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54 <br />MEMORANDUM <br />To: David Stanch and Marabeth Carr <br />Environment and Resource Conservation Department <br />From: Commission for the Environment <br />Date: January 21, 2010 <br />Subject: Master Plan for the (Hollow Rock Access Area <br />The Commission for the Environment (CFE) approves of the master plan that was developed <br />in September 2009 for the Hollow Rock Access Area to the New Hope Preserve, and offers <br />the following comments to the staff and Board of Commissioners. <br />The CFE appreciates the approach that was taken by the multi jurisdictional partnership to <br />conserve the vast majority of the 75 -acre site and to make only small portions of the land <br />available for low- impact recreational uses. This property retains significant natural areas <br />with a variety of forest types that will remain intact for wildlife habitat. Visitors will be able <br />to identify and appreciate the natural and cultural resources via trails and educational areas. <br />Moreover, the park's proximity to two schools will also contribute to leaming about this site <br />and its significance to the surrounding Hollow Rock community. <br />The CFE was represented on the master plan committee by Ms. Dawn Santoianni, who <br />contributed to design of facilities and amenities that blend with the natural setting. <br />The CFE recommends the following with regard to the future development of this site: <br />1) Special care should be taken during the construction phase to protect the highly <br />significant natural and cultural resources that exist on this property. <br />2) Portions of the site should remain natural without any trails or amenities. <br />3) All future trails, boardwalks, and stream crossings should be constructed using <br />environmentally friendly and sustainable methods. Nature trails should be <br />constructed to have as gentle a gradient as feasible to accommodate more <br />potential users. <br />4) Educational signage should be prevalent to help visitors learn about the different <br />kinds of natural habitats, geology, and historic uses of this land. <br />5) The proposed Phase I amenities are adequate for people to enjoy this new park, <br />but the proposed Phase II improvements, with Pickett Road closed, would provide <br />a better experience and safer pedestrian access to the site for area residents and <br />schools. The local governments should work with NCDOT to close the gravel <br />section of Pickett Road to through traffic. <br />Thank you for the opportunity to participate and comment on this project. <br />Co issiou for the 61-v"rox~,"'t <br />C/o DYange cokxt6f 6Rcz> <br />R0 8ox 8181 /roc, Revere Poad <br />1— llSboroug6, NG 2x2 8 <br />_(9V) 245- -2510 <br />