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115 <br /> lib <br /> Mountains-to-Sea (MST) North Carolina State Trail Master Plan (2015) <br /> The vision for the MST is an off-road hiking trail connecting Clingmans Dome on North Carolina's western border to <br /> Jockey's Ridge State Park on its eastern Outer Banks.In this master plan,the NC Division of Parks and Recreation(DPR) <br /> remains focused on moving forward to connect these trail limits. <br /> The MST segments 10-12 are included in the US 70 corridor study area. Segment 10,named Haw River Trail,joins the <br /> Haw River Trail at the Guilford-Alamance County line and extends south along the Haw River Trail to Cane Creek and <br /> follows Cane Creek North into Orange County.Segment 11 runs from the Alamance County line to the Occoneechee <br /> Mountain State Natural Area just near the Town of Hillsborough limits.Segment 12 follows the Eno River through the <br /> Town of Hillsborough,Occoneechee Speedway, and sections of Eno River State Park to Falls Lake.All these segments are <br /> classified as mid-term to long-term in planning priority. <br /> A Landscape Plan for Wildlife Habitat Connectivity in the Eno River and New Hope Creek Watersheds (2019) <br /> Recognizing that the Eno River and New Hope Creek-Jordan Lake watersheds are home to ecologically <br /> important habitats supporting a rich diversity of plant and animal species,this plan identifies actions to preserve and <br /> enhance connectivity within and between wildlife habitats.Development and climate change cause habitat fragmentation <br /> and loss.To survive,animal species must be able to move within and between remaining high-priority wildlife habitats. <br /> Functional ecosystems require a connected network of habitats and corridors for movement.In addition to sustaining <br /> diverse wildlife populations, such connections can benefit water quality,native plants,working farms and forests, and <br /> public health and safety. <br /> This plan helps ensure wildlife habitat connectivity throughout the Eno River and New Hope Creek-Jordan Lake <br /> watersheds.The objectives most relevant to the US 70 Corridor Study involve guidance for decision-making related to <br /> land protection,land-use,and transportation. Three basic principles associated with this effort are: <br /> ➢ Protect conservation priorities,including large natural areas and sensitive habitats. <br /> ➢ Buffer these areas from suburban and urban development. <br /> ➢ Connect these natural areas across the landscape to reduce habitat fragmentation. <br /> 113 US 70 Multimodal Corridor Study Existing Conditions Report <br />