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Home My WebLink AboutJamesport State Park DEIS 2010Draft Master Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Statement For Jamesport State Park April 28, 2010 IT David A. Paterson a y Governor Carol Ash NEW roc srn Commissioner 0ffice of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation SEQR NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF A DRAFT EIS F" VCM STAW NOTICE OF HEARING Date of Notice: April 28, 2010 Lead Agency New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) Title of Action: Adoption and Implementation of a Master Plan for Jamesport State Park SEQR Status: Type I Location of Action: Jamesport State Park is located in the Towns of Riverhead and Southold in Suffolk County. This Notice is issued pursuant to Part 617 of the implementing regulations pertaining to Article 8 (State Environmental Quality Review) of the Environmental Conservation Law. OPRHP, as lead agency, has determined that the adoption and implementation of a Master Plan for Jamesport State Park may have a significant effect on the environment. As a result, a Draft Plan and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) has been prepared. Copies of the Draft Plan/DEIS are available from the agency contacts. The Executive Summary of the Draft Plan and DEIS is included. It contains a brief summary which describes the proposed action, the environmental setting, alternatives and potential environmental impacts. Public Hearing and Comments: A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 6:30pm at the Hallockville Museum Farm, Naugles Barn, 6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901 to provide information on the plan and to obtain substantive comments on the document. Persons may provide comments at the hearing or in writing no later than the end of the comment period — June 11, 2010. All written comments should be forwarded to one of the agency contact persons: Agency Contacts: Ronald Foley Regional Director NYS OPRHP Long Island Region Regional Headquarters 625 Belmont Ave Babylon NY 11704 Phone 631-321-3402 Thomas B. Lyons, Director Resource Management NYS OPRHP Empire State Plaza Agency Building 1 Albany, NY 12238 (518) 474-0409 Or E-mail Comments to: Jamesport.Plan@oprhp.state.ny.us AVAILABILITY OF DEIS: Copies of the Draft Plan/DEIS are available for review at the Park Office at Wildwood State Park, at the offices of the agency contacts and at the Riverhead Public Library, 330 Court Street Riverhead, NY 11901. The online version of the Draft Plan/DEIS is available at the following publically accessible web site: http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/inside- our-agency/public-documents. aspx Draft Master Plan / Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Jamesport State Park April 28, 2010 Town of Riverhead, NY, Suffolk County Prepared by The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Completed: April 28, 2010 Contact: Ronald Foley, Regional Director Long Island Belmont Lake State Park P.O. Box 247 Babylon, New York 11702 (631) 669-1000 Fax: (631) 422-0638 Thomas B. Lyons, Director of Resource Management NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Empire State Plaza Agency Building 1 Albany, NY 12238 (518)474-0409 Fax: (518) 474-7013 Email: Jamesport.Plan@oprhp.state.ny.us End of Comment Period: June 11, 2010 Acknowledgements The Jamesport Park Draft Master Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Statement is the result of a cooperative effort. The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) acknowledges the time and effort of each individual, public agency and interest group who has participated in the development of the park and this Draft Master Plan document. In a cooperative effort, OPRHP worked with and coordinated input from the following agencies: New York Natural Heritage Program New York State Department of Environmental Conservation New York State Department of State, Division of Coastal Resources Carol Ash Commissioner Tom Alworth . Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources Ronald Foley Regional Director, Long Island State Park Region OPRHP Core Plan Team Members Long Island Region Staff Scott Fish, Capital Facilities Manager Robert Nellen., Park Manager Gary Lawton, Environmental Educator 3 William Mausling, Senior Landscape Architect Albany Office Staff Thomas Lyons, Director of Resource Management Robert Reinhardt, Director of Planning Pam Otis, Associate Environmental Analyst Diana Carter, Associate Natural Resource Planner Elisabeth Pezzolla, Park Planner With assistance from: Cashin Associates Gregory Greene Nancy Lenz Hallockville Museum Farm Richard Wines 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Table of Contents Table of Contents Acknowledgements........ :...................................................................................................................... v ExecutiveSummary............................................................................................................................ vii Chapter1: Introduction......................................................................................................................... 1 Planning and Environmental Review................................................................................................ 1 Introductionto the Park.................................................................................................................... 2 Chapter2: Park Background................................................................................................................. 3 TheRegion........................................................................................................................................ 3 ThePark............................................................................................................................................ 4 Chapter 3: Environmental Setting ....................................................................................................... 11 PhysicalResources.......................................................................................................................... 11 NaturalResources........................................................................................................................... 13 CulturalResources.......................................................................................................................... 14 ScenicResources............................................................................................................................ 15 Emergency Plans and Services....................................................................................................... 16 Infrastructure................................................................................................................................... 16 Operations....................................................................................................................................... 16 Chapter4: Park Vision and Goals....................................................................................................... 29 AgencyMission Statement..................................................................:.......................................... 29 ParkVision...................................................................................................................................... 29. OverallPark Goal........................................................................................................................... 29 Natural Resource Goals.................................................................................................................. 29 RecreationGoals............................................................................................................................. 29 Open Space Protection Goals.......................................................................................................... 30 CulturalResource Goals................................................................................................................. 30 ScenicResource Goals.................................................................................................................... 30 AccessGoals................................................................................................................................... 31 Education and Interpretation Goals................................................................................................ 31 Operation and Maintenance Goals.................................................................................................. 32 Facility Development and Capital Investment Goals..................................................................... 32 Communication and Partnership Goals.......................................................................................... 33 Inventory, Monitoring and Research Goals.................................................................................... 33 Chapter 5: Analysis and Alternatives................................................................................................. 35 ParkClassification.......................................................................................................................... 35 Designations.................................................................................................................................... 35 ParkName....................................................................................................................................... 39 Natural Resource Protection Strategies/Management.................................................................... 40 Recreation Resource Development/Management........................................................................... 44 MasterPlan Alternatives................................................................................................................. 57 ' Natural Resource Protection .............................. :............................................................................ 59 Page v ................................................... Chapter 6: The Master Plan ...............:................. ............................. 59 ExistingContext ................................................ .............................................................................. 59 Classification................................................................................................................................... Designations ............................... . 59 59 ParkName....................................................................................................................................... 59 ' Natural Resource Protection .............................. :............................................................................ 59 Page v Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Table of Contents Recreation Development/Management........................................................................................... 61 Cultural Resource Protection.......................................................................................................... 62 Facility Development and Operations.............................................................. ................. 63 Sustainability................................................................................................................................... 64 Implementation...................................................................................:........................................... 65 Relationship to Other Programs...................................................................................................... 66 Chapter 7: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation............................................................................. 81 Introduction.......................................:............................................................................................. 81 Impactsof Alternatives................................................................................................................... 81 Potential Environmental Impacts associated with Implementation of the Master Plan .................. 82 Relationship to Other Programs...................................................................................................... 93 Coastal Zone Management Program Consistency.......................................................................... 94 Supplemental Environmental Review............................................................................................. 98 References ............................. Appendices............ List of Figures ........................................ 101 Figure1 - Vicinity Map........................................................................................................................ 5 Figure2 - Park Boundary Map............................................................................................................. 7 Figure 3 - Adjacent Land Use Map....................................................................................................... 9 Figure4 - Bedrock Geology............................................................................................................... 17 Figure5 - Surficial Geology............................................................................................................... 19 Figure6 — Topography......................................................................................................................... 21 Figure 7 - Water Resources................................................................................................................. 23 Figure8 — Wetlands............................................................................................................................ 25 Figure 9 - Ecological Communities.................................................................................................... 27 Figure 10 - Natural Hertiage Area ...................... Figure 11 - Nature Center Alternatives............................................................................................... 71 Figure 12 - Entrance Road Detail....................................................................................................... 73 Figure13 - Exit Road Detail............................................................................................................... 75 Figure 14 - Nature Center, Residence and Main Parking................................................................... 77 Figure 15 - Beach Access and Accessible Parking............................................................................. 79 Draft Master Plan Map (Large Format) List of Tables Table 1- Implementation Priorities ............................................. Table 2 - Master Plan Implementation Priorities ....................... Table 3 - Land Area Affected by Master Plan Implementation. ........................................................ x ...................................................... 66 ...................................................... 86 Page vi ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Executive Summary Executive Summary Vision and Goals Agency Mission Statement ' The mission of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources. ' Park Vision Jamesport State Park will be a place for visitors from New York State and beyond to experience the ' North Shore of Long Island while providing the opportunity to appreciate and learn about the natural, cultural and physical resources within the park to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. ' Overall Park Goal The overall goal for Jamesport State Park is to strike a balance between recreation and the protection and interpretation of the natural and cultural resources within the park. ' Page vii Introduction The Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is proposing the action of adoption and implementation of a Master Plan for Jamesport State Park. The Draft Master Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was written to provide the opportunity for individuals, organizations and other government agencies to participate in the park planning process. On September 23, 2008 a public information meeting was held to gather information, concerns and issues surrounding the development of Jamesport State Park. Oral and written comments were ' received from the public at that meeting. Written comments were received until October 17, 2008. The Commissioner believes that a Master Plan/EIS is necessary to guide the management and development of the resources at Jamesport State Park. At this time the Commissioner has also decided that the draft plan is to be made available for public review and comment. There has not been any decision regarding the adoption of the Draft Master Plan. Environmental Setting The park is located within the Towns of Riverhead and Southold within the Long Island State Park I' Region. Encompassing approximately 220 acres, Jamesport State Park is currently an undeveloped facility with former uses that included farming, sand -mining and a summer camp. The park also contributes to the local history and includes a battle site from the War of 1812. ' The general topography of the park is generally flat with steep slopes and bluffs on Long Island Sound and in the northwest and northeast corners of the park. Additionally, there are geologic formations known as hoodoos, which are not often found in this part of the country, near the bluffs. The ecological communities of the park consist of successional maritime forests to maritime shoreline and a rare coastal plain pond. ' As an undeveloped facility there are no recreational resources in the park, however, a local equestrian group has recently conducted rides in the park through a permit from the Long Island Regional Office. Vision and Goals Agency Mission Statement ' The mission of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources. ' Park Vision Jamesport State Park will be a place for visitors from New York State and beyond to experience the ' North Shore of Long Island while providing the opportunity to appreciate and learn about the natural, cultural and physical resources within the park to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. ' Overall Park Goal The overall goal for Jamesport State Park is to strike a balance between recreation and the protection and interpretation of the natural and cultural resources within the park. ' Page vii Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Executive Summary Natural Resource Goal Identify, protect, manage, and interpret the natural resources within and associated with the park. Recreation Goal Provide day use facilities and programming compatible with the park's natural and cultural resources. Open Space Goal Protect open space in and nearby the park through acquisition, easements or other cooperative agreements. Cultural Resource Goal Identify, protect, preserve and interpret structures, landscapes and other physical resources and educate the public of their importance to the culture of the local community, region, state and nation. Scenic Resource Goal Protect the scenic quality of the park and its views of Long Island Sound. Access Goal Provide appropriate access to and within Jamesport State Park in a manner that ensures the safety and security of park patrons and the.park's natural, recreational and cultural resources. Education and Interpretation Goal Provide opportunities for education and interpretation of the natural, cultural and recreational resources of the park that support OPRBP initiatives. Operation and Maintenance Goal Operate and maintain the park in a safe, clean and sustainable manner that protects the natural and cultural resources of the park and the welfare of the park patrons. Communication and Partnership Goal Develop partnerships with other organizations, federal, state and local agencies, not-for-profit groups and the private sector whose intentions are in line with the stated mission and goal of the park. Ensure open and transparent communications with the public. Facility Development and Capital Investment Goal Build a quality facility consistent with standard park design aesthetics that is fiscally responsible in its development and has a minimal impact on the environment. Inventory, Monitoring and Research Goal Encourage scientific research into the natural and cultural resources of the park. Sustainability Goal Integrate sustainability considerations into all aspects of the park's operation, management and stewardship; make this park a leader in sustainability for the region. Page viii ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Executive Summary Analysis and Alternatives The Draft Master Plan presents a series of "preferred alternatives" for future development and ' operation of Jamesport State Park. Cumulatively, the actions described below present OPRHP's long-term vision for the rehabilitation and enhancement of the park. The Master Plan Jamesport State Park is an undeveloped facility. At present there are no developed public access, points or recreational facilities. This master plan sets forth a comprehensive plan for opening the park to public use, constructing park infrastructure, and protecting and interpreting the park's natural and cultural resources. ' The plan considers the historic, natural, geological, and recreational resources of the park and responds to recreational needs and safety of park patrons, protection of cultural and natural resources and principles of sustainability. The plan provides for the protection of natural resources through several means: • Designation of the entire park as a Park Preserve • Designation of a Natural Heritage Area ' • Management measures for the maritime shoreline community • Management measures for the bluffs and hoodoos • Management measures for Hallock's Pond ' • Management and control strategies for invasive species • Management measures for the endangered species of the park Recreation facility development opportunities were extensively reviewed. Recommendations include: • Inclusion of car -top, non -inflatable, hand -powered watercraft (kayaks and canoes) as a recreational use at Long Island Sound • Inclusion of scuba diving as an activity • Inclusion of fishing at Long Island Sound • Providing access to the park's undeveloped, natural ocean beach on Long Island Sound • Allowing equestrian use at the park by permit during specific times of the year • Development of a formal trail system with designated trail uses The cultural resources found at Jamesport State Park are an important part of the master plan. ' Measures to protect and interpret these resources include: • Development of interpretive signage and trails ' • Fostering a link between the Hallockville Museum Farm and other local cultural organizations • Development of interpretive panels about the history of the park at the Nature Center ' Park operations, maintenance and infrastructure are proposed in this master plan. Among these are: • Renaming the park "Hallock State.Park Preserve" • Construction of Nature Center/Park Office ' • Construction of maintenance facility • Construction of park manager residence • Development of main loop road, entrance and exit to the park Page ix Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Executive Summary • Development of main parking lot • Development of "Shoreline Access Road" • Development of accessible parking area and overlook near the beach Implementation Implementation of all of the above actions will require a significant investment of state funds, along with additional funding from other public and private sources. While implementation of certain actions will begin in 2011, OPRHP anticipates it will require ten to fifteen years – and perhaps longer – to accomplish all of the actions recommended in the plan. The implementation of the Master Plan for Jamesport State Park is divided into three priority phases (Table 1). The initiation and completion of these priority phases will depend upon funding and demand for the development of the park. The priorities groupings are conceptual and subject to reorganization based on available funding for specific components of any given group. Table 1= Implementation Priorities Implementation Description/Development Component Priorities Priority 1: • Construct main park road • Construct main parking lot • Construct temporary contact station • Begin to implement endangered species management measures • Designate, improve and/or construct select trails • Begin to implement management measures for bluffs and maritime dunes • Begin to implement invasive species management measures • Begin to implement Hallock's Pond management measures Priority 2: • Construct beach access road • Construct drop-off area and accessible parking near the shoreline • Construct select trails • Conduct additional studies about the bird population of the park • Continue development of trail system • Begin to implement environmental education and interpretation programs—guided walks, hikes, etc. Priority 3: • Construct observation areas at scenic points in the park • Construct observation areas at Hallock's Pond • Construct Nature Center/Park Office' Page x I Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Executive Summary • Construct maintenance area • Construct Park Manager residence i� Environmental Impacts ' The proposed park classification of Jamesport State Park as a Park Preserve will limit the type and intensity of uses and will help protect park resources now and in the future. Beneficial impacts of Master Plan implementation include: • Preservation, restoration and interpretation of cultural resources • Provision of recreation facilities, activities and amenities, and improvements in patron safety i' • Protection, enhancement and restoration of natural vegetation and ecological communities • Access to areas of interest in the park such as Hallock's Pond and Long Island Sound (LIS), while protecting sensitive resources • Signage and guided and self -guided tours that will provide visitors with an understanding of the ' history and natural resources of the park and a greater appreciation among park visitors for the natural world • Recognition of the importance of natural resources of the park with the proposed designation of ' the park as a Park Preserve and Hallock's Pond as a Natural Heritage Area • Enhancement of native plants and habitats through invasive plant species management activities • Implementation of natural resource protection strategies that provide a framework for ' enhancement and continued protection of the maritime beach, bluffs, dunes and hoodoos, as well as management of endangered species • Protection and maintenance of scenic resources • Interpretive exhibits Mitigation of adverse impacts of the plan includes: • Minimizing disturbance to land by utilizing existing right of ways, previously disturbed areas, and avoiding environmentally sensitive areas ' • The proposed shoreline access road and associated handicapped parking area will be sited and constructed in ways that minimize disturbance (designed to minimize runoff and erosion, avoidance of sensitive wetland areas and utilization of pervious materials) ' • Boardwalks will be utilized where there are sensitive resources that could be damaged by trails Actions pursuant to the Master Plan will result in a permanent change to the land though projects ' will be designed to occur in sustainable ways so as to minimize negative impacts. From a long-term perspective, implementation of the Master Plan will result in beneficial environmental impact by insuring that the most sensitive areas of the park will be identified, monitored and provided ' appropriate stewardship and that the ecosystems and the services they provide are maintained, preserved and protected. ' Some potential impacts that could occur during implementation of the plan may not have been adequately addressed in this plan/EIS. Under such a circumstance, an additional or supplemental environmental review will be required. As part of the agency's responsibility under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, OPRHP will review proposed implementation projects with respect to consistency with this plan and EIS. Projects found by OPRHP to be consistent with the plan can go forward without any additional review. Other types of proposals may require additional review. Page xi i� Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Executive Summary ' The park is located within the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area (LINSHA) and is consistent with the LINSHA Management Plan. The proposed master plan is also consistent with the principles of ecosystem-based management (EBM) which provide guidance for the improvement, preservation ' and restoration of coastal ecosystems and their watersheds. EBM principles that the plan is consistent with include having a place based focus for activities and their impacts, using scientific foundations for decision making, having measurable objectives which allow for adaptive ' management, recognizing interconnections between activities and ecosystems and using local knowledge and partnerships to advance preservation, protection and restoration of ecosystems. Page xii ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Park Background Chapter 1: Introduction Planning and Environmental Review Planning The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) planning process adheres to three basic principles: • Planning is a continuing process: Assumptions for the classification and management of park resources must be constantly re-evaluated in light of new information, changing needs and priorities, and resource character. • Planning must be comprehensive: The information base, and pertinent additional research, should support the planning process and should encompass relevant social, economic and physical factors relating to the management and operation of the park and its resources. • Planning must be coordinated and provide for public participation: Cooperation among appropriate governmental organizations, the public at large, special interest groups and the private sector is not only desirable but necessary. Environmental Review The environmental review of proposed master plans for state park facilities is conducted in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). OPRHP fully integrates the planning and environmental review processes. This document serves as both the Master Plan and the Environmental Impact Statement for Jamesport State Park. To ensure that master plans conserve and protect coastal and watershed ecosystems of the State of New York, OPRHP has embraced the principles of ecosystem -based management (EBM). The principles of EBM are included and represented within the master plans. These principles are: to start with a place based focus, base management decisions on the best available science, provide measurable objectives to direct and evaluate performance, use adaptive management to respond to new knowledge and changing conditions, recognize interconnections within and among ecosystems, and involve stakeholders to incorporate local knowledge. An EBM approach to management ensures that decisions are made holistically, focusing not on a single species or resource, but considering all parts of the ecosystems, including humans. Sustainability Sustainability is a philosophy on how to improve, operate and maintain State Parks and Historic Sites, while at the same time, minimizing or reducing the impacts of State Parks and Historic Sites have on the natural environment and ensuring future generations are able to enjoy and use these resources. Sustainability looks at the whole rather than the individual parts to maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact; reduce use of fossil fuels; reduce or eliminate hazardous substances; protect biodiversity and ecosystems; and use resources carefully, respectfully and efficiently to meet current needs without compromising the needs of other living creatures and the use of those resources by future generations. OPRHP is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and to becoming more carbon neutral by adopting more sustainable practices in park development, improvement, operation and Page 1 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Park Background maintenance. Sustainable practices and alternatives were incorporated and considered in the planning process and are incorporated throughout this Master Plan. Introduction to the Park Establishment of the Park Jamesport State Park was created in 2006 through the acquisition of 220 acres from the KeySpan Corporation with the assistance of the Trust for Public Land. Previous Planning Efforts Plans to develop the site as an industrial harbor were developed in the 1960s and plans to develop a nuclear facility were drafted in the 1970s. Archeological investigations were conducted at the site during the 1970s related to the aforementioned development proposals. However, no formal plans for recreation and natural resource protection have been prepared for the park up until this point in time. What has prompted the preparation of this report? Jamesport State Park is a new park that requires direction for its long term protection, management and development. The plan will assure that the recreational, educational and cultural proposals and opportunities are compatible with the natural and cultural resources. Page 2 ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Park Background Chapter 2: Park Background ' The Region New York State is divided into 12 park regions. Eleven of these regions are under the jurisdiction of ' the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). The twelfth region is composed of the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves and is administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Jamesport State Park is located in the Long Island Region administered by OPRHP. Location and Access Jamesport State Park is located within the Towns of Riverhead and Southold on the North Fork of Long Island. The park is primarily accessed by vehicle from an entrance off Sound Avenue in Riverhead. The closest Long Island Railroad stop is approximately three miles from the park at the Mattituck Station. While there is no formal entrance or exit to the park at this time, this plan explores and analyzes all feasible entrance and exit options available to the site. See Figure 1 for a map of the vicinity of the park. ■ Economic Contribution/Ecosystem Services (Impact of the Park) The park's ecosystems and the services they provide to the community are of great value. There is ' both intrinsic value in knowing that land is conserved and biodiversity is protected, as well as the value in the functions that the ecosystem provides, such as protection from flooding, nursery habitat for commercially and recreationally valuable fish, and filtering and cleansing of surface waters. ' Recreational Needs Assessment As a new facility, Jamesport State Park has the potential to provide new recreation opportunities for residents in Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, and Kings County as well as visitors to the region. According to the 2008 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), "relaxing in the park" continues to be the recreation activity enjoyed by most New York residents. This is followed by walking/jogging, visiting museums/historic sites, and swimming and biking. Walking/jogging has the highest total of activity days followed by relaxing in the park, swimming, visiting museums/historic sites, and biking (OPRHP 2008). ■ Recreational Needs from Public Comment: The comments received verbally and in writing during the public comment period reflected the community's desire to have passive recreation opportunities at the park. As an undeveloped facility, ■ there was a range of suggestions for recreation, but many of them focused on passive uses. Recreation activities suggested through public comments included: SCUBA access, equestrian trails ■ and access, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, camping, birding, the development of a nature center, the need for environmental education and interpretation, and both support and opposition of ATV _ use in the park. Page. 3 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Park Background The Park Legal Constraints, Designations and Other Programs Deed Restrictions Jamesport State Park is located in an area of historic agricultural significance. When the parkland was acquired, maintaining the historic character of the land was important both to OPRHP and to the residents of the North Fork of Long Island. At the time the parkland was purchased, OPRHP also purchased a conservation easement on the 300 acres immediately south of the park. The conservation easement ensures that the land will be used exclusively for agricultural operations. As such, property owners are required to seek approval from OPRHP for any modifications proposed for their land. Please see Figure 3 for a map of the adjacent land uses. Designations There are no formal designations within the park; at this time, but the plan recommends designations in Chapter 5. Jamesport State Park is located within the Long Island North Shore Heritage Area. The Heritage Area was established to protect and celebrate the culture, history and natural resources of the North Shore of Long Island. Designated in Parks law on July 14, 1998 (as amended September 20, 2000 and October 19, 2004), by the New York State Legislature, the North Shore Heritage Area encompasses the northern portion of Long Island and includes all of parts of the Towns of North Hempstead, Islip, Huntington, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southold, and Oyster Bay, the City of Glen Cove, and many incorporated villages. A management plan for the heritage area was completed in December 2006. The Town of Southold has an existing Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP) in place that was adopted in 2004. The Town of Riverhead is currently developing a Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan as well. The Long Island Sound Stewardship Act identified Jamesport as an inaugural Stewardship Area (a place with significant biological, scientific, or recreational value). Sound -wide planning efforts include: the 1994 Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and the 2003 LIS Agreement, which builds upon the goals of the CCMP. Partnerships Since its inception, Jamesport State Park has had a strong link to the surrounding agricultural . community. The Hallockville Museum Farm is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the agricultural history of the area and is located on one of the nine adjacent farm parcels. In an effort to create a holistic historic experience, this master plan envisions a symbiotic relationship between the Hallockville Museum Farm and the park, with the intent to coordinate future interpretive exhibits and educational programs. Audubon New York and the North Fork Audubon Society have been involved in the park since its inception. This partnership is expected to continue into the future. Page 4 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Park Background a ami � Cd rn a rn cti '� ti Jarnesport State Park Master Plan: Park Background I cu A PLO I Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Park Background -74 MILES Q25 O's 0.76 C) Town of,, SOUTHOLD Legend state Park land =1 conservation easement municipal park land county park land z tax parcels water streams roads ,P� town boundary �i 0-4 rn 04 4. lr �i Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Setting Chapter 3: Environmental Setting Physical Resources Geology Bedrock Geology ' Throughout the park a series of unconsolidated sediments he over the crystalline bedrock; depth of the bedrock is approximately 900 to 1,000 feet below sea level. It is overlain by Cretaceous sediment called the Raritan Formation and the Magothy Formation. The youngest glacial stage of the ' Pleistocene epoch, the Wisconsin Stage, formed Long Island Sound and the topography seen today in Suffolk County. See Figure 4 for a map of the bedrock geology of the park (Southold LWRP 2003). SurFcial Geology Sands and gravels of the Harbor Hill moraine are the most common soils found in the park. They ' were deposited from the Pleistocene Glaciations. The soils of the park belong to two main groups: the Carver and Plymouth Sands Association and the Haven -Riverhead Association. Carver and Plymouth Sands are deep, well -drained and moderately coarse. The second group, the Haven - Riverhead Association, is a medium textured, well -drained, and gently sloping and is suitable for farming (Long Island Lighting Company FEIS 1975). Soils of the park are classified by the Soil Survey for Suffolk County. See Figure 5 for a map of the surficial geology of the park. ' There are steep slopes and bluffs adjacent to Long Island Sound and the beach in the northwest and northeast corners of the park. Additionally, geologic formations known as hoodoos, which are not often found in this part of the country, make these sections of the park very geologically sensitive ' and not suited for development or recreation. Topography ' The topography of the park is generally level with gentle slopes that has a range of elevation of 20 to 140 feet above sea level. A maritime bluff rises up abruptly from the beach (Lundgren and Smith 2009). See Figure 6 for a map of the topography of the park. Water Resources ' Ponds Hallock's Pond is located approximately in the center of the park and is 4.5 acres in size and nearly 23 feet deep. It is a perched pond with a clay lining formed by the glacial outwash from the receding ' Wisconsin glacier. Hallock's Pond has been identified as a coastal plain pond and a unique ecological community within the park due to the scarcity of the community type, according to the 2008 Natural Heritage Report done by OPRHP. Hallock's Pond was historically used for agriculture and recreation. The Hallock family used the pond to water their cattle, sheep and horses and the Cichanowicz family used it to irrigate their fields in the mid -20a' century. During the early and mid -20th century, Camp Carey used the pond for ' recreational purposes (swimming; fishing). There has also been ice skating on the pond in winter. When the Levon Corporation acquired the land in the 1960s, it used the low area adjacent to the east side of the pond to contain water used to wash sand as part of the sand mining operation. However, ' the pond itself was not disturbed by Levon Corporation (Wines 2008). Page 11 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Setting Hallock's Pond was tested by the OPRHP Environmental Management BureauWater Quality unit. during summer of 2006 and 2008 and was found to have very little contaminants despite years of sand mining and washing occurring in close proximity to the water's edge. Hallock's Pond is a coastal plain pond that is ranked as a significant natural community. This community type is restricted to the coastal ecoregion and many other ponds of this type have been lost to agricultural use and development. The pond is in good condition. Two rare plant species listed as state -endangered have been reported in the pond: saltmarsh loosestrife (Lythrum lineare), a native loosestrife species, and Farwell's water-milfoil (Myriophyllum farwellii), a submerged aquatic plant. Protecting the quality of the pond and the adjacent upland habitat can thus play a significant role in protecting the biodiversity of Long Island and the state (Lundgren and Smith 2009). Lily Pond has been identified as a shrub swamp and is 1 acre in size. This wetland also provides valuable habitat and contributes to the local biodiversity of the park. Springs Howell's Spring is located near the northeastern border of the park. The spring flows towards the beach but disappears before reaching the Sound (Wines 2008). Long Island Sound The park includes more than one mile of ocean beachfront along Long Island Sound (LIS), which is a significant natural resource feature of the park, providing scenic views of Connecticut and the North Shore of Long Island. Long Island Sound was designated a National Estuary in 1987. As an estuary, LIS is a body of water where fresh water from rivers draining the land mixes with salt water from the ocean, creating unique and highly productive ecosystems. Long Island Sound has 1,320 square miles of surface water and a watershed of 16,820 square miles. It is 110 miles long and 21 miles at it widest point, with over 600 miles of shoreline and an average depth of 63 feet. It is estimated that $5.5 billion is generated per year from services and resources it provides. Long Island Sound supports commercial and recreational fishing, boating and tourism and is a major commercial waterway. More than eight million people live in the LIS watershed and development has increased some types of pollution, altered land surfaces, reduced open spaces, and restricted access to the Sound (EPA website 2009). The Sound supports a great variety of coastal habitats including tidal and freshwater wetlands, submerged aquatic vegetation -- such as eelgrass beds-- beaches, dunes, cliffs and bluffs, estuarine embayments, coastal and inland forests, riverine migratory corridors, shellfish reefs, intertidal flats and rocky intertidal habitats. More than 120 fish species occur here and more than 125. species of birds rely on the Sound for food and habitat. These habitats and the species they support are threatened and abundance and diversity have been diminished (Long Island Sound Study 2009). See Figure 7 for a map of the water features of the park. Wetlands Wetlands provide valuable ecological functions and services, including providing habitat for unique species and water purification. See Figure 8 for a map of the wetlands in the park. • Hallock's Pond wetland complex: Hallock's Pond has a fluctuating water level and overruns its banks during rainy parts of the year. There's a natural swale that the water flows to south of the pond. According to DEC, this wetland complex has been identified as a Class 3 wetland and is 5.9 acres in size. • Lily Pond wetland complex: The Lily Pond wetland complex has been identified as a Class 2 wetland and is approximately one acre in size, according to DEC. The NHP has identified this area as a shrub swamp but it also referred to as a vernal pond. Page 12 ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Setting • Federally designated wetlands: There are two areas within the park that have been designated as Federal wetlands. The federally designated wetlands exist adjacent to the shoreline and there is another small wetland located in the southeast corner of the park. Air ' The park falls within the New York, Northern New Jersey, Long Island, NY -NJ -CT non -attainment area for failing tomeet the national ambient air quality standard for ozone (Environmental Protection Agency 2008). ' Natural Resources Many of the natural resources at Jamesport State Park have been compromised due to the previous ' uses occurring on the site prior to the state ownership of the property. As a result, many of the natural resources indigenous to the area are not as abundant as they once were. In spite of its varied past, the land has started to recover and many native plant species (in addition to non-native) are ' found in the park. Ecological Communities ' Sixteen ecological communities were identified in the park by the New York Natural Heritage Program (NHP). The sixteen communities are classified under four general system types (terrestrial, lacustrine, estuarine, and marine) and seven subsystems (forested uplands, open uplands, terrestrial ' cultural, natural lakes and ponds, estuarine intertidal, marine subtidal, and marine intertidal) (Evans, Novak, and Weldy, 2002). According to the NHP report, the 233 acres of parkland surveyed are in varying stages of succession or disturbance. The ecological community types found in the park include coastal plain pond (4 acres), shrub swamp (1 acre), maritime beach (13 acres), maritime dunes (<1 acre) maritime shrubland (46 acres), maritime grassland (1 acre), eroding slope/bluff (8 acres), successional old field (2 acres), successional shrubland (9 acres), successional red cedar ' woodland (16 acres), successional maritime forest (80 acres), successional maritime forest. (degraded) (15 acres), developed (15 acres), mowed lawn (5 acres), and unpaved road/path (18 acres). Please see Figure 9 for a map of the ecological communities of the park. One of the ecological community types has special ecological significance. The coastal plain pond, Hallock's Pond, is an aquatic community with fluctuating water levels. Coastal plain ponds are typically shallow, groundwater -fed ponds that occur in kettle -holes or shallow depressions in the ' outwash plains south of the terminal moraines of Long Island. A series of coastal plain ponds are often hydrologically connected, either by groundwater, or sometimes by surface flow in a small coastal plain stream. Water is typically acidic, darkly stained, and has low transparency. Coastal ' plain ponds support a number of aquatic plants, fish, amphibians, and turtles, and sometimes host waterfowl, muskrat, and other animals (Lundgren and Smith 2009). In addition to Hallock's Pond, the diversity of the other 15 documented ecological systems contributes to the park's overall ' biodiversity. Characteristic Flora ' The forested uplands of Jamesport State Park are categorized by two ecological community types: Successional Maritime Forest and Successional Maritime Forest (degraded). For a complete listing of the flora of the park please see Appendix A. Page 13 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Setting Rare or Threatened Plant Species Rare plant species found in the park include salt marsh loosestrife (Lythrum lineare) and Farwell's Milfoil (Myriophyllum farwelli). Salt marsh loosestrife is on the state endangered list and Farwell's Milfoil is on the state threatened list. Invasive Species Under state law adopted in 2007 and amended in 2008 (Environmental Conservation Law Article 9, Title 17), "invasive species" are species that: (a) are non-native to the ecosystem under. consideration; and (b) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. The law also indicates that harm must significantly outweigh_any benefits fora species to be considered invasive. While there are many invasive plant species impacting the native ecological communities of Jamesport, no invasive animal species have been found in the park at this time. Invasive species are viewed as a management issue and are addressed in Chapter 5 of the plan. Fauna Wildlife in the park is typical of the east end of Long Island and of a more suburban/rural setting. For a complete listing of the fauna of the park please see Appendix A. The park hosts a diverse community of birds throughout the year, with over 150 species recorded from the park and adjacent waters in Long Island Sound. A number of state -listed species can be found within the park, including Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii), Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Least Tern (Sternula antillarum), Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), Sharp -shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) and Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii). Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus), which are listed at both the federal and state levels, breed within the park. A full list of birds observed at the park can be found in Appendix B. Endangered, Threatened and Rare Animal Species Of the 12 federally or state listed bird species that have been observed at Jamesport State Park, only one species nests within the park. The piping plover is a federally threatened species (state endangered) and while the amount of suitable habitat is small, one pair has nested on the beach each year since 2002. Cultural Resources Historic Agriculture and recreation have long played drole in the use of the land that makes up Jamesport State Park. Historically, the park and adjacent farming parcels were owned by several families who started farming the land in the late 17`h century. According to The History of Hallockville: The Museum Farm, the Neighborhood and the Surrounding Land Including Jamesport State Park, by Richard Wines, the Hallock Family settled in the area around 1660. Descendants continued to farm there throughout the 19`h century and lived there through the late 1970s. During the late 19'h and early 201h centuries, an influx of Polish immigrants to the area yielded a change in the ownership of the land, but farming continued. A War of 1812 battle occurred in the park when a British ship Page _14 ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Setting attacked the mainland in an attempt to capture an American revenue cutter. The 1814 battle lasted for nearly three days and the British emerged victorious by capturing the cutter. ' In 1903, the Boys Club of New York opened Camp William Carey on 30 acres of what is now the northwest corner of Jamesport State Park. The camp served approximately 2,500 disadvantaged boys ' from New York City ranging in age from 8-15 years. In 1944, the camp acquired additional land to bring its total holdings up to 125 acres. After 60 summers, Camp Carey ceased operations in 1963 (Wines 2008). In the 1960s, the Levon Corporation bought the majority of the land encompassing the park and submitted plans to develop an industrial port at the site. Critics charged that the corporation never contemplated developing an industrial port, but rather developed the proposal as a cover for the sand mining operation that Levon was operating on the property. This operation was eventually halted ' and Levon sold the property 3to the Lon Island Lighting ComPanY(LILCO)(w hich later became Keyspan and is now National Grid), which proposed to develop a nuclear power station on the site in ' the 1970s. When the nuclear power plant proposal failed, the land sat vacant for many years, though there were many proposals for development (Wines 2008). Archeological ' The archeological resources at the park include both pre -historic and historic artifacts and the foundations or other remains of buildings and other man-made structures. In 1975, John F. Vetter ' and Bert Salwen were hired by LILCO to conduct an archeological assessment to be included in the environmental impact study prepared for the development of a proposed nuclear power plant for the site. Archeological testing near Hallock's Pond has uncovered evidence of pre -historic (Middle and Late Woodland periods) activity including evidence of knives, scrapers, projectile points, ' hammerstones and grinding stones (Vetter 1975). Archeological survey and testing within the park has been limited to areas impacted by construction projects undertaken since 1975; however, historical accounts and more recent research suggests that evidence of Native American occupation ' on Long Island is widespread. Based on literature records, OPRHP's Field Services Bureau has concluded that areas of the park and its adjacent farmland are archeologically sensitive. ' Scenic Resources The most notable views at Jamesport State Park can be observed from the higher points in the park, near the bluffs or from the top of the dunes. From here, there are wonderful views of Long Island ' Sound, Connecticut and the shoreline east and west of the park. Hallock's Pond is also considered to be one of the more scenic areas of the park, as well as the views overlooking the adjacent agricultural land. ' Recreational Resources/Activities The park is currently undeveloped and, therefore, public visitation numbers are not recorded. t However, there is evidence that low levels of public use has been occurring in the park. Unauthorized ATVs, which are not allowed in State Parks, and other off-road vehicles, have been observed in the park by nearby residents and numerous tire tracks have been left behind in their ' wake. The park has also been used, with permission from OPRHP, for organized horseback rides approximately twice a year. Depending on the season, the Hallockville Museum Farm will host hikes and provide environmental education programs for local schools and residents. Page 15 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Setting Emergency Plans and Services Security within the park is provided by the NYS Park Police, located out of nearby Wildwood State Park, with their regional headquarters located at Belmont Lake State Park. They provide year round police coverage in cooperation with other local, county and state police agencies. As the park is currently undeveloped, the park is currently managed at Wildwood State Park. Infrastructure Water Supplies There are existing fire protection hydrants located at the abandoned Camp Carey site. There is an existing water fire protection main located within the ROW of Sound Ave. with a hydrant at the old Camp Carey road intersection. However, the current operating condition of this infrastructure is unknown at this time. Waste Water and Sewerage There are existing cesspools in the former Camp Carey site in the northwestern section of the park. The current condition of this infrastructure is unknown. Utilities There is an existing corridor line of what appears to be a LIPA electric transmission line along the west side of the park property line, which extends north past the adjacent greenhouse operation. This line might also contain communications cable. Roads There are remains of a macadam access road along the west boundary of the park which begins at Sound Ave. and continues north to the old Camp Carey site. Traffic As an undeveloped.park there is no traffic associated with the facility. An analysis of existing traffic conditions was completed for this project and can be found in Chapter 5. Accessibility The park is officially_ closed; therefore there is no legal accessibility to the park by the public. As an undeveloped park, accessibility will be addressed later on in the plan and will be considered during the design and development of park facilities. Operations As an undeveloped park, there are currently no operations occurring at the park. However, maintenance clearing of several trails that currently exist within the park is performed by the staff from Wildwood State Park. 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Park Vision Jamesport State Park will be a place for visitors from New York State and beyond to experience the North Shore of Long Island while providing the opportunity to appreciate and learn about the natural, cultural and physical resources within the park to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Overall Park Goal The overall goal for Jamesport State Park is to strike a balance between recreation and the protection and interpretation of the natural and cultural resources within the park. Natural Resource Goals Overall Goal Identify, protect, manage and interpret the natural resources within and associated with the park. Goals • Identify areas with environmental sensitivity, such as wetlands, and design programs and facilities that will provide interpretation without adversely impacting sensitive resources. • Protect, maintain and manage areas important as habitat for rare, threatened, endangered or protected plant and animal species and significant community types. • Maintain, restore and/or enhance the natural environment, where appropriate, to improve the quality of natural resources and support biodiversity of plant and animal species. • Encourage the restoration of plant and animal species indigenous to the park. ' • Manage animal species, as necessary, to protect the park's natural resources. • Control and/or eliminate invasive species. ' • Design and locate recreational and interpretive facilities that do not exceed the parkland's capacity to withstand use or infiinge on important natural habitats, and that are compatible with the protection of park resources. i' • Apply the principles of Ecosystem -Based Management to operation and resource protection within the park. Recreation Goals Overall Goal Provide day use facilities and programming compatible with the park's natural and cultural resources. Page 29 Jamesport State Park MasterPlan: Park Vision and Goals Goals • Provide year-round facilities and programs for the public. • Implement programs and facilities that are consistent with regional and local needs and demands as identified in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, and. other federal, state and local plans and programs. • Develop programs to interpret the natural, cultural and physical resources and educate the public of their importance. • Identify recreational activities that are compatible with the park's natural and cultural resources; provide appropriate support facilities for those activities. • Develop a trail system in the park that connects people with the natural resources of the park in a safe, ecologically sustainable manner. Open Space Protection Goals Overall Goal Protect open space in and nearby the park through acquisition, easements or other cooperative agreements. Goals • Research connectivity to nearby parks and other open spaces. • Create a buffer zone to development that surrounds the park using open space protection strategies such as conservation easements and/or acquisition of land from willing sellers. • Evaluate, classify and designate recent and future acquisitions according to the Parkland Classification System and the Park Preservation Law (Article 20 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law) as appropriate, in order to preserve open space. Cultural Resource Goals. Overall Goal Identify, protect, preserve and interpret structures, landscapes and other physical resources and educate the public of their importance to the, culture of the local community, region, state and nation. Goals • Identify and protect archaeologically sensitive areas. • Minimize or avoid disturbances within archeologically sensitive areas, Develop and coordinate programs and activities that interpret the history and culture of the park and surrounding area. Scenic Resource Goals Overall Goal Protect the scenic quality of the park and its view of Long Island Sound. Page 30 ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Park Vision and Goals Goals • Design and locate activities, structures and infrastructure that fit into the park's setting ' and minimize visual impacts. • Provide and maintain vistas to Long Island Sound using topography or existing clearings whenever possible. ' • Provide and maintain vistas to the adjacent agricultural land. Access Goals Overall Goal Provide appropriate access to and within Jamesport State Park in a manner that ensures the safety and security of park patrons and the park's natural, recreational and cultural resources. Goals • Provide and maintain a safe entrance and exit to the park using local roads. • Provide a non -motorized trail system that links the parking area(s) to the park's natural, cultural and recreational resources. • Provide a vehicle access road system that connects the main parking lot with internal parking areas, the proposed nature center and activity areas. • Provide access to park resources for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADA). Education and Interpretation Goals Overall Goal Provide opportunities for education and interpretation of the natural, cultural and recreational resources of the park that supports OPRHP initiatives. Goals • Design interpretive programs that focus on the park's natural and cultural resources. • Develop interpretive programs that reflect the history of the site including Native American, military, agricultural, and environmental history. • Provide interpretive programs designed for the general public and for organized groups. • Develop programs that are compatible with the protection of park resources. • Provide a year-round interpretive program. • Develop an outreach program designed for local schools and other organizations. • Develop partnershipswith other providers that can offer interpretive programs designed for park visitors and groups. Page 31 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Park Vision and Goals Operation and Maintenance Goals Overall Goal Operate and maintain the park in a safe, clean and sustainable manner that protects the natural and cultural resources of the park and the welfare of the park patrons. Goals • Develop a set of design, maintenance and operation guidelines. • Develop partnerships for maintenance and operation. • Identify specific approaches to address resource protection within the operation and maintenance programs. • Identify strategies for the handling of organic material generated at the site that will have minimal impact on the natural, cultural and recreational resources. • Determine where renewable energy opportunities exist. • Identify opportunities for utilization of clean, renewable energy sources — solar photovoltaic panels, solar thermal systems, geothermal, wind, biomass, and biogas energy sources - for both existing and new energy demands. • Examine the potential for use of bio -based heating fuels. • Strive to become a zero -waste park; minimize waste generated, maximize re -use and recycling. Facility Development and Capital Investment Goals Overall Goal Build a quality facility consistent with standard park design aesthetics that is fiscally responsible in its development and has a minimal impact on the environment. Goals • Provide a nature/interpretive center and a maintenance facility that fit the functions and needs of the park through sustainable design and construction. • Provide an office facility that meets the needs of the park administration functions and staff. • Provide on-site housing for the park manager to ensure the security of the park. • Provide public restroom facilities in appropriate locations. • Provide safe and reliable potable water supplies for park patrons. • Incorporate sustainable practices into park design, maintenance and operations. Through the Sustainable Sites Initiative, utilize previously disturbed sites, protect and restore habitat, and use products made from secondary or with a high content of recycled material. Page 32 ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Park Vision and Goals Communication and Partnership Goals Overall Goal Develop partnerships with other organizations, federal, state and local agencies, not-for-profit groups and the private sector whose intentions are in line with the stated mission and goal of the park. ' Ensure open and transparent communications with the public. Goals • Organize a group that includes the organizations in the area to improve coordination of programs, services and facilities. I • Develop partnerships for maintaining facilities and conducting programs. • Coordinate with federal, state and local agencies in the management and stewardship of the natural, cultural and recreational resources of the park. ' • Foster relationships with organizations with an interest in the park such as: ■ Hallockville Museum Farm ■ Peconic Land Trust ■ Audubon New York/North Fork Audubon ' Inventory, Monitoring and Research Goals Overall Goal Encourage scientific research and monitoring efforts at the park so that the natural and cultural resources are properly managed and protected Goals • Provide a coordinated approach to inventories, monitoring programs and research that facilitates data exchange. • Conduct and encourage inventory, monitoring and research by individuals, interest groups and institutions. • Assure that all inventory, monitoring and research programs are compatible with the protection of the park's resources and ecosystems. Page 33 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Park Vision and Goals , 11 1 0 Page 34 1 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives Chapter 5: Analysis and Alternatives Park Classification The land classification system is a component of OPRHP's planning process and utilizes natural and cultural resources characteristics, land uses, levels of improvements, physical capacity and other management related data to identify appropriate classifications for lands administered by OPRHP. The system provides five major classification categories: Park and Land Resources, Water Access, Historic Resources, Linear Systems, and Environmental Education Facilities. The planning team assessed the natural resources in the park, the physical constraints of the land, recreation potential of the park, suggestions received during the public comment period, and the needs of the Long Island Park Region and determined that the following classifications could be considered for Jamesport. Jamesport State Park could be classified as a Park Preserve. The Park Preserve classification is described as follows: • Natural areas with few developed facilities within urban, suburban or rural areas • Possible salt marshes, wetlands, bogs, dunes, unusually steep topography, flood prone areas or other significant environmental resources • Low level of use • 0-5% developed areas • 0-15% managed areas • 85-100% natural areas The second classification that Jamesport could be considered for is a Scenic Park. The Scenic Park classification is described as follows: • Natural setting, limited development, scenic attractions with urban, suburban or rural areas. • A mix of natural and developed areas with significant scenic features. • High level of use. - • 0-5% developed areas • 0-50% managed areas • 50-100% natural areas When comparing the criteria established for the Park Preserve classification with the Historic Preserve classification and the Scenic Park classification, it is clear that the park falls predominantly into the Park Preserve classification, with some overlap into the other classifications. Despite a history of environmental degradation at the park, there are native species at the park and the land is reverting to forests. Between this and the environmental focus at the park, it is recommended that the park be classified as a Park Preserve. Designations Three designations, Park Preserve (PP), Natural Heritage Areas (NHA) and Bird Conservation Areas (BCA), exist for New York State Parks. Designations may be adopted for either an entire park or specific sections of a park to recognize a significant natural resource or resources within a park. All three designations were considered for Jamesport State Park. Page 35 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives Park Preserve Article 20 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law (Park Preserve Law) outlines the process for designation of entire parks as a park preserve, or portions of parks as a park preservation area. Background for Analysis: The Park Preserve law provides for designation of park land containing wildlife, flora, scenic, historical and archeological sites that are unique and rare in New York State. Designating the park as a preserve would provide legal protection to all of the park's resources—natural, historic and archeological. A park -wide designation would also come with restricting the creation of developed areas. A developed area is considered any portion of the park that is paved or has another hard surface, or an area that contributes to the built environment of the park, or an area that is landscaped and not managed for habitat protection. This designation would also preclude moderate and high recreational use from occurring at the park. Existing compatible recreational uses can continue. Historically, the land encompassing the park was used for agriculture, a boy's camp, a portion for sand mining and, more recently, by trespassing ATV and off-road vehicle users. As a result, some environmental degradation has occurred in the park and native plants and animals have suffered. The topography, geology and general access to the park limit the activities and intensity of development within the park. As noted earlier, Hallock's Pond and the shoreline bluffs and hoodoos are considered ecologically unique and important features of the land. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Status Quo (No Park Preserve) • Does not recognize the significant natural features within the park. Alternative 2 Designate the entire park as a • May limit certain activities within the park. Park Preserve • Passive recreational activities will be supported. • Would protect the park as a whole to ensure the land would be safeguarded against incompatible uses in the future. Alternative 3 Designate a Park Preservation • Designated areas would protect significant Area in selected locations within resources. the Park. • Passive recreational activities will be • The area from Hallock's Pond east. • The bluffs, dunes and shoreline adjacent to the LI Sound. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 2 Natural Heritage Areas supported. • Impacts to resources by more intensive recreational uses will be minimized. The Natural Heritage Area (NHA) program was created in 2002 in Environmental Conservation Law (§ 11-0539.7). The goal of the NHA program is to identify and conserve rare, threatened and endangered species and significant natural communities that occur within state owned lands. To be eligible for designation, a site must possess at least one of the following criteria: • provides habitat for state -listed endangered or threatened plants or animals; Page 36 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives • provides habitat for species ranked as rare under criteria developed by the New York Natural Heritage Program; or • contains "significant ecological communities" where such term means all rare ecological communities as well as the best examples of common communities. Unlike the Park Preserve Law (which provides some, reference to recreational uses), there is no definitive statement on uses or recreation in the NHA law. There is an implicit responsibility in the administering agency to assure that existing uses will not be detrimental to the viability of the identified rare, threatened or endangered species or significant natural communities. No provision in the NHA law is made to prohibit or hinder future recreational uses. The type and extent of any proposal would be evaluated in the context of the scientific criteria (that led to designation) and site characteristics and management recommendations. Background for Analysis: The park has one significant ecological community: Hallock's Pond. The pond is considered significant because it is an example of a coastal plain pond which is a rare ecological community, especially on Long Island. Coastal plain ponds are permanently flooded ponds that are typically groundwater fed, with fluctuating water levels. They typically occur in kettle -holes or shallow depressions in the outwash plains south of the terminal moraines of Long Island. Most occurrences of coastal plain ponds are found on Cape Cod (NYNHP, 2002). Coastal plain ponds provide a specific setting for a variety of plants and animals that live in this kind of habitat. Because of this, there is the potential for unique flora and fauna to be found near the pond. Alternatives Alternative 1 Status Quo — No NHA designation Alternative 2 Designate an NHA that includes Halloek's Pond and a 100 foot buffer around the pond. See Figure 10 for the proposed NHA boundary Preferred Alternative: Alternative 2 Bird Conservation Areas (BCA) Considerations • Significant areas will not be recognized. • A greater awareness of the significance of the resources will not be created. • Significant natural communities and habitat for rare, threatened and endangered species will still be recognized and managed, but they would not be designated as a Natural Heritage Area. • Designates all areas that support rare plants, and, potentially, rare amphibians and animals. Creates greater awareness of the significance of the resource. Designates areas that meet the criteria of the law. A Bird Conservation Area (BCA) designates areas within the park that provide ideal habitat for birds. While bird conservation will be a high priority within designated areas, designation does not place any restrictions on future land use decisions. In addition to emphasizing bird conservation within the planning process, BCA designation also brings greater public awareness of the site's bird Page 37 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives ' community, as well as funding opportunities for bird -related publications (kiosks, bird lists), research, or management. Background for Analysis: A preliminary assessment of the site was conducted to determine if the park met 'any of the criteria for designation as a Bird Conservation Area (BCA) as described under Article 11, Title 20 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL). Although no formal bird surveys have been conducted at Jamesport State Park, there are a number of resources available that document birds at or in the immediate vicinity of the park. Among the resources consulted by OPRHP staff was the New York Bird Breeding Atlas and data collected by members of the North Fork Audubon to establish a list of birds for the park. In order to qualify for designation as a BCA, a site must meet at least one of the nine criteria outlined in the ECL. Following the preliminary staff evaluation of the bird community and habitat at Jamesport State Park, it was determined that there is insufficient information to support a BCA designation. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 'Status Quo — No BCA • The park will not be recognized. designation • Management practices associated with a BCA will not be instituted. Alternative 2 Designate a BCA • BCA Management policy will protect the resource. • Needs further documentation to meet requirements for BCA designation. Alternative 3 Conduct further assessment at the • Will ensure an accurate assessment of the park for consideration as a BCA birds and bird habitat will be completed. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 3 Will better inform the designation decision. Will ensure that a BCA is warranted and beneficial to the area. Page 38 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives Park Name Background for Analysis: Jamesport State Park is an inappropriate name for the park and is confusing to the general public because the park is not located in Jamesport, NY. Jamesport is a hamlet south of the park; the park is actually located in the towns of Riverhead and Southold. Numerous suggestions were offered during the public comment period and the following names were seriously considered during the planning process: • Hallock State Park Preserve • North Fork State Park Preserve • Hallockville State Park Preserve • Soundview State Park Preserve • Paumanok State Park Preserve Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Status Quo —Jamesport State Park • The park name will not reflect the history or Preserve • Alternative 2 Hallock State Park Preserve • Alternative 3 North Fork State Park Preserve • • Alternative 4 Hallockville State Park Preserve • • location of the park The public will continue to take issue with the name The public is familiar with this name Reflects the significant natural resource of the park Reflects the history of the area and the Hallock family who owned the land for several centuries Reflects the general loeation of the park A very common name for the area Relates to the Long Island Sound Reflects the history of the area and the Hallock family Is very similar in name to the Hallockville Museum Farm The public might confuse the park and the museum ' Alternative 5 Soundview State Park Preserve • Incorporates the LI Sound into the park name • Is a commonplace name for businesses in the region Alternative 6 Paumonok State Park Preserve • Reflects the Native American (Algonquin) history of the area • Is the Algonquin name for Long Island !' • There is a Suffolk County trail called the Paumonok Trail • Does not tie in the local history of the park Preferred Alternative: Alternative 2 Page 39 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives Natural Resource Protection Strategies/Management Although Jamesport State Park is currently an undeveloped facility, it is imperative that the master plan outline strategies and a. clear direction for the management and protection of the natural resources of the park. In doing so, the master plan will help carry out some of the natural resource goals outlined in Chapter 4. Deer Management It hag been recognized that deer over -browsing is impacting the natural resources of the park. Deer impacts are mainly the result of preferential browsing of individual plants. Over time, preferred plant species are eliminated or greatly reduced in abundance and non -preferred species become increasingly dominant. These changes in species abundance and composition can have serious effects at the ecosystem level. When deer suppress the regeneration of over -story tree species, those' species will not be represented in the next iteration of the forest, thus changing the forest type. In addition, the loss of a tree species from a forest community greatly affects other organisms that depend on that species. Through the loss of species, deer can also impact forest ecosystems through the alteration of forest structure, including a rise in the number of and abundance of invasive species (Chapin 2008). Deer management is a statewide issue and OPRHP will continue to participate in strategy development and implementation with the understanding that such actions must be done in accordance with the agency's recreation and resource protection mission. Hallock's Pond Management Background for Analysis: Hallock's Pond is located in the center of the park and is approximately 4.5 acres in size and approximately 24 feet deep. As a coastal plain pond, Hallock's Pond is permanently flooded and groundwater fed with seasonal and annual water level fluctuations. There is a small patch of Phragmites australis (Common Reed Grass) within the pond and other invasive species located in the woodland area nearby. Historically, the pond was used for agriculture and recreation. Some native trees around the pond were recently removed illegally. As a significant ecological community, Hallock's Pond should be protected and used for environmental education. Trails should be carefully planned in this area and should, in general, be located away from the edge of the pond. Given its ecological importance, fishing will not be allowed in the pond and hand powered or motorized boats will be prohibited. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Status Quo • No maintenance required. The pond has survived many years without management and is in relatively good condition. • Invasive species could take hold of the area. • Uncontrolled access to the area would impact the pond. Alternative 2 Active adaptive management of • Native vegetation will benefit wildlife that the pond depends on riparian habitat. Active management would include the following: • Native vegetation will enhance aesthetics Page 40 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives • Native vegetation restoration • Monitor for invasive species • Water quality protection measures • Monitor for rare aquatic plants and wildlife • Develop an observation deck to control access to the pond around the pond. • Prohibit fishing to help limit the introduction of invasive plants and aquatic life. • Maintain a wooded landscape to improve water quality. • Monitor the pond for three consecutive years to get further aquatic plant and water quality data. • Would provide OPRBP further opportunities to study the pond, and to determine what lives in the pond and how native fish and aquatic species could be reintroduced. • Would provide controlled access to the pond. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 2 Invasive Species Management Background for Analysis Invasive species are usually defined as non-native species (e.g. plants or animals) that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically. Although native species can be considered to be invasive in certain circumstances, this usually results from some human impact on the environment as opposed to the physical or genetic traits of the invading organisms. These species, due to a lack of competition or predation; can develop extremely large populations, causing severe adverse effects such as a loss of wildlife habitat, reduction of crop yields, personal injury and direct death of other plants and animals. Many different invasive plant species exist in the park, though no invasive animal species are known at this time. All of these species represent a threat to the native plants and animals of the park. Currently, the park has limited resources to devote to invasive species management. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Status Quo • Natural habitats and park operations will continue to be impacted by invasive ' species. Alternative 2 Work to eradicate and prevent all • Removal of these species, followed by invasive species native restoration of the area, would result All known occurrences of invasive species in the in improved habitat values and functions. park would be identified and control work would • There are currently no successful be initiated to remove them from the park. This eradication techniques known for some ' plan would restore all of Jamesport State Park to a invasive species found in the park. natural state with only native species present. • Constant effort and attention would be required to keep invasive species from re - invading the park. 1 Page 41 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives Alternative 3 Eradicate and prevent all invasive • Removal of these species, followed by species from sensitive habitats native restoration of the area, would result In lieu of total control of all invasive species in improved habitat values and functions. throughout the park, this alternative would focus • Considerable resources would be saved control efforts on areas where invasive species when compared to managing invasive could have a serious negative effect on a sensitive species across the entire park. habitat. This would include the ponds, the • Focusing efforts at these locations would " maritime dunes and on trails. In terms of control help to ensure that these habitats remain efforts, these two areas represent relatively small, and/or improve their condition if invasive manageable areas where invasive species presence species are currently present. poses a serious threat to the quality of a rare, • Continued successful management of some sensitive habitat. invasive species requires extensive coordination with landowners beyond the park's boundaries. Preferred Alternative: Combination of 2 and 3 Maritime Dune Restoration Management Strategy Background for Analysis The dunes located in the park have been degraded by ATV and off-road vehicle use. This use is explicitly prohibited in all New York state parks. As a result of ATV and off-road vehicle trespass, there is little vegetation, native or otherwise, left in this area and it is especially vulnerable to erosion. Alternatives Alternative 1 Status Quo Alternative 2 Restore Native Vegetation to the dunes Any invasive species would be removed and monitored for any re -growth. Native species such as grasses and low shrubs would be planted. Signage and fencing would be installed to inform visitors of the efforts and to keep people off of sensitive areas. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 2 Considerations • The dunes will be left as is. • With the park open to the public, there will be more of a presence in the park and, therefore, enforcement of illegal ATV and off-road use will increase. • Invasive species could take hold. • Returning the .native vegetation would allow for the ecological community to come back gradually. • Plantings would stabilize the dunes. • Restoring native plants would provide habitat for native fauna. Educate park visitors about the ecological importance of dunes and native plants. Controlled access to the area would help protect the areas identified for restoration. Designated hiking trails would be blazed through this area to keep people out of restoration areas. Page 42 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives Endangered Species Management Strategy Background for Analysis A pair of piping plovers, a federally and state -listed endangered species, nest in the park. Additionally, two state -threatened terns, the least tern and the common tem, have been observed at the park in recent years, however, there is no evidence that either species is breeding at this site. The piping plover breeds on sandy beaches where patches of grass, are present. Unfortunately, nearly everywhere in New York the piping plover shares its habitat with humans, whose activities are often in conflict with the survival of the plover and their chicks. Over time, plover nesting locations can move due to natural changes to beach habitat resulting from storms, flooding and other factors. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Status Quo • The plover nest area will be left as it is. Alternative 2 Actively manage the plover nesting areas • Install plover fencing and increase the park visitor's awareness • Route trails away from current nesting area • Monitor changes in plover nesting habitat over time • Install protective fencing around the general vicinity of the nest to allow the plovers access, but to keep people out. • Place signs on the beach and near the nest to inform park visitors that this is a unique area of the park. • Ensure that the trail and access to the beach does not come too close to the plover nestmg area. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 2 Bluff Management Strategy Background for Analysis: The bluffs at the park are very sensitive and contain rare geological formations known as hoodoos. The bluffs also support a significant bank swallow nesting colony each spring. With rising sea level and other natural changes occurring along the shoreline, the area is in a constant state of flux. The hoodoos and bluffs are also susceptible to degradation through human activity and potentially Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Status Quo • The bluffs are left as is. Alternative 2 Engage in natural restoration • Allow for erosion and other changes to the shoreline, dunes and bluffs that occur as a result of natural processes and storms. Alternative 3 Install signage that informs the • Place signs on the beach and near the bluffs public of the geologic features and to inform park visitors that this is a unique natural history of the bluffs and area of the park. hoodoos and place trails that are • Ensure that the trails do not come too close routed appropriately near these to the bluffs or hoodoos. areas Preferred Alternative: Combination of Alternatives 2 and 3 Page 43 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives Recreation Resource Development/Management As an undeveloped park, there has been little permitted recreation occurring at the park since the land was acquired. Occasional horse rides in the park have occurred in recent years. The purpose of this section of the plan is to assess the feasibility for various recreational opportunities within the park. The following activities were either suggested during the public information meeting or developed internally by OPRHP. Trail System Background for Analysis There are several existing trails and unpaved roads within the park that were developed by the previous owners of the property. There are also many trails created by ATVs and off-road vehicles especially in vulnerable areas (dunes). Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Status Quo • Leave existing trails as is. Do not develop designated trails. Do not develop trails to identified points of interest within the park. • Trail system'does not meet ADA code. • Could degrade the natural resources. Alternative 2 Develop and designate trails within • Trails would be designed and maintained. the park • Trails would highlight unique features of the park. • Trails would be designed to be ADA accessible where possible. • Trails would be developed primarily for pedestrians. • Trails would be kept natural—no surrace trails Will be Preferred Alternative: Alternative 2 The existing trails have been assessed for their potential use. A new coherent trail system will be developed that addresses the needs of various user groups. The new trail system will provide educational, recreational and scenic opportunities in the park. With the exception of designated times of the year, only hiking will be permitted at the park. Horseback Riding Background for Analysis There is a large equestrian community on Long Island but ongoing residential and commercial development is resulting in fewer locations for equestrians to ride. A large contingency voiced support of horseback riding in the park during the public comment period. However, placing hikers and equestrian riders on the same trail network creates unacceptable user conflicts – and the park is not large enough to support separate trail networks for horse use. Moreover, year-round equestrian access would require the construction of significant infrastructure. In addition, horseback riding can Page 44 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives result in undesirable ecological impacts. Horse manure is one of the easiest ways for invasive species to enter the park. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Do not allow horseback riding a Would alienate a Targe user group in the within the park area. • Park Preserve designation does not preclude horseback riding as an activity. • Would help control the spread of invasive species in the park. Alternative 2 Develop an equestrian center • Would require a significant amount of space within the park. • Would require a substantial monetary investment from OPRHP to construct the associated infrastructure. Would require an interested concessionaire to operate the facility. Does not seem appropriate for a Park Preserve. Alternative 3 Allow horseback riding by permit . Would allow horseback riders to,have at designated times of the year. access to the park during the spring and fall—similar to what is currently permitted. • Certain trails would need to be designated for equestrian use. • Horseback riders would use the park during low seasons and, therefore, no additional parking areas would be necessary. • Permits would be required. Alternative 4 Allow horseback riding year round • Would require the development of a separated bridle trails to avoid conflicts between pedestrians and horses. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 3 • Would require a larger or additional parking lot to accommodate horse trailers. • A larger lot or an additional parking area would mean more impervious surfaces in the park. • The park might not be large enough to support two separate trail systems. • Trails would need to be maintained. • Permits would be required. Page 45 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives ' Biking Background for Analysis: Bicycling is currently not allowed at the park. The sandy soils of the park may create a difficult and undesirable terrain for off-road bicyclists. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 . Status quo: No off-road biking in • Biking in the park would be difficult given the park the sandy soils of the park. • No additional trail maintenance would be required. • Bike racks would be provided at the parking area for park visitors entering_ the park from adjacent public roads. Alternative 2 Allow off-road biking • May require additional trails to segregate trail activities. • Could potentially facilitate the spread of invasive species. • May require additional maintenance for trails. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 1 Shoreline Access and Swimming Background for Analysis As an undeveloped park, there currently is no swimming at either Hallock's Pond or Long Island Sound. The shoreline at Jamesport is natural, rocky and undeveloped. Because of its size and natural character, it is not conducive to the traditional beach infrastructure associated with bathing beaches (changing rooms, rest rooms, etc.). Also, Hallock's Pond is not suitable for swimming because of its ecological sensitivity. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Since Jamesport is not a bathing • Less costly to operate beach, the public will have access . Maintains the natural character of the area to the shore but OPRHP will not actively manage the site. Alternative 2 Develop indoor swimming facility • Would require additional infrastructure to support guarded swimming. • May require additional parking areas. • Guarded swimming is available at nearby Wildwood and Orient Beach State Parks. Page 46 , 11 F_ L Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives Alternative 3 Develop a formal bathing beach • Would require the construction of . and provide guarded swimming at significant infrastructure to support guarded the Long Island Sound swimming. • May require additional parking areas. • B"athing beaches and guarded swimming is available at nearby Wildwood and Orient Beach State Parks. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 1 Fishing Background for Analysis There is no fishing currently allowed in the park. Informal fishing most likely occurs in Long Island Sound by people accessing the shoreline from beaches east and west of the park. Although Hallock's Pond supports a freshwater fish population, the pond is ecologically significant and its shorelines are too sensitive to support public fishing. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Allow fishing at Long Island Sound • Fishing might conflict with other users at the beach or in the water. • Would provide a new fishing opportunity on the Long Island Sound. • 24-hour fishing would be by vermit only. Alternative, 2 Do not allow fishing at Long Island • Would lessen the potential conflicts Sound. between users. • Would eliminate a recreational opportunity at the park. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 1 Scuba Diving Background for Analysis Scuba diving is not a permitted activity in the park at this time. Scuba diving is permitted at other state parks on Long Island. These parks have experienced a decline in participation for scuba diving as evidenced by the decline of permits issued by the Long Island Park Region. Alternatives Alternative 1 Allow scuba diving at Long Island Sound. Considerations • Could potentially conflict with other users. • No vehicles would be permitted to drive to the shore. • Would be by permit only. • Users would have to carry their gear from the parking lot to the beach. Alternative 2 Do not allow scuba diving at Long • Would deny a passive recreation Island Sound. opportunity at the park. Page 47 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives i Preferred Alternative: Alternative 1 1 Boat!ngMater-Dependent Activities Background for Analysis There are no boating access facilities within the park at this time. A boat ramp is available at the Town of Riverhead beach, west of the park. Given the steep slopes from the park's bluffs to the beach, the park is not suitable for development of a trailered boat launch. No boating or water - dependent activities will be allowed at Hallock's Pond. . Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Car -top boat access (kayaks, • Could potentially conflict with other users canoes) at the shore at the beach or in the water. • No vehicles would be permitted to drive to the beach, • Would require a permit to park at the . nearest parking lot. • Would improve recreational access to the Long Island Sound. • Park patrons would have to carry their car - top boat from the parking lot. Alternative 2 Surfing and windsurfing • Would conflict with other users in the water. • Water is typically calm and not conducive to surfing or windsurfing. • Would be by permit only. • No vehicles would be permitted to drive to the beach. • May impact the plover nesting area. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 1 Camping Background for Analysis Camping is currently not allowed at the park. When this property was first acquired by OPRHP camping was discussed as a potential activity. The size of the park, at 233 acres, might also limit the camping capacity of the park. An extensive camping facility is located nearby at Wildwood State Park. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Status Quo • There is no infrastructure in the park to support camping. • Camp sites are available at Wildwood State Park. Alternative 2 Allow limited Primitive Camping • No more than 5 sites could be established in Page 48 1 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives According to DEC, primitive camping, also known as back country camping, is a rustic, self - dependent experience in which campers carry in and carry out their supplies and trash. the park. Staff would need to be present 24/7. There is no electricity, potable water or comfort stations required with less than 5 sites. • Would accommodate those interested in a rustic camping experience. • Would not serve those looking for a more formal campground. • Some capital investment would be needed to develop camping at the park. . Alternative 3 Develop formal campsites with RV • Would require a significant capital access investment. • Would require the installation of the necessary infrastructure and utilities to support this type of camping. • Staff would need to be present 24/7. • The park is small in size; finding a site to accommodate this use could be difficult. • Would add to the impervious surfaces of the park. • Potential adverse impacts to the park and natural resources. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 1 Environmental Education and Interpretive Programs Background for Analysis Limited environmental education and interpretation is currently provided at the park. The Hallockville Museum Farm has been permitted to hold nature walks in the park on occasion, but that has been the extent of the .environmental education and interpretation at the park. The park has a unique past including strong ties to: Native Americans, immigrants and early agriculture on Long Island, archeology, the War of 1812, environmental history, and ecological interpretation. All of these aspects of the park's history will be interpreted. ■ Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Status Quo • There are no existing signs, kiosks or brochures available to interpret the park. • The Hallockville Museum Farm sponsors walks into the park highlighting the environment of the park. Page 49 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives ' Alternative 2 Develop Environmental Education • Interpretive panels could be located at key and Interpretive Opportunities at areas for interpretation such as Hallock's the park Pond and the bluffs/hoodoos. ■ • Develop interpretive panels • Develop informational brochures and handouts that highlight the wildlife, natural resources and history of the site. • Develop a new nature center • Foster partnerships with Hallockville Museum Farm and other interested parties to promote environmental education and interpretation. • Kiosks could be developed to explain the significance of the proposed Natural Heritage Area and Bird Conservation Area. • Panels would support the interpretive exhibits in the nature center. • Brochures could be distributed at the nature center. • Could assist park patrons when navigating the park on their own (self -guided tours). • Would require a significant capital investment. • Would require additional staff to operate the nature center. • Would provide a new learning space for students and the general public. • Would provide bathrooms, offices and meeting space for park staff. • Would provide bathrooms and classroom space for the public. • Would help interpret the unique past of the park. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 2 Hunting Background for Analysis Hunting is currently not allowed in the park. Hunting is allowed in some state parks. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Status Quo • Hunting is not allowed in the park. Alternative 2 Allow hunting • May help control over abundant wildlife. May create a conflict between park patrons and hunters given the small size of the park. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 1 Page 50 ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives Facility Development and Operations As discussed earlier in this chapter, topography and natural resources play a large role in ' determining appropriate recreational and educational uses and locations of buildings within the park. In addition, the park boundary and adjacent land uses can also dictate uses, infrastructure and the ' operations of the park. This section will explore the development of the park and explain options discussed for development. Entrance/Exit to the Park and Circulation Background for Analysis There are two main access roads to the park. One access road (right-of-way) is located on the western edge of the property and the other access road is located more in the center of the property. Both right-of-ways (ROW) are approximately 60 feet wide, are lined with trees, and provide access from Sound Avenue north to the interior of the park. The western ROW is adjacent to a large commercial greenhouse operation to the west and agricultural lands to the east. The central ROW is adjacent to agricultural lands on both sides. There are no formal interior roads in the park at this time. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Two-way road, entering and exiting • Would focus traffic and paved surfaces in on the western ROW one area. • Road width would need to accommodate two-way traffic and a wide shoulder for pedestrians. • Located away from Hallock's Pond. • The adjacent commercial farm and greenhouses are unsightly. • There is extensive truck traffic on the road adjacent to this ROW during the spring, summer and fall. • Truck traffic would make it difficult for park patrons entering the park. • Would require removal of many mature trees that lined the original Camp Carey access road in this corridor. • Would be constructed with a pervious paving material. Alternative 2 Two-way road.entering and exiting • Would focus traffic and paved surfaces in on the eastern ROW one area. • Road width would need to accommodate two-way traffic and a wide shoulder for pedestrians. • Road would be closer to Hallock's Pond. • Would not have to compete with truck traffic. • Park entrance would be closer to neighboring organizations (e.g. Page 51 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives Hallockville Museum Farm). Some existing trees would need to be removed. Only the minimum numbers of trees would be removed near the north end of the ROW. • Would be constructed with a pervious paving material. Alternative 3 One-way road with traffic entering • Road width would only need to on the western ROW and exiting accommodate one-way traffic. from the eastern ROW • Would require paving a larger area. • -Entering on the western ROW might be difficult with truck traffic entering and exiting on the adjacent roadway. • Park patrons see the adjacent industrial greenhouse as they enter the park. • Might be difficult for park patrons not familiar with the area to see the western ROW. • Not much of room for a park sign. • Would go near Hallock's Pond, but not as close as in Alternative 2. • Would be constructed with a pervious paving material. Alternative 4 One way road entering on the • Larger area for vehicles to turn into the eastern ROW and exiting out the park. western ROW • Road width would only need to accommodate one-way traffic. • Would require paving a larger area. • Would go near Hallock's Pond, but not as close as in Alternative 2. • Would allow for a park sign and landscaping. • Safer entrance for traffic—less congestion. • Safer exit for park traffic. Is easier to see to make the turn onto Sound Avenue. • Would be constructed with a pervious paving material.. Alternative 5 Shoreline Access Road • Would be developed off of the Main Road. Preferred Alternative: Alternatives 4 and 5 • Would be constructed with a pervious paving material. •. Would provide access to the proposed scenic drop-off and handicap accessible lot. • Would be a shared road with pedestrians. • Would provide emergency vehicles with access to the. shoreline. Page 52 ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives Parking Areas Background for Analysis As an undeveloped park there are no formal parking areas within the park at this time. The need for two potential parking areas within the park was discussed at length during the planning process. The need for additional parking areas was weighed with the cost and impacts of asphalt or another impervious surface. In addition to the location for the parking areas, the feasibility of using pervious paving materials for the parking areas was also considered. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Main Parking Lot • Would serve as the primary parking lot for the park. • Would be centrally located near comfort stations, natural resources, and nature center. • Would accommodate approximately 75 vehicles. • Would be screened with landscape treatments to improve the visual aesthetic. • Bio -filtration swales will be considered to help mitigate stormwater runoff. • May be constructed with a pervious paving material. Alternative 2 Potential Future Parking Area • Would be a pervious surface. • Future lot would be dependent upon demand and available space. • Would be developed after the park has been open and operating for a few seasons to determine need and final location. Alternative 3 Drop-off/Accessible Parking Area • Would be used to facilitate access to the waterfront. • Would assist those with mobility issues in getting as close to the beach as possible. • Would provide a scenic overview location. • Would provide four accessible parking spaces. Preferred Alternative: Combination of Alternatives 1, 2 and 3 Location of the Nature Center/Maintenance Facility/Park Manager Residence Background for Analysis When the parkland was first acquired in 2006, there was a discussion of locating a nature center along Sound Avenue to create a cluster of interest points with Hallockville Museum Farm and the Antique Power Museum located in the same general vicinity. The possibility of locating a nature center at the interior of the park, closer to the natural resources, was also discussed. Page 53 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives The spatial needs for a nature center and maintenance facility were discussed during the planning process. In order to accommodate educational and administrative functions, it was determined that the nature center should be approximately 5,000 square feet. This should provide enough space to handle two classrooms of students at one time. There should be a classroom/lab space, office space, reception desk, restrooms, and a designated contact station area incorporated into the structure to maximize the efficiency of overall park operations. The maintenance facility should be relatively small with two garage bays for vehicle and equipment storage. Equipment to maintain trails would need to be stored in this area. As a small park, site staff will be able to utilize equipment or larger vehicles from Wildwood State Park on an as -needed basis. In an effort to keep the overall developed footprint of the site to a minimum, the nature center, maintenance facility and park residence would be located in the same general area. Since the park is located in a primarily agricultural and residential area with little ambient lighting, maintaining the "dark skies" character of park should be kept in consideration. As noted earlier in this section, many decisions about this facility are dictated by the varying topography and general constraints of the site. Seven potential locations for the nature center were identified and the maintenance facility and park manager residence were considerations in evaluating these sites. This list was narrowed to three as described below. Please see Figure 11 for a map of the proposed locations. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Site 1: Sound Avenue This location was one of the first sites considered when the parkland was acquired. • Close to the other destinations in the area (Hallockville Museum Farm, wineries, Antique Power Museum). • Nature center would be a presence on Sound Avenue. • Away from the natural resources. • The structures would be visible to the public and less vulnerable to vandalism. • Water, electric, telephone, and natural gas mains exist on Sound Avenue and infrastructure costs would be reduced. • The site topography is fairly level. • There is only 1.4 acres available at the site and it might not be enough space to accommodate the nature center, maintenance, parking and the park residence. • There is no view of the water or natural resource of the park. • This location is nearly a mile from the interior of the park. • Constructing the nature center at this location might require the need for additional comfort stations and maintenance areas in the interior of the park. Page 54 Preferred Alternative: Alternative 3 Page 55 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives ' • Queuing for entrance to the park could potentially back up onto Sound Avenue. • Emergency vehicles could easily access the site. • Limit ambient lighting. ' Alternative 2 Site 2: Northwestern area of the • This site could accommodate the nature park. center, maintenance and park residence all in one location. • Close to the natural resources of the park. This site is in theeneral location that Camp p • This site is considered disturbed because it Carey once occupied. was once occupied by the camp. ' • There is limited access to the LI Sound (the beach access is approximately 0.8 mile away). • Possible views from top of bluffs. • Far removed from Hallock's Pond and most other natural features of park. ' • Some utilities would need to be extended to this site. • There are negative views of the industrial greenhouse and audible related noise. • The park manager could better monitor the park during off hours. ' • The residence is relatively isolated. • Limit ambient lighting. Alternative 3 Site 3: Southwest of Hallock's • Closest location to Hallock's Pond. Pond, between existing right -of- . Closer to the natural resources of the park. ways. • Closest access to the access trail to the This area was disturbed during the 1960s when the Long Island Sound beach. site was being used for sand mining. • The site has been cleared of top soil, leveled and is relatively clear of trees and vegetation. • The site is fairly level topography. • The site can accommodate all three structures. I' • Closest to the adjacent agricultural land uses. • Limit ambient lighting. ' • All utilities would need to be extended out to this site. • The park manager could better monitor the park during off hours. • The residence is somewhat isolated. Preferred Alternative: Alternative 3 Page 55 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives ' Comfort Stations Background for Analysis: As an undeveloped facility, there are currently no comfort stations (restrooms) in the park. A comfort station should be located near the main parking area as well as near the beach or the interior of the park. Alternatives Considerations Alternative 1 Develop comfort facilities as part • Would serve as the primary restroom for of the nature center and park office the park. complex • Would be located near the main parking area and activities. Alternative 2 Develop composting comfort • Would provide a second comfort facility in, facilities at the beach drop- the park. off/accessible parking area • Would be located near the beach and the park interior. • Would be an environmentally sustainable composting system. Preferred Alternative: Alternatives.1 and 2 Page 56 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives Master Plan Alternatives Two master plan alternatives are considered here. The first is the Status Quo alternative. This alternative consists of current facilities, programs and practices. Under this alternative, the current resource protection, operation, capacity and facility practices will continue. There would be no addition of new recreation resources to meet park patron needs nor will any of the natural resources identified in the park be adequately protected. The second alternative combines the preferred alternatives from the Recreation Development/Mana eg ment and Natural Resource Protection/Strategies_sections. This alternative is the one that best meets the goals for the park. The following discussion shows the Status Quo alternative and the Preferred Master Plan alternative. ■ Status Quo As an undeveloped facility, the park is in a natural state with little infrastructure or amenities. It is not suitable for public use in this condition. Considerations • Restrooms are needed in the park • There are no formal roads in and out of the park • The pond is not actively managed • The bluffs and hoodoos are not actively managed • Endangered species need to be monitored and managed. • Existing trails need to be managed • Maintenance facilities need to be developed for the park. • Invasive species need to be controlled and managed • A nature center is needed • Park administrative offices need to be developed • A park residence needs to be developed • Sustainability issues need to be addressed • No designations exist within the park OPRHP has specific goals and visions for state parks. These visions and goals are a driving force for planning at any of the state facilities. In addition, as part of the drafting of this master plan, several general and specific goals were set for the vision of this particular facility. The status quo of the park does not address many of the statewide OPRHP visions and goals, nor does it meet the specific goals for Jamesport State Park. Page 57 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Analysis and Alternatives I Preferred Alternative The preferred alternative is a master plan that responds to the natural and recreational resources of the park. At the same time the new plan responds to the needs of park patrons and staff, protection of natural resources and principles of sustainability. This alternative is preferred largely because of the improvements to natural resource protection and recreation resources that it contains. This alternative includes many new strategies for protection of natural habitats within the park including designations of Park Preserve and Natural Heritage Areas. Each preferred element in the master plan was analyzed for its suitability in meeting the goals of the agency and of this park. It was also analyzed for effects to the existing resources and potential impacts. The following is a summary of the preferred alternatives. A full description of the Master Plan is provided in Chapter 6. Natural Resource Protections Strategies/Management • Designate Park Preserve and Natural Heritage Areas as indicated • Implement management strategies for the coastal plain pond (Hallock's Pond) and maritime dune ecological communities • Initiate endangered species management practices • Initiate invasive species control and management programs as indicated • Implement Environmental Education and Interpretation programs • Construct observation areas at identified locations at Hallock's Pond Recreation Resource Development • Improve and expand trail system and designate trails • Allow car -top boat access to Long Island Sound • Allow scuba diving at Long Island Sound • Allow fishing at Long Island Sound • Managed the ocean shorefront as a natural beach • Allow equestrian use at designated times of the year through a permit system • Develop environmental education and interpretive programming • Develop picnic area near Nature Center Operations and Infrastructure • Develop park entrance and exit with pervious paving material • Develop main parking lot • Develop Nature Center, with classroom and lab space • Develop maintenance facility and park manager residence • Develop scenic drop off and handicap parking near the beach • Develop new comfort station with composting toilets at scenic drop off and handicap parking lot • Develop park offices and restrooms at Nature Center • Install recycling bins in the park and conduct active recycling efforts Page 58 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: The Master Plan Chapter 6: The Master Plan Existing Context. The actions described below present OPRHP's long term vision for the development and operation of public use facilities at Jamesport State Park. It will require at least a decade, most likely longer, to complete all of the actions described below. The pace at which these developments will be undertaken will be determined by the availability of funding, which is the function of the size of OPRHP's annual capital budget and the need to balance investments at Jamesport State Park with many other compering capital improvement priorities in the Long Island Region and the entire State Park System. Classification Jamesport State Park will be classified as a Park Preserve. Designations Park Preserve The entire park will be designated as a Park Preserve (PP) given the ecological importance of the park with respect to the overall biodiversity of Long Island. Designating the entire park as a Park Preserve will ensure that the park's existing important natural resources are preserved and will provide direction for restoration of native species in the par . Significant natural resources such as Hallock's Pond will be managed for ecological protection and environmental education. Natural Heritage Area A Natural Heritage Area (NHA) will be designated in the park. The NHA will be Hallock's Pond and a 100 foot buffer surrounding the edge of the pond. This area is designated to highlight the ecological. importance of Hallock's Pond, a coastal plain pond, as a significant ecological community and for its contribution to the natural landscape of the park. See Figure 10 for the proposed Natural Heritage Area boundary. Park Name The park will be renamed Hallock State Park Preserve. After careful consideration, Hallock State Park Preserve was chosen as the preferred name given its significance to the agricultural history of the area and its association with the pond. This name reflects the local history of the area and is more appropriate than the current park name. Natural Resource Protection Wildlife Management Deer management strategies will be developed with DEC and be based on the needs of biodiversity enhancement. The extent of wildlife management will be established on the basis of the future requirements of the Preserve and be based on maintaining balanced ecological conditions. The management of other types of wildlife is not required at this time and shall be addressed as needed. Page 59 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: The Master Plan Hallock's Pond Management Native vegetation restoration, invasive species monitoring, water quality testing, and monitoring for rare aquatic plants and wildlife will all be functions of thorough management practices for the pond. Combined, these actions will ensure that the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the pond is maintained. Access to the pond will be controlled by the installation of observation decks to aid in environmental interpretation and education. Trails should be carefully planned in this area and should, in general, be located away from the edge of the pond to avoid trampling sensitive areas and to reduce fragmentation of the wooded areas. Given its ecological importance, fishing and swimming will not be allowed in the pond and hand powered or motorized boats will be prohibited. Invasive Species Management A long term goal at the park is to implement a multi -faceted approach to invasive species management.. An integrated plan for invasive species control will be developed consistent with the approach used in the Invasive Species Control Plan for Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This plan will provide guidance for long term management. Short term efforts will focus on the following: 1) prevention and eradication of new infestations through early detection and rapid response actions; 2) removal of invasive species in sensitive habitats; and, 3) control efforts in those areas where there is a reasonable chance of success for eradication. Japanese Knotweed, which is particularly aggressive, already has a presence in the park. Efforts to identify locations and prevent further spread of this plant will benefit the park. In addition, signage or informational handouts should be developed to inform the public of these ongoing efforts. Maritime Dune Restoration Management The dunes of the park, most notably Jacob's Hill, offer some of the most spectacular views of the park and will benefit greatly from restoration efforts. Native vegetation restoration will help reverse the damage done by years of ATV and off-road vehicle use in this area. Planting native plants will be done along with invasive species removal. Trails in this area will be designed to keep hikers away from sensitive areas and to prevent erosion and impacts to vegetation. Prohibition of trespassing by ATVs and off-road vehicles will be strictly enforced. Endangered Species Management The park currently is home to a pair of nesting piping plovers and least terns. The nesting area has been monitored and protected over the last several years, but additional steps need to be taken to ensure that the habitat for these species is not compromised. The regional biologist and park staff will monitor the nesting area, enclosures and fencing will continue to be installed, and signage will be erected to inform park patrons of the sensitive nature of the nesting area. Bluff Management The bluffs and the hoodoos of the park are ecologically sensitive and geologically unique. In an effort to preserve the bluffs and the hoodoos and to keep park visitors safe, signage will be developed to inform the public about these features. Trails will be routed away from the bluffs to help ensure the safety of park visitors and to facilitate stabilization of the bluffs. In addition, the bluffs and hoodoos will be managed naturally, which will allow for erosion and natural restoration of sand. Page 60 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: The Master Plan Recreation Development/Management Trails The Jamesport State Park trail system was developed in conjunction with this master plan (Figure 17). The draft trail plan was prepared using information about existing trails, connection to trails outside the park and proposed recreational and environmental education and interpretation uses. Actions to develop the Proposed Trail System within the park include: • Designate loop trails in the park • Designate uses including walking/hiking, equestrian and interpretation for certain trails or areas • Designate scenic vistas • Develop interpretive signage for installation along selected trails . Connections to External Trail Systems: • Connect to the Town of Riverhead bike trails (in development) • Connect to Hallockville Museum Farm • Explore connections for the park and trails system to the Long Island Rail Road Interpretive programs will be developed and implemented. Coordination with volunteer groups and individuals for the maintenance of the trails system will be implemented as well. The designated trail uses are considered appropriate for this park. All trails in the park will be brought up to use standards before designating and signing them. Trail design guidelines are provided in the Appendices. A long-term maintenance and monitoring plan will be developed to ensure the continued sustainability of the trails system.. Equestrian Equestrian use of the park will be allowed by permit only during the spring and fall seasons. This will minimise hiker/equestrian conflicts and create a balance between equestrian uses and the protection of natural resources at the facility. tY. Horses will not be allowed on the beach. Swimming and Shoreline Access The park's ocean shoreline will be managed as a natural beach. No bathing beach facilities or lifesaving devices will be developed or installed. Swimming will be prohibited in Hallock's Pond. Fishing Fishing will be allowed in the park on Long Island Sound only. Fishing will not be allowed at Hallock's Pond. A fishing access permit may be required for off -hour parking access. DEC fishing regulations are applicable in these areas. Scuba Diving Scuba diving will be allowed by permit at Long Island Sound. Scuba divers will not be allowed to drive to the beach and will not be able to dive in Hallock's Pond. Page 61 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: The Master Plan Biking Off-road biking will not be allowed on the trails in the park. The soils of the park's trails are sandy and not conducive to biking. Park patrons wishing to bike to the park will be able to ride on park roads and bike racks will be installed near the main parking lot. BoatingNVater-Dependent Activity Car -top vessels, canoes and kayaks will be permitted in the park at Long Island Sound. Car -top vessels are preferable because they are less intrusive to other park patrons and the shoreline habitat. No inflatable or wind powered watercraft will be permitted and no boating of any kind will be allowed in Hallock's Pond. In addition, park patrons will not be allowed to drive to the beach. Camping Camping will not be permitted at the park because of the stated goal of natural resource protection and restoration. The additional paved surfaces and infrastructure that would be needed for formal camping may adversely impact these resources. In addition, camping is not a compatible use for a park preserve and there are no suitable locations to develop camping in the park. Camping facilities are provided at Wildwood State Park, located 12 miles west of the park. Environmental Education and Interpretation Significant interpretive programming will be developed to highlight the history and natural resources of the park. Environmental education and interpretive programming, in conjunction with the development of the Nature Center, will provide a new opportunity for environmental education on Long Island that will serve both the guided and self -guided park visitor. The environmental and interpretive programming at the park will work in concert with the Hallockville Museum Farm and other interested organizations to create a cluster of opportunities for environmental education and interpretation in the general vicinity of the park. Hunting Given the size of the facility and its proximity to residential areas and agricultural and commercial operations, hunting will be prohibited in the park. Should the need occur, hunting will be revisited from an environmental management standpoint in the future. Cultural Resource Protection Archeological Resources Archeological sites have been found in the park. There are also areas in the park that may contain sites that have yet to be discovered. Any actions that may impact known sites or areas of archeological sensitivity will be evaluated for further study in accordance with the procedures of the State Historic Preservation Office. Historic Resources Although there are no historic structures within the park,, the park contains some historic sites that reflect prior uses and the general history of the region. A battle from the War of 1812 took place in 1814 in the park. The northwestern section of the park was home to Camp Carey, an overnight camp for boys from New York City. And Hallock's Pond played a role in the agricultural history of the park and was a scenic location during the Hallock occupation. Any actions that may impact the historic resources of the park will be evaluated by the State Historic Preservation Office. Page 62 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: The Master Plan Facility Development and Operations Entrance and Exit to the Park and Vehicular Circulation A one-way road with the entrance on the eastern right-of-way has been identified as the most appropriate and safe entrance to the park. Visitors will exit from the westernright-of-way. This option is considered to be the safest because it mitigates the traffic congestion present during the spring, summer and fall on the western ROW. The one-way road brings the park patron into the park at a more scenic location as opposed to the western ROW which exposes the adjacent industrial farming operation which is both noisy and unsightly. Patrons driving to the park will utilize the one- way road for the main parking area and the beach access road. The beach access road will be developed with a pervious surface and will provide accessible parking near the beach and access for emergency vehicles. See Figures 12 and 13 for a rendering of the entrance and exit to the park. Parking There will be one primary parking lot in the park located near the Nature Center/Park Office. The parking lot will accommodate approximately 75 cars. Accessible parking and a drop-off will be located in the interior of the park, closer to the shoreline. This lot will utilize pervious pavement and will provide four accessible parking spots. An additional satellite lot will be sited, but not developed at this time and will be considered for the future. Landscape treatments and bio -filtration swales will be used to improve the visual aesthetics of the area and to help to mitigate stormwater runoff from the parking lot. The lot will be sited as far from Hallock's Pond as possible. Please refer to Figure 14 for the location of the main parking area and Figure 15 for a figure of the accessible parking lot near the beach. Nature Center/Park Office The Nature Center and Park Office will be located southwest of Hallock's Pond. The Nature Center will include classroom/lab space, office space, exhibit space, meeting space, restrooms, and the contact station for entrance into the park. Consolidating the nature center, park office and contact station into one building creates a central location for park activities and services and improves efficiency for park staff. This location is also near the pond, Long Island Sound and the natural I' resources of the park. Landscape treatments will be used to ensure the proposed structure is not visually intrusive. See Figure 14 for the proposed location. ' Park Manager Residence The park manager residence will be located in the vicinity of the Nature Center and Maintenance Facility. Keeping these structures in the same general area allows for a concentration of development 1 within the park and also allows for a consolidation of utilities. In addition, the park manager will also be able to monitor the park from this location. See Figure 14. Maintenance Facility The maintenance facility for the park will be located in the general area of the Nature Center/Park Office, but will be located away from the parking area and the Nature Center/Park Office. Given the li I size of the park, a small maintenance facility is envisioned with a two bay garage and storage areas. Should the park require any large or specific equipment, arrangements will be made to borrow equipment from other nearby State Park facilities. Please refer to Figure 14. ' Page 63 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: The Master Plan Comfort Facilities Restrooms will be available at the Nature Center. In addition, a self -composting toilet will be installed near the accessible parking and drop-off area, closer to the shore. Environmental Education and Historical Interpretation Environmental education and historical interpretation within the park will be developed in accordance to the Agency's mission including: • Develop quality written interpretive material (signs, brochures) • Develop outdoor environmental education classrooms • Offer public programs, year-round • Partner with various organizations including, but not limited to: o Hallockville Museum Farm o Peconic Land Trust o North Fork Audubon o New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) o United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) o Cornell Cooperative Extension Signage Signage for the park will include way -finding, kiosks, interpretive, and trail signage. Signs will be developed in an efficient and informative manner so that signage blends into the landscape and does not clutter the park. Interpretive signage will be placed in strategic locations in the park to bolster the visitor experience while on the trails or at significant or scenic locations of the park. In addition, a park entrance sign will be fabricated and installed to reflect the new name of the park. Utilities The utility infrastructure within the park will be owned and operated by OPRHP. Existing utilities at the park are currently unused and will require significant upgrades, as well as an extension into the park. OPRHP will also seek to advance the agency's sustainability goals through energy efficient design of the park buildings, and exploration of the potential for on-site energy generation, such as photovoltaic panels. Communications infrastructure will continue to be owned and operated by the telephone and cable companies as appropriate. • Extend communications infrastructure from western area of the park • Extend electrical service from western area of the park • Extend water service from Sound Avenue too the park • Install septic system for park manager residence and nature center Tree Maintenance The management of trees will be in accordance with OPRHP's tree management policy. Sustainability In keeping with its commitment to sustainability, the park will incorporate sustainable practices into its daily operations. Page 64 ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: The Master Plan Sustainable Sites Initiative ' The park will be developed using the best practices developed by the Sustainable Sites Initiative project. A sustainable site is one that effectively balances environmental, social and economic outcomes to improve the quality of life and long-term health for a community. ' Energy Conservation The park will explore the feasibility of harnessing renewable energy sources through the use of solar panels and geothermal heating systems. Green roofs will be installed where appropriate. ' Water Conservation and Stormwater Management Bathrooms and kitchens will be designed with water saving fixtures such as reduced flow fixtures ' and dual flush toilets. Stormwater management measures will be utilized with enhanced infiltration systems, rain gardens, wetlands, or other practices as appropriate. ' Building and Infrastructure Design and Maintenance Green building design principles, methods, and materials will be integrated into all new construction, specifically, the nature center, maintenance facility, park manager residence, and road surfaces. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification will be considered for these projects. ' Carbon Sequestration/Greenhouse Gases The park will follow the guidelines set forth in the reduced mowing program, though there are not any large areas of grasslands or fields in the park. Following this policy will reduce the potential for ' increased fuel consumption and greenhouse gas production, and additional vegetation will increase carbon sequestration. New plantings should be designed with native plants and xeriscaping principles. Vehicle/Fuel Consumption The park will utilize alternative fuel and fuel efficient vehicles whenever practicable. Opportunities ' for expanded non -vehicular or public transportation access will be encouraged and bike racks will be located near the main parking lot for park patrons wishing to access the park by bike. Recycling/Waste Control The park will provide recycling bins located at the nature center/park office and in the park lots. A composting area will be established for park kitchen waste. Implementation Priority Assessment Implementation of all of the above actions will require a significant investment of state funds, along with additional funding from other public and private sources. While implementation of certain actions will begin in 2011, OPRBP anticipates it will require ten to fifteen years —and perhaps longer — to accomplish all of the actions recommended in the plan. The implementation of the Master Plan for Jamesport State Park is divided into three priority phases (Table 2). The initiation and completion of these priority phases will depend upon funding and demand for the development of the park. The priorities groupings are conceptual and subject to reorganization based on available funding for specific components of any given group. Page 65 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: The Master Plan Table 2 - Master Plan Implementation Priorities Implementation Description/Development Component Priorities Priority 1: • Construct main park road • Construct main parking lot • Construct temporary contact station • Begin to implement endangered species management measures • Designate, improve and/or construct select trails • Begin to implement management measures for bluffs and ' in dunes • Begin to implement invasive species management measures • Begin to implement Hallock's Pond management measures Priority 2: • Construct beach access road • Construct drop-off area and accessible parking near the shoreline • Construct select trails • Conduct additional studies about the bird population of the park • Construct observation areas at scenic points in the park • Continue development of trail system • Begin to implement environmental education and interpretation programs—guided walks, hikes, etc. Priority 3: • Construct observation areas at Hallock's Pond • Construct Nature Center/Park Office • Construct maintenance area • Construct Park Manager residence Relationship to Other Programs The master plan seeks to foster partnerships by connecting with local organizations and interest groups with a likeminded vision and goal for the park and the stewardship of its natural resources. OPRHP management of these partnerships, and the evaluation of opportunities for new partnerships within the park, will be governed by OPRHP's Policy on Public/Private Partnerships in New York State Parks and Historic Sites (adopted 3/12/09). Of particular concern is the carrying capacity of the park's roadways and parking areas to accommodate partner activities that attract significant crowds. The stresses placed on the natural features of Jamesport State Park, which this plan seeks to preserve and enhance, must be weighed against the benefits offered by any new partnership activity Page 66 ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: The Master Plan to invest in programming, buildings or infrastructure. Partnership activities should be environmentally and fiscally sustainable, with the impacts on the park's facilities, landscapes, ' natural and cultural resources, and operational and capital programs all factored into the partnership arrangement. ' Another focus of efforts with future and current partners will be making sure that any organization Jamesport State Park partners with will work with the park to achieve the operation and institutional goals. This will ensure that, along with OPRHP, the partners are working to protect the park's cultural and natural resources. The focus will be to work with partners to reach the park's and the ' partner's goals. In addition to the partnerships within the confines of the park, this master plan calls for ' strengthening the. partnerships with organizations operating in the larger region to advance goals for trail development and water quality and stream preservation. For example, the Hallockville Museum Farm is a park neighbor with strong connections to the history of the land where the park is situated and has been a partner in developing the plan. The Peconic Land Trust and the North Fork Audubon ' Society are organizations that can help provide trail connections from the park to the broader community. ' This plan encourages the development of Friends Groups to assist the park with the development and management of specific park resources. This plan has attempted to maximize the resources of the park through the development of four -season recreational uses, each of which present their own ' management challenges. Assistance from Friends Groups will help ensure timely implementation of the ambitious recommendations herein. The park is located within the Towns of Riverhead and Southold and the relationship between the ' park and these towns is important, especially for consistency with the respective Comprehensive Plans and the Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs for each town. Proposals to be undertaken in the park will continue to be evaluated as to applicability with these programs. In particular, projects subject to consistency procedures under the LWRP will be coordinated with the Town of Southold and, eventually, with the Town of Riverhead (upon completion of their LWRP). The master plan will be consistent with Ecosystem -based Management (EBM). EBM is an ' emerging, integrated approach to managing human activities and natural systems. The EBM approach considers the entire ecosystem, including humans. EBM has six components. It: 1) is placed based, 2) is science based, 3) has measurable objectives, 4) uses adaptive management, 5) ' recognizes interconnections, and 6) increases stakeholder involvement. Master planning is very consistent with the principles of EBM. The park itself is clearly place -based and the agency has formulated the master plan. based on the knowledge of the local ecosystem. Also, public involvement ' has been utilized, incorporating local knowledge in decision-making and in this plan. In addition to interconnections with other related programs discussed in this section, the park resources are connected to adjoining ecosystems that are also considered within this plan and will be considered in ' implementation of the objectives in this plans As proposals pursuant to the master plan are advanced and developed, they will be based on the best available science using current scientific understanding of impacted ecosystems and the advancement of scientific investigation. Measurable objectives for implementation will provide a basis for gauging the impact of activities on the health of the ecosystem. Adapting management to respond to new knowledge and changing conditions will allow us to consider how adjustments can be made to reflect new information to accomplish goals ' and local knowledge and expertise will enhance these activities. 1 Page 67 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: The Master Plan Page 68 1 t i James ntP Park MactPr Plan- The Master Plan Legend may/ roads cd state park land C natural heritage area water s C cd C O h lz Jamesport State Park Master Plan: The Master Plan cd sem' CCS .moi � � a d s c ti 7-1 Entrance Road Detail Jamesport State Park �PP��wo-JPiY6. PFN: G:: 1a1. Oaols:t.:a[J —i C Master Plan Fig iz Exit Road Detail Jamesport State Park tis'VRae::aaq UZVJ. Oaet:7E OO Master Plan Figura 13 E F � r / (� 1! mom Exit Road Detail Jamesport State Park tis'VRae::aaq UZVJ. Oaet:7E OO Master Plan Figura 13 E Nature Center, Residence and Main Parking Jamesport State Park :.LpytcOaurilYHY:Y?P.}iP CLFUnI rfd'm?.PI0 Figura 14 J C`+.,+o D -A, T%JF—+or Dl— T%- Adoetar Plan '` `� ;,' ' �.• F ,' `+ � l � rllj �/,Iii �- !`:'- ;�,,;,� �'- �� J Ft0NIA p,MP I,- 0000 LLJ LAJ o� ` oco 0 C) a�2 w z �1 :m � N W Q\ Wo X Q. W � O 0 rj da -v `�s ��,.\4,��\��\ �`�t��`-l- r. t „'+�•,` . �\_ /-� I � Jri (p t �(�i fI� q r�'uJ/l �y�,� �`\� � �T'�.�`` �r l,\ ` ��` ,\,\1\•\ t { %` \�. �., � A t � 4 �. � � i j ! 1`,1 ��'-+. \ fy. � � j`t.'�f`3 \�v` �, _..,....,-.., .... � � \ --_� �•` 5.., 1 �� \ si 414 C 1' . �� ''.�� *�. -1 / , � ,�i. ��` CSD K� CSD CIS � � n T k � a r SII Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Chapter 7: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Introduction Consistent with the intent of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), environmental factors were considered in evaluating the plan alternatives and in selecting the preferred alternative, i.e., the Draft Master Plan, which is described in Chapter 7. This chapter focuses on the environmental impacts and mitigation of adverse effects. For the purposes of SEQR compliance, however, the entire document (Master Plan/DEIS) satisfies the requirements for an environmental impact statement as specified in Part 617, the rules and regulations implementing SEQR. The environmental setting of Jamesport State Park is discussed in Chapter 3; Chapter 5 contains the alternatives analysis. This chapter has two primary parts: a summary of environmental impacts associated with alternatives; and a more detailed analysis of impacts associated with implementation of the Draft Master Plan, including a discussion of mitigation measures. Impacts of Alternatives In Chapter 5, alternative management and development directions were developed for the park using information on existing conditions, the analysis of recommended directions for activities,. and constraints and considerations identified in the resource analysis. The preferred alternative for the entire park (i.e. the Draft Master Plan) consists of the best alternative for each identified activity and resource. Much of the information on the environmental impacts of alternative actions is presented in Chapter 5. The following is a summary of the findings from the impact analysis. Status Quo Alternative The Status Quo alternative consists of the current facilities and practices as described in Chapter 3 (Environmental Setting). Under this alternative, the current resource protection and facility management practices would continue. Currently this is an undeveloped park. Activities that currently occur there, such as unauthorized ATV use, would be more likely to continue and the use and impacts of existing uses that have adverse impacts would be more difficult to control without an operational presence, but enforcement would continue to be addressed. Also there would be no protection of significant features from any harm. While resources such as threatened and endangered species will continue to be protected, other natural resources may be degraded without adequate planning and measures to assure their preservation. The Status Quo alternative would result in no disturbance from proposed development, including ' roads, parking, buildings and infrastructure needs. While this alternative would ostensibly not result in any additional adverse environmental impacts, the potential for long-term indirect adverse environmental impacts is likely, since there would be no plan to guide use and implement protection measures. It is predicted that additional demands will be placed on the park's resources. Projects that may be undertaken on an as -needed basis would require individual reviews under SEQR. The Master Plan directs the manner in which use and development should proceed to protect sensitive areas of ' the park and reduce the potential for adverse impacts on environmental resources. It also lays out what projects may proceed under the Master Plan/EIS as well as those that may require additional review. Natural resources may be degraded without adequate planning and measures to assure their preservation. Page 81 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation The Status Quo alternative is also not consistent with OPRHP's intent to develop Jamesport State Park so that visitors and residents can experience the park. The need to provide access to all patrons wishing to visit the park would not be met. Preferred Alternative and the Draft Master Plan The preferred alternative is the compilation of the preferred recreation activity, development and resource stewardship options identified during the Analysis and Alternatives process summarized in Chapter 5. The compilation at the end of Chapter 5 and within Chapter 6 was subject to a final evaluation (or synthesis) to assure that there was consistency among the various alternatives. The draft master plan, described in Chapter 6,.provides considerable recreational and resource protection benefits. This Draft Master Plan/EIS also identifies potential adverse impacts, both short and long term, as well as ways to minimise, if not eliminate them to the fullest extent possible through appropriate mitigation measures. Impacts and mitigation, in addition to information provided in Chapter 5 are discussed in the following sections. The preferred alternative will also result in actions that will have lasting impact on the land (i.e. development of roads, buildings, and infrastructure). Though these are permanent land use changes, they will be designed to occur in sustainable ways so as to minimize negative impacts. From a long- term perspective, implementation of the master plan will result in beneficial environmental impact by insuring that the most sensitive areas of the park will be identified, monitored and provided appropriate stewardship and that the ecosystems and the services they provide are maintained, preserved and protected. Potential Environmental Impacts associated with Implementation of the Master Plan Classification The proposed park classification of Jamesport State Park as a Park Preserve will guide the type and intensity of uses and protect park resources ,now and' in the future, and provide an expectation to the public on what to expect when visiting the park. Designation With the designation of the park as Park Preserve under Park law, Jamesport State Park and its natural and cultural resources will be better recognized and protected. The Natural Heritage Area (NHA) designation proposed for the significant ecological community of Hallock's Pond and 100 -foot buffer area surrounding the pond will create greater awareness of the significance of the resource as well as ensuring that this area continues to support native plants and animals (including state threatened or endangered). The NHA designation will provide guidance for the development of protection/management strategies for the pond. This will help protect the quality of the pond and adjacent habitat, thus playing a significant role in protecting the biodiversity of Long Island and the state. Additional recognition of the importance of the pond will also be promoted through education which, in turn, promotes sensitivity and stewardship by the public. The further assessment of bird populations and their use of the park, as the plan is proposing, could lead to the designation of the park or part of the park as a BCA, and if so designated, a management guidance summary would provide for the protection of the BCA resources. Page 82 ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Park Name Hallock State Park Preserve will give the park a more appropriate place -based title and will provide name recognition to both its preserve focus and the important resources of the pond. Transportation, Access and Traffic ■ The Master Plan proposes a one-way park road system. Various alternatives were explored and discussed in Chapter 5. The preferred option offers the safest solution, minimizes the width of ' disturbance, and works within the narrow rights-of-way (ROW) from Sound Avenue to the park proper. The western ROW is currently paved but would need to be improved. The eastern ROW, while never paved, was extensively used for heavy truck traffic during sand mining in the 1970s. As a result, approximately two-thirds of the proposed road is either already disturbed or paved. Pervious paving materials will be used. Trees will be retained to the extent practicable and appropriate native landscaping provided. OPRHP will need to work with appropriate agencies, such as DOT and the adjacent towns, regarding modifications to the park entrance. Archeological investigation will take'place during design to properly consider any cultural resources prior to construction. Impacts to important archeological resources will be mitigated if avoidance is not possible. ■ Within the park, vehicular access using pervious surfacing is proposed to provide access above, but closer to, the shore. Limited parking would be provided for accessible spaces, but otherwise it is ' intended that this beach parking be a drop-off point. There are many benefits to using pervious surfaces, primarily to allow rainwater to percolate through the surface back into the ground water supply and to reduce potential for erosion and runoff, but they may also have drawbacks with respect to installation and maintenance. There are a number of alternatives for such surfacing, including geo- ' textiles, porous asphalt, porous concrete, plastic grid systems, and block pavers (Scampini 2005). Additional analysis of appropriate pervious surfacing will be conducted during the design phase. Traffic calming measures and speed limit signs will be installed to encourage users to stay within the designated speed limits. Access and safety measures for pedestrians and bicyclists will also be taken. ' Proper design of the road is necessary to reduce the risk of runoff and erosion. Additional planning for this action is necessary in order to assure protection of Hallock's Pond and associated wetlands. OPRHP will coordinate with permitting agencies as needed. ' Parking areas were carefully selected to use disturbed areas of the park. The master plan proposes a main lot with approximately 75 spaces. During site-specific design of parking areas, consideration will be given to inclusion of landscaping. Drainage will be included within the design and may include such techniques as vegetated swales to reduce runoff and erosion from the lot. Site-specific design will make every effort to provide greater than the minimum 100 -foot buffer from Hallock's Pond. ' Trail locations are approximate and will be evaluated more thoroughly during design. The existing trail that is adjacent to Hallock's Pond would be rerouted to divert pedestrians away from this sensitive area, particularly the designated wetland. Proposed new trail areas will be field checked by OPRHP biologists before constructing to assure protection of species and to avoid habitat fragmentation to the greatest extent possible. ' Recreation and Park Development Implementation of the Master Plan will result in substantial beneficial recreation and open space impacts. The plan outlines improvements to recreation facilities and visitor amenities, including a Page 83 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation nature center, providing general public access to areas of interest in the park such as Long Island Sound (LIS), while protecting sensitive resources. The proposed nature center will provide services including interpretive exhibits. Interpretation provides a recreational activity while increasing awareness and promoting protection of important resources. Signage and interpretation, guided and self -guided tours will provide visitors with an understanding of the history and natural resources of the park. Two comfort stations will be provided; one as a part of the proposed nature center, and one as a composting comfort station at the beach access site. A small accessible parking lot and an accessible path to the shore have been proposed to ensure all park patrons can access this. scenic area of the park. This lot will also provide more convenient access for school groups, fishermen, Scuba divers with permits, and beach users. The composting comfort station will obviate the need for water and septic system and also limit potential adverse impacts from effluent and installing utilities. Observation areas will provide visual access to scenic resources of LIS. Observation areas for Hallock's Pond will control access to this area, lessen potential impacts of visitors to the pond, and improve the visitor experience. Any needed permits will be obtained for this work and special care will be taken to preserve and protect the fragile ecology of this area. Sustainable design will be incorporated into planning through energy efficient design of the new park buildings, as well as exploring the potential for on-site energy generation such as photovoltaic panels. Design of park facilities will also take sustainable siting into consideration. Refer to Sustainability in Chapter 6 for more information on this subject. These efforts will demonstrate OPRHP's commitment to sustainability and will minimize the impact of the proposed park development and use to the minimum extent practicable. The trail system will be defined with clearly marked, designated loop and linear trails. The system will utilize existing and/or improved trails where it is operationally and environmentally appropriate. Refer to the Trails section of Chapter 6 for information concerning trail planning, standards, maintenance and monitoring. Trails will be routed carefully to avoid impacts to sensitive park resources. Also, as indicated in Chapter 5, trails will be kept as natural as possible while meeting erosion control and other standards. Most trails will be developed with pervious materials; a few will be boardwalks or possibly other materials for protection of resources, as needed in particular areas. Coordination with volunteer groups and individuals for the maintenance of the trails system will be implemented as well, which will help to insure proper trail maintenance. The Master Plan also proposes to allow car -top vessels, canoes and kayaks at LIS by permit only. Launching must be performed by carrying craft to the Sounds patrons will not be allowed to drive to the Sound. In keeping with measures to protect the park's natural resources, launching and other recreational activities would not be permitted in certain designated areas such as endangered species nesting areas. Continuation of seasonal permitting of equestrian events will assure that equestrian use has limited conflicts with other users as well as impacts on park resources, while maintaining safety and assurance of compliance with existing equine regulations. Land The Master Plan and master plan process places emphasis on preservation of the sensitive natural and cultural resources of Jamesport State Park. Planning for new facilities reflects this emphasis, and these facilities will avoid highly sensitive areas to the greatest extent possible. It is inherent, though, Page 84 ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation that the plan and its implementation will result in some physical change and disturbance to the land, I' particularly. where new parking, recreation facilities and trails are constructed. This section of the plan provides additional information and guidance on construction of park facilities to limit these impacts and assure compatibility with the proposed Park Preserve designation. Most of the park will ' continue to remain in its natural state, retaining open space. Proper design of the road and parking areas is necessary to reduce the risk of runoff and erosion. Proper drainage is also essential to retain water on site and assure that there is no runoff or sedimentation to any sensitive park resources, and no effects to Hallock's Pond or LIS. Construction will primarily take place with areas of slight slope and careful planning and site-specific design will be needed for any steeper areas, such as the road to the accessible parking lot. Any projects that disturb one acre or more, such as the road and primary park facilities such as ncluding the nature center, will be subject to the State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) General Permit Process. This process involves the development of a site-specific ' Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPP) including sedimentation and erosion control plans. Best Management Practices (BMPs) as described in the New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (NYS Soil and Water Conservation Committee, 2005) will be used to reduce impacts to soils due to master plan projects. Some measures anticipated to be used include: ' minimizing soil disturbance and vegetation clearing; the use of silt fencing, straw bales or other similar technology where needed; preservation of vegetated buffers; and seeding and mulching of disturbed areas as soon as possible following work. Design of facilities will utilize landscape and vegetative swales to the greatest extent possible. The new parking facilities will be located in previously disturbed areas that do not contain sensitive I' resources. The road from the main parking area to and including the beach lot will use pervious pavement to minimize runoff impacts in this area of the park. New trail sections may require some vegetation removal and grading. Disturbance will be limited ' primarily to the required width of the trail corridor. The policy and guidelines for trail building, which have been established by recognized trail organizations and governmental agencies, will be followed. A compilation of standards that OPRHP uses is provided in Appendix C. These ' established guidelines will assure that work will be completed in a manner that maximizes the protection and preservation of the resources of the park. ' Boardwalk trails will be used in areas where there are sensitive ground resources, such as on the maritime dunes, which need to be protected. This will minimize erosion, trampling and the potential for visitors to want to go "off trail." New buildings which are proposed such as the nature center, maintenance area and park manager i' residence as well as the parking lots and roads, will be designed and sited to incorporate sustainable sites aspects. Most of the park will continue to remain in its natural state, retaining open space. Currently no formal recreational opportunities exist within the park. The formalization of activities that a park preserve can support, as identified in the master plan, ensures that natural resources, such as the dunes, wetlands, Hallock's Pond, and the hoodoos are protected. Below (Table 3) is a listing of the land area to be affected by implementation of the master plan. In ' all, approximately nine acres will be modified within the 225 -acre park that will be converted to paving, structures, or mowed area. Approximately three acres of successional maritime forest along the southern portion of the main park site will be affected, out of over 100 acres in the park. Page 85 t Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Table 3 - Land Area Affected by Master Plan Implementation APPROXIMATE ACREAGE PRESENTLY AFTERCOMPLETION Meadow or Brushland /shrubland (Non-agricultural) 60.0 acres 58.0 acres Forested 115.5 acres 111.5 acres _ Agricultural (Includes orchards, cropland, pasture, etc.) 2.0 acres 1:0 acres Wetland (Freshwater or tidal as per Articles 24,25 of ECL) (CA delineation at Hallock's and Lily Pond from to o ma 1.9 acres 1.9 acres Water Surface Area (Hallock Pond & Lily Pond) 4.6 acnes 4.6 acres Unve etated (Rock, earth, or fill) 14.0 acres 12.0 acres Roads, buildings and other paved surfaces 1.0 acres 9.0 acres Dunes 6.0 acres 6.0 acres Mowed 1.0 acres 2.0 acres Other (Indicate type) open beach and adjacent vegetated bluff 19.0 acres 19.0 acres Water Resources Long Island Sound is Jamesport's water boundary to the north of the park. Hallock's Pond, located in the park, is another body of water that may be impacted by activities in the park. These elements are important water features for both aesthetic and natural resource value. In fact, the LIS provides over $5.5 billion annually to the economy. Any activity in the park that disturbs soil or releases elements onto the ground can have impacts on these water bodies. Site-specific design will take into consideration more detailed topographic contours and ground conditions to assure that care is taken to avoid any drainage into these waters. Preventing and minimizing releases in the Jamesport "watershed" is imperative to preserving the unique character and services that Hallock's Pond, Lily pond and LIS provide to both the park and surrounding communities. Hallock's Pond and the surrounding wetland complex are being protected by providing a minimum 100 foot buffer area around the pond, where no development will occur. This means roads, building and other facilities will be located outside this area. For the purposes of environmental education and interpretation, a trail/observation area may be located near the pond but the design ensures that the pond and water quality will not be impacted. OPRHP's Water Quality Unit (or other agent of the agency) will continue water quality testing of Hallock's Pond before, during and after construction of trails, buildings and roads, as well as after the park is opened for use by visitors, to ensure that no negative impacts to this water body occur. Long Island Sound will be protected thru watershed best management practices; no development is proposed along the shore. Subsurface/groundwater flow has been preliminarily evaluated in connection with existing information, and does not presently appear to flow from the proposed nature center towards sensitive pond resources. Additional study will be performed during more detailed design of the building to assure that development will not impact groundwater of Hallock's Pond, as preservation of the coastal plain pond community is integrally related to maintenance of the quality and quantity of groundwater flow. The protection of groundwater quality will also need to be paramount in developing the proposed septic system, and careful onsite planning and design of this system will be performed. This system will also be subject to approval by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Consultation with the OPRHP regional biologist as well as Heritage Program staff will take place to identify any important natural communities or species in these areas, prevent their disturbance, and ensure their preservation. If any areas require more than routine measures, these will be identified through the trails approval process and remedies will be planned in conjunction with park and regional staff. Such work would include the construction of culverts and/or boardwalks. Some Page 86 ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation projects, such as work next to wetlands, may require additional consultation and permits from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and/or the US Army Corps of Engineers. The tregional staff will review all these types of proposals and consult with these agencies as appropriate. All plans will be reviewed to assure that stormwater management and sediment and erosion control measures, as well as biological considerations, are incorporated into design and construction. ' Following construction, the trails will be monitored to ensure that drainage and erosion control measures are working effectively. Currently there are minimal paved areas of the park, although the western access road is paved. Plan implementation would involve additional paving to provide safe and convenient access to the park. The proposed plan will result in eight additional acres of pavement (parking, roads) or other hard surfaces (structures). Permeable materials will be used whenever practicable with respect to cost and operations. The roads and main parking lot at the nature center would have drainage infrastructure to mitigate storm runoff (refer to discussion below). In addition, the proposed accessible lot would utilize pervious surfacing and any needed drainage control features. Green design will be utilized for the buildings to minimize effects of roof runoff. An increase in impervious surface could result in an increase in the quantity and velocity of runoff generated during storm events. A variety of measures will be taken to reduce the quantity of wastewater and stormwater and to manage stormwater on the site; these are summarized in Chapter 6 under Water Conservation and Stormwater Management. Surfacing and drainage alternatives will ' also be examined during site-specific design of the main parking area. Porous pavements can significantly reduce the quantity of runoff from parking areas following storm events and appropriate alternatives should be considered where site conditions are suitable. Other measures that will be taken to avoid or minimize impacts to surface water drainage and quality include the ' following: clearing and ground disturbance for any proposed park improvements will be kept to the minimum necessary to complete the required work; all disturbed areas will be seeded and mulched immediately following final grading to assure rapid re -vegetation of exposed soils; invasive species ' will be removed, allowing for regeneration of native species of plants; and restoration plantings will be provided where needed. ' Operations and maintenance procedures for spill prevention and response will be implemented. Any use of LIS by boat will be by non -motorized car -top, carry in vessels, which will minimize any toxic/ release spills into LIS. It is thus not expected that this use will have any negative impact. Wetlands Adjacent areas of both ponds will be protected through the proposed buffer area. Trail sections ' located near the ponds and wetlands will be minimized to balance protection of the resource with the recreational and environmental education that the ponds can support. Through facility design, permitting procedures, control and prevention of invasive species and their introduction, protection from trampling of vegetation through the installation of a boardwalk, prohibiting dogs and other pets from the park, and interpretive signage, the ponds will be better protected from recreational and other impacts. In addition, opportunity for environmental interpretation of the pond will be afforded by addition of an observation deck. Interpreting important resources such as Hallock's Pond will aid in increasing sensitivity of visitors to protection and stewardship. ' Page 87 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Biological Resources/Ecology Overall, the Master Plan will have a positive impact on the natural resources within. the park. Limited new development is proposed: Primary impacts of the plan are associated with access improvements, particularly the main entrance modifications and parking. Direct impacts to biological resources associated with these proposed improvements are planned in a manner to limit adverse impacts since proposed improvements have been generally sited in areas where there was previous disturbance or that have limited environmental sensitivity. Ecological Communities The importance of the natural resources within the park will be further recognized with the proposed designation of a portion of the park as a NHA. Recognition of other significant habitat occurrences that may not be covered under the proposed NHA designation is not necessary to protect these areas, as the entire park will have additional protections afforded it under its 'designation as a Park Preserve. This proposed NHA designation will help guide future management of the natural resources in the park of statewide significance and provide additional support to carry out recommendations in the Natural Heritage Program (NHP) report (Lundgren and Smith 2009). The designation of an NHA as recommended in the Master Plan will confirm the agency's commitment to retaining the natural character and condition of Hallock's Pond in particular, the only significant ecological community within Jamesport State Park. Designation of the NHA will also promote recognition of this important community and provide for additional environmental interpretive opportunities. The area can be managed to further benefit the important natural resources the NHA designation recognizes. Other natural communities could be improved in quality with proper management, including the maritime dune and bluffs. The draft Master Plan proposes strategies for management of these and other natural resources in the park that will improve their quality, and their quantity. Management recommendations within the NHP report (ibid.) as well as OPRHP NHP staff and the regional biologist will be consulted in development of more detailed management planning for these areas. Natural shoreline and dune restoration BMPs will enhance and preserve ecosystem function. As noted in the latest Natural Heritage report for the park (ibid.), all of the natural community classes within the park have value for local and regional biodiversity. Trail use is one of the main recreation activities that occurs within the forest areas in the park and has the most potential to affect these areas. Visitor education programs will be enhanced to emphasize the importance of these areas and the importance of remaining on marked trails. Proposed routes for new trails will be carefully located using appropriate design and construction methods. Measures will be taken to protect Hallock's Pond ecology, particularly by rerouting trails away from the edge of the pond. Plants The Master Plan will have beneficial impacts on the vegetation within the park. Management of the park will include control of invasive plants. The Master Plan will provide more formal recognition of management strategies to control invasive plants, particularly those affecting sensitive species and habitats. Prevention of new occurrences is included as an element of invasive species management within the plan, with an eventual goal to eradicate invasive species. Invasive species management will provide primary benefit to native plants by giving them more opportunity to persist in the park. Proposed development of new recreational amenities will all be sited in areas of low environmental sensitivity or in ways that provide additional protection for these features. Facilities are generally planned for areas within currently disturbed areas, minimizing impacts to native vegetation. Page 88 fl 1 1 1 i Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Additional protection of important trees and other plants within the park will be afforded through establishment of a formal park. I' Some limited tree removal will be required as a result of Master Plan implementation. In keeping with OPRHP's tree management policy (Ash 2009), the park will manage trees and forested areas where necessary to: protect public health and safety; maintain scenic, cultural, recreational, historic, and aesthetic landscape features; and conserve native biodiversity. Trees to be removed will be primarily non-native. Overall, recommendations in the Master Plan are written to minimize impacts ' to trees by careful siting of roads and areas to be developed. Any vegetation clearing will assure that the areas do not have rare species or habitats. Restoration and cleanup are important elements of any tree pruning or removal projects. Conditions following such pruning and/or removal should be as consistent as possible with the environmental and/or historic character of the affected area prior to the work. The Master Plan calls for restoration of native vegetation in certain areas of the park. Any invasive species found in these areas will be removed and disposed of in a manner that will protect the existing native plants populations. Landscape planting will use plants indigenous to the area wherever possible. Selection of plant species or communities of species should be site specific, ' taking into consideration the natural, ecological, and aesthetic elements in the immediate areas, as well as the management goals of the park. ' Animals Invasive species management under the plan will benefit native animals as well as native plants. Since the native species in this area have been coexisting and have adapted together over many ' years, the relationships that have evolved will be a benefit to both native plant and animal populations. The proposed Master Plan will result in some areas of additional development, balanced with additional protection afforded fish and wildlife resources through establishment of the Park Preserve and the NHA. The habitat and open space protected by these designations is a great benefit to wildlife in heavily ' developed Long Island. Since most impacts of the proposed plan will occur in areas that do not provide significant wildlife habitat, short and long term adverse impacts to fish and wildlife resources is not anticipated. Birds — The BCA evaluation recommended in the draft Master Plan will provide recognition of areas deemed to be of significant value to bird populations. Regardless of whether a BCA is designated, conservation of endangered and threatened species will be a natural resource management priority. The region's plover stewards will continue to monitor the nesting area and will be consistent with the "Piping Plover Atlantic Coast Population Revised Recovery Plan" (Atlantic Coast Piping Plover Recovery Team 1996).). Refer to Rare Animals section below regarding endangered species nesting areas. OPRHP will partner with others interested in bird conservation in the park, including Audubon New York and The Nature Conservancy, as well as regulatory agencies (DEC and USFWS). Other Wildlife — OPRHP is developing a wildlife manual that will provide guidance to facility managers and other staff regarding wildlife issues. Part of this manual will address damage caused by wildlife, and when and how to take action to address any such damage concerns. Page 89 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Rare Animals Under the endangered species management strategy in the plan, existing efforts to protect terns and plovers will be continued and additional measures undertaken. Signs informing patrons of the sensitivity of the area will assist in protection efforts for the plovers and terns, and reduce potential for human disturbance of nesting areas. Enclosing nests on a routine basis to protect eggs from predators will enhance efforts to increase productivity of these nesting birds. Additional efforts to control predators as identified through a predator management protocol under development will assist in efforts to reduce loss of plover and tern chicks due to predation. Damage and threats to plovers and terns will be documented and action taken as necessary to address such problems as nuisance wildlife and feral cats. Additional monitoring if necessary can be undertaken though wildlife camera monitoring and other enhanced efforts as needed. Resource management at Jamesport takes into account the Recovery Plan for the Piping Plover (ibid). OPRHP will continue to work closely with US Fish and Wildlife Service, DEC and other partners to protect piping plovers at Jamesport and will utilize a region -wide management approach. Invasive Species Recreational uses such as fishing, boating and trail use, as well as activities adjacent to the park, can facilitate the spread of invasive species. Invasive plant seed can be inadvertently introduced on construction equipment and through the use of mulch, imported soil, gravel, and sod. Some invasive plant species may have been intentionally planted in erosion control, landscape, or wildflower projects. The known invasive species at the park points to the need for a management strategy, as proposed in the Master Plan, to address threats to resources that are posed by invasive species. Invasive species management and preservation of Jamesport's natural resources is an integral part of this Master Plan. Implementation of the overall invasive species management element of the master plan will focus on prevention, identification of invasive species, early detection and rapid response, and eradication from sensitive habitat areas. It is important to implement BMPs to minimise spread of invasive species. Practices such as proper material disposal and equipment cleaning methods limit the potential of invasive species to establish in new locations within and beyond a site. DOT has developed useful BMPs for invasive plant control (DOT 2009) that can be tailored to agency or park -specific projects and operations. In addition, while there are no invasive fauna, such as insect pests, known to occur at Jamesport, precautions, including surveying and monitoring of at -risk trees, will be continued. Care will be taken that any such undiscovered fauna is not moved beyond park borders. Contractors removing wood products should be advised of firewood regulations and informed of sourcing and product labeling requirements. Educational information should be provided, including brochures, posters, bookmarks and other materials, for the contractors and for their use with customers. New construction projects as well as day to day operations also have the potential for spreading invasive species. Park and regional environmental staff are very knowledgeable regarding the impacts of invasive species and ongoing interpretive programs and training will improve their ability to prevent the spread of invasive species. In addition, all equipment, soils, straw and other construction materials used in Jamesport should be inspected to assure it is not transporting invasive species. OPRHP's invasive species program is based on the best available science, utilizing research on impacts of species and control methods. OPRHP will work closely with stakeholders including Long Island Invasive Species Management Area and volunteers, Hallockville Museum Farm, Audubon and others to monitor the extent and spread of invasive plants in these areas along the trails inside, Page 90 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation and on trails that connect to, the park. OPRHP will identify and implement appropriate control measures where needed. OPRHP will institute management of data on invasive species in Jamesport State Park, consistent with the agency's invasive species program, to facilitate setting measurable objectives and tracking success of control projects through monitoring. Adaptive management is undertaken based on'results of monitoring. Efforts on education regarding the impacts of invasive species and efforts that may be undertaken by patrons will be provided as appropriate. Cultural/Archeological Resources Until a comprehensive archeological survey is undertaken, any project that could affect archeological resources of the park will require site-specific survey. All such projects are reviewed by OPRHP Division for Historic Preservation in accordance with Section 14.09 of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law. Any measures to avoid or mitigate impacts to archeological resources or recommendations for additional archaeological surveys will be implemented. Development will be designed to be consistent with adjacent historic resources and the agricultural and North Fork vernacular. Improved signage and interpretive materials will improve understanding of the history of the park. Scenic Resources Implementation of the Master Plan will not result in any significant adverse impacts on scenic resources in the park. The nature center will be placed away from the resources of Hallock's and Lily Ponds, LIS, the agricultural vistas and maritime beaches and bluffs. Additional opportunities for scenic vistas will be developed as a result of implementation of the master plan. Scenic vistas in the park will be maintained and improved. Cohesively designed signage will improve aesthetics in the park in keeping with its natural and historic resources. Facilities in the park will also be designed to be in keeping with the character of the community and adjacent historic structures, and to blend into the landscape as viewed from LIS. Improvements as a result of the Master Plan, including removal of invasive species and establishment of native plants, will improve the scenic quality of the park. Restoration of the dunes will result in an environment that is less visually impacted by human uses, adding to the preserve feel of the park. Air Quality , Potential air quality impacts as a result of master plan implementation will be minimal. The park will develop approximately 118 parking spaces at the main parking area and minimal parking at the beach lot and for the maintenance area and residence. This access and use by visitors and staff will result in unavoidable increases in vehicle emissions, though major impacts to air quality impacting the park and surrounding areas is not expected to occur. Short term temporary impacts that may occur as a result of master plan implementation could include a minor, temporary increase in vehicle exhaust and some generation of dust during construction periods. The construction period though will most likely take place over the period of at least a few years, and such impacts as fugitive dust will be of concern. Particular care must be taken to reduce the impact of construction on park users and to their recreational experience. Adjacent farming will likely have an ongoing air quality impact. Air quality impacts from park vehicles and maintenance activities that may occur through operation of the park over the long term are unavoidable. Page 91 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Long-term negative impacts to air quality as a result of the new nature center and its operation will be minimized as project design will incorporate energy efficiency measures. Solid Waste Management For proposed actions in Suffolk County, an EIS must address impacts on solid waste management and the project's consistency with the state or locally adopted solid waste management plan. As garbage pickup would be by private carter, the garbage therefore does not impact the municipal system. The quantity of recyclables from the park, which would be taken to the Town's facility, is modest, but if it should ever pose a problem with respect to capacity, the park will make alternate arrangements for recyclables. OPRHP will assure consistency with the state's source separation requirements. OPRHP plans to develop a recycling plan for the park, consistent with the Agency's sustainability plan, to minimize waste generated. Debris generated during construction of the Nature Center, comfort stations and other activities will be disposed of properly within guidelines for construction debris disposal. Public Health and Safety Public health and safety are important considerations in park operations and OPRHP's Recreation Services program places strong emphasis on visitor safety. New or substantially rehabilitated facilities will be designed and constructed to meet applicable health and safety codes, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Infrastructure systems such as electric, water, sewer, and lighting will ensure safety. Vehicular and pedestrian safety will be enhanced through careful design of roads for vehicular traffic and pedestrians. Trails will meet all guidelines for patron safety and access. The proposed entrance and exit were carefully chosen from a safety standpoint. Traffic calming measures and speed limit signs will also help assure safety of visitors. Design and construction of new facilities will meet all applicable health and safety codes. Requiring day -use permits for launching hand -powered watercraft and for equestrian use will increase safety with respect to these activities and for safety of horses to assure proper vaccinations. Information on ticks, fire danger and trail conditions should be posted as appropriate. Serious injuries or accidents may require the assistance of park police, or local fire protection or ambulance services. Impact on Growth and Character of Community and Neighborhood The development of recreational opportunities and access to Jamesport State Park will provide positive impacts to the community and neighborhood by providing open space, public access to significant natural resources, and recreational opportunities. Since this master plan represents the "opening" of the park for the public, it will provide opportunities not previously available. Implementation of the Master Plan will likely result in a substantial increase in recreational use at the park. This increased recreational use will be carefully managed in an effort to support the vision and goals established to maintain the quality of the park's recreation resources, and important open space and natural habitats and character of the neighborhood. The size of the parking lot will limit the number of users. There will be positive, on-going, economic impacts to the communities surrounding the park, in the form of increased business investment in the communities. Tourism related expenditures, for activities such as day -use, trail activities and special events, are a major element of the economic vitality of nearby communities. Page 92 1 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Use and Conservation of Energy Energy efficiency and potential for on-site energy generation was discussed under Sustainability in `. Chapter 6. There will be short-term use of fuel during construction, and some increases due to implementation of the Master Plan with additional public access. Measures will be taken to encourage alternative transportation to the park. The new nature center will utilize the latest ' sustainable buildings technologies, with the goal of being able to be certified by LEED if the Agency chooses to do that. The nature center, park manager residence and maintenance area will use energy ' to operate, but OPRHP, in keeping with its sustainability goals, will design these buildings to be as efficient as possible. It is not expected that these buildings will cause significant increases in the energy use of the area. Unavoidable Adverse Effects The proposed Master Plan will result in some unavoidable adverse impacts. These will be monitored and action will be taken, if necessary, to prevent any significant impacts from occurring. There will be temporary adverse air and noise impacts (such as fugitive dust discussed under Air Quality, and noise from construction machinery) associated with construction of proposed improvements. Additional impervious surfaces will be added to provide access and parking. Pervious surfaces will be provided where operationally feasible and suitable for site conditions. Landscape, drainage improvements and bio -filtration swales will be among techniques utilized to reduce runoff, erosion, and infiltration of pollutants to groundwater. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources Additional site-specific planning, development and implementation of the Master Plan, including construction of parking and access, facilities and trail system, will involve the irreversible and irretrievable commitment of public resources in the form of time, labor and materials. Implementation of the Master Plan will also involve an increase in energy use for construction and operation of new facilities. Relationship to Other Programs Partnerships The Master Plan calls for strengthening partnerships with organizations operating in the region. As discussed earlier, Audubon Society could help monitor breeding and migratory birds in the park. Linkages with the Hallockville Museum will be developed. Coordination with volunteer groups and individuals for the maintenance of the trails system will improve connections with the community and with regional trail programs. Plans Towns of Southold and Riverhead — The relationship between the park and the surrounding community is important. OPRHP will coordinate as needed on special events and other matters of mutual interest. See below for a discussion of the consistency of this plan with the Long Island Sound Coastal Management Plan. Long Island North Shore Heritage Area (LINSHA) — As described in Chapter 2, a State - designated Heritage Area stretches the entire expanse of the North Shore of Long Island. In 2006, OPRHP received and approved the LINSHA Management Plan (LINSHA Planning Commission Page 93 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation 2006). It is NYS policy to follow the recommendations in the plan and to ensure that actions by the State are reviewed for consistency with the Management Plan. This Master Plan/Draft EIS for Jamesport State Park and the associated implementation of the preferred alternatives described in this plan are consistent with the LINSHA Management Plan. The Management Plan calls for "preserving, protecting and enhancing the cultural, historical and natural resources of Long Islands North Shore (ibid.). The Master Plan and preferred alternatives will preserve the heritage and historical resources of LINSHA including the archeological resources found within Jamesport State Park. The Master Plan proposes actions that will protect the environmental, natural and maritime resources such as managing Hallock's Pond and wetland, restoring maritime dunes, controlling invasive species and designating Jamesport as a park preserve with an NHA within the park. The Master Plan preserves and enhances recreational and educational opportunities for residents and visitors to Long Island's North Shore and enhances economic vitality and cultural life within the Heritage Area. Sustainability and Ecosystem -Based Management This plan has incorporated the agency's sustainability initiative and goals. Related to sustainability is using an ecosystem approach under the EBM program. This was discussed in Chapter 6 under the Relationship to Other Programs section. Energy efficiency and potential for on-site energy generation was also discussed under Sustainability in Chapter 6. Installation of recycling bins in the park and active recycling efforts will be done in concert with public education. This will increase public awareness of the need for recycling and increase sustainability beyond park borders. Overall the Master Plan is designed to limit impacts to the environment and provides modest improvements to respond to the needs of park users. Although there will be an increase in formalized parking, design will mitigate impacts of both existing and new parking, and use will be within the carrying capacity of the park, as well as the adjacent areas. Coastal Zone Management Program Consistency For a state agency action in the coastal area, an EIS must address the action's consistency with the applicable state coastal policies, or when the action is in an approved local waterfront revitalization program area (LWRP), with the local program policies. The coastal program applicable to Jamesport State Park is the Long Island Sound Coastal Management Program (LIS CMP) approved by the NYS -Department of State in accordance with Article 42 of the New York State Executive Law and 19NYCRR Part 601. A small portion of the park is located within the Town of Southold, which also has an approved LWRP. Minimal development, a loop trail towards Howell's Spring, will be included within the Town of Southold. Consideration of the Southold LWRP (2004) is included as applicable within this section. OPRHP has reviewed the LIS CMP and Southold policies and has determined that the plan is consistent with the CMP and LWRP. Developed Coast Policies • Policy 1 Foster a pattern of development in the Long Island Sound coastal area that enhances community character, preserves open space, makes efficient use of infrastructure, makes beneficial use of a coastal location, and minimizes adverse effects of development. • Open space and natural resources will be preserved by siting most park development within formerly developed or disturbed. areas. Page 94 1 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation • The project will strengthen the recreational assets of the Riverhead and Southhold communities. • The project is consistent with policy 1.2, to ensure that the development takes appropriate advantage of its coastal location. As a water -enhanced use, the project ' will reflect the unique qualities of a coastal location through appropriate design and orientation. • The project will maintain and enhance natural areas, recreation, and open space lands, consistent with policy 1.4. • Environmental, aesthetic and open space values associated with this area will be maintained by landscaping the site with native species, as well as undertaking ' restoration activities. • Potential adverse land use, environmental and economic impacts that would result from proposed development have been minimized. Adverse impacts will be avoided or minimized to the maximum extent practicable. • Policy 2 Preserve historic resources of the Long Island Sound coastal area. • Any actions that may impact known sites or areas of archeological sensitivity will be ' evaluated for further study in accordance with the procedures of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). • Any actions that may impact the historic resources of the park will be evaluated by ' the SHPO. • Policy 3 Enhance visual quality and protect scenic resources throughout Long Island Sound. I • Aesthetic and scenic values of this public land will be protected by minimizing the amount of land used for the Nature Center, and through preservation of existing vegetation and additional native landscaping. • Through careful site layout and building design, the project will be compatible with coastal and nearby cultural resources. The opportunity for visual access to the water will be enhanced by providing partial views of LIS on designated trails. Scenic ' characteristics of the site, particularly views of the Sound and adjacent farm land, will be enhanced and protected by minimizing introduction of discordant features. • Policy 4 Minimize loss of life, structures and natural resources from flooding and erosion. ' • Development and structures are located away from the shoreline and out of floodplain areas or areas potentially susceptible to future sea level changes (Policy 4.1, 4.6). • The shoreline will not be modified in any way (i.e. no hard structures such as sea 1 walls will be built) and the shoreline is to be "managed" passively, allowing for natural processes to occur (Policy 4.1, 4.2). • Maritime dunes and bluffs will be protected, restored and maintained to provide ' natural protective features (Policy 4.2). Natural Coast Policies ' • Policy 5 Protect and improve water quality and supply in the Long Island Sound coastal area. • The project will ensure effective treatment of sanitary sewage by managing properly ' designed on-site disposal systems. • Although there are no streams on site, drainageways upslope of and in the park have in the past caused erosion of soil. Active management has taken place to address the Page 95 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation worst source of erosion,. and additional site planning will address any other situations causing erosion on the site. Natural characteristics of drainage systems will be maintained while protecting areas particularly susceptible to erosion and sediment loss. • Coastal waters, as well as Hallock's Pond, will be protected during construction, through the use of BMPs to control runoff and erosion caused by site disturbance. Long term impacts of the project will be limited through drainage systems designed to prevent cumulative water quality impacts upon the watershed. • The quantity of potable water will be conserved through use of existing public water that has adequate supply to meet user needs. • As indicated under Potential Environmental Impacts associated with Implementation of the Master Plan — Water Resources in this chapter, subsurface characteristics will be assessed in detail during the design phase to identify issues with erosion or groundwater infiltration. Vertical "French" drains could be employed to control groundwater migration, if necessary. • Recharge of the aquifer will continue and quality will be preserved by careful site planning to avoid adverse impacts to groundwater, and by preservation of surrounding vegetation. The Southold LWRP includes a goal to preserve the Town's farming blocks in order to protect farming operations, to limit the need for additional drinking water in these areas, and provide, through agricultural best management practices, a continual improvement to the groundwater quality in the area. As described in Chapter 3, Jamesport State Park was established under a unique partnership to protect agricultural lands. Agency policies and cooperative actions under the plan with adjacent landowners will promote the use of alternatives to pesticides and other measures to protect groundwater quality. • Policy 6 Protect and restore the quality and function of the Long Island Sound ecosystem. • The project has'been sited so as not to disturb the least amount possible of existing shrubs and trees. • Indigenous plants will be retained as much as possible and added under the project. • Impacts to forest cover have been minimized under the proposal. • The values associated with natural ecological communities will be protected by siting the project in a previously disturbed area. • Corridors between natural ecological communities will not be fragmented. • No significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat; wetlands; or vulnerable fish, wildlife or plant species, will be affected. • The project will enhance activities associated with appreciation of natural resources through the nature center and associated environmental education and interpretation activities. • Adequate buffers will be maintained betweenthe wetlands and nearby uses and activities. • The rare ecological communities and species at Jamesport will be protected through a Natural Heritage Area designation as well as periodic updates to endangered species management plans. Page 96 1 I' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation • The education and interpretation opportunities that will be provided will enhance and improve the sustainable use and appreciation of natural resources by park visitors. ' • Policy 7 1 Protect and improve air quality in the Long Island Sound coastal area. • Pollution resulting from vehicle movement or operation will be limited through ' design and improvement of entrance/exit and parking facilities. • New parking is of a limited scale (approximately 118 spaces) and will not contribute significantly to pollutant loading. • Policy 8 Minimize environmental degradation in the Long Island Sound coastal area from solid waste and hazardous substances and wastes. • The amount of solid waste generated through construction and operation of the Nature center will be of modest amounts and managed through reuse/recycling and approved disposal methods. • Minor petroleum discharges on access roads and parking will be managed through proper design of drainage systems, as well as best management practices for the park's operations. Public Coast Policies • Policy 9 Provide for public access to, and recreational use of, coastal waters, public lands, and ' public resources of the Long Island Sound Coastal area. • The public's use and enjoyment of public lands will not be limited, and indeed the project will enhance and define convenient physical public access for water -related and enhanced recreation. • Enhancing access and recreational use in this population center is appropriate and takes into account resource sensitivity and compatibility with on-site and adjacent land uses, including trails, residential, recreational and cultural uses. • Local and regional benefit will be derived from this project through environmental and access enhancements. The project would not result in a barrier to public access or existing or potential water -related recreational use of the area. • The proposal protects, maintains, and improves access to the water. Park enhancements that will take place through this project will facilitate public recreational use of this land near the shore of LIS. The Town of Southold LWRP (2004) identifies Sound View Avenue as offering unique scenic vistas and is part of the Town's Sea View Trails network, which highlights the most scenic walking and bicycle routes within the Town. A specific policy within the LWRP states: Provide physical access linkages throughout the Town of Southold among public access sites, open space areas, public trust lands, and nearshore surface waters. The Sea View Trails of the North Fork network is a part of the Intermodal Transportation concept that calls for a comprehensive approach to transportation planning that utilizes all the available transportation hubs and linkages in an effort to reduce the increasing traffic pressure on the Town's road network. The LWRP indicates that wherever possible, the trail will utilize public lands. The Jamesport State Park Master Plan includes linkages and connections with such local trail networks. Page 97 Jamesport State Park Master. Plan: Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Working Coast Policies • Policy 10 Protect Long Island Sound's water -dependent uses and promote siting of new water - dependent uses in suitable locations. • The project will not impair existing nearby water -dependent uses. • Policy 13 Promote appropriate use and development of energy and mineral resources Policy 13.1 Conserve energy resources- Energy resources will be conserved through energy efficient design. Summary Based on the foregoing coastal policy discussion, it is OPRHP's initial determination that the action will not substantially hinder the achievement of any of the policies and purposes of the LIS CMP. Supplemental Environmental Review Portions of this. Master Plan, such as natural resource management strategies, are somewhat general or conceptual. Decisions regarding the type and extent of certain actions will be dependent on the findings from more specific studies or analysis still to be completed. The findings from these site specific evaluations may identify impacts that were not adequately addressed in this planlEIS. Under such a circumstance, an additional or supplemental environmental review will be required. As part of the agency's responsibility under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, OPRHP will review proposed implementation projects with respect to consistency with this plan and EIS. Projects found by OPRHP to be consistent with the plan can go forward without any additional review. Other types of proposals may require additional review, ranging from completion of an environmental assessment form to perhaps a site-specific environmental impact statement. To assist in this consistency evaluation, the following types of actions have been identified as likely to require additional review under SEQR: • Any new actions not addressed within the Master Plan that do not meet the Type lI categories (no significantimpact) in Part 617, the rules and regulations implementing SEQR; • Any change from the preferred alternative for recreational and facility elements which would result in significant environmental impacts; • Any leases, easements, memoranda of understanding, or other agreements between OPRHP and private entities or other agencies that affect resources in a manner that is not sufficiently addressed in this plan; • Any project determined through SHPO review to have an Adverse Impact on historic resources at the park; • Further analysis will be done to assess more specifically impacts of development on sensitive resources of the park, particularly the coastal plain pond natural community of Hallock's Pond. The need for additional environmental review would be evaluated based on more site specific planning. • Siting of a future satellite lot will be subject to additional review and determination of significance under SEQR. • Restoration of the natural areas of the park would not require additional environmental review. Page 98 ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: References References ' Ash, Carol. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Policy on the Management of Trees and Other Vegetation in State Parks and Historic Sties. March 12, 2009. Atlantic Coast Piping Plover Recovery Team. PIPING PLOVER (Charadrius melodus) Atlantic Coast Population REVISED RECOVERY PLAN. Prepared for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region Five. Hadley, Massachusetts. May 2, 1996. L , Chapin, Gabe. "Deer Y management strategies." The Nature Conservancy, Unpublished. 2008 g g , p Costanza, R. et. al. Adapted from "The Value of the World's Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital," Nature, Vol. 387, p. 256, Table 2. 1997. Environmental Protection Agency. Long Island Sound, http://www.epa.gov/ne/eco/lis/, Site ' Accessed September 2009. Heintz, J. et. al. "The NYS Park System: An Economic Asset to the Empire State." Prepared for Parks and Trails New York. March 2009. Leonard, Jerry. "Wildlife watching in the U.S: The Economic Impacts on National and State Economies in 2006." U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC. 2008. Long Island Lighting Company. Final Environmental Impact Statement Jamesport Nuclear Power Station Units 1 and 2. October 1975. Long Island North Shore Heritage Area Planning Commission. Long Island North Shore Heritage ' Area Management Plan. Prepared by Peter J. Smith & Company, Inc., Buffalo, NY. http: //www. linorthshoreheritagearea. com/plans/management-plan-and-environmental- review.html. December 2006. Long Island Sound Study. EPA Long Island Sound Office. Stamford, CT 06904- 2152 http://www.longislandsoundstudy.net/habitatrestoration/index.htm. Accessed September 2009. New York State Breeding Bird Atlas 2000 [Internet]. 2000 - 2005. Release 1.0. Albany (New York): New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. [updated 2007 Jun 11; cited ' 2009 Dec 22]. Available from: http://www.dee.ny.gov/animals/7312.html. New York Natural Heritage Program. New York Rare Animal Status List. The Nature Conservancy and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Albany, NY. May 2007. ' Available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/29373.html, Accessed September 16, 2009. New York State Department of Transportation. Special Specifications for Invasive Plant Species Control. ENGINEERING INSTRUCTION 09-002. Available at 1 https://www.nysdot.gov/main/business-center/consultants/forms-publications-and- instructions/engineering-information-issuance-system. 3/25/09, Accessed August 26, 2009. NYS Soil and Water Conservation Committee. New York State Standards for Erosion and Sediment ' Control. Prepared for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. August 2005. Albany, NY ' O'Brien, Robert and Kristen Cady -Sawyer. Minnewaska State Park Preserve Invasive Species Management Plan: A Framework for Invasive Species control in the State Park System. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Environmental 'Page 99 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: References Management Bureau/Palisades Interstate Parks Commission. Minnewaska State Park Preserve and Albany, NY. Unpublished/First Edition. January 2008. Scampini, Amanda. "Surface Alternatives and State Park Facilities". OPRHP Environmental Management Bureau. August 2005. Smith, Kimberly and Julie Lundgren. Rare Species and Ecological Communities of Jamesport State Park. Prepared for New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Albany, NY: NYS OPRHP and New York Natural Heritage Program. April 16, 2009. State Executive Law, Department of State regulations in 19 NYCRR Part 600. Chapter XIII. Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas and Inland Waterways POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (Statutory authority: Executive Law, §913). State of New York. Long Island Sound Coastal Management Program. Albany, NY. January 1999. State of New York Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2009-2013. Prepared by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. December 10, 2008. Town of Southold. Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. Adopted Town Board on November 30, 2004, approved NYS Secretary of State May 10, 2005, Concurred U.S. Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management November 2, 2005. U.S. Department of Agriculture — Soil Conservation Service. New York Guidelines for Urban Erosion & Sediment Control. USDA -SCS, Syracuse, New York. 1989. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Long Island Sound Study. Long Island Sound Office Stamford, CT 06904-2152 http://www.longislandsoundstudy.net/habitatrestoration/index.htm. Accessed September 2009. U.S. Geological Survey. USGS in Long Island Sound: Geology, Contaminants, and Environmental Issues, http:// U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Final Environmental Impact Statement Jamesport Nuclear Power Station Units 1 and 2. Long Island Lighting Company. October 1975. Vetter, John F. and Bert Salwen. Report on an Archeological Reconnaissance of the Long Island Lighting Company's Jamesport Property, Suffolk County, New York. February 20, 1975 Warner, John W., et. al. Soil Survey of Suffolk County, New York. U.S. Department of agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, in cooperation with Cornell Agriculture Experiment Station. Washington, D.C. April 1975. Wines, Richard. The History ofHallockville: The Museum Farm, The Neighborhood and the Surrounding Land Including Jamesport State Park, Available at: http://www.hallockville.com/history_details.htm, Accessed July 2008. Page 100 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendices 1 Appendices 101 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendices I r, 102 , t i Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendices Appendix A: Flora and Fauna of Jamesport State Park Flora Mature trees in these forests include a mixture of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), black oak (Quercus velutina), post oak (Quercus stellata), shadbush (Amelanchier canadensis), white oak (Quercus alba), black cherry (Prunus serotina), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), and red maple (Acer rubrum). Shrublayer and groundlayer dominants are variable. Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) is a common shrub. Certain introduced species are commonly found in this forest, including privet (Ligustrum spp.), Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), Japanese honey suckle (Lonicera japonica), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius). Any of these may be dominant or codominant in a successional maritime forest. Open uplands of the park are categorized by the following ecological community types: maritime beach, maritime dunes, maritime shrubland, maritime grassland, successional old field, and successional shrubland. Characteristic species include beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata), sea - rocket (Cakile edentula ssp. edentula), seaside atriplex (A triplex patula), seabeach atriplex (A. arenaria), seabeach sandwort (Honkenya peploides), salsola (Salsola kali), seaside spurge (Chamaesyce polygonifolia), seabeach knotweed (Polygonum glaucum, dusty -miller (Artemisia stelleriana), beach pea (Lathyrus japonicus), sedge (Carex silicea), seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens), and sand -rose (Rosa rugosa). Characteristic shrubs and sapling trees include shadbush (Amelanchier canadensis), bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica), black cherry (Prunus serotina), arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), and shining sumac (Rhus copallinum). Other shrubs and stunted trees include beach -plum (Prunus maritima), sand -rose (Rosa rugosa), wild rose (R. virginiana), eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), American holly (Ilex opaca), black oak (Quercus velutina), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), gray dogwood (Cornus foemina ssp. racemosa), silky dogwood (Cornus amomum),arrowwood (Viburnum recognitum), raspberries (Rubus spp.), sumac (Rhus typhina, R. glabra), and eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). Small amounts of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), red maple (Acer rubrum), and black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) are found in moister low areas, often grading to small patches of shrub swamp. Characteristic vines include poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quiquefolius), greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). The herb layer is very sparse and may contain a few scattered flat-topped goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia), wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), and whitetopped aster (Aster paternus) (Edinger, G.J., D.J. Evans, S. Gebauer, T.G. Howard, D.M. Hunt, and A.M. Olivero (editors). 2002.). I' Herbaceous plants are represented by goldenrods (Solidago altissima, S. nemoralis, S. rugosa, S. juncea, S. canadensis, and Euthamia graminifolia), bluegrasses (Poa pratensis, P. compressa), timothy (Phleum pratense), quackgrass (Agropyron repens), smooth brome (Bromus inermis), sweet ' vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata), common chickweed (Cerastium arvense), common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), oldfield cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex), calico aster (Aster lateriflorus), New England aster (Aster novae-angliae), wild strawberry ' (Fragaria virginiana), Queen-Anne'slace (Daucus corota), ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), hawkweeds (Hieracium spp.), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and ox -tongue (Picris hieracioides) (Edinger, G.J., D.J. Evans, S. Gebauer, T.G. Howard, D.M. Hunt, and A.M. Olivero (editors). 2002). 1 103 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendices Fauna Mammals in the park include woodland vole (Microtus pinetorum), short -tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), woodchuck (Marmota monox), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), raccoon (Procyon lotor), red fox (Vulpes fulva), mole (Talpa), and whitetailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) (OPRHP, 2008). According to the New York State Amphibian and Reptile Atlas Project (NYSDEC 2008), the park could be home to many amphibians and reptiles including: Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) (state special concern), snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentine), Spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) (state special concern), Painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), Fowler's toad (Bufo woodhousii fowleri), American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), northern green frog (Rana clamitans),. eastern grey tree frog (Hyla versicolor), northern spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer), wood frog (Rana sylvatica), pickerel frog (Rana palustris), marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum), spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), eastern tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) (state endangered), northern redback salamander (Plethodon cinereus), red -spotted newt (Notophthalmus v. viridescens), northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon), eastern garter snake (Thamonphis sirtalis), northern ringneck snake (Diadophis punctaus), northern black racer (Coluber constrictor), eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum), and possibly the eastern ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus). 104 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix B Appendix B: Bird Checklist for Jamesport State Park For further information and to report rare birds, please call (631) 423-1770. Status A Abundant hard to miss in proper habitat C Common very likely to be seen in proper habitat U Uncommon present but not likely to be seen O Occasional unlikely to be seen; seen only 1-3 times per season R Rare seen at intervals of 2-5 years * Breeding breeding confirmed within the park boundaries # Species designated by the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation as endangered, threatened, or of special concern Species Spring Summer Fall Winter 3/1-5/31 6/1-8/31 911-11/30 1211-2/28 Snow Goose U U Canada Goose C C Wood Duck U U R Mallard C C. U U Green -winged Teal U Harlequin Duck R Surf Scoter C C White -winged Scoter C C Black Scoter R Long-tailed Duck C C Bufflehead U U U Common Goldeneye R R Hooded Merganser U U Red -breasted Merganser C C Ring-necked Pheasant * R R R R Wild Turkey U U U U Northern Bobwhite * R R R R Red -throated Loon R R Common Loon # U C C Horned Grebe U U Double -crested Cormorant C C C R Great Cormorant R U U I� Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix B Species Spring Summer Fall Winter 0 311-5131 611-8131 911-11130 12/1-2/28 Great Blue Heron U R ' Great Egret U U Green Heron U U U ' Turkey Vulture U U U U Osprey # C C C ' Northern Harrier # U U U U Sharp -shinned Hawk # U U U Cooper's Hawk # U U U ' Red-tailed Hawk * C C C C American Kestrel U U U U Merlin U U Peregrine Falcon # R R t Black -bellied Plover R Semipalmated Plover U U U ' Piping Plover# C C Killdeer * U U ' Spotted Sandpiper C C C Solitary Sandpiper U U ' Ruddy Turnstone U Sanderling C C U ' American Woodcock U U Bonaparte's Gull U R Laughing Gull U U Ring -billed Gull A A A A ' Herring Gull A A A A Lesser Black -backed Gull Great Black Gull C C R , -backed A A Least Tern # C C Roseate Tern # R R Common Tem # C C Rock Pigeon " U U U U ' Mourning Dove * C C C C B-2 ' M., ' Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix B Species Spring Summer Fail Winter 311-5/31 6/1-8/31 911-11/30 12/1-2/28 ' Yellow -billed Cuckoo * U U Black -billed Cuckoo R R Eastern Screech -Owl * R R R R Great Horned Owl * R R R R Common Nighthawk # R Chimney Swift U U Ruby -throated Hummingbird U U U Belted Kingfisher U U U Red -bellied Woodpecker * C C C C Downy Woodpecker C C C C Hairy Woodpecker * U U U U ' Northern Flicker * U U C U Eastern Wood -Pewee U U U ' Least Flycatcher U U Eastern Phoebe C C ' Great Crested Flycatcher * U U U Eastern Kingbird * U U U White -eyed Vireo * U U Blue -headed Vireo U U Red -eyed Vireo * U U U Blue Jay * C C C U ' American Crow * C C C U Fish Crow C C C Homed Lark U U U Tree Swallow C C Northern Rough -winged Swallow * U U U Bank Swallow * C C C Cave Swallow R ' Barn Swallow * C C C Black -capped Chickadee * C C C C 1 Tufted Titmouse * C C C C Red -breasted Nuthatch U U M., Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix B Species Spring Summer Fall Winter 311-5/31 611-8131 9/1-11/30 12/1-2/28 White -breasted Nuthatch " C C C U Brown Creeper U U U Carolina Wren " C C C C House Wren " C C C Winter Wren U U U Golden -crowned Kinglet U U R Ruby -crowned Kinglet U U Blue -gray Gnatcatcher U U Veery U U Gray-cheeked Thrush U U Swainson's Thrush U U Hermit Thrush U U U Wood Thrush " U U U American Robin * C C C U Gray Catbird * C C C Northern Mockingbird " C C C C Brown Thrasher * U U U European Starling * C C C C American Pipit R R R Cedar Waxwing * C C C U Blue -winged Warbler * C C U Northern Parula U U Yellow Warbler * C C Chestnut -sided Warbler U U Magnolia Warbler U U Cape May Warbler U U Black -throated Blue Warbler U U Yellow-rumped Warbler C C U Black -throated Green Warbler U U Blackburnian Warbler U U Pine Warbler U U Prairie Warbler * U U U R Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix B Species Spring Summer Fall Winter 3/1-5/31 611-8/31 911-11/30 1211-2128 Palm Warbler U U Bay -breasted Warbler U U Blackpoll Warbler U U Black -and -white Warbler U U American Redstart * U U U Ovenbird U U Northern Waterthrush U U Common Yellowthroat U U U Hooded Warbler U Wilson's Warbler C U Canada Warbler U Scarlet Tanager U U U Eastern Towhee * U U U U American Tree Sparrow U U Chipping Sparrow " U U U Field Sparrow * U U U U Savannah Sparrow * U U U U Grasshopper Sparrow * U U Fox Sparrow U U U Song Sparrow * C C C C Lincoln's Sparrow U Swamp Sparrow U U White -throated Sparrow C C C Dark -eyed Junco U U U Northern Cardinal * C C C C Rose -breasted Grosbeak * U U U Blue Grosbeak R R Indigo Bunting * U U Red -winged Blackbird * C C C U Eastern Meadowlark R R R Common Grackle * C C C U Brown -headed Cowbird * C C C U Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix B Species Spring Summer Fall Winter ■ 311-5131 6/1-8/31 9/1-11/30 12/1-2128 Baltimore Oriole C C C ' Purple Finch U R House Finch ' C C C U ' White -winged Crossbill R R Pine Siskin R R American Goldfinch " U U U R House Sparrow " C C C C 1 B-6 I C-1 11 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix C Appendix C: Trail Standards and Guidelines for New York State ' Parks A primary goal for all State Park Trails Systems is to develop sustainable trails that have minimal impacts on the environment, require little maintenance, and meet the needs of the users. Standards and guidelines are provided here for design, development, and maintenance techniques that help ensure a sustainable trail system, including guidelines for signage, accessibility, trail monitoring, and ' trail closure. Trailheads, Kiosks, Signage ' All trailhead and kiosk signage and trail markers will be developed in conjunction with the Sign Design Guidelines for the NY State Park System (currently being drafted). A kiosk or similar structure providing information about the park and the trail system will be located at each trailhead. All trails will be named and marked with colored blazes located on trees or other structures at a ' height that will reduce the level of vandalism but that is still readily visible. ' Design Trail guidelines provide guidance in design, construction and maintenance. Trails should be developed using appropriate design standards based on desired uses. Considerations should be made for either a single or multiple treadway, tread width and surface, corridor and vertical clearance, ' sight distance, grades, and turning radius to provide an appropriate trail experience for expected users and levels of use. 1 Trail development and maintenance will be guided by design standards as provided in the table below. for various types of uses. These standards should be used as a starting point and modified, as necessary, to address the natural characteristics of the resource and specific needs. C-1 11 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix C Trail development standards Trail Type Vertical Corridor Treadway Surfacing Materials Trail Length Sight Slope Turning Radius Clearance Clearance Width Distance Biking Class (Path) 8-10 feet 5-6 ft. (1 lane) 2-3 ft. (1 lane) Smooth pavement, asphalt, Min. — 5 mi. Min. of 50 ft. 0-5% 8-14 feet 8-10 ft. (2 lane) 6-8 ft. (2 lane) concrete, crushed stone, loop (1.5-2 up to 100 ft. Max: 5-10% depending upon clay or stabilized earth. hour) on downhill sustained 15% speed. 15-25 mi. of curves or shorter than 50 yd. linear or loop road Outslope of 24% trails (day crossings Mountain Biking 8-10 feet 1.5 — 6 ft. (1 Novice -36 in. Firm natural surface trip) Min. — 5 mi. Min. of 100 Over all grade not Novice/ lane) Intermediate -24- including soil, rocks, loop (1.5-2 ft. up to 150 to exceed 10%. Intermediate - 30 in. wood; hardened surface for hour) ft. on Climbing turns not min of 8 ft Expert -12-18 in. wet areas. 15-25 mi. of downhill to exceed 7-12%. Expert— 6 ft linear or loop curves or Out slope of 3-5% min. trails (day road Cross-country Siding 8-10 ft. above depth. 8 ft (1 lane) 4-6 ft. (Mane) Snow with underlying bare tri) 0.5-3 mi. crossings Down hill 0-5% Avoid sharp snow (10- 12 ft in summer) 10-12 ft. (2 lane) 7-8 ft. (21ane) 8-10 soil, rocks or wood chips. loops up to 4- runs, stream Max -10% turns. Never ft. (uphill) Outsloped underlying 8 mi. (24 or road sustained locate a tum at material. Can be groomed hour trip) crossings 50 15-25% shorter than the base of a or ungroomed. ft. Otherwise 50 yd. downhill run. not critical 25-40% shorter than Min. - 50 ft. 50 yd., experts only Preferred —100 Hiking (Developed 8-10 ft 4 —8 ft 4-6 ft Bare soil, rocks; stone 0.25 — 5 mi. Not critical Outslo — 0-2% 0-5% ft. N/A Interpretive, dust, or wood chips. May (1/2 day) barrier on Max -15% group have hardened surface 5-15 mi. (full reverse sustained connector) (concrete, asphalt or day) curves may 40%+ shorter than boardwalks) in high use be used 50 yd. Hiking (Primitive Back- 8-10 ft. 4-6 ft. 18 —30 in. areas. Bare soil, rocks, gravel, Min — 5 mi. Not critical Outslo e — 41/o max 1-5% N/A packing) wood; hardened surface for 15 — 25 mi. Max - 15% wet areas. sustained 40-50% shorter than 50 vd. C-2 Users/ Mile 40 10 5-30 0-30 1-5 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix C Trail Type Vertical Corridor Treadway Surfacing Materials Trail Length Sight Slope Turning Radius Users/ Clearance Clearance Width Distance Mile Horse 10-12 ft. 5-6 ft. (1 lane) 18-30 in. (1 Soils having a large Min— 5 mi. Not critical 0-10% Not critical but 5-15 lane) percentage of rocks, clay (1-1.5 hour) unless 2 way Max —10% avoid sharp turns and or organic matter. 15-25 mi. of traffic. 50- sustained on steep slopes Void of rocks football looped trails 100 ft. 20% shorter than 50 or using sized or larger. Little (full day) 100-200 ft. at yd. switchbacks (30 treadway development motorized Outslope 4% max. in. wide if they required if soils are road are necessary). appropriate. In problem crossings. - areas, water control measures may be installed. Brush and saplings should be cut flush or below ground level. Remove dead or leaning trees. Snowshoe 8-10 feet above 81. (1 Lane) 10- 4-6 ft. (1 Lane) Snow with underlying bare 0.3 mi. loops N/A 0-5% Max. - 10% N/A 5-30 snow depth (10- 12 ft. (2 Lane) 7-8 ft. (2 Lane) soil, rocks or wood chips. 4-8 mi. (2-4 sustained 15-25% 12 ft. in 8-10 ft. up and Outsloped underlying hr. trips) shorter than 50 yds. summer) down hill material. No grooming is for experienced needed. snowshoers Snowmobile 8-12 ft. above 14- 16 ft. IA— 12 ft. Groomed snow 50 — 80 mi. Min — 50 ft. 10-15% Min. 50 ft. 15 snow depth 14-16 ft. IB — 8-12 ft. Groomed snow 100+ ft. Max - 25% 100 ft. 8-12 ft. C — 4-8 ft. Groomed snow sustained 8 ft. min. D — 4ft. min. Ungroomed snow 40% shorter than 50 d. C-3 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix C Accessibility New trails and existing trails connected to an accessible trail or designated trailhead that require maintenance/repair should be designed or modified to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities and for those who may have limitations to their mobility. Trail conditions, including topography, geology and ecology and expected experience will modify the number of trails that can be fully accessible. Proposed accessibility guidelines for trails on developed federal lands have been advanced by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board). The proposed accessibility guidelines are for newly constructed and altered trails connected to accessible trails or designated trailheads. There are some departures from the technical provisions that are permitted. The following is an abbreviated listing of the proposed trail guidelines without the exceptions: • Surface — The trail surface shall be firm and stable. • Clear Tread Width — The clear tread width of the trail shall be 36 inches minimum. • Openings — Openings in trail surface shall be of a size that does not permit passage of a'/i inch diameter sphere. Elongated openings shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular or.diagonal to the dominant direction of travel. • Protruding Objects — Protruding objects on trails shall have 80 inches minimum clear head room. • Tread Obstacles — Where tread obstacles exist, they shall not exceed 2 inches high maximum. • Passing Space — Where the clear tread width of the trail is less than 60 inches, passing spaces shall be provided at intervals of 1000 feet maximum. Passing spaces shall be either 60 inches minimum by 60 inches minimum space, or an intersection of two walking surfaces which provide a T-shaped space provided that the arms and stem of the T-shaped extend at least 48 inches beyond the intersection. • Slopes — Slopes shall comply with the following: o Cross Slopes — The cross slope shall not exceed 1:20 maximum. o Running Slope — Running slope of trail segments shall comply with one or more of the provisions of this section. No more than 30 percent of the total trail length shall exceed a running slope of 1:12. o Running slope shall be 1:20 or less for any distance. o Running slope shall be 1:12 maximum for 200 feet maximum. Resting intervals shall be provided at distances no greater than 200 feet apart. o Running slope shall be 1:10 maximum for 30 feet maximum. Resting intervals shall be provided at distances no greater than 30 feet apart. o, Running slope shall be 1:8 maximum for 10 feet maximum. Resting intervals shall be provided at distances no greater than 10 feet apart. • Resting Intervals — Resting intervals shall.be 60 inches minimum in length, shall have a width at least as wide as the widest portion of the trail segment leading to the resting interval, and have a slope not exceeding 1:20 in any direction. • Edge Protection — Where edge protection is provided along a trail, the edge protection shall have a height of 3 inches minimum. • Signs — Newly constructed and altered trails and trail segments that are accessible shall be designated with a symbol at the trail head and all designated access points. Signs identifying C-4 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix C accessible trail segments shall include the total distance of the accessible segment and the location of the first point of departure from the technical provisions. In all cases, it is recommended that basic information about trail characteristics be displayed at the trailhead. This allows the trail user the opportunity to determine if the trail is appropriate for their abilities. This information should be available for all trails regardless of whether they meet the accessible guidelines. The following is a recommended list of additional information that should be displayed at the trailhead: • Trail symbol • Running slope (average and maximum) • Clear tread width (minimum) • Surface type • Trail length • Trail elevation (at trailhead) • Maximum elevation attained Maintenance Maintenance of the trails will be conducted by park staff as well as in partnership with various trail user or Friends groups. Trail maintenance standards will utilize acceptable practices and methods in . . the maintenance of trails to the particular uses of the trails. Maintenance activities include: • Maintaining drainage structures • Water management such as: development of knicks, rolling grade dips, minor rock rearrangement to divert water off of a trail. • Surface treatment • Clearing and grubbing to maintain height and width clearances • Maintaining bridges and other structures • Maintaining signage These activities should be coordinated with the park manager. Activities that go beyond normal maintenance will require the approval of the park manager. Park staff will maintain the parking lots and support facilities. The following manuals may be used as resource guides for trail maintenance: • Trail Planning, Design, & Development Guidelines. State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources, 2007. Trails and Waterways Division. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html • Trail Maintenance Manual, 7rh Edition Revised. 2007. New York -New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. http://www.nynjtc.org/volunteers/vresource.html. • Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook. 2007 Edition. Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture. http://www.fliwa.dot.gov/enviromnent/fspubs/07232806/index.htm. • Lightly on the Land: The SCA Trail -Building and Maintenance Manual. 2006. Robert C. Birkby, The Student Conservation Association. http://www.tllesca.org/ • Trail Solutions: IMBA's Guide to Building Sweet-Singletrack. 2004. International Mountain Bicycling Association. http://www.imba.com/index.hbnl C-5 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix C • Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads and Campgrounds. December 2007. US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service - Missoula Technology and Development Center. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/enviromnent/Fspubs/07232816/index.htm Closure Sometimes it is necessary to close or reroute a trail due to poor initial design, overuse, illegal use, or other natural factors having caused some type of degradation. Reclamation strategies include closure, stabilization, recontouring, revegetation, and monitoring. Each site should be evaluated individually for its potential to be rehabilitated. Trail restoration needs to be carefully planned, and the consequences of each strategy should be evaluated. Restoration can be as simple as blocking a closed section of trail and passively allowing the vegetation to recover, or include more complex projects, such as removing any trace of the tread, actively planting native vegetation, and constructing check dams to help stop erosion. Careful monitoring of a restored section of trail is then needed to ensure that little evidence remains of the old trail. All plantings will be with native, non-invasive species. Vegetation should be.allowed to grow on the abandoned trail where it intersects with a designated trail. Brush, rocks and other natural material should be placed on the abandoned trail for a distance so the linear characteristic of the trail can not be readily identifiable. These abandoned trails should not be identified on trail maps. The OPRHP Guidelines for Closing Trails provides the detailed process to be taken to close trails in state parks. Evaluation, Assessment and Monitoring The following guidelines will be utilized in the review and approval process for new trails or the re- alignment of existing trails and implementation of a monitoring system. New Trails and Re -alignment of Existing Trails There is a specific procedure for the reroute and development of trails and the annual maintenance of trails. Chart 1 outlines procedures to follow for the reroute of existing trails and the development of new trails. The scope and associated impacts of the proposed project will determine the extent of the review process. Larger proposals that may have an impact on environmental or cultural resources will require the review of the Agency's Resource Management Group (RMG). A SEQR determination will be made to determine if an Environmental Assessment would be required. Annual maintenance encompasses routine functions, such as minor drainage control, trimming, and treadway maintenance. In most cases, this is reviewed and approved by park staff (,Chart 2). For some trails, State Parks partners with trail organization(s) for development and/or maintenance. Itis important that clear lines of communication are maintained among all involved parties. This will ensure that the work that is performed has gone through the review process and is under the direction of the park manager. C-6 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix C Chart 1: Procedures for Reroute/Relocation for New Trail Project OPRHP staff or Trail Organization will develop justification and scope of work and then meet with Park Manager. Park Manager or designee will review project and conduct site inspection with staff or trail organization. Permission must be obtained prior to flagging any proposed trail. Flagging may be requested prior to a site inspection. If concept approved, the project will be advanced with appropriate documentation for approval by Regional Office (directed to the Capital Facilities Manager and in consultation with the Regional Natural Resource Steward and other staff, as appropriate). Additional field inspections may be required by technical/scientific/resource staff. Region approves project Region has substantive concerns about project and consults with Albany Office. Documentation advanced to EMB and Planning to review the project. Additional information may be requested. Albany and If necessary, the Regional Office project will be approve project reviewed through RMG. Project rejected. The Park Manager will coordinate with staff or trail organization to schedule and implement the project. The Park Manager or designee will conduct periodic site inspections and provide the final approval for opening the trail. C-7 Jamesport State Park Master Plan: Appendix C Chart 2: Approval for Trail Maintenance Park staff or trail organization meets with Park Manager to discuss proposed annual maintenance functions and develop workplan. Park Manager (and the trail organization, if applicable) signs off on work plan. Park Manager or designee will conduct periodic inspections. Monitoring Program A monitoring program will include an annual inspection of all of the trails and periodic inspections of the trails throughout the year. The Managing Visitor Use model or a similar program will be utilized to monitor trail conditions. C-8 florth v O 2QOf t Scnle 1" /0' CAMP CAREY SCENIC VISTA SoLIod I5K°nd �on9 SATELLITE PARKING HOWOLL'S SPRING / GLACIAL MORAINE CEDAR GROVE OAK GROVE / VERNAL POOL /� i v y• c �� ,� 11 CLAY HOODOO BEACH ACCESS j • 'Vehicular Turnaround • ADA Parking (4 Spaces) • Composting Restrooms • Connection to Accessible Beach Rcute • Establish at Elevation 38 to Allow ADA Ramp to Beach • Emergency Vehicles Access to Beach' / t I+ JACOBS HILL • Overlook of Long Island Sound '+ • Bca-dwalk Access -ADA Ramp (/.L% for b0,'-') on South Side • Staircase and Boardwalk Access to Control Traffic onp p Ex osed Sand S o e on Northwest Side SCENIC VISTA • Overlook of Long Island Sound • Picnic A -ea • Provides Future Beach Access • 10-20 Spaces / • In Location for Historic Military Events and Camp History • Overook of Long �s:and Sound • Picnic Area �'' —�" est`-'. m%,a •'-_-•^' .'"!"r,'+✓' '�,*,."«--� :. — _ � /� r 1 S/ �''` I I I r \ y \� \\ t \ 1 �\ + \ \ \ \ LEGEND Droperty Line xisting Wooded A -ea -- -•-- =xisting Waterline �--- --� -xisting Index Contour xisting Inte,medicte Contour Delineated Wetlands xisting Unpuved Main Trcil -xisting Secondary Trail Droposed Pub is Park Rcad —_ 'roposed Public Park Rcad/Pedestr an Trail ^ �• proposed Ped"irion Trail proposed Bicycle Lane/Fedestrian Trail 'roposed Boa-dwalk Droposed Park Employee Access 'oints of Interest ORRestroom Facilities AGRICULTURAL SCENIC VISTA i 1 / _ _I h � Ir 1 _ \� �� % "' ` •y. t` \ AGRICULTURAL �h / SCENIC VISTA �{ AGRICULTURAL SCENIC VISTA /1-3 _ `. rr AGRICULTURAL :✓>\�__ li Av vv SCENIC VISTA POND OVERLOOK \\\\\ \ pit STAFF PARKING \ % NATURE CENTER \\\ \\ � \ MAINTENANCE FACILITY \ �` \ \ MAIN VISITOR PARKING \ ` • Access to Nature Center and All Trails \\` • Equestrian Trailer marking During Permitted Use Periods \�\ S, PARK MANAGER RESIDENCE \ vuwmc rluyony mutely woo u-uoc ounw Follows Former Trail Camp Entrance PARK EXIT ROAD TYPICAL CROSS SECTION C� e EXIT ONLY Oe A P� �RK EGRE • Park Road Follows Former Camp Carey Road • Ac;acent Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail WETLAND FEATURE enoe MAIN ENTRANCE a A� SDU(\ Entrance and nformational Signage to Identify Site and Facilities • Short Term Perking for Info-mational Siqnage Review • Turn -Around Lane and Exit • Park Entrarcc Road with Bicycle Lane and Separate pedestrian Trail �G PRESERVATION r Q 2 1 ��h�r �ff 3 M $ 4! Z S%V/d 30 33WO 03 o 0 N Q u N v � U m 0 �d O o rn T Vl � o a, l_ 9