Agenda - 02-26-2001-c5 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~~ could be made into an atkractive entry walkway or bike path into a future park. A large pasture abuts the property to the east and could create a vista for people entering the park property along a walkway or bikeway. A 30-foot buffer of trees protects a perennial stream that flaws from north to south and parallel to the proposed northern entrance roadway. This is one of several streams that flow through this property in a southeasterly direction and eventually . into Strouds Creek. Although this property is not in a water supply watershed, Neuse River buffer rules apply to all streams (30-foot undisturbed buffers required), all of which have been identified and flagged by the developer's consultant. The topography slopes gradually from a high of 670 feet in the northwest section of the parcel down to 620 feet along stream corridors, which are parallel to southern and eastern boundaries. The stream corridors could be suitable for low-impact recreation uses, such as hiking trails, picnic areas, and nature study. Some sections could be left in their natural state as wildlife corridors. Between the forks of intermittent streams, there is a central area (about 30-35 acres) with fairly level or gently sloping ground, which might be suitable for construction of active recreation fields [See Area A on attached map]. Soils are Herndon B class, which are well drained and have high potential for all recreation (and most urban) uses. This area is entirely forested with mixed--aged hardwoods (30-40" dbh) representing a typical dry to mesic Piedmont hardwood forest with oaks, hickory (some shagbark hickory) and tulip poplar. There are periodic downed trees, but overall the sub-canopy and shrub layers are sparse with an open and healthy forest appearance. The southwest portion of the property has moderate slope (6-10%) and includes sections of pine forest resulting from normal Piedmont secondary succession with trees approximately 25-30 years old. Soils are Herndon C class, which has medium potential for recreation uses because of slope. -A number of small streams (3-~' wide) flow from this area and join, a larger creek (6-8' wide), which flows from west to east slang the southern boundary. Portions of this area may be suitable for low- impact recreation (e.g., picnic areas and playgrounds). [Area B on attached map] An old home site with remnants of two stone chimneys and two outbuildings were observed in this area. Further evaluation by our historic planner would be advisable to assess whether the site contains significant cultural or archaeological resources. To the south of the larger creek referenced above, the land rises fairly rapidly to the southern properly boundary. This area (approximately 500-600 feet wide and 2000 feet long) has same of the oldest trees and healthiest-looking forest on the property,' and could be maintained as an intact natural area [Area C on map]. The property is bounded to the south by a vast open pasture, which is part of the historic Phelps Farm property.