top five activities, especially fishing, hiking, camping, and trail running, are offered at Mecklenburg County nature preserves. Although not one of the top five activities, the activity with the greatest decline over the eight year period was overnight backpacking (22.5% decline). This follows a national trend where the greatest growth in individual outdoor activities are those that can be “Done in a Day.” For instance, hiking (on unpaved trails) continues to remain one of the most popular outdoor activities. The 2005 American hiker was a relatively balanced demographic by gender, household affluence, children in household, and region of the country. The average hiker hit the trails on average 11 times in 2005, with 20% hiking more than 11 times. Additionally, Hispanic hikers are increasing in numbers. Results such as these highlight the importance of providing “local” and “close to home” opportunities to explore nature, hike, trail run, bird watch, picnic, canoe/kayak, fish, and camp.

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Results of these local and national surveys provide the basis for many of the recommendations contained within this master plan. Arguably, never before has the need and desire by the public for nature preserves, access to nature trails and facilities, and nature-based outdoor recreational programming been so strong at both the local and national level.

BENEFITS OF NATURE PRESERVES Environmental Benefits The environmental benefits of protecting open space, high quality natural areas, tree-canopy, watersheds, and shorelines are extensive as there is a direct correlation between forested lands and water quality. The county has experienced a significant loss of open space to development and an increase of impervious surfaces in the past 20 years. Increased storm water runoff from these surfaces creates significant impacts to our streams, lakes, and water quality. The run-off enters creeks and tributaries, creating scouring and heavy erosion, and in many areas eventually draining into the region’s drinking water supply. Currently most streams do not meet the county’s “fishable or swimmable” standard. Additionally, for the first time, the water quality of Mountain Island Lake (MIL) slipped from excellent to excellent/good, largely due to development upstream of main tributaries in the Huntersville area. (LUESA 2006 State of the Environment). As development continues, and impervious surfaces continue to increase, protecting the watersheds of critical drinking reservoirs will continue to be necessary. A 2003 study indicated that the nearly 5,800 acres of nature preserve property throughout the county have a storm water retention capacity of 29 million cubic feet per year. This means that county nature preserves are naturally filtering this amount of storm water annually, which otherwise would fall onto impervious surfaces and directly enter the tributaries and lakes of the county. One goal of the county has been to protect the watershed of MIL, the source of drinking water for most Mecklenburg County and City of Charlotte residents. It is for this reason that the majority of nature preserve acreage is located in the NW region of the county. The goal of Phase1 of this program was to protect 80% of both the shoreline and the key tributaries of the lake. To date, the region has done a fair job of protecting the shoreline (nearly 74% protected). Mecklenburg County nature preserves protect 14 miles of this shoreline, the vast majority of the 74%. Although additional shoreline needs to be protected, this is encouraging. However, only 20% of the tributaries have been protected. Nature preserves such as Gar Creek Nature Preserve were specifically purchased for protection of this vital tributary, which discharges immediately upstream of the MIL drinking water intake. Because additional development within the MIL watershed is occurring and likely to continue to occur until “build out”, land along tributaries and the lake should be pursued for acquisition and protection. It is interesting to note that a survey completed by the Trust for Public Lands in Mecklenburg County revealed extremely strong citizen support for protecting our drinking water quality. Water quality ranked 2nd in priorities just behind crime/public safety, and ahead of schools, transportation, and jobs/economic development. Another factor in the health of Mecklenburg County residents is air quality. Local studies have shown the significant beneficial impact that an extensive forest can have on air quality. The

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Urban Ecosystem Analysis of Mecklenburg County, which was prepared by American Forests in 2003, revealed that from 1984 to 2001, the forested land in Mecklenburg County decreased over 22%. There is a direct correlation between air quality and forested land. Urban forests reduce the negative effects of air pollution by removing carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone and particulate matter. The American Forests study estimated that the forested lands in Mecklenburg County remove 17.5 million pounds of pollutants from the air annually. As of 2007, county nature preserves accounted for 472,000 pounds of air pollution removal every year. It has been conservatively estimated that the air quality benefits provided by the county nature preserves can be valued at $2,210,000 per year.

Economic Benefits Although not well known, county nature preserves provide direct, and significant, economic benefits. The greatest of these benefits derives from higher sale prices and associated higher yearly property taxes via the “proximity effect.” The proximity effect results from the fact that people are willing to pay more (for a comparable home) based on location. In layman’s terms this is known as “location, location, location….” Real estate markets consistently show people are willing to pay more for homes located close to parks. Dr. John Crompton, Texas A&M University, is a well-known authority on the subject. His work, “The Proximate Principle: The Impact of Parks, Open Space and Water Features on Residential Property Values and the Property Tax Base”, explores this effect in detail. Over 30 empirical studies clearly show parks have an overwhelming positive effect on property values. The resulting higher sale price and associated yearly taxes by an owner living adjacent to or near a park represent a direct, immediate, and on-going economic return to a municipality on its investment in the park. This is a direct economic tax benefit to the community, with no increase in services (or associated expenditures) required. The effect of parks on property values is not a new phenomenon. Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect of New York’s Central Park, justified the purchase of this park by showing how the rise in adjacent land value would produce enough new tax revenue to pay for the park investment. By 1864, Olmsted could document new tax revenue with a $55,880 net return in annual taxes. By 1873, the park – which until then had cost approximately $14 million, was responsible for an extra $5.24 million in taxes each year. Not surprisingly, Crompton’s recent work clearly shows that “passive properties” and parks (non-athletic parks such as nature preserves) show the greatest proximity effect. In fact, on average, properties adjacent to passive parks such as nature preserves experience a 20% increase in value. The proximity effect declines to zero percent for properties 2,000 feet away, or an average of 6-8 city blocks. Using the results of these studies, it has been estimated that the tax benefit of Mecklenburg County nature preserves on the adjacent 2,026 property owners and 3,146 nearby property owners within 1,000 feet of a preserve equals $1.18 million per year. Two additional economic benefits of county nature preserves include tourism and direct revenue generation. Based on the 2004 Charlotte Tourism Report and visitation to the nature preserves and the many special events hosted at these sites every year, the estimated yearly tourism benefit of county nature preserves in 2005 was $1.08 million. The direct revenue associated with department fee-based nature programs, camps, shelter rentals, and the McDowell campground totaled $181,000 in 2006. Taken together, the tax benefit, tourism benefit, and revenue of the nature preserves and associated facilities and programs alone exceeds $2.4 million per year.

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Health & Quality of Life Benefits The nature preserves system and connecting trails/greenways significantly benefit the health of local residents. This is a very important consideration as studies indicate approximately 33% of Americans are overweight. The Centers for Disease Control report that the number of overweight adult Americans increased over 60% between 1991 and 2000. The percentage of overweight children between the ages of two and five years old increased by almost 36%, and studies show the amount of television that children watch directly correlates with measures of their body fat. One recent study found that children ages eight to ten years old experience an average of 6-10 hours of “screen time” per day. Childhood obesity is up 300% over the past two decades, with nearly two out of every ten children now obese. As stated in the Outdoor Recreation Participation StudyTM, the decline in the average number of outings taken by 16 to 24 year olds is a result of competition by other non-outdoor activities. For example, on an average day in 2005, 14% of 16 to 24 year old males indicated they played video games and 31% indicated that it was one of their favorite activities. Another 2006 survey found that 91% of parents cite television, computers, and video games as the main cause of their children’s disinterest in outdoor play. Other health issues include the growing number of children with Type II diabetes, asthma, and attention deficit disorder (ADD). Stress levels continue to rise as well, and stress is linked to both physical and mental health. More than ever, stress is recognized as a major drain on corporate productivity and competitiveness. Depression, one type of stress reaction, is predicted to be the leading occupational disease of the 21st century, and is responsible for more days of lost work than any other single factor. Annually, over $300 billion is spent on stress-related workers compensation claims, reduced productivity, absenteeism, health insurance costs, direct medical expenses and employee turnover. This equals, on average, $7,500 per U.S. employee. Nature preserves can be, and are, part of the solution to these significant health and societal issues. Over 100 studies find that spending time in nature reduces stress. As documented in “Last Child in the Woods” by Richard Louv, other studies find that children with nature near their home report lower levels of behavioral conduct disorders, anxiety, and depression. Studies demonstrate children have a greater ability to concentrate in more natural settings, and that children engage in more creative forms of play in green areas. Incredibly, studies even suggest that children who spend more time playing outdoors have more friends, and there is compelling evidence that nature is useful as therapy for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In response to these trends, there is growing support for the reconnection of children and nature. The Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources makes a strong effort to help resolve these health and social issues by providing environmental education programs throughout the nature preserve system. Research conducted at 150 schools in 16 states over a 10-year period found that environmental education produces student gains in social studies, science, language arts, and math; improves standardized test scores and grade point averages; and develops problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision making skills. In addition, environmental education students typically outperform their peers in traditional classes and these students also demonstrate better attendance and behavior. For more than a decade, the National Environmental Education & Training Foundation and the Roper Starch polling organization have been conducting surveys that show 95% of American adults support environmental education. Every year, staff conduct hundreds of educational programs for over 30,000 students and residents. As the only public

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provider of hands-on, outdoor, environmental education in the County, the Division will continue to enhance and expand these offerings as funding permits. Although it is clear that residents of Mecklenburg County value open space and natural resource conservation and that there are significant environmental, economic, and health benefits from nature preserves, there are other reasons that these resources are a value to the community. The quality of life as well as economic vitality in the region is consequently enhanced by both recreational and educational opportunities available throughout the nature preserve system. Ecotourism is a growing component of regional economies across the country. This type of tourism is generally based on the attraction of natural areas for outdoor recreation, viewing of wildlife and scenic resources, and visitor education. Even though it would seem that ecotourism would be something experienced in wilderness areas, many urban areas are taking advantage of natural and cultural resources to attract visitors and provide local residents the opportunity to partake in outdoor adventures close to home. Local examples include the Carolina Thread Trail, which will link natural and cultural sites in a 15 county region within the Piedmont, and the Central Carolinas Biodiversity Trail, which will guide visitors to areas with unique wildlife and natural areas throughout the Piedmont. A strong nature preserves system will be a key component of these regional trails and will attract regional and national visitors to the Charlotte metropolitan area, which in turn will benefit the local economy.

SUPPLY AND GAP ANALYSIS The Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources currently protects and manages 5,783 acres of natural areas and cultural resources, and fosters their understanding through educational and recreational programs and facilities. Due to proactive efforts by Mecklenburg County, the nature preserves system has grown since the 1997 Nature Preserves Master Plan. At that time, there were seven nature preserves. There are currently 14 nature preserves in the system. The nature preserves are: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Latta Plantation (1,339.4 acres) McDowell (1,107.6 acres) Reedy Creek (736.3 acres) Cowan’s Ford (660.1 acres) Rural Hill (488.8 acres) Gar Creek (353.0 acres) Stephen’s Road (343.3 acres) Auten (268.8 acres) RibbonWalk (186.9 acres) Haymarket (100.4 acres) Evergreen (77.4 acres) Brackett Bluff (61.1 acres) Flat Branch (42.2 acres) Shuffletown Prairie (18.1 acres)

Mecklenburg County is approximately 526 square miles in size and Mecklenburg County government owns 17,921 acres (28 square miles) of land throughout the county. This acreage accounts for approximately 5% of the county and includes numerous county facilities, parks and

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land banked parcels. Nature Preserve properties account for approximately 32% of the countyowned lands and approximately 1.7% of the entire county.

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Brackett Bluff

Interstate Thoroughfare Stephen's Road

Mecklenburg County Boundary

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Catawba River

Auten

Cowan's Ford

Current Nature Preserves Gar Creek

Rural Hill Haymarket

Latta Plantation Shuffletown Prairie

85 RibbonWalk

Reedy Creek

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Evergreen

485

McDowell

Flat Branch

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4 Miles

Current Mecklenburg County Nature Preserves

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The estimated population of Mecklenburg County in 2005 was 871,432, a 19% increase from the population in 2000. Based on the estimated 2005 population, there are 6.6 acres of Nature Preserves per 1,000 residents. A review of peer communities has resulted in the determination that the Mecklenburg County Nature Preserve system is lagging behind these communities in the amount of acreage that is managed for natural resources and nature-based recreation. This cursory evaluation revealed that all other counties far exceeded the amount of protected lands in Mecklenburg County, both in terms of total acreage, acres per capita, and percent of county land. This survey is summarized in Table 1. Table 1 Survey of Peer Communities Nature Population Preserve County/State Acres Wake County, North Carolina 748,815 47,861 Lake County, Illinois 702,682 25,000 Kane County, Illinois 482,113 14,200 Montgomery County, Ohio 547,435 13,000 Lucas County, Ohio 448,229 9,174 Hamilton County, Ohio 806,652 13,128 Will County, Illinois 642,813 12,569 Summit County, Ohio 546,604 8,744 Cuyahoga County, Ohio 1,335,317 21,000 Franklin County, Ohio 1,090,771 16,934 Pinellas County, Florida 928,032 14,423 King County, Washington 1,826,732 25,000 DuPage County, Illinois 929,113 24,000 Mecklenburg County, North Carolina 871,432 5,783.4

Acres per 1,000 residents 63.9 35.6 29.5 23.7 20.5 16.3 19.6 16.0 15.7 15.5 15.5 13.7 11.3 6.6

Percent of county land 9.0 8.74 4.27 4.41 4.22 5.04 2.35 3.32 7.16 4.91 8.05 1.83 11.26 1.7

Fortunately, Mecklenburg County still contains many high-quality natural areas and watershed protection lands that could be preserved prior to private or commercial development. If the county is to meet the needs of the residents, which strongly indicate a desire for more open space, natural areas, and nature trails, additional lands will need to be acquired in the immediate future. The urgency in acquiring and protecting remaining natural areas is evident by recent results from UNC Charlotte, which show Mecklenburg County lost 14.85 undeveloped acres per day from 1996-2006. Increases in development are expected to continue until 2030, at which time it is projected that 96% of the county will be built-out. Only after this does the rate of development slow. The Mecklenburg County Nature Preserve system is divided into three management districts; Northwest, Southwest, and Northeast. Most protected lands are in the Northwest portion of the county, strongly influenced by the Catawba River, Mountain Island Lake and water quality protection efforts for those water bodies. Over 60% of nature preserve acreage is found in this area of the county, resulting in service gaps and lack of adequate access to nature preserves and associated facilities for many other residents of the county.

NATURE CENTERS

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There are currently three nature centers serving the entire county. Nature Centers are one of the primary public facilities associated with nature preserves. In addition to serving as a customer service facility where visitors can pick up a trail map, ask questions, use restrooms, and register for programs, the centers typically provide hands-on educational exhibits, provide staff offices, and serve as the program facility for tens of thousands of students, scouts, families, and adults that participate in programs yearly. The three nature centers are located at Latta Plantation, McDowell, and Reedy Creek Nature Preserves. Based on gap analysis and drive time, many residents must drive considerable distances to access a center. This creates a significant access and equity issue. Additionally, the results of the 2008 Community Survey as well as best practices indicate an extremely high level of need for additional nature centers. The Department’s recommended standard of one nature center per 100,000 residents results in a current deficit of five nature centers, and a deficit of nine nature centers to serve residents by the year 2022. Although many new nature centers were planned or discussed over the years, no new centers have been built or opened to the public for the past 15 years. Based on the community survey results and gap analysis, the Nature Preserve Master Plan calls for five new nature centers to be built over the next five years. An additional four nature centers will be needed in the following five years. These nature centers would provide access and services to the majority of the county once opened. See Current and Proposed Mecklenburg County Nature Centers map.

CATAWBA RIVER CANOE TRAIL One of many regional initiatives the Division is actively involved with is the 175-mile Catawba River Canoe Trail. The vision of this trail is to provide access and services for canoeists and kayakers to be able to continuously paddle the river from Lake James near Morganton, NC to Fishing Creek Lake near Lancaster, SC. The Middle Catawba River Canoe Trail is an 83-mile stretch of the river trail extending from Lake Hickory Dam to the Lake Wylie Dam. Due to the presence of numerous county nature preserves, parks and land banked properties along this stretch of river, the department should consider the vision of this regional plan with any future development or redevelopment of park properties.

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MANAGEMENT GOALS x

To protect the biodiversity and natural heritage of each Mecklenburg County Nature Preserve for its intrinsic value, the health of our environment, and the long-term benefit of the public.

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To collect and utilize the best available scientific data to provide a sound basis for making management decisions.

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To maintain, enhance, and/or restore the integrity and biodiversity of natural communities.

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To identify target species in need of monitoring and/or management.

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To identify, acquire, designate and protect as Nature Preserve other county areas containing important ecological, geological, or cultural resources.

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To attempt to link together Nature Preserves and other natural areas.

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To minimize the impact of external human influences on Nature Preserve properties.

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To provide nature-based outdoor recreation and education opportunities to the public, while ensuring protection of our natural resources and natural areas.

MANAGEMENT POLICIES The County recognizes that to ensure that residents continue to benefit from the nature preserve system there must be a commitment to protection of natural areas within the preserves, minimizing impacts from outside influences, and giving priority to natural communities when conflicts arise. The following policies will guide the Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources in managing resources on nature preserves to enhance the natural environment throughout the county.

Appropriate Uses of Nature Preserves The Division recognizes that there should be limitations to some outdoor recreation pursuits and that some public uses have been determined to be inappropriate for nature preserves. It is critical that any public use of a nature preserve will not cause unacceptable impacts to the resource. The determination of appropriate public use will be the “recreation vs. resource” test. The appropriateness of public uses in nature preserves will be evaluated for consistency with the Division’s Mission, Management Goals, Management Policies, or County Ordinance; actual and anticipated impacts to the resource; and resources available to manage the current/proposed use. Policy - If it is determined that a proposed public use will result in unacceptable impacts to the resource, then this use will be disallowed from the nature preserve. If it is determined that

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current public uses are creating unacceptable impacts to the resource, that public use will be eliminated. Appropriate public uses at nature preserves are: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Hiking/Walking/Jogging Wildlife Observation/Bird Watching Nature Study and Appreciation/Spending Time in Nature Educational Activities (school groups, scouts, public, colleges/universities, etc.) Public and Private Nature–based Programs (environmental education, outdoor recreation) Picnicking Fishing Canoe/Kayaking Camping (currently at McDowell Nature Preserve and Copperhead Island only) Biking on Paved Roads Only Horseback Riding (Latta Plantation Nature Preserve only; limited to designated equestrian trails)

This policy addresses appropriate uses within a nature preserve. Mecklenburg County ordinances and policies have also been adopted to govern the use and operation of County Park and Recreation Facilities. The County ordinances and policies are presented in the Appendix to this plan. All county ordinances apply to nature preserves. The following uses and actions are prohibited within nature preserves: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Removal or destruction of any natural objects, including plants or minerals (per county ordinance) Feeding of wildlife, including waterfowl (per county ordinance) Mountain Biking on natural/non-paved trails ATV Riding (per county ordinance) Swimming (per county ordinance) Dogs off leash (per county ordinance) Horseback Riding (except at Latta Plantation on designated equestrian trails) Releasing of pets or feral animals (per county ordinance) Camping (except at established campgrounds) Hunting and trapping (except specially approved deer management hunts) Injuring, killing, or harassing in any manner, any bird or animal (per county ordinance)

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MANAGEMENT ZONES Public uses at nature preserves are based upon “management zones” designated within each nature preserve. These zones are determined by the natural resources found within them. The specific management of each zone differs, as well as the permitted public uses and amenities, based on the quality of the natural areas of the zone, potential impacts certain activities can have on these areas, and/or other significant features (i.e. the presence of endangered species, etc.). All natural areas within a nature preserve are designated as Natural Zone, Outstanding Natural Zone, or Critical Natural Zone. These zones exhibit significant biological diversity and ecological processes. The overall management priority of these zones is the conservation and restoration of natural communities and the protection of animal and plant species. In addition to the three natural zones, a Cultural and Historical Zone has been established for the protection and management of unique cultural resources, and a Support Development Zone has been established to permit the construction and building of facilities which support the mission of the Division. Management zones are assigned a hierarchy level (i.e., 1 to 4 where 1 is the most significant) based on their ecological sensitivity and development restrictions. Zone maps have been established for all nature preserves and can be found in this master plan. Hierarchy Level 1 - Critical Natural Zone Hierarchy Level 2 - Outstanding Natural Zone Hierarchy Level 3 - Natural Zone Hierarchy Level 3 - Cultural and Historical Zone Hierarchy Level 4 - Support Development Zone Policy – If changes to management zones in a nature preserve are proposed, the changes can only be upgraded to a more strict management zone (i.e., to a higher hierarchy level, such as a Natural Zone to Outstanding Natural Zone) or result in an overall decrease in Support Development Zone. Because the nature preserve is established to preserve natural communities, it is evident that the predominant management zones with a nature preserve will be the Natural, Outstanding, and Critical Zones. Policy - The total amount of Support Development Zone within a nature preserve may never exceed 10% of the total preserve acreage.

The definitions of nature preserve management zones are listed below:

Critical Natural Zone Definition—Sensitive areas whose natural features, ecological processes, or species are subject to serious impairment if opened to the public. These sites may contain significant Natural Heritage Sites, threatened or endangered species, and/or habitats or wildlife sensitive to human disturbance, as well as buffer areas to protect them from encroachment or impairment.

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Hierarchy Level—1 Management Priorities—Site monitoring, scientific study, and management to preserve and/or restore the area's ecological integrity and natural heritage values. Permitted Amenities: ƒ ƒ ƒ

Amenities must be compatible with the preservation and management of ecological features and natural resources. No new trails shall be permitted. Service roads for management purposes.

Public Access—Restricted. Controlled access is limited to guided tours by Division staff and to scientific researchers working under special permit issued by the Division.

Outstanding Natural Zone Definition—Areas exhibiting a significant diversity of flora, fauna, natural communities, rare species, and/or geologic features, where public trails will not adversely affect the integrity of the site. This designation shall also include shoreline buffers (minimum 100 feet wide) along the Catawba River and regulated floodplains along tributary streams not designated as Critical Natural Zone. Hierarchy Level—2 Management Priorities: ƒ ƒ

Site monitoring, scientific study, and management to preserve and/or restore the area's biological diversity. Provide public access that will not adversely affect the integrity of the natural features and ecological processes.

Permitted Amenities: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Amenities must be compatible with the preservation, interpretation, and management of ecological features and natural resources. Pedestrian trails (natural surface, boardwalk, stone surface or approved stream/wetland crossings) and interpretive signage for educational and passive recreational purposes. Existing equestrian trails (natural surface or stone surface). Service roads for management purposes.

Public Access—Not restricted.

Natural Zone Definition—Areas that provide general plant and wildlife habitat and buffer sites of higher ecological significance from adjacent land uses. Hierarchy Level—3

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Management Priority: ƒ ƒ ƒ

Site monitoring, scientific study, and management to conserve and/or restore the area's natural resources. Provide public access that will not adversely affect the integrity of the natural features and ecological processes. Provide facilities for environmental education, public programs, and nature-based recreation.

Permitted Amenities: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Amenities must be compatible with the preservation, interpretation, and management of ecological features and natural resources. Non-motorized, multi-use trails (any surface material) and interpretive signage for educational and recreational purposes. Motorized wheelchairs are permitted on trails. Service roads for management purposes. Nature centers, observation decks/towers, and supporting infrastructure compatible with the interpretation of natural resources and ecological processes.

Public Access—Not restricted.

Cultural and Historical Zone Definition—Areas to be managed for the preservation, protection, and interpretation of cultural, archeological, and historical resources. Cultural and historical resources include properties listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, along with resources not eligible for the register, but worth preserving for interpretive or other management purposes. Hierarchy Level—3 Management Priority—Protection of cultural and historical resources for public visitation, education, and interpretation. Permitted Amenities: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Amenities must be compatible with the preservation, interpretation, and management of cultural/historical values and resources. Educational centers and associated infrastructure. Facility restorations. Non-motorized, multi-use trails (any surface material) and interpretive signage for educational and passive recreational purposes. Motorized wheelchairs are permitted on trails. Service roads (any surface material) for management purposes. Amenities shall be restricted to the smallest area necessary to accommodate required development and use, and to minimize environmental impacts.

Public Access—Not restricted, however certain sites may be closed to the public to ensure protection of the site.

Support Development Zone

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Definition—Areas where facility development and intensive use may substantially alter the natural environment. Hierarchy Level—4 Management Priority—Facility maintenance and management. Permitted Amenities: ƒ ƒ ƒ

Amenities must support visitor use or nature preserve management. Typical amenities include paved roads, parking lots, picnic shelters, maintenance facilities, operational support buildings, camping areas, boat access, fishing piers, restroom facilities, and utility easements. Amenities shall be restricted to the smallest area necessary to accommodate required development and use and to minimize environmental impacts. Support Development Zones may not exceed 10% of the total nature preserve acreage, and every attempt should be made to develop the least amount of acreage, while still providing public facilities and access.

Public Access—Not restricted.

Maintain Species of Concern Policy – Every attempt shall be made to ensure no net loss of species of local conservation concern or their critical habitat within the nature preserve system. The Division monitors and manages for numerous local, state, and federal species of conservation concern. The long term goal is to ensure these species do not disappear from our community. To accomplish this, the Division will conduct comprehensive surveys for and protect species of concern. The Division will strive to recover all species of concern and their critical habitats within the nature preserve system. To accomplish this, the Division will: adhere to policies within this master plan, coordinate state and federal agencies to ensure that all management activities meet the requirements of state or federal species recovery plans, and prepare and implement management plans for all natural areas.

Natural Heritage Program Designated Natural Heritage Areas (referred to as Natural Heritage sites in this plan) are defined by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program as …”an area of land or water identified by the Natural Heritage Program as being important for conservation of the State’s biodiversity. Significant Natural Heritage Areas contain one or more Natural Heritage elements—high quality or rare natural communities, rare species, and special animal habitats.” This national program, coordinated by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, is locally managed by the Natural Resources section of the Division. Currently, there are 53 known and documented Natural Heritage sites in Mecklenburg County. These are the truly unique and “special places” still remaining in the county. Natural Heritage Sites are ranked as being of local,

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regional, state, or national significance. All or portions of all nature preserves are designated as Natural Heritage sites.

Land and Water Conservation Fund Properties The county has received funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for acquisition of lands for the nature preserve system. The provision of LWCF funds requires strict adherence to Section 6 (f) (3) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. This section of the Act states that without the consent of the Secretary of Interior, no property acquired (or developed) with assistance of LWCF funds shall be converted to purposes other than outdoor recreation. Lands within the nature preserve system acquired with LWCF funds are to be considered nature preserves in perpetuity.

Management of Nature Preserve Lands Leased to Outside Organizations Facilities operated by organizations other than the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department are located on some nature preserves. All future lease agreements or contracts with these organizations should ensure that these facilities and associated grounds are managed to meet the Division’s Mission and Management Goals. Agreements and contracts should only permit amenities, maintenance, and public activities appropriate for the management zone in which the facility is located. Facilities within Cultural and Historical Zones should balance management of the cultural landscape with the requirement to minimize unacceptable impacts to the natural resources in the nature preserve. Any plans to develop new facilities or amenities within areas operated by these organizations must be approved by the Division.

Conservation Easements on Nature Preserves Several nature preserve properties were acquired subject to a conservation easement held by the Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC). These properties include the 61-acre Brackett Bluff Nature Preserve and 343 acres of Gar Creek Nature Preserve. Catawba Lands Conservancy is responsible for annually monitoring these preserves to ensure compliance with the conservation easements. A conservation easement on the 100-acre Haymarket Nature Preserve was purchased by the State of North Carolina through the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. The State is responsible for monitoring this preserve to ensure compliance with the conservation easement. Several properties owned by the City of Charlotte are designated as Mecklenburg County nature preserves and managed in accordance with the Nature Preserve Master Plan. These properties include approximately 210 acres of Stephen’s Road Nature Preserve and 80 acres of Auten Nature Preserve. A Conservation and Preservation Agreement between the City and County appoints the County as the exclusive custodian and manager of these properties. Copies of the conservation easements and the Conservation and Preservation Agreement are retained on file by the Division.

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Dedication as State Nature Preserves Mecklenburg County is actively pursuing State Dedication of the larger nature preserves. Articles of Dedication (conservation easements) will be conveyed to the State of North Carolina to provide the highest level of protection for these significant natural areas. Acceptance of the dedication must be approved by the Governor and the Council of State. Once dedicated, the State will be responsible for monitoring these preserves to ensure compliance with the Articles of Dedication.

Managing Encroachment Urban growth places increasing pressure on the integrity of natural communities and the corridors that connect these natural areas. Commercial and residential development is already extending to boundaries of some nature preserves and this trend will likely continue for many years. Incompatible land uses or activities can have an unacceptable impact to resources on a nature preserve by limiting species movement and reducing habitat integrity. Additional unacceptable activities resulting from encroachment include illegal dumping, unauthorized access (e.g., creation of trails), all-terrain vehicle use, horseback riding, and expansion of private backyards into nature preserve properties. Encroachment is not limited to properties bordering nature preserves and may stem from land uses or activities upstream or upwind of a nature preserve. The Division must be proactive in addressing encroachment. Options for managing encroachment include: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Acquiring lands adjacent to nature preserves and extending nature preserves to definable boundaries (e.g., major thoroughfare, street, stream, etc.). Partnering with local planning departments and engagement in the earliest stages of land use planning. Participating in any rezoning processes that would result in unacceptable impacts to the nature preserve. Addressing specific activities on neighboring properties that would result in unacceptable impacts to the nature preserve with local code enforcement departments. Partnering with non-governmental or private organizations to establish conservation easements on land bordering nature preserves. Partnering with appropriate federal, state, and regional agencies to develop strategies to mitigate unacceptable impacts to nature preserves.

NATURE PRESERVE DESIGNATION OF LAND-BANKED PROPERTIES In 2007 the Division completed an analysis of undeveloped “land-banked” department properties. The analysis was conducted in an attempt to document natural resources at each site and provide recommendations, where appropriate, for properties that should be considered for nature preserve designation (either whole or in part).

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The original analysis included 46 properties totaling 3,522 acres that, at the time, were landbanked and undeveloped. Since that time, 21 of these properties (1,856 acres) have been developed. Many of the remaining properties do not contain significant natural resources or high quality natural areas, and are therefore recommended to be developed as Neighborhood, Community, or Regional Parks based on need. Two properties, the Back Creek and Pennington properties, contain high quality natural areas, but with sensitive planning and design they could still support limited active use development and provide active parks. Of the remaining properties, six contain exceptional natural areas and/or unique features, rare species of concern, and high biodiversity. Five are recommended for Nature Preserve designation in the department’s new 10-year master plan. These new Nature Preserves will be: x x x x x

Stevens Creek Nature Preserve Berryhill Nature Preserve Oehler Nature Preserve Gateway Nature Preserve & Community Park Hucks Road/Davis Farm Nature Preserve

The locations of these five properties are within the service radii of other Community and Regional Parks. Hence, residents living near these preserves have, or will have, their active recreation needs met at those facilities. Total acreage of the above five properties (or portions thereof) to be designated nature preserve is 730.6 acres. This will bring the total acreage of the nature preserve system to 6,514 acres. The sixth property containing exceptional natural resources, Sherman Branch, is in an area of the county that also shows a strong need for a Regional Park (existing active recreation service gap). Therefore, the department recommends the Sherman Branch property remain “landbanked” and undesignated for the time being. The department will pursue land acquisition nearby for an active Regional Park to serve this area. This could then result in Sherman Branch being designated Nature Preserve. Information of each of the six properties mentioned above is available through the department.

ACQUISITION OF NATURE PRESERVE PROPERTIES To assist with a strategic approach toward nature preserve land acquisition, the Trust for Public Lands completed a “greenprinting” analysis of Mecklenburg County. The greenprinting process takes community values and uses them as a basis for rating properties. Two analyses were conducted to determine Nature Preserve priority land acquisitions. The first was a “Critical Wildlife Habitat” greenprint, and the second was a “Parcel Prioritization” greenprint. The Critical Wildlife Habitat considered and mapped the following: forested habitat, early successional habitat, wetland habitat, riparian habitat, Natural Heritage Sites, buffer zones adjacent to existing unique/rare habitats, wildlife corridors, presence of rare species of concern, critical watersheds, and large unbroken natural areas remaining in the county. Based on a weighted matrix, lands were ranked 1-5, five being lands exhibiting the highest “critical habitat values.”

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Brackett Bluff

Summers Walk

Interstate Thoroughfare Mecklenburg County Boundary

Oehler

Catawba River

Current and Recommended Nature Preserves

Stephen's Road

Current

77

Recommended

Auten

Cowan's Ford

Partnership in Progress/Potential Nature Preserve Land-banked Property/Potential Nature Preserve

Gar Creek

Rural Hill Haymarket Hucks Road/Davis Farm Latta Plantation Shuffletown Prairie

85 RibbonWalk

Reedy Creek

Gateway

Berryhill

Sherman Branch/Moore Farm

277

Evergreen

485

Stevens Creek

McDowell

Big Rock

Flat Branch

0

2

4 Miles

Current and Recommended Mecklenburg County Nature Preserves

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Lake Wylie

85 § ¦ ¨

Catawba River

277 27

21 £ ¤

77 § ¦ ¨

521 £ ¤

§ ¨ ¦ 485

¤ § ¨ ¦£

16 § ¦ ¨

77 § ¦ ¨ 521 £ ¤

29 £ ¤

Mt. Island Lake

Lake Norman

21 £ ¤

74 § ¦ ¨ 0

2.5

5 Miles

for Natural Area Protection

Parks and Open Space Waterbodies River Tier 1 and Tier 2 Priority Lands

Legend

1.25

Medium High

±

25

TPL, The Trust for Public Land, and The Trust for Public Land logo are trademarks of The Trust for Public Land. Copyright © 2008 The Trust for Public Land.www.tpl.org Information on this map is provided for purposes of discussion and visualization only.

Medium

High Highway

Protect Critical Habitat Priorities Interstate

Transportation

120 properties 6,446 acres

Special thanks to the following data providers: Southeast Gap Analysis Project, Biodiveristy and Spatial Information Center; NCSU Mecklenburg County GIS North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Map created by the Trust for Public Land on March 24, 2008. Created in ArcMap 9.2® Map Projection: NAD 1983 State Plane North Carolina FIPS 3200 Feet

29 £ ¤

29 85 £ ¤ § ¦ ¨

Tier 1 and Tier 2 Priority Lands for Natural Area Protection

Mecklenburg County Greenprinting

The second analysis evaluated parcels of land throughout the county, and those parcels that were both larger and contained the least amount of impervious cover were also mapped and ranked. Where these parcels overlaid with mapped Critical Habitat areas scoring 3-5, a final ranking was established. This final ranking is based on a scale of 1-24, with twenty-four being the highest possible score a parcel could receive, based on various factors such as size, undeveloped state, and the presence of critical habitat factors. Properties which scored a value of 16-24 (Tier 1) contain the greatest value in terms of critical habitat. Properties which scored a value of 15 are considered Tier 2. The combined acreage of these 120 properties is 6,446. These properties should be considered for future nature preserve acquisition, as they would greatly contribute to the unmet needs of the community and protect significant areas. Therefore, the department has set a goal of acquiring and protecting an additional 6,446 acres of nature preserve properties. Properties scoring 14 or less may still contain critical habitat and would significantly benefit the community by protection. Acquisition of these properties should be pursued if funding and opportunity exists. See Mecklenburg County Greenprinting Tier 1 and Tier 2 Priority Lands for Natural Area Protection map. This map illustrates areas of the county which, according to aerial imagery, field verification, and best available information, contain critical wildlife habitat for nature preserve designation. The circles represent general areas the department should try to protect through donation, purchase, or conservation easements (via partners such as the Catawba lands Conservancy).

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE NATURE CENTERS Currently three nature centers serve the entire county. Nature Centers are the primary public facilities associated with nature preserves. The three nature centers are located at Latta Plantation, McDowell, and Reedy Creek Nature Preserves. Based on gap analysis, many residents must drive considerable distances to visit a nature center, creating a significant access and equity issue. Additionally, the results of the 2008 Community Survey as well as best practices indicate an extremely high level of need for additional nature centers. The Department’s recommended standard of one nature center per 100,000 residents results in a current deficit of five nature centers, and a deficit of nine nature centers to serve residents by the year 2022. Refer to the Mecklenburg County – Facility Standards Spreadsheet in the department Master Plan. Although many new nature centers were planned or discussed over the years, no new centers have been built or opened to the public for the past 15 years. Based on the community survey results and service gap analysis of existing centers, the Nature Preserve Master Plan recommends five new nature centers to be built over the next 10 years. These nature centers would provide access and services to the majority of the county once opened. See Current and Proposed Mecklenburg County Nature Centers map. An additional four nature centers will be needed in the following five years to meet the recommended standard as population and density increase.

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Nature Center Location Nature Preserves Parks

Nature Center Type Current Current - Partnership

77

Latta Plantation

85

Reedy Creek

485

85 277

Charlotte Nature Museum 77 485

McDowell

0

1

2 Miles

Current Mecklenburg County Nature Centers with 5-Mile Radius Service Areas 27

Nature Center Location Nature Preserves Parks

Nature Center Type Current Current - Partnership Proposed

Summers Walk

77

Latta Plantation

RibbonWalk 85

Reedy Creek Gateway 485

85 277

Charlotte Nature Museum 77 485

Stevens Creek Sharon Road West McDowell

Proposed Nature Center Rankings 1 - Stevens Creek 2 - Gateway 3 - Sharon Road West 4 - Summers Walk 5 - RibbonWalk

0

1

2 Miles

Current and Proposed Mecklenburg County Nature Centers with 5-Mile Radius Service Areas 28

CAPITAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH RECOMMENDATIONS Current capital needs for the master planning and development of five new nature preserves and basic amenities (bathrooms, shelters, trails, parking lots), the master planning and development of four existing designated preserves (Evergreen, Flat Branch, RibbonWalk, and Haymarket), the construction of new nature centers, and the expansion of two existing nature centers is estimated at $54,900,000 over the next ten years. These capital costs do not include land acquisition for future nature preserves. A detailed breakdown of these estimated costs is included in the departments Master Plan.

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NATURE PRESERVES: EXISTING CONDITIONS, ZONES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS This section details the existing site conditions of each of the 14 current Mecklenburg County nature preserves, an explanation of the designated management zones in each preserve, and provides some recommendations for the preserves. Detailed descriptions of the listed plant communities are located in the appendix. All “species of note” are for reference and are not meant to be complete lists.

Latta Plantation Nature Preserve Site Features Physiography Topographic elevations across the site range from a lake elevation of around 647 feet to elevations of approximately 750 feet on ridge tops near the equestrian center and the Piedmont Prairie site. Slopes throughout the Preserve are moderate with a limited number of side slopes exceeding 20 percent. The Gar Creek and Beechwood Cove watersheds provide the largest drainages on the site, both draining into Mountain Island Lake. The majority of the preserve is wooded.

Plant Communities Plant communities documented within this preserve are listed below. Please refer to the appendix for a detailed explanation of each community type. Basic Mesic Forest Basic Oak-Hickory Forest – (North Carolina-designated significant natural heritage area) Dry Oak-Hickory Forest Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way Pine Plantation

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweintzii), manfreda (Manfreda virginica), Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum), and Carolina buckthorn

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(Frangula caroliniana). Locally rare plants include: fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), nodding onion (Allium cernuum), and beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta). Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) and puttyroot orchid (Aplectrum hyemale) are unusually plentiful in some areas. Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), liriope (Liriope muscari), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and rat-tail fescue (Vulpia myuros).

Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: American kestrel (Falco sparverius), eastern meadowlark (Sturna magna), Kentucky warbler (Opornis formosus), northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), American woodcock (Scolopax minor), Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), red-spotted newt (Notopthalmus viridescens), and gulf coast spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera aspera).

Land Use Inventory Existing land uses within the 1,339.4 acre Latta Plantation Nature Preserve include Historic Latta Plantation (a historic farm and plantation home), Carolina Raptor Center, Nature Center, Natural Resources North Office, Equestrian Center, picnic area, two canoe access areas, power line rights-of-way, a maintenance facility, and 16 miles of hiking trails, of which 13 miles are open to equestrian use. The remainder of the preserve is undeveloped. Adjacent land use is predominately residential.

Significant Features All of Latta Plantation Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site and the Basic Oak-Hickory Forest is ranked as being of state significance. The site provides significant protection for the water quality of Mecklenburg County. The forest surrounding the Gar Creek watershed protects the City of Charlotte’s primary drinking water intake located at the mouth of Gar Creek. The 40 acre Piedmont Prairie restoration site harbors two federally listed plant species and the Beechwood Trail area protects a high quality beech woodland.

Summary This preserve is one of the most visited nature preserves in the county. While its attractions are important to public recreation, its natural areas serve many vital ecological functions from habitat protection and restoration, to the protection of the region’s air and water quality. The ecological health of the Gar Creek floodplain is of critical importance to the water quality of Mountain Island Lake and the City of Charlotte’s drinking water.

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Management Zones Natural Zones—The majority of Latta Plantation is designated as Outstanding Natural Zone (856.9 acres). This area includes the Gar Creek floodplain, the Beechwood Trail area, various upland forests, and the shoreline protection buffer and the 40 acre Piedmont Prairie restoration site. There are 313.1 acres designated as Critical Natural Zone within the northern third of the preserve, including the Basic Oak-Hickory Forest area. Cultural and Historical Zone—The area associated with Historic Latta Plantation has been designated as Cultural and Historical Zone. This zone is 42.7 acres in size. The boundaries of Historic Latta Plantation are dictated by their current lease agreement with Mecklenburg County. Support Development Zone—The intense development along Sample Road with access drives and active uses led to the creation of a support development zone. The 126.7 acre (9.5% of total acreage) support development zone accommodates a variety of pubic uses that include: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Nature Center Natural Resources North Office Equestrian Center Maintenance Facility Carolina Raptor Center Canoe Access Canoe/Kayak Storage Area Picnic Area

Recommendations ƒ

ƒ ƒ

ƒ

Additional land should be acquired to provide linkages between this preserve and others in the vicinity of Mountain Island Lake. These lands would fill in some of the out-parcel gaps, preserve contiguous habitat and wildlife corridors, protect water quality and increase the buffer to adjacent land uses. The acquisition strategy is based on the Trust for Public Land (TPL) Greenprinting Strategy prepared for the update to the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan. Equestrian use was “grandfathered in” during the 1997 master plan process. Equestrian trails are limited to those currently designated at the preserve. Continuing agreements with partner organizations other than Mecklenburg County Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources on Latta Plantation Nature Preserve property should require land management actions that balance the need to interpret the cultural landscape with habitat protection and requirements for preservation of sensitive species. A cultural landscape report for historic properties at Latta Plantation should be developed. The cultural landscape report will include recommendations for vegetation management that balances the need to interpret historic resources with maintaining ecological integrity of the preserve.

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Nature Preserve 10 Foot Contour

Soil Appling Cecil Davidson Enon Iredell Mecklenburg Monacan Pacolet Wilkes

Latta Plantation Nature Preserve 0

0.1

0.2 Miles

Existing Conditions - Physiography

2007 Aerial Photography

33

Mountain Island Lake Watershed ; CA-3

Nature Preserve Critical Watershed Sub Area Creeks Wetland SWIM Buffer Catawba River

Mountain Island Lake Watershed ; PA-1

Mountain Island Lake Watershed ; CA-2

Ga r

Cre e

k

Mountain Island Lake Watershed ; CA-4

Mountain Island Lake Watershed ; CA-1

Lake Wylie Watershed ; PA

Latta Plantation Nature Preserve 0

0.1

0.2 Miles

Existing Conditions - Hydrology

2007 Aerial Photography

34

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Duke Access Rd

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Historic Latta Plantation

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Riva Ridge Ct Den ali L n Alydar Ct

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Viceregal Ct

Se la r

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Latta Plantation Nature Preserve 0

0.09 0.18 Miles

Existing Conditions - Infrastructure

2007 Aerial Photography

35

Woodcock Ln

Marengo Cr

iC t

dD oo

Rd

ie Ch

o cat

d ille R

Hyperion Ct

o Adv

Firestreak Dr

Rive rvie wD Ri r ve rfr Riv o er i ne nt D r Dr

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Glenn Teague Rd

Pea r

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Ln

thw

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Nature Preservein Po ta un Streets Mo Trails Buildings Ke Parking nn ew Utility ROW ick

So u

Mountain Lake Cv

Rd

Equipment Compound Carolina Raptor Center

Early Successional Communities Pine Plantation Natural Community Basic Oak-Hickory Forest Dry/Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest/Basic Mesic Forest

Latta Plantation Nature Preserve 0

0.1

0.2 Miles

Existing Conditions - Natural Communities

2007 Aerial Photography

36

CNZ

ONZ

SDZ SDZ

CHZ

ONZ

SDZ

ONZ

SDZ

Nature Preserve Boundary

Management Zones Critical Natural Zone Outstanding Natural Zone Cultural & Historical Zone Support Development Zone

Latta Plantation Nature Preserve 0

0.1

0.2 Miles

Management Zones

2007 Aerial Photography

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McDowell Nature Preserve Site Features Physiography Topography at McDowell Nature Preserve is comprised of a major ridgeline forming the approximate eastern and southern boundary of the site along York Road and Shopton Road and numerous lesser ridges, which are oriented toward the shoreline of Lake Wylie to the west. Elevations range from approximately 580 feet at the shoreline to over 720 feet at the tops of some ridges along York Road. Slopes are moderate across most of the site; however, some very steep side slopes occur along reaches of narrow stream valleys.

Plant Communities Basic Oak-Hickory Forest Dry Oak-Hickory Forest Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest Upland Depression Swamp Forest Xeric Hardpan Forest Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way Pine Plantation

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweintzii), smooth purple coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), Carolina prairie-trefoil (Lotus helleri), prairie-dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum), and Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum). Locally rare plants here include dwarf pawpaw (Asimina parviflora), American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), cancer-root (Orobanche uniflora), and sprouts of the American chestnut tree (Castanea dentata). Additionally, McDowell Nature Preserve protects some of the most abundant populations of spring ephemeral wildflower species remaining in Mecklenburg County. Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), kudzu (Pueraria montana), tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), liriope (Liriope muscari), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense).

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Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals or animal species of conservation concern include: grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannurum), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), Chuck-will’s-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis), Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), sedge wren (Cistothorus platensis), willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii), winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), eastern meadowlark (Sturna magna), northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), American woodcock (Scolopax minor), Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), gulf coast spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera aspera), and bobcat (Felis rufus).

Land Use Inventory Land use at the 1,107.6 acre McDowell Nature Preserve includes a campground, picnic areas, seven miles of hiking trails, Nature Center, canoe/kayak launch, and fishing piers. Visual access to the waterfront is provided by waterfront decks and a walkway along the shore. The majority of the property is wooded with the exception of a 150 acre Piedmont Prairie restoration site and a power line right-of-way. Adjacent land use is predominately residential.

Significant Features All of McDowell Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. The site provides significant protection for the water quality of Mecklenburg County. The Piedmont Prairie is the largest restoration site of this type in the county and the second largest in the region. Two vernal pool areas (i.e., Upland Depression Swamp Forest) provide breeding habitat for spotted and marbled salamanders. Several mature hardwood stands are present with north facing slopes harboring unique plant communities and patches of diverse, spring ephemeral wildflowers. Cultural and historical features occurring on the preserve include an old general store near the center of the preserve and remnants of an old roadbed, which traverses the preserve.

Summary The developed area of McDowell is heavily used for drive-in and primitive camping, picnicking, hiking, and water-related activities. The shorelines are heavily used by pedestrian trail users as well as fishermen. Existing trails extending from the nature center offer accessible environmental education opportunities. The natural areas within the preserve protect the county’s air and water quality as well as a wide variety of habitat types and plant and animal species that are rare in Mecklenburg County.

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Management Zones Natural Zones—Most of McDowell (1,016.6 acres) is zoned Outstanding Natural Zone. The Outstanding Natural Zone includes all of the trail areas surrounding the Support Development Zone, several alluvial floodplains to the north, two upland depression swamp forests, various upland forests, and the Piedmont Prairie restoration site. Support Development Zone—Several areas within McDowell Nature Preserve are designated Support Development Zone, totaling 91.0 acres. ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Nature Center Roads and parking lots Picnic Areas Southwest Nature Preserve District and Natural Resources South Offices Maintenance Compound Canoe/Kayak launch Boat ramps at Copperhead Island RV/Primitive Campground

The corner of Shopton Road and Four Horse Road is identified as a potential satellite parking site for trailhead access. Copperhead Island provides outdoor recreation and environmental education facilities for group outings and boat access to the lake.

Recommendations ƒ

Additional land should be acquired to provide linkages between this preserve and other Natural Heritage Sites and Thomas McAllister Winget Park. These lands would fill in some of the out-parcel gaps, create contiguous habitat and wildlife corridors, and increase the buffer to adjacent land uses. The acquisition strategy is based on the TPL Greenprinting Strategy prepared for the update to the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan.

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Nature Preserve 10 Foot Contours Soil Cecil Davidson Enon Iredell Mecklenburg Monacan Pacolet Pacolet-Udorthents Wilkes

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Early Successional Communities Pine Plantation Natural Community Basic Oak-Hickory Forest Dry/Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest Upland Depression Swamp Forest/Xeric Hardpan Forest Water

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0.075 0.15 Miles

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Reedy Creek Nature Preserve Site Features Physiography Topography at Reedy Creek is predominantly gently rolling with a few areas of steeper slopes on the sides of broad ridges. The elevation ranges from approximately 650 feet at the floodplain of Reedy Creek along the eastern property line to over 800 feet on the ridge tops along Plaza Road Extension to the south. Slopes on this preserve are relatively gentle except for limited side slopes of narrow stream valleys, which can have very steep slopes for short distances.

Plant Communities Basic Mesic Forest Basic Oak-Hickory Forest (designated by the NC NHP as one the best quality in the region) Dry Oak-Hickory Forest Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Piedmont Alluvial Forest Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum) and conjurer’s nut (Nestronia umbellula). Locally rare plants include: broad beech ferns (Phegopteris hexagonoptera), umbrella tree (Magnolia tripetala), northern horsebalm (Collinsonia canadensis), and prickly-pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa). Additionally, bird’s-foot violet (Viola pedata), pink lady’s slipper (Cypripedium acaule), American chestnut (Castanea dentata), and yellow star grass (Hypoxis hirsuta) have been documented on a small sand ridge on the boundary of the preserve. Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: English ivy (Hedera helix), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), liriope (Liriope muscari), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), kudzu (Pueraria montana), Sacred bamboo (Nandina domestica), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora).

Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals or animal species of conservation concern include: Chuck-will’swidow (Caprimulgus carolinensis), Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferous), Louisiana

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waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), American woodcock (Scolopax minor), Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), Kentucky warbler (Oporornis formosus) prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), yellow-crowned night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea), gulf coast spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera aspera), and northern river otter (Lontra canadensis).

Land Use Inventory Land uses at the 736.3 acre Reedy Creek Nature Preserve include the Reedy Creek Nature Center, the Dr. James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies, the county’s Conservation Science office, approximately ten miles of walking trails, and two culturally significant historic home sites. The remainder of the site is woodlands. Adjacent land uses are predominately residential, or undeveloped. The active recreation portion of Reedy Creek Park, adjacent to the preserve, offers a dog park, picnicking, disc golf, ballfields, fishing, and playground recreation.

Significant Features All of Reedy Creek Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. The headwaters of Reedy Creek, including streams within the Preserve, have among the highest water quality of surface waters in Mecklenburg County. Significant environmental features include a regionally significant basic oak-hickory forest which contain umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala), a rare sand ridge habitat along the boundary of the preserve, scattered patches of native wildflowers and broad beech ferns, lush floodplain wetlands along Reedy Creek, and a relict population of Georgia aster, a federal candidate species. Cultural and historical features, which occur on the site, include the Robinson Rock House homestead near the center of the site, as well as several out buildings. The Reedy Creek Nature Center is the focal point for a diversity of environmental education and natural history programs and workshops. The nature center contains a classroom, exhibit hall, and gift shop. Outside the nature center there is a bird feeding station, butterfly/bird garden, garden pond, bog garden, and an outdoor composting demonstration area.

Summary Reedy Creek Nature Preserve remains mostly wooded and protects some of the most significant ecological resources and highest water quality streams in the county. Some of the most botanically significant areas of the preserve occur within its southwestern portion that includes a population of umbrella trees. Seven hiking trails have been established which are currently used by the Environmental Education staff for interpretive programs, which are based out of the nature center.

Management zones

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Natural Zones—Most of the Nature Preserve is designated as Outstanding Natural Zone (673.5 acres). The Outstanding Natural Zone includes upland hardwood forest areas, the Reedy Creek floodplain, virtually all trails, and an area at the northwest corner of the Nature Preserve for the purpose of water quality protection. There are 45.5 acres designated as Critical Natural Area. These areas include the South Fork of Reedy Creek natural heritage sub-site and a small area in the southeast portion of the preserve. The larger area protects the headwaters of Reedy Creek. Cultural and Historical Zone—A small area totaling 2.5 acres has been set aside in Cultural and Historical Zone for the Robinson Rock House. Support Development Zone—The roadway, nature center, and lands immediately adjacent to the nature center comprise the 14.8 acre Support Development Zone.

Recommendation Additional lands should be acquired to enhance the integrity of the preserve. These lands would provide additional habitat and help buffer both the Outstanding and Critical Natural Zones. Linkages should be sought with the Back Creek Community Park and nearby natural heritage sites, Harrisburg Community Park and Hickory Grove Park. These lands would fill in some of the out-parcel gaps, create contiguous habitats and wildlife corridors, and increase the buffer to adjacent land uses. Additional land acquisition should be based on the TPL Greenprinting results.

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Nature Preserve 10 Foot Contour Soil Cecil Enon Helena Mecklenburg Monacan Pacolet Vance Wilkes

Reedy Creek Nature Preserve 0

0.06 0.12 Miles

Existing Conditions - Physiography

2007 Aerial Photography

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e Re dy k ee Cr Reedy C re

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Early Successional Communities Pine Plantation Natural Community Basic Oak-Hickory Forest Dry/Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest/Basic Mesic Forest Water

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0.08

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Existing Conditions - Natural Communities

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Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge Site Features Physiography Elevations across the Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge range from 648 feet at the river’s edge to approximately 780 feet at several locations near the center of the site. Steep slopes occur on the sides of some of the more pronounced ridges.

Plant Communities Dry Oak-Hickory Forest Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest Piedmont Semi-Permanent Impoundment Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way Pine Plantation

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: marsh St.-John’s-wort (Triadenum tubulosum). Locally rare plants include: southern rein orchid (Platanthera flava), bur-reed (Sparganium americanum), silverbell (Halesia carolina), and bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia). Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgrae), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea), tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), bicolor lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and rattail fescue (Vulpia myuros).

Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannurum), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), Chuck-will’s-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis), whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferous), Kentucky warbler (Opornis formosus), Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), Savannah sparrow (Passerculus

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sandwichensis), sedge wren (Cistothorus platensis), winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), eastern meadowlark (Sturna magna), northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), American woodcock (Scolopax minor), Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), red-spotted newt (Notopthalmus viridescens), and bobcat (Felis rufus).

Land Use Inventory The 660.1 acre Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge is a peninsula bounded on three sides by the Catawba River (Mountain Island Lake). Duke Energy owns all land below the high water line. A portion of this Duke Energy land adjacent to the refuge is leased by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as a Wildlife Management Area. Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge is a controlled access nature preserve. General access to the public is limited to the small parking area at the end of Neck Road and the wildlife viewing observation deck located here. Access to the remainder of the property is provided by Division staff for special public or group programs scheduled throughout the year. Researchers can apply for scientific research permits through the Natural Resources Permit Coordinator in order to gain access to the property to conduct research on the natural resources protected here.

Significant Features All of Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. The site provides significant protection for the water quality of Mecklenburg County. The entire wildlife refuge is significant in terms of its habitat diversity; however, there are areas that can be singled out as notable. The area on the north side of the Refuge along Duck Cove contains high quality wetland habitat including bottomland hardwood forest, impoundment, and a north-facing slope located above the cove. The wetlands and their adjacent uplands provide a combination of Mountain, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain flora not found elsewhere in the county.

Summary Many of the features of the land protected here reflect the legacy of human agricultural and timber management of the property prior to its designation as nature preserve. Former agricultural fields are in the progress of being converted to Piedmont grassland communities by enhancing native warm season grasses and forbs. Conversion of former pine plantations to natural communities is also in progress. Invasive species management is being implemented in non-forested areas but is needed throughout. Wetlands and manmade ponds have been managed for waterfowl and amphibians. Additionally, the land has been minimally developed in order to protect the water quality of Mountain Island Lake.

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Management Zones Natural Zones— At Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge, 657.1 acres are designated Critical Natural Zone. The fragile habitat, diverse ecosystem, and abundance of wildlife that exist on this site should be protected and controlled access to this unique natural area should continue to be enforced. Support Development Zone—A Support Development Zone of 3.0 acres has been designated to include the existing observation deck and parking. This zone also allows for guided educational and interpretive activities for the public.

Recommendations Additional land should be acquired to provide linkages between this preserve and others in the vicinity of Mountain Island Lake. These lands would fill in some of the out-parcel gaps, create contiguous habitats and wildlife corridors, protect water quality, and increase the buffer to adjacent land uses. The acquisition strategy is based on the TPL Greenprinting Strategy prepared for the update to the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan.

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Nature Preserve 10 Foot Contour

Soil Cecil Davidson Helena Mecklenburg Monacan Pacolet Wilkes

Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge 0

0.07

0.14 Miles

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Nature Preserve Critical Watershed Sub Area Creeks Wetland SWIM Buffer Catawba River

Mountain Island Lake Watershed ; CA-4

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Nature Preserve Streets Buildings Parking Utility ROW

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Early Successional Communities Pine Plantation Natural Community Dry/Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest Piedmont Semi-Permanent Impoundment Water

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Evergreen Nature Preserve Site Features Physiography Elevations range from a low of about 700 feet along Edwards Branch on the southern boundary to a high of more than 730 feet on hilltops. Slopes are gradual and generally range from 8-15 percent. There are two small tributaries which flow south through the preserve into Edwards Branch, a stream that borders a portion of the southern edge of the preserve.

Plant Communities Dry Oak-Hickory Forest Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Piedmont Alluvial Forest Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: (none). Locally rare plants include: swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii) and pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides). Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Japanese hops (Humulus japonicus), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), liriope (Liriope muscari), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), greater and common periwinkle (Vinca major and V. minor), English ivy (Hedera helix), Chinese mahonia (Mahonia bealei), sacred bamboo (Nandina domestica), boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), Japanese and amur honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica and L. maackii), Autumn olive and Autumn silverberry (Elaeagnus umbellata and E. pungens), mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), Chinese and Japanese wisteria (Wisteria sinense and W. floribunda), white mulberry (Morus alba), Chinese and Japanese privet (Ligustrum sinense and L. japonicum), Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and porcelain-berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata).

Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), Kentucky warbler (Opornis formosus), Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), American woodcock (Scolopax minor), Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes

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erythrocephalus), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), and yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).

Land use Inventory The 77.4 acre Evergreen Nature Preserve is undeveloped woodland with a few field areas kept open to provide wildlife watching opportunities. It is bordered on the north by Evergreen Cemetery, Eastway Middle School to the west, and Sheffield Park and Winterfield Elementary School to the east. Residential development borders the preserve to the south.

Significant Features All of Evergreen Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site because of its significance as the last largest natural area protected within the inner city of Charlotte. Environmental features of significance include native canopy trees within the mesic-mixed hardwood forest, which grades into floodplain-dominated vegetation around Edwards Branch and its tributaries, all of which provide habitat for wildlife. The site is especially noted for its diversity of birds, primarily migrant species, using the area as stopover habitat during migration. A prominent remnant of the historic “Potter’s Road” is a significant historic feature that lies along the eastern boundary of the preserve.

Summary This property is a substantial forested area within an urban setting. The forest canopy provides cover and habitat for a variety of wildlife species and the field areas provide additional habitat and opportunities for wildlife viewing by the public. This preserve is an isolated natural area. It is surrounded by development and is heavily impacted by invasive plant species. Located between two schools, this preserve can play a vital role in providing outdoor experiences and environmental education opportunities for inner city school children.

Management Zones Natural Zones—Most of this Nature Preserve is designated as Natural Zone (72.3 acres). Because this Nature Preserve is located in an inner-ring suburb, next to Sheffield Neighborhood Park and Winterfield Elementary School, there are limited options for linkages and expansion. This Nature Preserve has not received extensive habitat management. The Initial Biodiversity Assessment for this site recommends that eradication of invasive species should be the initial management action taken to restore this site. Cultural and Historical Zone—A portion of the 0.4 acre historic Potter’s Road alignment extends through the eastern boundary of the site. Support Development Zone—A Support Development Zone of 4.7 acres has been designated. This area could include, among other things, a parking access site on Norland Drive on the northwest portion of the preserve.

Recommendations ƒ

Prepare a Natural Communities Management Plan that targets invasive species removal.

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Conduct a review of the Potter’s Road alignment and work with state and local historic preservation agencies in the management of the resource. Utilize the established Support Development Zone to provide amenities for environmental education / interpretive activities at this location in conjunction with Eastway Middle School and Winterfield Elementary School.

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Nature Preserve 10 Foot Contour Soil Cecil Cecil-Urban Monacan

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RibbonWalk Nature Preserve Site Features Physiography The terrain within the preserve consists of moderate to steep slopes. Elevations range from a low of about 710 feet along Irwin Creek near Nevin Road to a high of about 807 feet on a hilltop at the northern tip of the site. Steep slopes, particularly those that exceed 15 percent are associated with the Irwin Creek tributary and the land in the northwest portion of the preserve. Irwin Creek flows along the southwest edge of the preserve. A western tributary and two small tributaries flow in from the north. Irwin Creek eventually enters Sugar Creek southwest of Charlotte.

Plant Communities Dry Oak-Hickory Forest Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way Pine Plantation

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: Carolina buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana). Locally rare plants include: New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus), witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides), northern horse balm (Collinsoina canadensis), swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii), and Indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora). Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: kudzu (Pueraria montana), liriope (Liriope muscari), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), English ivy (Hedera helix), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and rat-tail fescue (Vulpia myuros).

Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), and yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).

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Land use Inventory The 186.9-acre RibbonWalk Nature Preserve is partially developed, with several hiking trails, parking and picnic areas, roads, two barns, and other buildings. Adjacent land uses include residential development on all sides except to the west, which borders Nevin Park. The southeast boundary of the preserve occurs along Nevin Road, from which a short segment of Hoyt-Hinson Road extends northward into the site.

Significant Features All of RibbonWalk Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. An American beech (Fagus grandifolia) grove in the northern portion of the preserve has been designated a Mecklenburg County Treasure Tree site because of the number of large, old trees and its overall natural integrity. Environmental features of note include mesic-mixed hardwood forest, which includes the American beech grove, dry oak-hickory forest, with piedmont bottomland forest along Irwin Creek. Carolina buckthorn is a state Watch List species that occurs on the northern third of the site. There are also wetland areas associated with the three ponds and adjacent stream.

Summary The RibbonWalk Nature Preserve includes second growth hardwoods and pine plantations, and trails that are maintained by the Division. The combination of steep slopes, several streams, and ponds provides diverse habitat for wildlife and attractive green space in a dense suburban setting.

Management Zones Natural Zones—The majority of this Nature Preserve (123.2 acres) is designated as Natural Zone. This zone consists of dry or dry-mesic oak-hickory forest and pine plantations in succession from previous farm fields, and includes three ponds and wetlands along the southern tributary to Irwin Creek. At its northern third, the preserve transitions to a mesic mixed hardwood forest and is designated as an Outstanding Natural Zone (45.3 acres). A system of trails exists throughout much of the Natural Zone. Support Development Zone—The Support Development Zone includes the parking area east of Hoyt-Hinson Road. This zone occupies 18.4 acres and accounts for 9.8% of the preserve.

Recommendations ƒ ƒ

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Prepare a Natural Communities Management Plan that targets invasive species removal. Incorporate county-owned parkland additional acreage west of the preserve into the nature preserve to add additional habitat and protect these undeveloped areas for the future. Although the RibbonWalk Nature Preserve is largely surrounded by residential development and Nevin Park (to the northwest), there is still additional undeveloped private land in the vicinity of the preserve that should be considered for acquisition. This would provide additional buffer for the preserve and would help maintain water quality in Irwin Creek. Environmental education should be a major component of preserve use. Additional interpretive facilities could be developed at this location.

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Nature Preserve 10 Foot Contour Soil Appling Cecil Enon Helena Monacan Pacolet Wilkes

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Early Successional Communities Pine Plantation Natural Community Dry/Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest Water

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Rural Hill Nature Preserve Site Features Physiography The terrain within the preserve consists of moderate to steep slopes. Elevations range from a low of less than 650 feet along the edge of the southern peninsula to a high of more than 790 feet on a hilltop at the southeast corner of the site. Slopes along the shoreline of Mountain Island Lake and the floodplain of McDowell Creek and ravines are moderate to steep. McDowell Creek cuts through the east side of the preserve and has some of the poorest water quality in the county.

Plant Communities Basic Oak-Hickory Forest Dry Oak-Hickory Forest Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Piedmont Alluvial Forest Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way Pine Plantation

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: (none). Locally rare plants include: swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii). Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: kudzu (Pueraria montana), liriope (Liriope muscari), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), English ivy (Hedera helix), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and rat-tail fescue (Vulpia myuros).

Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannurum), winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), eastern meadowlark (Sturna magna), northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), yellowbilled cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), and red-spotted newt (Notopthalmus viridescens).

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Land use Inventory The 488.8 acre Rural Hill Nature Preserve is largely undeveloped and is surrounded by rural residential and agricultural/wooded lands. The McDowell Creek wastewater treatment plant occurs immediately east of the preserve at its northeast edge. The preserve is leased by the Catawba Valley Scottish Society and serves as the host site for numerous events including the Amazing Maize Maze, the Scottish Games, and the Rural Hill sheep dog trials. A historic home and cemetery are included on the site.

Significant Features The fields of Rural Hill are the only documented nesting areas of grasshopper sparrows that are protected as nature preserve in Mecklenburg County. Without proper management, this final breeding population of this rare species will be lost and the species may be extirpated from the county. Additional features of note include the floodplain forest along McDowell Creek and the forested uplands on the peninsula. This property provides critical habitat and habitat connectivity between Auten Nature Preserve and Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge. Cultural resources on the preserve include the historic Rural Hill or “Davidson Plantation”, which includes several structures and foundations of the “mansion house” and its outbuildings. These are located in the northeast corner of the preserve north of Neck Road. The Davidson family cemetery occurs as an out parcel along the south side of Neck Road. There are also two historic schoolhouses located along the south side of Neck Road.

Summary The significance of this site includes both the historic Rural Hill farmstead as well as the undeveloped heavily forested peninsulas bordering Mountain Island Lake. Management and mowing of the field grasses within the plantation portion of the preserve should be done in conjunction with the management needs of the wildlife present.

Management Zones Natural Zones—Approximately two-thirds of this Nature Preserve (224.5 acres) is designated as Critical Natural Zone. This area includes the peninsula, north to and including the woodlands surrounding McDowell Creek, its floodplain, and associated wetlands. Cultural and Historical Zone—The northern third of the Nature Preserve is designated as a Cultural and Historic Zone, and accounts for 190.3 acres. This zone includes the historic Davidson Plantation and the land surrounding the Davidson family cemetery (an out parcel). Although this zone is designated for management of cultural resources, the landscape (agricultural fields) provides important habitat for a variety of wildlife species.

Recommendations ƒ

Prepare a Natural Communities Management Plan and/or Conservation Action Plans and Statements (C.A.P.S.) for this property.

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Additional land should be acquired to provide linkages between this preserve and others in the vicinity of Mountain Island Lake. These lands would fill in some of the out-parcel gaps, create contiguous habitats and wildlife corridors, protect water quality, and increase the buffer to adjacent land uses. The acquisition strategy is based on the TPL Greenprinting Strategy prepared for the update to the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan. Land acquisitions should consider inclusion of a restored historic property (Holly Bend) along Neck Road. Future agreements with organizations other than Mecklenburg County Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources on Rural Hill Nature Preserve property should require land management actions that balance the need to interpret the cultural landscape with habitat requirements of sensitive species such as the grasshopper sparrow and the eastern meadowlark.

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Nature Preserve 10 Foot Contour

Soil Appling Cecil Davidson Enon Helena Mecklenburg Monacan Pacolet Wilkes

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Early Successional Communities Pine Plantation Natural Community Basic Oak-Hickory Forest Dry/Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest

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Auten Nature Preserve Site Features Physiography The terrain within the preserve is moderate to steep sloping. Elevations range from a low of about 650 feet along McDowell Creek at the northern end of the preserve to about 810 feet at the top of “Mt. Olive”, a hillock to the north of Neck Road. Steep slopes are associated with McDowell Creek and other small tributaries and ravines. The floodplain of McDowell Creek includes many potential wetland areas.

Plant Communities Basic Mesic Forest Basic Oak-Hickory Forest Dry Oak-Hickory Forest Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) and Carolina buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana). Locally rare plants include: cancer-root (Orobanche uniflora). Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and mimosa (Albizia julibrissin).

Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: (none) – a fauna inventory has not yet been conducted on this property.

Land use Inventory The 268.8 acre Auten Nature Preserve is undeveloped, and is surrounded on three sides by rural residential and agricultural/wooded lands, while to the east there is dense residential development. The McDowell Creek wastewater treatment plant occurs immediately west of the preserve.

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Significant Features All of Auten Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. Environmental features of note include a significantly unusual 63 acre pawpaw (Asimina triloba) site. This almost unique plant community has a canopy of white oak (Quercus alba) and a sub-canopy of dogwoods (Cornus florida) growing over a shrub layer of pawpaw. Ground cover includes a local population of cancer-root (Orobanche uniflora). The site provides significant protection for the water quality of Mecklenburg County. There are no known cultural or historical resources within the preserve.

Summary The significance of this site includes the pawpaw site, considered of Regional Significance by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. This is a unique plant community that should be protected from development and the threat of non-native invasive species. Additionally, the site provides significant protection of water quality in McDowell Creek and in Mountain Island Lake.

Management Zone Natural Zones—The entire Nature Preserve is designated as Critical Natural Zone (except a small easement for a future greenway trail), and includes the regionally significant pawpaw state Natural Heritage site and McDowell Creek, with its associated floodplain and wetlands.

Recommendations ƒ ƒ

Prepare a Natural Communities Management Plan. Additional land should be acquired to provide linkages between this preserve and others in the vicinity of Mountain Island Lake. These lands would fill in some of the out-parcel gaps, create contiguous habitats and wildlife corridors, protect water quality and increase the buffer to adjacent land uses. The acquisition strategy is based on the TPL Greenprinting Strategy prepared for the update to the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan.

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Nature Preserve 10 Foot Contour Soil Cecil Enon Iredell Mecklenburg Monacan Pacolet Wilkes

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Early Successional Communities Pine Plantation Natural Community Basic Mesic Forest Basic Oak-Hickory Forest Dry/Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest

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Stephen’s Road Nature Preserve Site Features Physiography Topography at the Stephen’s Road site is comprised of three major ridgelines, which are oriented toward the marshes and shoreline of Mountain Island Lake to the west. Elevations range from approximately 650 feet at the shoreline to over 750 feet at the tops of some ridges. Slopes are moderately steep across most of the site and very steep side slopes occur along reaches of narrow stream valleys and on slopes near the shore. A few areas of relatively gentle slopes occur on ridge tops. Very high quality wetlands can be found along streams, headwater basins, and in the marshes and shoreline covers of the site.

Plant Communities Dry Oak-Hickory Forest Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way Pine Plantation

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: (none). Locally rare plants include: (none) Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), English ivy (Hedera helix), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), liriope (Liriope muscari), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and rat-tail fescue (Vulpia myuros).

Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) – a fauna inventory has not yet been conducted on this property.

Land Use Inventory Although most of the 343.3 acre Stephen’s Road Nature Preserve is undeveloped, a lift station occupies a small area. The property consists of marsh, woodlands, and successional growth. Adjacent land use is predominately undeveloped although some agricultural or residential land use occurs to the north and east. A new subdivision has been developed northeast of the site.

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Significant Features All of Stephen’s Road Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. The preserve has many significant environmental features including extensive river marshes, several small wetland areas, mature hardwood stands, dense successional areas, and one stand of trees that is almost entirely comprised of American beech (Fagus grandifolia). High quality wetlands can be found along streams, headwater basins, and in the marshes and shoreline covers of the site. The site provides significant protection for the water quality of Mecklenburg County. The nature preserve does not contain pronounced cultural or historical features although there has been a long history of use of this land. An old roadbed follows the shoreline and two of the ridgelines, although in some areas it is indistinguishable from surrounding woods. There is a possibility that an old mill site was located along the stream in the northern end of the property.

Summary The absence of other competing land uses provides the opportunity for encouraging wildlife species that require isolation from development and activity. The extensive marsh and wetland resources on this property provide valuable stopover and nesting sites for neo-tropical migrants and migratory waterfowl.

Management Zone Natural Zones—The entire Stephen’s Road Nature Preserve is designated as Critical Natural Zone. This preserve, like other Mountain Island Lake preserves, forms a shoreline buffer protection zone. The Nature Preserve encompasses those lands that, like Cowan’s Ford, provide valuable nesting sites for migratory waterfowl and wildlife isolation from development and other activities that would disturb wildlife.

Recommendations ƒ ƒ ƒ

Prepare a Natural Communities Management Plan. Acquire a management agreement or conservation easement on the McGuire Nuclear Station wildlife area immediately to the north of this property and manage both sites as one. Additional land should be acquired to provide linkages between this preserve and others in the vicinity of Mountain Island Lake. These lands would fill in some of the out-parcel gaps, create contiguous habitats and wildlife corridors, protect water quality and increase the buffer to adjacent land uses. The acquisition strategy is based on the TPL Greenprinting Strategy prepared for the update to the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan.

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Nature Preserve 10 Foot Contour

Soil Appling Cecil Davidson Enon Helena Iredell Mecklenburg Monacan Pacolet Wilkes

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Early Successional Communities Pine Plantation Natural Community Dry/Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory/Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest

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Brackett Bluff Nature Preserve Site Features Physiography The terrain within the preserve is relatively steep sloping. Elevations range from a low of about 680 feet along the eastern boundary at the Rocky River (the county line) to a high of about 800 feet along Shearer Road at the southwest edge of the site. Slopes of ravines are severe. Surface waters in the preserve primarily flow eastward into the Rocky River and its associated floodplain along the eastern edge of the site. The Rocky River flows southward and eastward to eventually join the Yadkin Pee-Dee River.

Plant Communities Dry Oak-Hickory Forest Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Low Elevation Seep Piedmont Acidic Cliff Piedmont Alluvial Forest Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: Panax (Panax quinquefolius). Locally rare plants include: black-foot quillwort (Isoetes melanopoda). Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: kudzu (Pueraria montana), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum).

Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), and yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).

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Land use Inventory The 61 acre Brackett Bluff Nature Preserve is entirely undeveloped woodland and is surrounded by rural farmland and residential areas. The Rocky River along the site’s eastern edge also forms the boundary between Mecklenburg County and Cabarrus County, while Shearer Road/SR 2418 borders part of the southwest site boundary. A portion of the preserve is under a land conservation easement with the Catawba Land Conservancy. A portion of the preserve is still being used by a local resident for a disc golf course. Occasional ATV damage and impacts from horse traffic has been noted within the preserve. A major encroachment issue is an adjacent landfill that has been closed due to violation of environmental regulations. Litigation regarding this site and its clean up is in progress.

Significant Features All of Brackett Bluff Nature Preserves falls within the boundaries of the designated Natural Heritage Site; however, there are a few acres of the Natural Heritage Site that extends beyond the current preserve boundary. Environmental features of significance include the Piedmont acidic cliff and low elevation seep natural communities as well as the mesic-mixed hardwood forest along the steep, rocky bluff at the northern part of the preserve. There are no known cultural or historical resources within the preserve.

Summary The extreme relief and extensive forested nature of this preserve provide high quality habitat that benefits a diversity of wildlife. In addition, there are several high elevation vantage points to observe the scenic attributes of the Rocky River valley to the east, including the bluffs that overlook the seasonal wetland. Lastly, damage control from trespassing and control of several highly invasive plant species such as kudzu and Japanese honeysuckle need to be addressed.

Management Zone Natural Zones—The entire 61.1 acre site is designated as Critical Natural Zone.

Recommendations ƒ ƒ

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Prepare a Natural Communities Management Plan. Additional lands should be acquired to enhance the integrity of the Critical Natural Area and to connect the property to Fisher Farm or undeveloped land in Cabarrus County. Additional land acquisition should be based on the TPL Greenprinting results and include all acreage designated as a Natural Heritage Site. Coordination with planners in adjacent Cabarrus County (east of the Rocky River) is recommended to ensure that inappropriate land uses are not developed next to the preserve.

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10 Foot Contour Nature Preserve Soil Cecil Monacan Pacolet

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Early Successional Communities Pine Plantation Natural Community Dry/Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Low Elevation Seep Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Piedmont Acidic Cliff Piedmont Alluvial Forest

Brackett Bluff Nature Preserve 0

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Brackett Bluff Nature Preserve 0

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Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve Site Features Physiography The terrain within the preserve is generally gradual and modestly sloping. Elevations range from a low of about 690 feet at the western end of the preserve to a high of about 760 feet along the utility line ROW near the center of the site. Most of the slopes throughout the preserve are less than 8 percent. There are no perennial streams within the preserve. Surface water runoff drains into Mountain Island Lake.

Plant Communities Basic Oak-Hickory Forest Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweintzii), smooth purple coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), Michaux’s sumac (Rhus michauxii), manfreda (Manfreda virginica), Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum), and starry rosinweed (Silphium asteriscus var. dentatum). Locally rare plants include: rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium). Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora).

Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) – a fauna inventory has not yet been conducted on this property.

Land Use Inventory The 18 acre Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve is entirely undeveloped woodland and prairie habitat/power line ROW. Adjacent land uses include dense residential immediately to the south and wooded rural residential to the north. The preserve is bounded by Old Carolina and Winding River Drives to the south and Hart Road to the north, both of which are west of Rozzelles Ferry Road.

Significant Features All of Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. Environmental features of significance include what is considered perhaps the best example of a Piedmont Prairie habitat remnant in North or South Carolina. Two federally-listed and one candidate plant species occur at the site: Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii),

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smooth purple coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), and Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum - candidate for listing). Two additional rare plants at the preserve that are on the state Watch List include manfreda (Manfreda virginica) and starry rosinweed (Silphium asteriscus var. dentatum). This prairie remnant within the preserve occurs on 10 acres of maintained power line ROW. There are no known cultural or historical resources within the preserve.

Summary Due to its floral diversity, including several federal and state-listed species, this Natural Heritage site is one of the best with regard to plant species diversity of any county-owned prairie site. Duke Power had kept the prairie remnant along the power line open through bush-hogging and selective herbicide use for many years. As this site has been acquired by the county, management continues to control pioneer woody and exotic vegetation in combination with the planting of native grasses and forbs. Controlled burns have also been considered, but may not be feasible due close proximity to residential areas.

Management Zone Natural Zones—The entire 18.1 acre parcel is designated a Critical Natural Zone, which includes the seven-acre power line ROW that supports two federally-listed and one candidate plant species and two state Watch List species.

Recommendation Where possible, future acquisitions are recommended to better secure protective buffers for the regionally significant Piedmont Prairie remnant and its rare flora. In particular, the large population of Schweinitz’s sunflower that is located along another power line ROW west of the Preserve should be especially targeted for acquisition or conservation easement in the longterm.

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Nature Preserve 10 Foot Contour Soil Iredell Mecklenburg

Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve 0

0.025

0.05 Miles

Existing Conditions - Physiography

2007 Aerial Photography

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Mountain Island Lake Watershed ; CA-4

Lake Wylie Watershed ; PA

Nature Preserve Critical Watershed Sub Area Creeks Wetland SWIM Buffer Catawba River

Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve 0

0.02

0.04 Miles

2007 Aerial Photography

Existing Conditions - Hydrology 109

zz Ro

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elle er r sF yR

Buildings Parking Utility ROW

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Ha rt

aro

lin a

Dr

W i nd

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e re

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ek L

ood

or Mo

ot h Smo

ro

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ing

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Mor n

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av en

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Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve 0

0.02

0.04 Miles

Existing Conditions - Infrastructure

2007 Aerial Photography

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Early Successional Communities Pine Plantation Natural Community Basic Oak-Hickory Forest

Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve 0

0.03

0.06 Miles

Existing Conditions - Natural Communities

2007 Aerial Photography

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CNZ

Nature Preserve Boundary

Management Zones Critical Natural Zone

Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve 0

0.025

0.05 Miles

Management Zones

2007 Aerial Photography

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Gar Creek Nature Preserve Site Features Physiography Elevations range from a low of about 670 feet along the west end of Gar Creek, by Beatties Ford Road, to a higher elevation of more than 770 feet at the southeast corner of the preserve. Slopes of ravines associated with the Gar Creek floodplain exceed 15 percent in the southeast part of the preserve. Slopes throughout the remainder of the preserve are generally moderate. Gar Creek is the primary watershed within the preserve, and its surface waters drain westward into Mountain Island Lake and the Catawba River.

Plant Communities Basic Oak-Hickory Forest Dry Oak-Hickory Forest Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweintzii), Heller’s rabbittobacco (Pseudognaphalium helleri), tall boneset (Eupatorium altissimum), Locally rare plants include: yucca (Yucca filamentosa). Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), trifoliate orange (Citrus trifoliata), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), liriope (Liriope muscari), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), white poplar (Populus alba), kudzu (Pueraria montana), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and rat-tail fescue (Vulpia myuros).

Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: (none) – a fauna inventory has not yet been conducted on this property.

Land use Inventory The 353.0 acre Gar Creek Nature Preserve is primarily undeveloped woodland and shrubland. Adjacent land uses include dense residential areas to the south and rural residential and agricultural elsewhere. The emergency propane gas supply for the county is located in a

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compound on the northern border but it is buffered by wooded habitat. The Catawba Lands Conservancy has a conservation easement on a portion of this property.

Significant Features All of Gar Creek has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. Environmental features of note include three rare plant species on the McCoy Road Prairie tract: the federally endangered Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii) and the state listed Heller’s rabbit tobacco (Pseudognaphalium helleri) and tall boneset (Eupatorium altissimum). The population of Schweinitz’s sunflower was estimated as high as 800 flowering stems in 1992 prior to herbicide use along the roadside utility line and it is being managed to expand. Restoration of the McCoy prairie and savannah has particularly emphasized protection of the rare sunflower species. The site provides significant protection for the water quality of Mecklenburg County. The only known cultural resource is an old slave cemetery (60 x 90 feet) along the south edge of the McCoy Prairie. This small parcel it is not owned by Mecklenburg County.

Summary Restoration of Piedmont Prairie habitat and savanna habitat is the primary management action being implemented within the preserve. Other portions of the preserve remain undeveloped for wildlife habitat. There is a great need to control non-native invasive plant species in this area.

Management Zones Natural Zones—The entire preserve (352.7 acres), with the exception of the small cemetery site, is designated as Critical Natural Zone, which includes the prairie and savanna restoration site. Cultural and Historic Zone—A small 0.3 acre tract that borders the old slave cemetery is designated a Cultural and Historic Zone. The cultural and historic zone designation will buffer any unacceptable impacts to either natural or cultural resources in this area.

Recommendation Additional land should be acquired to provide linkages between this preserve and others in the vicinity of Mountain Island Lake. These lands would fill in some of the out-parcel gaps, create contiguous habitats and wildlife corridors, protect water quality and increase the buffer to adjacent land uses. The acquisition strategy is based on the TPL Greenprinting Strategy prepared for the update to the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan.

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Nature Preserve 10 Foot Contour Soil Cecil Enon Mecklenburg Monacan Wilkes

Gar Creek Nature Preserve 0

0.05 0.1 Miles

Existing Conditions - Physiography

2007 Aerial Photography

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Mountain Island Lake Watershed ; PA-1

Mountain Island Lake Watershed ; CA-2

ek Cre Gar

Mountain Island Lake Watershed ; CA-1 Nature Preserve Critical Watershed Sub Area Creeks Wetland SWIM Buffer Catawba River

Gar Creek Nature Preserve 0

0.1

0.2 Miles

Existing Conditions - Hydrology

2007 Aerial Photography

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o Ri St P

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Nature Preserve Streets

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Pembroke Rd

Miriam Dr

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Early Successional Communities Pine Plantation Natural Community Basic Oak-Hickory Forest Dry/Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Piedmont Alluvial Forest

Gar Creek Nature Preserve 0

0.06 0.12 Miles

Existing Conditions - Natural Communities

2007 Aerial Photography

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CNZ

CNZ

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CHZ

Nature Preserve Boundary

Management Zones Critical Natural Zone Cultural & Historical Zone

Gar Creek Nature Preserve 0

0.1

0.2 Miles

Management Zones

2007 Aerial Photography

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Flat Branch Nature Preserve Site Features Physiography The terrain within the preserve is generally gradual and modestly sloping. Elevations range from a low of about 620 feet along Tom Short Road on the southwest boundary to a high of about 635 feet in the northeast corner of the site. It is unlikely that any relief exceeds 8 percent. There are no drainages within the preserve, and all surface water runoff flows to the southwest and into Flat Branch, a tributary of Six-mile Creek to the south (within the Catawba River watershed).

Plant Communities Piedmont Alluvial Forest Upland Depression Swamp Forest Xeric Hardpan Forest Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: (none). Locally rare plants include: black-footed quillwort (Isoetes melanopoda), Atamasco lily (Zephyranthes atamasco), Shumard’s oak (Quercus shumardii), overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), and swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii). Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora).

Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), – a fauna inventory has not yet been conducted on this property.

Land use Inventory The 42.2 acre Flat Branch Nature Preserve is entirely undeveloped woodland and old field, and is bordered by residential development and roads. Flat Branch Elementary School and Flat Branch District Park are west of Tom Short Road.

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Significant Features This preserve has one of the last remaining upland depression swamp forest communities in Mecklenburg County. The site has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. Habitat at this preserve is suitable for species associated with ephemeral wet areas, especially Ambystomid salamanders. There are no known cultural or historical resources within the preserve.

Summary This land-locked property protects much needed open space in a rapidly developing area of the county. Its proximity to a new elementary school and community park provide ideal educational and nature-based programming opportunities.

Management Zones Natural Zones—Aside from the small Support Development Zone, the entire (41.4 acres) Flat Branch Nature Preserve is designated as Outstanding Natural Zone. This zone protects the portion of the watershed surrounding the mafic forest depression wetland. Support Development Zone—A small area (0.8 acres) on the west side of the nature preserve along Tom Short Road will accommodate limited parking and trailhead development.

Recommendations ƒ ƒ

ƒ ƒ

Prepare a Natural Communities Management Plan. Additional protection of undeveloped areas within the watershed for the upland depression swamp forest west of the preserve should be pursued. Additional land acquisition would not be contiguous with the preserve; however, habitat of this natural community would be protected. Any land within Flat Branch District Park that could be beneficial to the natural communities at the preserve should be managed as a natural resource. The Support and Development Zone could be considered for construction of a picnic shelter for use by visiting groups. A partnership between Environmental Education staff and the Flat Branch Elementary School should be pursued.

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Nature Preserve 10 Foot Contour Soil Iredell Mecklenburg

Flat Branch Nature Preserve 0 0.010.02 Miles

Existing Conditions - Physiography

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Nature Preserve Critical Watershed Sub Area Creeks Wetland SWIM Buffer Catawba River

Flat Branch Nature Preserve 0

0.02

0.04 Miles

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Bryant Farm

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Early Successional Communities Pine Plantation Natural Community Piedmont Alluvial Forest Upland Depression Swamp Forest/Xeric Hardpan Forest

Flat Branch Nature Preserve 0

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SDZ

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Management Zones Outstanding Natural Zone Support Development Zone

Flat Branch Nature Preserve 0

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2007 Aerial Photography

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Haymarket Nature Preserve Site Features Physiography The preserve occurs immediately adjacent to Mountain Island Lake and its extensive watershed along the Catawba River. Elevations range from a low of about 648 feet at Mountain Island Lake to a high of more than 730 feet along portions of Haymarket Road. Ravines and slopes exceed 15% in some areas.

Plant Communities Dry Oak-Hickory Forest Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way Pine Plantation

Plant Species of Note Documented rare plants include: (none). Locally rare plants include: (none) Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), English ivy (Hedera helix), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), liriope (Liriope muscari), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum).

Animal Species of Note Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: (none) – a fauna inventory has not yet been conducted on this property.

Land use Inventory The 100.4 acre Haymarket Nature Preserve is primarily undeveloped woodland, though human disturbance is evident. Human disturbance is also evident from boaters that access the preserve from the shoreline. A residential area lies east of the preserve, while NC 16/Brookshire Boulevard forms its western boundary. Dense residential areas occur west of the preserve.

Significant Features All of Haymarket Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. Environmental features of significance include the oak-dominated forest that provides mast for wildlife. The site provides significant protection for the water quality of Mecklenburg County and

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development restrictions are in place on the property because it was purchased using monies from the N.C. Clean Water Trust Fund. There are no known cultural or historical features within the preserve.

Summary Preserving this site was a significant step in protecting undeveloped natural land and the water quality of the lake.

Management Zone Natural Zones—The majority of Haymarket Nature Preserve (i.e., west of Haymarket Road) is designated as Outstanding Natural Zone (80.3 acres) because it is a critical undeveloped portion of the watershed immediately adjacent to Mountain Island Lake. The portion of the preserve east of Haymarket Road is designated as Natural Zone (20.1 acres). If allowed, public use on the preserve will be limited to existing trails.

Recommendations ƒ ƒ

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Prepare a Natural Communities Management Plan. Additional land should be acquired to provide linkages between this preserve and others in the vicinity of Mountain Island Lake. These lands would fill in some of the out-parcel gaps, create contiguous habitats and wildlife corridors, protect water quality and increase the buffer to adjacent land uses. The acquisition strategy is based on the TPL Greenprinting Strategy prepared for the update to the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan. Coordinate the designation of the cove and shoreline as non-public areas. This can be partially accomplished through signage on the preserve and marker buoys in the lake.

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Nature Preserve 10 Foot Contour Soil Appling Cecil Pacolet Wilkes

Haymarket Nature Preserve 0

0.04

0.08 Miles

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Mountain Island Lake Watershed ; CA-4

Nature Preserve Critical Watershed Sub Area Creeks Wetland SWIM Buffer Catawba River

Lake Wylie Watershed ; PA

Haymarket Nature Preserve 0

0.03

0.06 Miles

2007 Aerial Photography

Existing Conditions - Hydrology 130

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Early Successional Communities Pine Plantation Natural Community Dry/Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest

Haymarket Nature Preserve 0

0.04

0.08 Miles

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ONZ

NZ

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Haymarket Nature Preserve 0

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Zone Delineation Summary Table 2 summaries the acreages and percentages of each of the zones and subzones within the seven identified Nature Preserves. Table 2 Zone Delineation Summary Nature Preserve Latta Plantation

Acres 1,339.4

McDowell

1,107.6

Reedy Creek

736.3

Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge Evergreen

660.1

RibbonWalk

186.9

Rural Hill

488.8

Auten

268.8

Stephen’s Road Brackett Bluff

343.3

Shuffletown Prairie Gar Creek

18.1 353.0

Flat Branch

42.2

Haymarket

100.4

Totals

77.4

61.1

5,783.4

Critical Natural Zone 313.1 Acres (23.4%) 0 Acres (0%) 45.5 Acres (6.2%) 657.1 Acres (99.5%) 0 Acres (%) 0 Acres (%) 298.5 Acres (46%) 265.8 Acres (98.9%) 343.3 Acres (100%) 61.1 Acres (100%) 18.1 Acres (100%) 352.7 Acres (99.9%) 0 Acres (%) 0 Acres (%) 2,355.2 Acres (40.7%)

Natural Zones Outstanding Natural Zone 856.9 Acres (63.9%) 1,016.6 Acres (91.8%) 673.5 Acres (91.5%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 45.3 Acres (24.2%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 41.4 Acres (98.1%) 80.3 Acres (80%) 2,714.0 Acres (46.9%)

Natural Zone 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 72.3 Acres (93.4%) 123.2 Acres (65.9%) 0 Acres (0%) 3 Acres (1.1%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 20.1 Acres (20%) 218.6 Acres (3.8%)

Cultural & Historical Zone 42.7 Acres (3.2%) 0 Acres (0%) 2.5 Acres (.3%) 0 Acres (0%) 0.4 Acres (.5%) 0 Acres (0%) 190.3 Acres (38.9%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0.3 Acres (.1%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 236.2 Acres (4.1%)

Support Development Zone 126.7 Acres (9.5%) 91 Acres (8.2%) 14.8 Acres (2%) 3 Acres (.5%) 4.7 Acres (6.1%) 18.4 Acres (9.9%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (0%) 0 Acres (%) .8 Acres (1.9%) 0 Acres (%) 259.4 Acres (4.5%)

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APPENDIX

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Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Sites: Occurs on lower slopes, steep north-facing slopes, ravines and occasionally well-drained small stream bottoms, on acidic soils. Soils: Deep, well-drained, somewhat acidic soils. Series include Cecil, Georgeville, and Pacolet. Hydrology: Terrestrial, mesic. Vegetation: Canopy: Dominated by Fagus grandifolia (American beech), Quercus rubra (Northern red oak), Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar), Acer rubrum (Red maple) and A. floridanum (Southern sugar maple). Oaks, other than Q. rubra, are not generally dominant. Understory: Understory trees include Cornus florida (Flowering dogwood), Ostrya virginiana (American hop-hornbeam), Acer rubrum (Red maple), and Ilex opaca (American holly). Shrub species may include Vaccinium stamineum (Deerberry), Euonymus americanus (Strawberry bush), and sometimes Kalmia latifolia (Mountain laurel). Groundcover: The herb layer is often moderately dense and diverse, though it may be sparse under heavy shade. Herb species may include Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern), Viola spp. (Violet), Galium circaezans (Bedstraw), Hexastylis arifolia (Heartleaf), H. minor (Little heartleaf), Desmodium nudiflorum (Naked Tick-trefoil), Erythronium americanum (Trout lily), Anemone americana (Round-lobed liverleaf), Chamaelirium lutem (Devil’s-bit), Epifagus virginiana (Beechdrops), Tiarella wherryi (Foamflower), Heuchera americana (Alumroot), Stellaria pubera (Giant chickweed), Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple), Prenanthes serpentaria (Lion’s foot) and Botrypus virginianus (Rattlesnake fern). Rare Plants: Rare plants include Eurybia mirabilis (Piedmont aster), Corollorhiza wisteriana (Spring coral-root), and Panax quinquefolius (Ginseng). Dynamics: Under natural conditions these forests are uneven-aged, with old trees present. Reproduction occurs primarily in canopy gaps. Severe natural disturbances may allow pulses of increased regeneration. Disturbed areas have increased amounts of pines and weedy hardwoods, Liriodendron tulipifera and Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum). Associations: Grades into Piedmont Alluvial Forest or Piedmont Bottomland Forest below. Grades into various upland communities above, typically Dry-Mesic Oak Hickory Forest. Comments: While not as extensive as the Oak-Hickory forests, these communities are quite common.

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Basic Mesic Forest Sites: Occurs on lower slopes, steep north-facing slopes, ravines and occasionally well-drained small stream bottoms, on basic or circumneutral soils. Soils: Deep, well-drained, basic or circumneutral soils. Series include Wilkes. Hydrology: Terrestrial, mesic. Vegetation: Canopy: Dominated by Fagus grandifolia (American beech), Quercus rubra (Northern red oak), Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar), and A. floridanum (Southern sugar maple). Trees typical of better drained bottomland sites, such as Quercus shumardii (Shumard oak), Juglans nigra (Black walnut) and Celtis laevigata (Sugarberry) may be present. Understory: Understory trees include Cercis canadensis (Redbud), Cornus florida (Flowering dogwood), Ostrya virginiana (American hop-hornbeam), Carpinus caroliniana (Ironwood), Asimina triloba (Pawpaw) and Ulmus rubra (Slippery elm). Shrubs may include Viburnum spp. (Haw), Euonymus americanus (Strawberry bush), Lindera benzoin (Spicebush), Styrax grandifolia (Storax), Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth hydrangea), Staphylea trifolia (Bladdernut), Calycanthus floridus (Sweet-shrub) and Aesculus sylvatica (Painted buckeye). Groundcover: The herb layer is generally dense and very diverse, with Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern), Asarum canadense (Wild ginger), Menispermum canadense (Moonseed), Hepatica americana (Round-lober liverleaf), Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot), Actaea racemosa (Black cohosh), Cypripedium parviflorum (Yellow lady’s slipper), Panax quinquefolius (Ginseng), Adiantum pedatum (Maidenhair fern), Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple), Tiarella wherryi (Foamflower), Viola spp. (Violet), Hybanthus concolor (Green violet), Delphinium tricorne (Larkspur), Trillium cuneatum (Little sweet betsy) and Corydalis flavula (Short-spurred corydalis). Rare Plants: Rare plants include Eurybia mirabilis (Piedmont aster), Cardamine dissecta (Dissected toothwort), Corallorhiza wisteriana (Spring coral-root), Dirca palustris (Leatherwood), Hybanthus concolor (Green violet), and Quercus muehlenbergii (Yellow chinquapin oak). Dynamics: Under natural conditions these forests are uneven-aged, with old trees present. Reproduction occurs primarily in canopy gaps. Severe natural disturbances may allow pulses of increased regeneration. Disturbed areas have increased amounts of pines and weedy hardwoods, Liriodendron tulipifera and Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum). Associations: Grades into floodplain forests below or various upland forests above. Comments: Distinguished from Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest by basic or circumneutral soils, a denser herb layer, and greater floristic diversity with species more characteristic of bottomlands.

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Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest Sites: Occurs on mid slopes, low ridges and upland flats on acidic soils. Soils: Variety of upland soils. Series include Cecil, Pacolet, and Georgeville. Hydrology: Terrestrial, dry-mesic. Vegetation: Canopy: Dominated by mixtures of oaks and hickories, with Quercus alba (White oak) most prevalent, along with Q. rubra (Northern red oak), Q. velutina (Black oak), Carya alba (Mockernut hickory), C. ovalis (Red hickory) and C. glabra (Pignut hickory). Pinus spp. (Pines), Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar) and Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) may be common. Understory: Understory species include Acer rubrum (Red maple), Cornus florida (Flowering dogwood), Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood), Ilex opaca (American holly) and Nyssa sylvatica (Black gum). Shrubs include Vaccinium stamineum (Deerberry), V. pallidum (Hillside blueberry), and Euonymous americanus (Strawberry bush). Groundcover: Herbs are generally sparse. Rare Plants: Rare plants include Nestronia umbellula (Conjurer’s-nut) and Smilax biltmoreana (Biltmore carrion-flower). Dynamics: Disturbed areas have more pines and weedy hardwoods, such as Acer rubrum and Liquidambar styraciflua with the amount depending on the degree of canopy opening. Areas that were cultivated are generally dominated by even-aged pine stands which are replaced by the climax oak-hickory community as the pines die. Under natural conditions these forests are uneven-aged, with old trees present. Reproduction occurs primarily in canopy gaps. Associations: Occurs on the topographic moisture gradient between the Dry Oak- Hickory Forest and the Mesic Mixed Hardwoods. Grades into Piedmont Alluvial Forest or Piedmont Bottomland Forest below. May also grades into Piedmont Acidic Cliff, other upland communities, or floodplain communities. Comments: This forest type was once one of the predominant community types in the Piedmont. Most of this area has been converted to agriculture, urban development or is occupied by successional pine stands after past agriculture. This type is still relatively common compared to other natural community types, but examples of significant size and good quality are rare.

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Dry Oak-Hickory Forest Sites: Occurs on ridgetops, upper slopes, steep southfacing slopes and other relatively dry upland areas on acidic soils. Soils: Variety of upland soils. Series include Cecil, Pacolet, Goldston, and Georgeville. Hydrology: Terrestrial, dry. Vegetation: Canopy: Dominated by dry site oaks; primarily Quercus alba (White oak), Q. falcata (Southern red oak) or Q. stellata (Post oak), along with other various oak and hickory species such as Q. marilandica (Blackjack oak), Q. velutina (Black oak), Q. coccinea (Scarlet oak), Carya alba (Mockernut hickory), C. ovalis (Red hickory) and C. glabra (Pignut hickory). Pines are often an important component and may occasionally even be dominant. Understory: Typical understory trees include Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood), Acer rubrum (Red maple), Nyssa sylvatica (Black gum), Cornus florida (Flowering dogwood) and Vaccinium arboreum (Sparkleberry). The shrub layer varies from sparse to dense, with ericaceous (heath) shrubs constituting most of the species. Groundcover: Herbs are generally sparse. Rare Plants: Rare plants include Corallorhiza wisteriana (Spring coralroot), Nestronia umbellula (Conjurer’s-nut), Prunus umbellata (Hog plum), Thermopsis mollis (Appalachian golden-banner) and Yucca flaccida (Weakleaf yucca). Dynamics: Disturbed areas have more pines and weedy hardwoods, such as Acer rubrum and Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) with the amounts depending on the degree of canopy opening. Areas that were cultivated are generally dominated by even-aged pine stands, which may be replaced by the climax oak-hickory community as the pines die. Heavily logged areas may have a mixture of hardwoods and pines. Under natural conditions these forests are uneven-aged, with old trees present. Reproduction occurs primarily in the canopy gaps. Associations: Usually associated with Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest, sometimes with Piedmont Acidic Cliff, Xeric Hardpan Forest, Upland Depression Swamp Forest, and other upland communities. Comments: This forest type was once one of the predominant community types in the Piedmont. Most of this type has been converted to agriculture, urban development or is occupied by successional pine stands after past agriculture. What was not cleared was subject to long-term selective cutting and to livestock foraging.

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Basic Oak-Hickory Forest Sites: Occurs on slopes, ridges, upland flats, and other dry to drymesic sites on basic or circumneutral soils. Soils: Developed from gabbro or other mafic rock. Series include Iredell and Mecklenburg. Hydrology: Terrestrial, dry to dry-mesic. Vegetation: Canopy: Dominated by mixtures of Quercus alba (White oak), Q. stellata (Post oak), Q. velutina (Black oak), Q. muehlenbergii (Yellow chinquapin oak), Carya carolinae-septentrionalis (Carolina shagbark hickory), C. glabra (Pignut hickory), C. alba (Mockernut hickory) and C. ovalis (Red hickory). Understory: Typical understory trees include Cornus florida (Flowering dogwood), Cercis canadensis (Redbud), Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe tree), Acer leucoderme (Chalk maple), and Ostrya virginiana (American hop-hornbeam). Shrubs include Calycanthus floridus (Sweet-shrub), Aesculus sylvatica (Painted buckeye), Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumac), Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (Coralberry), Viburnum acerifolium (Maple-leaf viburnum), and V. prunifolium (Black haw). Groundcover: Herbs are moderately diverse with several sedges, Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s seal), Uvularia perfoliata (Bellwort), Endodeca serpentaria (Turpentine root) and Euphorbia corollata (Flowering spurge). Rare Plants: Rare plants include Cirsium carolinianum [Carduus carolinianus] (Carolina thistle), Hexalectris spicata (Crested coral-root), Lotus helleri (Carolina birdfoot-trefoil), Nestronia umbellula (Conjurer’s-nut), Polygala senega (Seneca snakeroot), Ruellia purshiana (Ruellia), Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie dock), and Smilax biltmoreana (Biltmore carrion-flower). Dynamics: Disturbed areas have pines and weedy hardwoods, such as Acer rubrum (Red maple) and Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum). Under natural conditions this community is uneven-aged, with old trees present. Reproduction occurs primarily in canopy gaps. Associations: Often associated with Xeric Hardpan Forest and Upland Depression Swamp Forest. Grades into Basic Mesic Forest downslope or to more acidic upland communities at geologic contacts. Comments: This forest type covers a moisture range equivalent to both the Dry and Dry-Mesic OakHickory Forest types, but is less understood. Absence of acid-loving species such as Vaccinium (Blueberry) and Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood) helps separate this community from other upland types. Many species that are confined to relatively mesic moisture areas on acidic substrates occur in apparently drier sites on higher pH soils, thus may occur in this community. Many sites have some clay hardpan development, though less so than the Xeric Hardpan Forest or Upland Depression Swamp Forest.

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Xeric Hardpan Forest Sites: Occurs on upland flats and gentle slopes with an impermeable clay subsoil which does not pond water for extended periods. Most commonly it occurs on mafic rocks. Soils: Various Piedmont soils can have a clay hardpan or shallow rock, such as Iredell, Enon and Helena. Hydrology: Impermeable subsoils make the soil very dry in summer and during drought periods, but wet in rainy periods. Vegetation: Canopy: Somewhat stunted with an open canopy dominated by Quercus stellata (Post oak) and Q. marilandica (Blackjack oak). A variety of other species may be present, including Pinus virginiana (Virginia pine), P. echinata (Shortleaf pine), Carya carolinae-septentrionalis (Carolina shagbark hickory), C. glabra (Pignut hickory), Fraxinus americana (White ash), Quercus alba (White oak), and Q. phellos (Willow oak). Understory: Typical understory species include Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar), Cercis canadensis (Redbud), Diospyros virginiana (Persimmon), Vaccinium arboreum (Sparkleberry), Ulmus alata (Winged elm) and Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe tree). Shrubs may be sparse or dense, particularly Viburnum prunifolium (Black haw). Groundcover: Herbs include: Clematis ochroleuca (Curlyheads), Sericocarpus linifolius (Narrowleafed white-topped aster), Hieracium venosum (Veiny hawkweed), Hypericum hypericoides (St. Andrew’s cross), Symphyotrichum dumosum (Long-stalked aster), Oenothera fruticosa (Sundrops) and Liatris pilosa (Shaggy blazing star). Rare Plants: Rare plants that may occur in this community are: Echinacea laevigata (Smooth coneflower), Helianthus schweinitzii (Schweinitz’s sunflower), Hexalectris spicata (Crested coral-root), Lotus helleri (Carolina birdfoot-trefoil) and Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie dock). Dynamics: The natural structure and dynamics of this community are uncertain. Most have a closed canopy and reproduction occurs in canopy gaps. Succession is slowed by unfavorable site conditions. Associations: Typically associated with Upland Depression Swamp Forest, Basic-Oak Hickory Forest, and Dry Oak-Hickory Forest. Comments: This community type is relatively rare. Part of a suite of communities occurring on mafic igneous (such as gabbro) or metamorphic rock.

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Piedmont Levee Forest Sites: Occurs on natural levee and point bar deposits on large floodplains. Soils: Medium or course-textured alluvial soils, mostly Monacan series. Hydrology: Seasonally or intermittently flooded. Vegetation: Canopy: The canopy is a mixture of bottomland trees such as Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore), Betula nigra (River birch), Celtis laevigata (Sugarberry), Acer negundo (Box elder), Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum), Quercus pagoda (Swamp Spanish oak), Q. michauxii (Swamp chestnut oak), Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green ash), Ulmus americana (American elm), Carya cordiformis (Bitternut hickory), Juglans nigra (Black walnut) and Carya ovata (Shagbark hickory). Understory: Understory trees include Acer negundo (Box elder), Asimina triloba (Pawpaw), Ilex opaca (American holly) and Carpinus caroliniana (Ironwood). Shrubs include Lindera benzoin (Spicebush), Aseculus sylvatica (Painted buckeye), Xanthorhiza simplicissima (Yellow-root) and Arundinaria gigantea (Giant cane). Woody vines are common, such as Toxicodendron radicans (Poison ivy), Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper), Bignonia capreolata (Cross vine), Smilax spp. (Greenbrier), Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) and Vitis spp. (Grape). Groundcover: The herb layer is lush and usually fairly diverse, including Boehmeria cylindrica (False nettle), Chasmanthium latifolium (River oats), Elymus hystrix (Bottlebrush grass), Verbesina alternifolia (Common wingstem), Saxifraga virginiensis (Early saxifrage), Sedum ternatum (Stonecrop), Solidago caesia (Blue stem), Eurybia divaricata (Common white heart-leaved aster), Clematis virginiana (Virgin’s bower), Botrypus virginianus (Rattlesnake fern), Elymus virginicus (Wild rye grass), Claytonia virginiana (Spring-beauty), Stellaria pubera (Chickweed), Viola spp. (Violet) and Rudbeckia laciniata (Coneflower). Rare Plants: Rare plants are typically not found in this community in Mecklenburg County. Dynamics: Dominated by forces of the river. Levees outside of bends may be undercut and eroded by the river, while those inside may be abandoned by the channel. Vegetation may be directly disturbed by flooding and occur as mature forest or in various stages of succession. Associations: Grades into Piedmont Bottomland Forest away from the channel. Comments: This community type is rare and isolated in Mecklenburg County. Found mainly along the Catawba River, Rocky River, and other streams with large floodplains.

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Piedmont Bottomland Forest Sites: Occurs on floodplain ridges and terraces other than active levees adjacent to the river channel. Soils: Various alluvial soils, mostly Monacan series. Hydrology: Intermittently flooded. Vegetation: Canopy: The canopy is dominated by various bottomland trees such as Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar), Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum), Quercus pagoda (Swamp Spanish oak), Q. michauxii (Swamp chestnut oak), Ulmus americana (American elm), Celtis laevigata (Sugarberry), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green ash), Carya ovata (Shagbark hickory) and C. cordiformis (Bitternut hickory). Understory: Understory trees include Carpinus caroliniana (Ironwood), Acer floridanum (Southern sugar maple), A. rubrum (Red maple), Cornus florida (Flowering dogwood), Ilex opaca (American holly) and Asimina triloba (Pawpaw). Shrubs include Aesculus sylvatica (Painted buckeye) and Euonymus americanus (Strawberry bush), with Arundinaria gigantea (Giant cane) often forming dense thickets. Vines are frequent, including Toxicodendron radicans (Poison ivy), Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper), Bignonia capreolata (Cross vine), Smilax spp. (Greenbrier), Menispermum canadense (Moonseed) and Vitis spp. (Grape). Groundcover: Herbs include Boehmeria cylindrica (False nettle), Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern), Cryptotaenia canadensis (Honewort), Persicaria virginianum (Jumpseed), Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-pulpit), Viola spp. (Violet), Elymus virginicus (Wild rye grass), Solidago caesia (Blue stem), Eurybia divaricata (Common white heart-leaved aster), Chasmanthium latifolium (River oats) and C. laxa (Slender spikegrass). Rare Plants: Rare plants include Cirsium carolinianum (Carolina thistle), Dryopteris campyloptera (Mountain wood fern), and Silphium perfoliatum (Cup-plant). Dynamics: These communities are occasionally flooded, but unlike Piedmont Levee Forests are seldom disturbed by flowing water. They receive less sediment deposition than communities adjacent to the channel, but still receive a significant input of nutrients. The fertility and infrequent flooding of these sites have made them excellent farm lands and many areas exist as successional forests grown up from abandoned fields. Areas that have been cleared or heavily logged may be dominated by just a few disturbance species, such as Acer rubrum (Red maple), Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum), Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore), Ligustrum sinense (Privet), Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) or Microstegium vimineum (Japanese grass). These species often reduce the diversity of the undisturbed community. Associations: Grades into Piedmont Levee Forest adjacent to the channel, or various mesic and drymesic forests upslope. Comments: This community type is rare and isolated in Mecklenburg County. Found mainly along the Catawba River, Rocky River, and other streams with large floodplains.

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Piedmont Alluvial Forest Sites: Occurs along river and stream floodplains in which separate fluvial landforms and associated vegetation zones are too small to distinguish. Soils: Various alluvial soils, mostly Monacan series. Hydrology: Seasonally or intermittently flooded. Vegetation: Canopy: The canopy is a mixture of bottomland and mesophytic trees including Betula nigra (River birch), Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore), Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum), Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar), Ulmus americana (American elm), Celtis laevigata (Sugarberry), Juglans nigra (Black walnut), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green ash), Carya cordiformis (Bitternut hickory), C. ovata (Shagbark hickory) and Acer rubrum (Red maple). Understory: Understory trees include Acer negundo (Box elder), A. floridanum (Southern sugar maple), A. rubrum (Red maple), Halesia carolina (Silverbell)(confined to the NW part of the County), Asimina triloba (Pawpaw), Ilex opaca (American holly) and Carpinus caroliniana (Ironwood). Shrubs may include Lindera benzoin (Spicebush), Euonymus americanus (Strawberry bush), Aesculus sylvatica (Painted buckeye), Corylus cornuta (Beaked hazelnut) and Cornus amomum (Silky dogwood). Vines are frequently prominent, including Toxicodendron radicans (Poison ivy), Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper), Bignonia capreolata (Cross vine), Vitis spp. (Grape), Menispermum canadense (Moonseed), and Smilax spp (Greenbrier). Groundcover: The herb layer is generally lush and diverse. Species include Erythronium americanum (Trout lily), Claytonia virginica (Spring beauty), Stellaria pubera (Chickweed), Solidago pubera (Goldenrod), Eurybia divaricata (Common white heart-leaved aster), Elymus virginicus (Wild rye grass), Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern), Botrypus virginianus (Rattlesnake fern), Uvularia sessilifolia (Bellflower), Boehmeria cylindrica (False nettle), Elymus hystrix (Bottlebrush grass), Chasmanthium latifolium (River oats), C. laxa (Slender spikegrass), Sedum ternatum (Stonecrop), Geum canadense (Avens), Tovara [Polygonum] virginianum (Jumpseed), Verbesina alternifolia (Common wingstem), Impatiens capensis (Touch-me-not), Cryptotaenia canadensis (Honewort), Viola spp. (Violet) and Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-pulpit). Rare Plants: Rare plants in this community may include Eurybia mirabilis (Piedmont aster), Carex projecta (Sedge), Dirca palustris (Leatherwood), Quercus bicolor (Swamp white oak), Q. muehlenbergii (Yellow chinquapin oak), and Silphium perfoliatum (Cup-plant). Dynamics: Flood-carried sediment provides nutrient input, but also serves as a natural disturbance factor. Beavers occasionally create impoundments (see Piedmont Semipermanent Impoundment). Associations: Grades into various mesic, dry-mesic, or dry upland forests. Comments: Distinguished from communities of larger floodplains by the absence or poor development of the depositional fluvial landforms which determine vegetation.

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Piedmont Semi-permanent Impoundment Sites: Occurs in beaver ponds and similar small, old, undisturbed, artificial impoundments. Generally occur in floodplains with low gradient. Soils: Soils existing prior to impoundment will be modified by flooding and the accumulation of clayey, mucky sediment. Generally not distinguished in soil surveys. Hydrology: Permanently flooded in the center, grading to the pre-existing hydrology. Vegetation: Canopy: Ponds are likely to have dead trunks of trees that existing on the site prior to flooding, but generally there is no tree canopy. Occasionally, flood-tolerant species such A. rubrum (Red maple), Quercus phellos (Willow oak) or Q. lyrata (Overcup oak) may survive or become established. Understory: Wetland shrubs such as Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush), Alnus serrulata (Tag alder), or Salix spp. (Willow) may become established on old stumps or along the edge. Groundcover: Herbs along the edge or gradient to other communities may include Scirpus cyperinus (Woolgrass bulrush), Juncus spp. (Rushes), Saururus cernuus (Lizard's tail), Carex spp. (sedges), Hibiscus moscheutos (Eastern rose mallow), and Ludwigia spp. (seedbox). In deeper water, aquatic plants such as Peltandra virginica (Green arrow arum) may occur. Rare Plants: Rare plants are generally not known for this community. Dynamics: These communities are subject to disturbance at irregular intervals. Flooding may deposit nutrients and sediment, while damage or deterioration of the dam may temporarily or permanently drain the pond. Active beaver colonies will maintain or increase the size of the community, but in the absence of such disturbances, ponds may fill with sediment and be invaded by trees. Associations: May border various upland or floodplain communities. Comments: This community is unusual in that some artificial ponds are included if they are the same size and scale as beaver-created ponds, have been established for a long time, and have not been significantly modified by disturbances other than flooding.

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Piedmont Acidic Cliff Sites: Occurs on very steep slopes on acidic substrates that are rocky or dry enough to prevent formation of a closed canopy of trees or shrubs. Soils: A heterogeneous mosaic ranging from bare rock to accumulations of organic or mineral matter in pockets and crevices, to thin and rocky soils. Soil series are generally not mapped for cliffs. Hydrology: Ranges from xeric on bare rock and shallow soil with southern and western exposure to mesic on northerly and sheltered exposures. Vegetation: Canopy: Scattered trees and shrubs may occur in crevices or areas of deeper soils. Shadeintolerant and relatively xerophytic species, such as Pinus virginiana (Virginia pine), P. echinata (Shortleaf pine), Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar), Quercus montana (Rock chestnut oak), Q. coccinea (Scarlet oak), Q. falcata (Southern red oak), and Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood), are common. Understory: Shrubs include Vaccinium arboreum (Sparkleberry), Kalmia latifolia (Mountain laurel), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry), and Gaylussacia spp. (Huckleberry). Groundcover: Herbs include Epigaea repens (Trailing arbutus), Andropogon virginicus (Broom sedge), Schizachyrium scoparium (Little bluestem), Danthonia spicata (Poverty oat grass), Sanicula canadensis (Snakeroot), Hieraceium venosum (Veiny hawkweed), Houstonia purpurea (Summer bluet), Coreopsis major (Coreopsis), Galax urceolata (Galax), Saxifraga virginiensis (Early saxifrage), Mitchella repens (Partridge berry) and Pleopeltis polypodioides (Resurrection fern). Rare Plants: Rare plants are not known for this community in Mecklenburg County. Dynamics: This community varies due to the disturbance associated with erosion and mass movement, producing more bare ground or rock. With stability, primary successsion may lead to greater soil development and forest cover. Associations: Generally borders floodplain forests or stream channels. May grade to other upland hardwood types above. Comments: This community is distinguished by an open canopy and bare substrate, resulting from steepness and rockiness. Vegetation may vary greatly based on aspect, slope, amount of rock, stability of the soil, and degree of seepage.

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Upland Depression Swamp Forest Sites: Poorly drained upland flats or depressions. Usually occur on broad upland flats but occasionally occur on high ridge tops. They have a closed canopy and a short hydroperiod (standing water from October to May), tending to pond rain and runoff water rather than fill by seepage. Soils: Drainage hindered by clay hardpan or shallow rock. Iredell series. Hydrology: Seasonally flooded or saturated. Vegetation: Canopy: Dominated by Quercus phellos (Willow oak) or Q. lyrata (Overcup oak). Others include: Q. michauxii (Swamp chestnut oak), Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum), Acer rubrum (Red maple), Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar), Nyssa sylvatica (Black gum), Quercus bicolor (Swamp white oak), Carya ovata (Shagbark hickory) and occasionally Quercus stellata (Post oak) and Carya carolinae-septentrionalis (Carolina shagbark hickory). Understory: Shrubs may include Vaccinium fuscatum (Black highbush blueberry), Cephalanthus occidentalis (Button bush), Ilex decidua (Possum haw) and Viburnum dentatum (Large tooth haw). Vines include Trachelospermum difforme (Climbing dogbane) and in disturbed areas Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), Toxicodendron radicans (Poison ivy), Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper), Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine) and Smilax spp. (Greenbrier). Groundcover: Herbs are usually sparse, with Carex (Sedge) species common, along with Juncus effusus (Soft rush), Selaginella apoda (Meadow spikemoss), Eleocharis tenuis (Spike-rush) and various bottomland spring ephemerals such as Claytonia virginica (Spring-beauty). Rare Plants: Rare plant species include Quercus bicolor (Swamp white oak). Dynamics: Generally stable climaxes, maintained by their hydrology. Susceptible to disturbance from unusually prolonged flooding or drought. Associations: Typically associated with Xeric Hardpan Forest and Basic-Oak Hickory Forest. Synonyms: Gabbro Depression. Comments: Part of a suite of communities occurring on mafic igneous (such as gabbro) or metamorphic rock, along with Xeric Hardpan Forest and Basic-Oak Hickory Forest. High base levels in mafic rock contribute to the formation of montmorillonite clays which inhibit drainage.

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Low Elevation Seep Sites: Occurs at seepages and springs at the bases of slopes or edges of floodplains. Soils: Mucky and permanently saturated soils, typically too small to be mapped in soil surveys. Hydrology: Permanently saturated. Vegetation: Canopy: Occasionally trees such as Quercus phellos (Willow oak) and Acer rubrum (Red maple) may become established in the seep, but most areas are shaded by the canopy of adjacent communities. Understory: Understory trees, other than young Quercus phellos (Willow oak) and Acer rubrum (Red maple), and shrubs are rarely found in this small wetland community. Groundcover: Herbs are the primary indicator of this community and include Saururus cernuus (Lizard’s tail), Impatiens capensis (Touch-me-not), Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon fern), Osmunda regalis (Royal fern), Boehmeria cylindrica (False nettle), Rudbeckia laciniata (Coneflower), Ranunculus recurvatus (Hooked buttercup), Chelone glabra (Turtlehead), Sagittaria spp. (Arrowhead), Peltandra virginica (Green arrow arum) and Juncus spp. (Rush). Rare Plants: Rare plants other than Isoetes spp. (Quillwort) are not common. Dynamics: Probably relatively stable over long periods, this community responds drastically to changes in groundwater levels, particularly drought or draining. Associations: Grades into floodplain communities or into slope communities such as Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest. Comments: These communities tend to be small, but are distinguished by a sharp contrast in vegetation and moisture with adjacent communities. Sites may be important breeding and foraging sites for amphibians, particularly lungless salamanders such as Eurycea spp. and Pseudotriton spp.

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Pine Plantations Sites: Occur in various locations where natural communities have been completely removed and re-planted in pine. Soils: Any upland soil. Typically not found in floodplains or on wet soil types. Hydrology: Terrestrial, dry and mesic uplands. Vegetation: Canopy: Typically a monoculture of Pinus taeda (Loblolly pine), with other tree species reaching canopy height only sporadically, and never as a dominant species. Understory: This layer is typically absent in pine plantations. The canopy of mature pines is so dense that little sunlight reaches the forest floor, severely limiting what species can survive under the planted pines. Small, scraggly trees may seed in from neighboring forests, and are usually pioneering species such as Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar), various Quercus spp. (Oaks), and Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum). These species seldom grow tall enough to reach canopy height. Groundcover: The herb layer is generally non-existent. Thick pine straw and lack of sunlight penetrating to the forest floor prevent herbaceous plants from becoming established. Dynamics: Pine plantations are typically planted with the intention of harvesting them for timber on a regular rotation. They are not natural communities and natural community dynamics do not apply. Associations: Pine plantations can grow anywhere, and their borders are obvious. They can be adjacent to any natural community that is on upland soil, such as Oak Hickory Forests or Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forests.

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Early Successional Communities Sites: Abandoned agricultural fields, farm field borders, utility rights-of-way, roadsides, canopy gaps, and bare ground created in forests or pine plantations following thinning or harvest. Can be found on almost any site or substrate. Soils: Located on any soil type, but primarily upland soils. Hydrology: Terrestrial. Vegetation: Canopy: By definition, these communities are early successional and therefore have no dominant, mature canopy species. In some areas with clay hardpan soils, occasional Quercus stellata (Post oak) or Q. marilandica (Blackjack oak) may be present but these do not form a dense canopy. Understory: This layer can contain a wide variety of young trees, shrubs, and vines. Typically 3-5 years post-abandonment or post-disturbance, pioneer woody species such as Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet-gum), Ulmus alata (Winged elm), Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar), Rhus spp. (Sumac), and Rubus spp. (Blackberry) may invade. These plants can grow in very close proximity to one another, forming nearly impenetrable thickets in some situations. Groundcover: Early successional groundcover species are generally herbaceous annuals and perennials that quickly occupy bare ground from wind-borne seed and seed that lie dormant in the soil. Common species include Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Ragweed), Eupatorium capillifolium (Dogfennel), and Andropogon virginicus (Bromsedge). Rare Plants: Rare plant species favoring open areas with high light requirements may be found in some early successional habitats, such as those associated with Xeric Hardpan Forest. These species include Helianthus schweinitzii (Schweinitz’s sunflower), Symphyotrichum georgianum (Georgia aster), and Echinacea laevigata (Smooth purple coneflower). Dynamics: Early successional plants and habitats do not persist unless a favorable bare ground environment is provided through periodic disturbances every few years. A disturbance that develops bare ground and open conditions exposed to sunlight, such as fire, logging, or disking, creates a situation where early successional plants thrive. These plant communities produce nutritious seed, forage, and cover that is valuable to wildlife. Numerous wildlife species benefit from periodic disturbances that create and maintain early successional communities in the landscape. Associations: Adjacent forested communities typically have a distinct boundary due to the closed canopy of the forest. These early successional species that need high-light conditions generally do not expand into neighboring communities unless they have an open canopy. On hardpan soils with significant canopy, may grade into or be considered Xeric Hardpan Forest. Comments: The open nature of these sites, coupled with their typical location on dry, upland soils makes them distinct from other natural communities. In addition, if these communities do not experience periodic disturbance, they will succeed into some type of forested community through time.

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MECKLENBURG COUNTY ORDINANCES Mecklenburg County policy on appropriate uses within a nature preserve is stated in the in the Nature Preserve Master Plan. That policy also includes a listing of appropriate public uses within nature preserves. This appendix presents adopted county ordinances that govern use and operation of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Facilities. The ordinance covers all county park and recreation facilities; however, the nature preserves staff has to address certain situations on a regular basis. The relevant ordinance language that directly addresses the following issues that arise on a regular basis are summarized in Table A-1. The entire Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Facilities Ordinance and Amplified Sound Ordinance are provided in their entirety after Table A-1. Table A-1 Summary of County Ordinances that Address Daily Nature Preserve Issues Civil Penalty Ordinance Issue: Dogs Off-Leash $20.00

Section 26—shall be unlawful to have pets in the areas of County parks where pets are expressly prohibited. The term “pets” includes but is not limited to dogs, cats, primates, snakes, rodents, members of the ferret and weasel family, swine and any other animal kept in domestication. All snakes, ferrets and rodents must be kept in proper cages at all times. All other pets allowed in parks shall be attended and on a leash not more than 6 feet long except for dogs in an officially designated “off-leash” area. This section does not apply to seeing-eye dogs or guide dogs for the visually impaired. This restriction shall not apply to Department employees conducting educational programs or dogs in officially designated “off-leash” areas. Dogs in offleash areas shall be attended by the owner, have a valid and current license with required vaccinations, and are subject to operational rules established by the County for the designated area.

Issue: Feeding of Wildlife $50.00

Section 28(a)—No person may feed, cause to be fed, assist another person to feed, or provide food or any other sustenance, to any waterfowl in any park where signs have been posted affording reasonable notice that persons are prohibited from feeding waterfowl in the park and that any person found to do so will be subject to citation under this Ordinance.

Issue: Collecting of Natural Objects $50.00

$100.00

Section 5—No person shall willfully and intentionally remove, destroy, cut down, scar, mutilate, injure, take, or gather in any manner any tree, flower, fern, shrub, rock, artifact or other plant or mineral in any park unless authorized by permit. Section 27—No person within the confines of any park shall hunt, pursue, trap, shoot, injure, kill, harass or molest in any way, any bird or animal except by permit.

Issue: Disturbing Natural Areas See Nature Preserve Policy on Amplified Sound below and Mecklenburg County Ordinance Sec. 15-69 Amplified Noise—at the end of the Appendix.

Issue: Releasing of Animals into the Parks and Preserves $100.00

Section 28(b)—No person or organization shall feed or in any way assist in the development or administration of an assistance program for feral animals.

Issue: Mountain Biking on Nature Trails $20.00

Section 14—No person shall ride a bicycle on other than the right-hand side of a paved vehicular road or bicycle trail designated for that purpose; or fail to keep in single file when two or more bicycles are operating as a group. A bicyclist shall be permitted to wheel or push a bicycle by hand over any grassy area or wooded trail or on any paved area reserved for pedestrian use.

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MECKLENBURG COUNTY Park and Recreation Department Policy/Resolution: Non-Native Free-Ranging Domestic Animals WHEREAS non-native, free-ranging domestic animals are exotic species; and WHEREAS exotic species are recognized as one of the most widespread and serious threats to the integrity of native wildlife populations and natural ecosystems; and WHEREAS “managed” free-ranging animal colonies fail to eliminate predation on native wildlife and encourage people to release domestic animals into the wild; and WHEREAS the Park and Recreation Department (Division of Natural Resources) is charged with the management, conservation and preservation of native fauna and flora on Mecklenburg County properties; and WHEREAS the management of free-ranging animals on County park property poses a health and safety risk to park visitors and staff; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department: 1. Encourages enforcement of existing ordinances and the passage of stronger local and state ordinances prohibiting the release of pet and feral animals into the wild and the feeding of feral animals on public property. 2. Strongly opposes the introduction of stray, feral, or exotic free-ranging animals onto County property. 3. Strongly supports and actively partners with allied agencies for the humane removal and elimination of stray, feral, and other free-ranging domestic animals from Mecklenburg County property. Species to be removed include but are not limited to domestic cats, dogs, ferrets, pigs, rodents, and birds. 4. Strongly opposes the establishment, management, maintenance and/or operation of a trapneuter-return program (or similar program) for feral or domestic animals on Mecklenburg County property. 5. Strongly supports educational programs and materials that call for all domestic animals to be kept indoors, in outdoor enclosures or on a leash or otherwise controlled.

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6. Strongly supports educational programs and materials that educate the public about the negative impacts of free-ranging and feral domestic animals on native wildlife, including birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and endangered species.

Nature Preserve Policy Amplified Sound ƒ

Amplified sound shall be prohibited in all areas designated as “Natural Zone” in the Mecklenburg County Nature Preserve Master Plan.

ƒ

Amplified sound shall be permitted in all areas designated “Cultural/Historical Zone” or “Support Development Zone” in the Mecklenburg County Nature Preserve Master Plan under the following conditions: (1) Sound amplification must be in compliance with the following City of Charlotte Noise Ordinance: (a) Amplified sounds shall not exceed sixty (60) db(A) fifty (50) feet or more from any electromechanical speaker between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (b) Amplified sounds shall not exceed fifty (50) db(A) fifty (50) feet or more from any electromechanical speaker between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. (2) Electromechanical speakers shall not be located within one-hundred (100) feet of any body of water or boundary line (including internal boundary lines of adjacent “management zone”).

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MECKLENBURG COUNTY PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES ORDINANCE Be it ordained by the Board of Commissioners of Mecklenburg County that the following Ordinance shall govern the use and operation of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Facilities.

Definitions Section 1—Definitions. Whenever used in this Ordinance, the following terms, unless otherwise therein expressly defined, shall mean and include each of the meanings herein set forth: A.

“Board”—Board of County Commissioners of Mecklenburg County.

B.

“Bridle Path or Trail”—Any path or trail maintained for persons riding on horseback.

C.

“Commission”—The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Commission established and authorized by the Board of County Commissioners to serve as the recreation advisory body to the Board.

D.

“County”—Mecklenburg County.

E.

“Department”—The Mecklenburg County Department of Park and Recreation.

F.

“Director”—Director of the Park and Recreation Department, or his or her designee.

G.

“Feed or Feeding”—The act of, or the furnishing of, food or other sustenance, including but not limited to substances such as bread, popcorn, crackers, grain, and seeds.

H.

“Feral Animals”—Any domesticated animal (or off spring of a domesticated animal) that has returned to an untamed or wild state.

I.

“Foot Path or Trail”—Any path or trail maintained for pedestrians.

J.

“Holder”—Any person to which a permit is issued.

K.

“Park”—The term park or parks, unless specifically limited, shall be deemed to include all parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, greenways, water areas, wildlife refuges, nature preserves or other recreation areas, developed or undeveloped, and structures thereon, owned, operated, leased or managed by the County.

L.

“Permits”—Any written license issued by or under authority of the Department, permitting the performance of a specified act or acts, as authorized by Section 4 of this Ordinance.

M.

“Person”—Any natural person, corporation, company, association, firm, partnership or other legal entity.

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N.

“Vehicle”—Any wheeled conveyance, whether motor powered or animal driven, including but not limited to motorbikes, mopeds, and motorcycles; except self-powered bicycles, wheel chairs and similar vehicles, baby carriages, and vehicles in the service of the Department.

O.

“Water Feature”—Any stream or natural or manmade impoundment of water located within a park such as lakes, ponds, swimming pools, wading pools, and fountains, except public waters such as the Catawba River, Mountain Island Lake and Lakes Norman and Wylie.

P.

“Waterfowl”—Any member of the species of birds commonly known as swans, geese, ducks, seagulls, and any other species of birds commonly found in or around bodies of water.

Construction and Scope of Regulation Section 2—Construction. In the interpretation of this Ordinance: (1) Any term in the singular shall include the plural; (2) Any term in the masculine shall include the feminine and the neuter; (3) any requirement or prohibition of any act shall, respectively, extend to and include the causing or procuring, directly or indirectly, of such act; (4) No provision hereof shall make unlawful any act necessarily performed by any officer or employee of the County or the Department in the line of duty or work as such, or by any person, his agents or employees, in the proper and necessary execution of the terms of any agreement of the County or the Department; (5) Any act otherwise prohibited by this Ordinance, shall be lawful if performed under, by virtue of and strictly within the provisions of a permit; and (6) This Ordinance is in addition to and supplements State law, including but not limited to motor vehicle laws, which are in force in all parks and which are incorporated herein and made a part hereof. Section 3—Territorial Scope. This Ordinance shall be effective within and upon all parks with the exception of the Tradition Golf Links at Mallard Creek, and shall regulate the use thereof by all persons. Section 4—Permits. The Director shall have the authority to issue permits, consistent with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Board for use of parks. Permits are not transferable. A permit to do any act shall authorize the same only insofar as it may be performed in strict accordance with the terms and conditions thereof. Any violation by its holder or agents or employees of any term or condition thereof shall constitute grounds for its revocation by the Director whose action therein shall be final. In case of revocation of any permit, all monies paid for or on account thereof shall, at the option of the Director, be forfeited to and be retained by the County; and the holder of such permit, together with his agents and employees who violated such terms and conditions, shall be jointly and severally liable to the County for all damages and loss suffered in excess of money so forfeited and retained; but neither such forfeiture and retention by the County of the whole or any part of such monies nor the recovery or collection thereby of such damages, or both shall in any manner relieve such person or persons from liability for punishment for any violation of any provision of this Ordinance.

Preservation of Parks Civil Penalty for Violation

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$50.00

Section 5—No person shall willfully and intentionally remove, destroy, cut down, scar, mutilate, injure, take or gather in any manner any tree, flower, fern, shrub, rock, artifact or other plant or mineral in any park unless authorized by permit.

$50.00

Section 6—No person shall willfully and intentionally in any manner injure, deface, disturb, destroy, or disfigure any part of any park or any building, sign, equipment or other property found therein.

Swimming $50.00

Section 7—No person shall bathe, wade, or swim in any water features in any park except in designated spray grounds, swimming or wading pools, or enter public waters from any park to bathe, wade or swim except in connection with special events authorized by the Director. This section does not prohibit ingress or egress to or from a park by way of swimming in public waters.

$50.00

Section 8—No person shall dress or undress in any place in any park, except in such bath houses as may be maintained by the Department or within tents used in connection with permitted camping. The removal from the person of outer garments such as coats, jackets, sweaters, shoes and stockings, is not prohibited.

$100.00

Section 9—No person shall willfully expose the genitals or buttocks of his or her person while in a park and in the presence of any other person, or aid and abet another in any such act, except as permitted by Section 8.

Refuse and Rubbish $50.00

Section 10—No person shall deposit in any part of any park any garbage, sewerage, refuse, waste, fruit, vegetables, foodstuffs, boxes, tin cans, glass, crockery, paper, or other litter or other waste material or obnoxious material, except in the containers designated for such purpose.

$50.00

Section 11—No person shall, in the streams, lakes, or other water features of any park, bathe dogs or other animals, wash vehicles or clothing, or throw, cast, lay, drop, or discharge into or leave in the streams, lakes, or other water features of the park or in any storm sewer or drain flowing into said waters, any substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid, which may or will result in the pollution of said waters.

Traffic and Parking $20.00

Section 12—No person shall drive a vehicle in any park within or upon a safety zone, walking path, bridle path, bicycle trail, jogging trail, fire truck trail, service road or any part of any park not so designated for vehicular traffic by the Director, nor in an area or on a road or trail marked for authorized vehicles only.

$50.00

Section 13—No person shall operate any go-cart or mini-bike or moped at any location within any park other than such places, if any, as are specifically designated for such purposes by the Director, except that regularly licensed

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vehicles and operators may have access to streets and roadways within parks to the same extent as public streets, subject to the traffic rules of this Ordinance and State law. $20.00

Section 14—No person shall ride a bicycle on other than the right-hand side of a paved vehicular road or bicycle trail designated for that purpose; or fail to keep in single file when two or more bicycles are operating as a group. A bicyclist shall be permitted to wheel or push a bicycle by hand over any grassy area or wooded trail or on any paved area reserved for pedestrian use.

$20.00

Section 15—No person shall ride any other person over the age of six (6) years on a single passenger bicycle in any park.

$0.00

Section 15(a)—No person under the age of sixteen (16) years shall operate a bicycle or ride as a passenger on a bicycle or operate a skateboard or rollerblades as may be permitted on park property without wearing a protective helmet, nor shall a parent or guardian allow their child or ward to so operate or ride a bicycle, skateboard or rollerblades without wearing a protective helmet. Such helmets shall meet or exceed the safety standards set by the American National Standards Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation.

$20.00

Section 16—No person shall ride a bicycle on any road between thirty (30) minutes after sunset and thirty (30) minutes before sunrise without an attached headlight plainly visible at least 200 feet from the front, and without a red tail light or red reflector plainly visible from at least 100 feet from the rear of such bicycle.

$20.00

Section 17—No person in a park shall fail to comply with all applicable provisions of the motor vehicle laws of the State and ordinances of the County in regard to equipment and/or operation.

$5.00

Section 17(a)—No person may ride a skateboard within any area designated for skateboard use without wearing a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads. Such helmets shall meet or exceed the safety standards set by the American National Standards Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation. The Director shall post at any facility or area designed for skateboard use (including areas that might be known as a “skateboard park”) signs affording reasonable notice that any person riding a skateboard in the facility or area must wear a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads, and that any person failing to do so will be subject to citation under this Ordinance.

$50.00

Section 18—No person shall fail to obey police officers, park personnel or other persons designated by the County to enforce this Ordinance in regard to traffic direction in a park.

$50.00

Section 19—No person shall fail to observe and comply with all traffic and park regulatory signs, including but not limited to those indicating speed, direction, caution, stopping or parking.

$50.00

Section 20—No person shall drive a vehicle in a park in excess of the posted speed limit.

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Cruising $50.00

Section 21—In order to prevent traffic congestion, obstruction of parks streets, parking lots, emergency vehicle access and public vehicular areas, as well as impediments and danger to pedestrians, it shall be unlawful for a person to drive, or to permit a vehicle under his care, custody or control to be driven past a traffic control point three (3) or more times within a one (1) hour period in parks posted as “No Cruising.” At every point where a park street, parking lot, emergency vehicle access or public vehicular area provides ingress to a “No Cruising” park, there shall be a sign posted designating “No Cruising”. A “No Cruising” park is a designated park in which it is unlawful for a person to drive, or permit a vehicle under his care, custody or control to be driven past a traffic control point three (3) or more times within a one (1) hour period. A traffic control point, as used in this section, is any point or points within the “No Cruising” park established by the County for the purpose of monitoring cruising. No violations of the section shall occur except upon the third passage of a vehicle by the same traffic control point within the aforementioned one (1) hour period. This section shall not apply to County owned vehicles, City owned vehicles, inservice emergency vehicles, buses and other vehicles being driven for the purpose of conducting park business.

Boating $50.00

Section 22—No person shall use privately owned boats or canoes, to include radio controlled models (boats, airplanes, etc.), in any water feature without a permit.

Camping $50.00

Section 23—No camp shall be maintained in any park except under permit, and under such conditions, at such places, and for such periods as may be designated by the Director.

Sports and Games $20.00

Section 24—No sport or athletic contest shall be allowed except in areas designated and posted for that activity; nor shall a person play rough or comparatively dangerous games such as football, baseball, or golf except in those areas designated for such activity. Bicycle riding, rollerblading, roller skating, and skateboarding shall be conducted in a safe manner, in areas and at times, which do not create a traffic hazard or a hazard to pedestrians. The Director shall have the authority to temporarily or permanently close sidewalks, footpaths or other areas to bicycle riding, rollerblading, roller skating and

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skateboarding if necessary to prevent creation of a traffic safety hazard or conditions hazardous to pedestrians. $20.00

Section 25—No person shall use, ride, walk, or drive a horse except to, from, or along a bridle path or other designated area.

Pets $20.00

Section 26—It shall be unlawful to have pets in the areas of County parks where pets are expressly prohibited. The term “pets” includes but is not limited to dogs, cats, primates, snakes, rodents, members of the ferret and weasel family, swine and any other animal kept in domestication. All snakes, ferrets and rodents must be kept in proper cages at all times. All other pets allowed in parks shall be attended and on a leash not more than 6 feet long except for dogs in an officially designated “off-leash” area. This section does not apply to seeing-eye dogs or guide dogs for the visually impaired. This restriction shall not apply to Department employees conducting educational programs or dogs in officially designated “off-leash” areas. Dogs in off-leash areas shall be attended by the owner, have a valid and current license with required vaccinations, and are subject to operational rules established by the County for the designated area.

Wildlife $100.00

Section 27—No person within the confines of any park shall hunt, pursue, trap, shoot, injure, kill, harass or molest in any way, any bird or animal except by permit.

$20.00

Section 28—No person shall fish in any water features of any park where expressly prohibited. Additionally, no person shall fish in any park without first obtaining a permit from the Director and without first obtaining a North Carolina fishing license, if so required.

$50.00

Section 28(a)—No person may feed, cause to be fed, assist another person to feed, or provide food or any other sustenance, to any waterfowl in any park where signs have been posted affording reasonable notice that persons are prohibited from feeding waterfowl in the park and that any person found to do so will be subject to citation under this Ordinance.

$100.00

Section 28(b)—No person or organization shall feed or in any way assist in the development or administration of an assistance program for feral animals.

Weapons, Explosives, and Fires $500.00

Section 29—No person except duly authorized local, State or federal law enforcement officers, and duly authorized County employees or officers shall carry, possess or discharge any type of firearm, explosive device, air guns of any description (BB guns, paintball guns, pellet guns etc.), or bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slung shot, sling shot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razor, shurkin, stun gun, or deadly weapon as defined in the North

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Carolina General Statutes within any park unless authorized by permit issued by the Director. $20.00

Section 30—No person shall kindle, build, maintain or use a fire other than in places provided or designated for such purposes, except by permit. Any fire shall be continuously under care and direction of a competent person over sixteen years of age from the time it is kindled until it is extinguished. No person within the confines of any park shall throw away or discard any lighted match, cigarette, cigar, or other burning object unless entirely extinguished before thrown away or discarded.

Hours and Charges $50.00

Section 31—The Director shall have the authority for establishing opening and closing hours of all parks. It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to leave a park prior to the posted closing time for that park. No person shall enter an area posted as “Closed to the Public” or where the entrance gates are closed, or enter a park after the posted closing time for that park, to include all attached parking areas to any park.

$50.00

Section 32—Any section or part of a park may be declared closed to the public by the Director at any time and for any period of time as the Director deems in the best interest of the public or the County.

$50.00

Section 33—No person shall use or gain admittance to, or attempt to use or gain admittance to the facilities in any park for the use of which a charge is made by the Department unless he shall first pay the established charge or price.

Commercial Enterprises, Soliciting, Advertising, Meetings, Exhibitions, Etc. $100.00

Section 34—Selling, Soliciting, and Exhibiting. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to engage in commercial selling, soliciting, demonstrating, exhibiting or other commercial activity, for any purpose, without having in their possession a valid permit issued by the Director as hereinafter provided. Permits shall be issued only when the following requirements are met: 1) The Department shall impose a charge as fixed by the Board for each permit for each person selling, soliciting, or exhibiting in order to finance the administration of this section; 2) A permit to sell, solicit, or exhibit must be obtained from the Director; 3) each individual requesting a permit shall appear in person and furnish the Department his name and address and show positive identification. Identification shall be a drivers license or other identification bearing a photograph, or any other form of positive identification; 4) If the selling, soliciting, or exhibiting is on behalf of another person, firm, corporation, its federal identification number shall be given to the Department; 5) At the time the permit is obtained, the Department shall be given a copy of all other licenses or permits required by other governmental agencies as a condition precedent to engaging in the activity for which the permit is sought; and 6) Each individual shall also provide any other information as required by the Director, which may include proof of insurance coverage. Each applicant will then be issued a permit

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containing the information shown above, which permit must be signed by the applicant at the time it is issued. $50.00

While selling, soliciting, demonstrating, exhibiting or engaging in other commercial activities within the jurisdiction of the park, it shall be unlawful to: 1) Fail to conspicuously display the permit at all times; 2) Refuse to exhibit the permit to any member of the general public upon request; or 3) Sell, solicit, or exhibit in violation of conditions of the permit. Violation of any of the provisions of this section shall cause the permit to be revoked.

$50.00

Section 35—Advertising. No sign, notice or advertisements of any nature shall be erected or posted at any place within any park without the permission in writing from the Director and in conformance with all applicable zoning regulations. No permit shall be required, however, for a sign exhibited in connection with an activity regulated by Section 33, provided that the sign or signs are placed within 10 feet of the selling, soliciting or exhibiting and are not placed in any vehicular area or pedestrian pathway. Section 36—Unless an area is specifically reserved for a person by the Director, areas such as picnic shelters and ballfields may be used or occupied on a “first come, first served” basis.

$50.00

No person shall refuse to vacate a reserved area, such as a picnic shelter or a ballfield, which has been properly reserved by another person.

$50.00

No person shall continue to occupy a reserved area beyond the time limitation of his reservation if there is another person with a valid reservation waiting to use the area.

$50.00

Section 37—Alcoholic Beverages. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess an open container of malt beverage or unfortified wine, to consume malt beverages or unfortified wine, or to possess or consume fortified wine, spirituous liquor, mixed beverages on property subject to the jurisdiction of this Ordinance unless obtained pursuant to a special consumption permit issued by the Director. The words “ABC laws,” “alcoholic beverage”, “malt beverage”, “unfortified wine”, “open container”, “fortified wine”, “spirituous liquor”, and “mixed beverages” shall have the same definition as given said terms in Chapter 18B of the North Carolina General Statutes. Possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage shall be prima facie evidence of consumption. A. A special consumption permit may be issued as follows: 1. Malt Beverages and Unfortified Wine: a) By the Director to the sponsor of any athletic contest or similar event held in a park, if such sponsor is a manufacturer or distributor of malt beverages or unfortified wine and if such permit is to allow only the

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b) c)

d) e)

participants in the athletic contest or similar event to consume at the completion of the contest the malt beverages or unfortified wine manufactured or distributed by the sponsor. By the Director to the sponsor of events to be held in the Freedom Park bandshell. By the Director to the sponsor of events to be held in designated picnic shelters, including temporary areas, which have a minimum seating capacity of 50 persons and which are at least 50 feet away from other shelters where consumption of malt beverages or unfortified wine is not permitted and at least 50 feet away from athletic fields. Possession of an open container or consumption outside of the immediate area of the picnic shelter shall be unlawful. By the Director for the Grady Cole Center and for the American Legion Memorial Stadium. By the Director to any other person for any special event.

2. Spirituous Liquor, Fortified Wine, and Mixed Beverages: a) Director approval will only be given to sponsors for events which are closed to persons not attending or participating in the event while the fortified wine, spirituous liquor or mixed beverages are being possessed or consumed; and to sponsors presenting evidence that the event will comply with the ABC laws of the State of North Carolina and will comply with the conditions of the special consumption permit to be issued by the Director. B. The Director shall be authorized to establish and promulgate regulations for the issuance of special consumption permits under this Ordinance. These regulations shall include, but not be limited to, the following requirements: 1. The sponsor shall be required in the discretion of the Director to either procure or reimburse the County for procuring such insurance coverage with such limits and with such other terms as may be required by the County. 2. The sponsor may be required in the discretion of the Director to make arrangements for and to bear the costs of additional law enforcement presence at the event. 3. The sponsor shall be required to obey all federal, State and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to noise, safety, public health, and laws relating to the consumption of alcohol. 4. The sponsor shall be required to sign an agreement that fully indemnifies the County, its officers, agents and employees from any liability arising from consumption of beverages pursuant to the permit. 5. The sponsor shall be required to serve non-alcoholic beverages as an alternative. 6. The sponsor shall not allow self-service of alcoholic beverages, nor shall the sponsor allow participants to bring their own alcoholic beverages to the event. The sponsor may be required in the discretion of the Director to obtain the services of a professional bartender for dispensing beverages. 7. The sponsor shall not allow consumption of alcoholic beverages to take place beyond environs designated by the permit.

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8. The sponsor shall post a sufficient number of signs as determined by the Director that clearly state the prohibition on underage drinking. C. No permit shall be issued to an individual or to a group who did not comply with the provisions of a previously issued permit. Further, no permit shall be issued for events at which a majority of those attending will be twenty years old or younger. D. This section shall not apply to the Charles T. Myers Golf Course and Proshop, Renaissance Golf Course and Proshop, Renaissance Softball and Tennis Complexes, Revolution Park Golf Course, Sunset Hills Golf Complex, The Tradition Golf Links at Mallard Creek, the Senior Center, the Carolina Raptor Center, Latta Place, property leased by Loch Norman Highland Games, Inc., the Dowd House, and Charlotte Community Camp and Retreat Center, provided that operators of these facilities possess valid ABC permits for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages and provided that all alcoholic beverages are obtained from the authorized operator of the respective facilities or its concessionaire.

Conduct $50.00

Section 38—No person in a park shall willfully and intentionally disobey a lawful order of a law enforcement officer, park personnel or volunteers authorized to enforced this Ordinance, nor use abusive, profane or insulting language; nor unreasonably disturb or annoy others; nor be under the influence of intoxicants; nor do any act tending to or amounting to a breach of the peace nor conduct himself in any disorderly manner whatsoever.

$50.00

Section 39—No person shall enter an area posted as “Closed to the Public,” nor shall any person use or abet the use of any area in violation of posted notices.

$20.00

Section 40—No person shall lie or sleep in a prone position on seats, tables or benches.

$50.00

Section 41—No person shall construct or erect any building or structure of whatever kind, whether permanent or temporary in character, or run or string any public service utility into, upon or across such lands, except on special written permit issued hereunder.

$50.00

Section 42—No person shall climb, stand or sit upon monuments, planters, vases, fountains, railings, fences, gun-carriages, trees or upon any other property not designated or customarily used for such purposes.

$20.00

Section 43—No person shall leave a bicycle unattended in a place other than a bicycle rack when such is provided and there is space available.

$20.00

Section 44—No person shall leave a bicycle lying on the ground or paving, or set against trees, or in any place or position where other persons may trip over or be injured by it.

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$100.00

Section 45—No person shall force entry into any restroom or washroom that is locked or bolted; and no person over the age of five (5) years shall use any restroom, washroom, or locker room designated for the opposite sex.

Enforcement Section 46—Enforcement. Duly sworn law enforcement officers with jurisdiction within Mecklenburg County, and park personnel, or volunteers as authorized by the Board shall have the duty and responsibility to enforce this Ordinance and shall be empowered to issue citations when in their judgment any provisions of the Ordinance have been violated. Each such person receiving a citation may, within 72 hours of the time when issued the citation, submit to the violation and pay, as a penalty in full satisfaction of such violation, the sum or sums set out in the left margins in this Ordinance. Failure of such person to make such payment of said amount within 72 hours shall render such person subject to punishment for a misdemeanor. The violation of any of the provisions of this Ordinance except Sections 15(a), 17(a), 28, 28(a) and 28(b) shall be a misdemeanor punishable by the Courts in accordance with North Carolina law. The violation of Section 29 of this Ordinance shall be a misdemeanor punishable by the Courts by fine up to $500.00. Section 47—Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unlawful, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. This Ordinance supersedes the existing, previously adopted, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Centers Ordinance, as amended, and shall be in full force and effect from and after its date of adoption. Adopted the 8th day of August, 1995; as amended December 20, 1995; September 15, 1998; December 18, 2001; September 16, 2003; March 15, 2005; and October 18, 2005.

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Mecklenburg County Ordinance on Amplified Sound Sec. 15-69. Amplified Sound. (a) It shall be unlawful to: (1) Operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment so as to create sounds registering fifty-five (55) db(A) between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. or fifty (50) db(A) between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., as measured anywhere within the boundary line of the nearest residentially occupied property, except in accordance with a permit obtained from the noise control officer. (2) As to multifamily structures including apartments condominiums, or other residential arrangements where boundary lines can not readily be determined, it shall be unlawful to operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment so as to create sounds registering fifty-five (55) db(A) between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. or fifty (50) db(A) between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., as measured from any point within the interior of another residential unit in the same complex or within the boundary line of the nearest residentially occupied property, except in accordance with a permit obtained from the noise control officer. (3) As to places of public entertainment having a capacity of one thousand (1,000) or more persons, operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment so as to create sounds registering ore than sixty-five (65) db(A) between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., or fifty (50) db(A) between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., as measured anywhere within the boundary line of the nearest residentially occupied property, except in accordance with a permit obtained from the noise control officer. (4) Operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment for advertising purposes or otherwise to attract customers so as to cast sounds which are unreasonably loud and disturbing or which register more than sixty (60) db(A) at or on the boundary of the nearest public right-of-way or park. (5) Operate or allow the operation for personal use of any sound amplification equipment on the public right-of-way, including streets or sidewalks, or in the public parks so as to produce sounds registering more than sixty (60) db(A) fifty (50) feet or more from any electromechanical speaker between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., or fifty (50) db(A) fifty (50) feet or more from any electromechanical speaker between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. (b) The foregoing limitations on the operation of sound amplification equipment shall not apply to the operation of horns, sirens, or other emergency warning devices actually being used in emergency circumstances.

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