Bushkill Creek Greenway
Master Planning Process
3/23/25 to 4/30/25
5/1/25 to 9/17/25
05/17/25, 9am Easton Farmer's Market
8/15 - 8/16/25 Palmer Community Weekend
5/21/25 Internal Planning Team Meeting 6/25/25 Steering Committee Presentation 9/28/25 10/15/25 Steering Committee Presentation 11/19/25 Internal Planning Team Meeting 9/17/25 Internal Planning Team Meeting 8/20/25
9/18/25 to 10/15/25
05/19/25, 7pm Board of Supervisors TBD TBD
7/16/25 Internal Planning Team Meeting
3-10 years Long-term: 10+ years Steering Committee Presentation
05/17/25 to 06/22/25 10/19/25 to 11/16/25
9/29/25 to 11/25/25
term: 1-3 years
Project Goals
History
Communica
t e local historical & cultural sign ifcance
Reveal the historic and cultural significance of the area through creative storytelling of archival research.
Connection
Demonstrat e exemplaryaccessibility, support trail system changes
Ensure all parks, trails, facilities, and creek access areas are ADA-compliant and inclusive for all residents and visitors.
Strengthen the Palmer Bikeway/Two Rivers Trail system, particularly as it serves the September 11th National Memorial Trail.
Activity
Update faci lities, multi-user re creation experience
Update existing parks facilities, including those identified in the National Wetland Inventory, to enhance safety and usability.
Evaluate overlapping and conflicting park uses and make recommendations that improve the experience for all of the different user groups.
Protect and enhance the creek’s habitat to withstand the potential effects of global climate change.
Address significant flooding events in creekside parks and gateway intersections.
What is the Bushkill Creek Greenway?
REGIONAL TRAIL NETWORKS:
• 9/11 National Memorial Trail (1,500 miles)
• D&L Trail (140 miles)
• Delaware River Water Trail (200 miles)
• Forks Township Recreation Trail (2 miles)
• Karl Stirner Arts Trail (2.2 miles)
• Lehigh River Water Trail (75 miles)
• Palmer Township Trail Network (1.4 miles)
• Plainfield Township Recreation Trail (6.7 miles)
• South Bethlehem Greenway (2.4 miles)
• Stockertown Rail Trail (1 mile)
• Tatamy Trail (0.25 miles)
• Two Rivers Trailway (20 miles)
EXISTING TRAILS INCLUDED IN THIS STUDY:
• Palmer Bikeway (3.0 miles)
• Schoeneck Creek Trail A.K.A. Penn's Grant Path (0.7 miles)
ADJACENT PARK TRAILS:
• Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center Trails (19.7 miles)
• Louise W. Moore County Park Trails (2.7 miles)
• Marlton Wildlife Sanctuary Trails (4.2 miles)
REGIONAL TRAIL NETWORK GAPS:
• Between Tatamy Trail & Stockertown Rail Trail
• Between Schoeneck Creek Trail & Trail at Fox Run Open Space
• Between Palmer Bikeway & KSAT at 13th Street
• Between KSAT & D&L Trail through the City of Easton
History
Communic a t e local historic a l & cultural si g n ificance
Evolution of the Bushkill
CULTURAL-ECOLOGICAL TIMELINE
CREEK USES: MAJOR INFLUENCES:
POST INDUSTRIAL DECLINE & SUBURBANIZATION [MID 1900S]
The population of Palmer Township greatly increased following WWII. Development encroached on waterways and riparian areas.
1968 - Bushkill Drive roadway was widened and the creek was rechanneled.
EFFECTS ON WATERWAY:
• Depleted riparian buffers left waterway unprotected from runoff
• Creek was dredged and rechanneled, decimating water quality
• Bushkill Watershed Association was formed to restore the creek and bank
ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS & REWILDING [LATE 1900S - NOW]
1991 - Bushkill Stream Conservancy was formalized; it’s original intent was to explore a recreational trail utilizing abandoned rail lines along Bushkill Creek.
2021 - First undamming project of the Bushkill for restoration purposes occurred.
• Restoration planting
• Educational programs
• Trash clean-up days
• Hydraulic studies
• Conservation planning
• Undamming began to improve stream health
FUTURE
As climate change accelerates, restoring ecosystems like Bushkill Creek will become increasingly essential. This plan will set a course for deeper ecological restoration while expanding inclusive access to recreation and environmental education for the entire Bushkill Creek community....
Construction work on Bushkill Drive, 1968
Source: Marx Room at the Easton Public Library
Bushkill flooding at the old Stocker Mill, 1984
Source: Marx Room at the Easton Public Library
Nazareth High school Students working in the Bushkill Creek, 1979
Source: Marx Room at the Easton Public Library
Evolution of the Bushkill
HISTORIC MILL &
DAM LOCATIONS
WAGENER SPRING HOUSE
NEWLINS MILL, FORMERLY WAGENER’S MILL & DAM
STOCKER MILL & DAM
WALTER’S MILL & DAM (PENN PUMP)
OVERHOLT MILL & DAM
KELPER’S MILL
BINNEY & SMITH
PIGMENT PLANT, FORMER MILL & DAM
HESTER FLOUR MILL & DAM LEIGHTON MILLS
Kelper’s Mill
Source: Sigal Museum, NCHGS
Overholt Mill, 1944
Source: NCHGS
Walter’s Mill & Dam
Sources: Sigal Museum, NCHGS Marx Room at the Easton Public Library
Wagener Homestead & Dam
Source: Marx Room at the Easton Public Library
Evolution of the Bushkill
FISHING
“Depleted fish populations brought about concern. The aristocracy of the New World enjoyed sport fishing, but there were no fish! Their solution to the problem was to stock new fish. There was little thought about restoring or improving habitat. They believed that stocking fish would bring back good populations. It also gave them an opportunity to duplicate the species that they once caught in their homeland -- Europe... Brown trout from Europe were introduced in the late 1800s..."
INDIGENOUS LAND PRACTICES EARLY INDUSTRY COLONIAL SETTLEMENT
Fishing on the Bushkill Creek, 1987
"Rainbow trout were eventually transferred from western North America to the East Coast. Brown, rainbow and brook trout were raised in hatcheries and then released into the wild.
Little did they know that they were providing a source of competition for the native brook trout. When they co-exist in the same habitat, brown trout compete with brook trout for resources.” - Walt Dietz
Source: Bushkill Stream Conservancy. (2005). Sobers Run Coldwater Conservation Plan. Bushkill Township, PA. Retrieved from https://bushkill.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2005-sobers-run-conservation-plan.pdf
Trout Fishing
1st Day of Fishing On The Bushkill April 14, 1975
Source: Marx Room at the Easton Public Library
Source: Marx Room at the Easton Public Library
Source: Marx Room at the Easton Public Library
Evolution of the Bushkill
FLOODING & DROUGHT
“A lot of the dams were built for past industrial use and the mills are no longer there. But the dams are still there and creating a lot of environmental issues and a lot of stormwater issues, too.”
- Kristie Fach, Director of Ecological Restoration, Wildlands Conservancy
INDIGENOUS LAND PRACTICES
INDUSTRY COLONIAL SETTLEMENT
1952 Flood
Source: Bilinski, Molly. “The Creek’s Flowing Again: Easton Dam Removed as Part of Bushkill Creek Restoration.” LehighValleyNews. com, June 5, 2024. https://www.lehighvalleynews.com/environment-science/the-creeks-flowing-again-easton-dam-removed-aspart-of-bushkill-creek-restoration.
RAILROADS, PIGMENT & URBANIZATION
1956 Flood 1957 Drought POST INDUSTRIAL DECLINE & SUBURBANIZATION
Source: Marx Room at the Easton Public Library
Source: Marx Room at the Easton Public Library
Source: Marx Room at the Easton Public Library
Evolution of the Bushkill
STRAIGHTENING & WIDENING OF BUSHKILL DRIVE, 1968
“The Highway Department felt that the road was too full of curves and therefore hazardous for trucks and school buses..."
INDIGENOUS LAND PRACTICES EARLY INDUSTRY COLONIAL SETTLEMENT
Construction work on Bushkill Drive, 1968
"...A lot of public protest resulted from the rechanneling of the creek - many trees were bulldozed down, cliffs were dynamited, and creek banks were destroyed.”
A
RAILROADS, PIGMENT & URBANIZATION
POST INDUSTRIAL DECLINE & SUBURBANIZATION
Before & after views of the 1968 Bushkill Drive construction and creek rechanneling
Source: PennPilot (Historical Aerial Photo Library) 1938 - 1980 -
Pennsylvania
AFTER 1968
University BEFORE 1968 PATH OF BUSHKILL CREEK
Source: Marx Room at the Easton Public Library
Source:
water quality study of the Bushkill Creek from Easton to Tatamy, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, Marx Room at the Easton Public Library.
Connection
Demonstr a t e exemplary accessibility, support tra i l system chang e s
Who lives in Palmer Township?
TOTAL POPULATION
Persons under 5 years
Persons under 18 years
Persons 65 years and over
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Age and Sex, Palmer Township, PA,” Quick Facts, accessed February 25, 2025.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Race & Hispanic Origin, Palmer Township, PA” Quick Facts, accessed February 25, 2025.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “AGE & Sex” ACS 5-Year Estimates, TABLE S0101, 2023.
HISPANIC ORIGIN
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Race & Hispanic Origin, palmer township, PA,” Quick Facts, accessed February 25, 2025.
Source: U.S.
Who lives in Palmer Township?
2.6% Vacant
HOUSING OCCUPANCY 97.4% Occupied
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Selected housing characteristics” ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table DP04, 2023.
Non-family Households MEDIAN INCOME BY TYPES OF FAMILIES
$128,676 Families $140,110 Married Couple Families
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “income in the past 12 months (in 2023 InflationAdjusted Dollars)” ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table S1901, 2023.
2.49 People
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau, “Households and Persons Per Household” ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2019-2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Selected housing characteristics” ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table DP04, 2023.
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$109,682
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “income in the past 12 months (in 2023 InflationAdjusted Dollars)” ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table S1901, 2023.
Access & Connectivity
WALKABILITY & PUBLIC TRANSIT
OBSERVATIONS:
• The site serves a large number of people within its walkable communities in both Palmer and Forks Township.
• Most people who use the Bushkill Creek Greenway walk/bike from their homes or drive to access points and parks along the Bushkill Creek.
• Transit access to the parks & trails is lacking
• There is only one LANTA stop within a 10 minute walk of a Bushkill Creek Greenway park
• There are only 5 LANTA stops within a 15 minute walk of a Bushkill Creek Greenway Park
Access & Connectivity
PARKING & BRIDGE ACCESS
OBSERVATIONS
:
• There are ample parking opportunities for visitors to the Bushkill Creek Greenway's parks, though not all of them are owned by Palmer Township
• Four out of ten of these parking areas are located in Forks Township, on the other side of the Creek
• Crossings from parking areas pose a safety risk - there are no crosswalks across Bushkill Drive at park/trail access points
• There are four pedestrian/bike only bridges across the Bushkill Creek, indicated in dark green on the map
How does Palmer's trail system compare with national medians?
(1.4 miles) • Schoeneck Creek Trail A.K.A. Penn’s Grant Open Space (0.7 miles)
Signage & Wayfinding Visual Inventory
EXISTING RELEVANT BRANDING IDENTITIES
Zoning & Code
ZONING OVERLAY DISTRICTS
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE OVERLAY:
• Permitted uses: campground (tents), cemetery, community garden, crop farming, golf course, nature reserve, plant nursery, public park/recreation
RIPARIAN BUFFER OVERLAY DISTRICT:
• Overlay District = 100-year floodplain
• Permitted uses: campground (tents), commercial outdoor recreation use, community garden, crop farming, forestry, golf course, nature reserve, plant nursery, public park/recreation
• Prohibited: use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides (except for invasive species)
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:
• Work within the 100-year floodplain should focus on nature based solutions, habitat enhancement, and other ecologically driven activities.
Zoning & Code
TOWNSHIP STORMWATER ORDINANCES
WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?
• =/+1,000 SF of land alteration that may affect runoff
• =/+5,000 SF of earth disturbance
• =/+1,000 SF of impervious surfaces
• Projects over this threshold will need either a minor or major stormwater permit
WHERE CAN A STORMWATER SYSTEM BE LOCATED?
• Outside of 100-year floodplains and riparian buffers
• Outside of setbacks from property lines, septic systems, wells, karst features, and buildings
WHAT DO STORMWATER SYSTEMS NEED TO DO?
• Reduce peak rates
• Manage volume
• Meet water quality goals
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
• For major stormwater permits, projects must create riparian buffer easements equal to the 100-year floodplain or 50 feet from the stream's top of bank (whichever is greater)
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:
• On a park scale, stormwater infrastructure will have to manage runoff from impervious surfaces.
• Phased implementation of park elements may contribute to cumulative thresholds for impervious surfaces
• Due to limitation of infiltrating in carbonate rock and other infiltration criteria, several stormwater systems may be required for improvements at each park. Adequate space should be reserved for surface systems.
Image Source: Wildlands Conservancy
Activity
Play Richness Analysis
BENEFITS:
• Fosters teamwork
• Improves coordination and motor skills
COMPETITIVE PLAY (SPORTS) SLIDING PLAY
BENEFITS*:
• Develops spatial awareness and sense of balance
• Trains core muscles
• Invites socialization
• Develops understanding of space, speed and distances
SENSORY / EXPLORATION PLAY
BENEFITS:
• Sensory stimulation
• Imagination and role playing
• Fosters communication & learning
• Inclusive (for those with physical and mental disabilities)
SPINNING / ROTATING PLAY SWINGING PLAY WATER PLAY
BENEFITS*:
• Trains balance, coordination & spatial awareness
• Trains muscles & strengthens bone density
• Parallel play invites cooperation and consideration
• Develops cause and effect thinking skills, rules games, rhythm
CLIMBING / BALANCING PLAY
BENEFITS*:
• Develops sense of balance
• Consideration, cooperation and turn-taking skills
• Trains motor skills and builds bone density
• Develops courage and selfregulation to be up high
FITNESS / ADULT PLAY
BENEFITS*:
• Develops cooperation, turntaking and communication
• Supports logical thinking (cause and effect)
• Supports creativity, changing water flows
• Running and jumping develops motor skills
BENEFITS*:
• Spinning is a crucial component of child development
• Develops key gross motor skills like balance and strength
• Sensory stimulation
• Can develop social skills (cooperation to keep something spinning)
BENEFITS:
• Builds strength outdoors
• Improve heart health
• Improve cognitive and motor function into older age
Sources: *Kompan: https://www.kompan.com/en/us/p/ksw93045
Ecology
Protect h a b itat & enhance re s ilience
The Riparian Corridor
ANATOMY OF THE BUSHKILL CREEK
TERRACE
CUT BANK
UPLAND FOREST & UNDERSTORY
RIPARIAN BUFFER
FORESTED RIPARIAN BUFFER
Riparian forests shade & cool water
STREAM ACCESS
Planting within the riparian landscape enhances infiltration as well as water quality for stormwater runoff
STREAMRUN
ROOT-STABILIZED STREAM BANK
THALWEG (LOWEST POINT OF STREAM) POOLS
STREAM RUN
WOODY DEBRIS LOG JAM
Shaded pools provide optimal fish habitat
RIFFLES
POINT BAR & ALLUVIAL DEPOSIT
Ecology
TYPOLOGICAL PLANT SPECIES
Central Appalachian Alkaline Glade and Woodland
Trees eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) eastern red-cedar (Juniperus virginiana) chinquapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii) hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) pignut hickory (Carya Glabra) red oak (Quercus rubra) sugar maple (Acer saccharum) white oak (Quercus alba)
Shrubs downy arrow-wood (Viburnum rafinesquianum) running serviceberry (Amelanchier humilis)
Herbaceous barren strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) glade flax (Linum sulcatum var. sulcatum) hairy beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus) hairy pinweed (Lechea mucronata) orange-grass st. john's-wort (Hypericum gentianoides) prairie ragwort (Packera plattensis) bergamot (Monarda fistulosa ssp. 1) violet bushclover (Lespedeza violacea) western hairy rockcress (Arabis hirsuta) western wallflower (Erysimum capitatum) cliff stonecrop (Sedum glaucophyllum)* hidden spikemoss (Selaginella eclipes)* tall larkspur (Delphinium exaltatum)* three-lobed violet (Viola triloba)*
North-Central Appalachian Large River Floodplain
Trees box elder (Acer negundo) cottonwood (Populus deltoides silver maple (Acer saccharinum) sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Herbaceous basil beebalm (Monarda clinopodia) green dragon (Arisaema dracontium) canada moonseed (Menispermum canadense) nodding trillium (Trillium flexipes)
smooth burmarigold (Bidens laevis) american lotus (Nelumbo lutea)* coast violet (Viola brittoniana)* eastern prairie white-fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea)* heartleaf plantain (Plantago cordata)* limestone wild petunia (Ruellia strepens)* long's bulrush (Scirpus longii)* maryland bur-marigold (Bidens bidentoides)* navel-shape cornsalad (Valerianella umbilicata)* stalked bulrush (Scirpus pedicellatus)* tidal spikerush (Eleocharis aestuum)*
Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest
Trees black birch (Betula lenta) black oak (Quercus velutina) hickory (Carya spp.)
red maple (Acer rubrum) red oak (Quercus rubra) scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) white oak (Quercus alba) yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis)
Herbaceous American wintergreen (Pyrola americana) basil beebalm (Monarda clinopodia) blunt-lobe woodsia (Woodsia obtusa) bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix) common alexanders (Zizia auwrea) early buttercup (Ranunculus fascicularis) shinleaf (Pyrola elliptica) sicklepod (Arabis canadensis)
climbing fern (Lygodium palmatum)* goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)* small whorled pogonia (Isotria medeoloides)*
ASSOCIATED SPECIES; *SPECIES OF CONCERN
Source: Nature.ly. "Habitat Guide." Accessed April 29, 2025. http://nature.ly/HabitatGuide.
Mill Race Park Penn's Grant Open Space Two Fool's Island
Keystone Park Penn Pump Park
Hillcrest Open Space & Tot Lot Binney & Smith Preserve
Ecology
OVERALL OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
DEAD ASH STANDS
• Throughout their native range & in the Bushkill Creek Greenway, ash species have died off due to the presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis)
• Standing dead trees are present throughout the Greenway and provide great habitat for insects and woodpeckers (e.g. red-bellied woodpecker, northern flicker, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, pileated woodpecker).
• Thought should be given to areas of intersection with the trails in terms of public safety as trees begin to fall.
• This loss of ash is likely to change the character of woodlands along the Greenway and is an opportunity for targeted reforestation with high value native species. This also presents an opportunity for education about the impact of invasive species.
INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
• Woodland habitat in the Greenway is characterized by understory invasive species. The most prevalent species across the Greenway are multiflora rose, honeysuckle species, autumn olive, wild chervil, and mugwort.
• This, along with deer overpopulation, means there is little to no regeneration of our native forests. If nothing is done to address this, the species in the overstory will disappear over time.
• This presents an opportunity to facilitate regeneration of the forests in this area through different practices (fencing, reforestation, invasive species management).
• The highest priority is to manage the invasive honeysuckle and other vines species which are climbing trees and overtaking the canopy (these will kill the trees).
CONNECTING HABITAT
• All forest blocks within the study area are each less than 100 acres, limiting habitat for interior forest species.
• Connecting forest blocks and improving forest composition and native understory growth throughout the Greenway could create habitat for interior species like yellowthroated warbler, cerulean warbler, hooded warbler, scarlet tanager, and eastern towhee.
DIVERSIFICATION OF HABITAT TYPES
• Adding areas of native scrub/shrub habitat could create opportunities for species like willow flycatcher, brown thrasher, blue-winged warbler, yellow warbler, and yellowbreasted chat while also helping to stabilize eroded streambanks.
• Restoring native meadow and/or grassland in mowed areas of open space, as recommended in some individual parks below, would create habitat for species like eastern bluebird, indigo bunting, and American goldfinch.
• Expanding and improving riparian corridors and native grassland would also provide habitat for declining species such as short-tailed and long-tailed weasels.
• Planting native understory fruiting shrubs and trees could provide food sources for species like cedar waxwing and many other songbirds.
DAM REMOVALS
• With all dams below Penn Pump Park either removed or scheduled for removal by the end of 2026, there will be opportunities for more species to move from the Delaware (shad, trout, eel, freshwater mussels).
• Right now, the existing dam at Penn Pump Park is a barrier to further movement, but continuing momentum for dam removal would facilitate passage throughout the watershed.
• Freshwater mussels are natural water quality filters, removing dead material and algae from waterways. This species is absent from the Bushkill but continuing to remove barriers and facilitating reintroduction will improve water quality
EROSION & STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
• Naturalizing areas to reduce impervious surfaces and plantings to replace mowing will help to prevent erosion and flooding.
• Stormwater management can be looked at on a Greenway scale (naturalizing mowed areas, plantings along streams, stabilizing eroded areas, replacing undersized culverts) as well as at a small project scale
OBSERVED HABITATS & SPECIES IN THE BUSHKILL CREEK GREENWAY
Bird species
Waterfowl* Raptors** Wading Birds*** Other water-dependent species****
Found in: Streams, wetlands, and wooded riparian corridors
Ground
Found in: Open areas and young woodland habitat
Woodpeckers
Found in: Standing dead trees (Ash)
Wood duck* Black duck* Mallard* Common merganser* Swan* Canada goose*
Osprey** Great-horned owl**
Barred owl** Great blue heron*** Green heron*** Belted kingfisher****
nesting birds
Ruffed grouse Ring-necked pheasant American woodcock Wild turkey
Red-bellied woodpecker Northern flicker Downy woodpecker Hairy woodpecker Pileated woodpecker
OBSERVED HABITATS & SPECIES IN THE BUSHKILL CREEK GREENWAY
Brown
HABITATS & SPECIES IN THE BUSHKILL CREEK GREENWAY
Plant According to Moisture Conditions
SMALL
Chokeberry
Ecology
TREE CANOPY & HEAT RISK
KEY TERMS:
• Extreme Heat: In Pennsylvania, extreme heat is a period of heat and humidity with temperatures higher than 90 degrees for at least 2-3 days. [1]
HEAT RISK
• The Greenway Drainage Area in Palmer Township includes approximately 955 acres of tree canopy [2] and 1,022 acres are of impervious surfaces [3]
• Heat risk is shown where areas have low tree canopy cover and high impervious surfaces cover.
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:
• Opportunities to expand tree canopy or add shade structures should be considered in areas with high heat risk. Areas include:
• Trails between Potential Future Open Spaces at Stocker Mill Road and Penn Pump Park
• Area adjacent to Mill Race Park & Tot Lot
• Trails south of Binney & Smith Preserve
• Areas adjacent to Keystone Park [1]
BUSHKILL CREEK
SCHOENECKCREEK
Tree Canopy Benefits / Air Quality
[1] Tree Canopy data retrieved from Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access for 2019.
[2] Car equivalence was determined using EPA and National Transportation Data averaged across diesel and gasoline fueled vehicles in 2019.
Tree Canopy Benefits
[1] Tree Canopy data retrieved from Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access for 2019.
Hydrology
Mitigate fl o oding
What's draining to the Greenway?
Developed, Open Space
Developed, High Intensity
Developed, Medium Intensity
Developed, Low Intensity
Deciduous Forest
Hydrology
FLOODING
KEY TERMS:
• Floodway: Channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent area needed to convey the base flood elevation
• 100-Year Floodplain: Properties mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as having a 1% chance of flooding in any given year.
• 500-Year Floodplain: Properties mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as having a 0.2% chance of flooding in any given year.
• Base Flood Elevation: The elevation determined by FEMA to have a 1% chance of flooding at a specific location.
• Regulatory Flood Elevation: Elevation that impacts Township regulatory requirements for buildings in a floodplain (Base Flood Elevation + 18 inches)
RISK:
• 7 Parks which are in a floodplain
• 71 Structures in the 100-Year Floodplain
• 110 Structures in 500-Year Floodplain
• 5,620 LF of Trail in 100-Year Floodplain
• 12,385 LF of Trail in 500-Year Floodplain
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:
• Look for opportunities to remove structures in the floodplain or adapt them to meet National Flood Insurance Program requirements
• Consider raising commercial/ residential structure finished floors to 500-Year floodplain elevations, particularly where proposing new structures, to meet new ASCE 24 guidance
• Consider increasing flood storage along Greenway where space allows to reduce flood extents
• Consider flood-damage resistant materials in parks such as rotresistant wood and low-carbon concrete
• Consider increasing size of culverts and/or elevating frequently flooded crossings
BUSHKILL CREEK CORRIDOR ANALYSIS
SCHOENECKCREEK
How has impervious cover changed in the drainage area?
ImperviousAreaChanges
Greenway Drainage Area withinPalmerTownship
Anticipate Additional 500+ Acres of Impervious by 2030 if Trend Continues
+955 acres of Impervious Between 2001 and 2019
Impervious cover data retrieved from Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access for 2001, 2008, 2013, and 2019. Best fit equation used for projection:
Hydrology
WATER QUALITY
KEY TERMS:
• Impaired: A classification given to water bodies that cannot support their designated uses due to pollution and other factors.
WATER QUALITY
• 2,983 LF of stream is impaired for Aquatic Use (Cause: Flow Modification) [1]
• 46,056 LF of stream is impaired for Fish Consumption (Cause: Mercury) [1]
• 28,871 LF of stream is impaired for Recreational Use (Cause: Pathogens) [1]
• 1,034 acres of cropland are located within the drainage area; This is estimated to contribute 3.1 tons of nitrogen and 1.5 tons of phosphorus per year [2]
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:
• Stormwater systems should be located at least 100 feet from wells to protect well groundwater.
• Stormwater practices downslope of cropland should be chosen to maximize nutrient removal.
• Stormwater practices along impaired water ways should target known contaminants causing the impairments.
• The location of future stormwater discharges should be planned to mitigate the mixing of flows with other stormwater discharges that may exacerbate erosion.
TROUT STREAMS:
• Areas North and South of this portion of the Bushkill Creek are Class A Trout Streams [3]
[1] Impairment information retrieved from Pa.gov 2024 Integrated Water Quality Report, Water Quality classifications are from the Federal Impaired Water List (303D)
[2] Strouds Water Research Center's Model My Watershed tool was used to estimate nutrient loading in the drainage area within Palmer Township.
[3] https://pfbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index. html?id=65a89f6592234019bdc5f095eaf5c6ac
BUSHKILL CREEK
SCHOENECKCREEK
ERODIBLE SOILS
Hydrology
SOILS AND ERODIBILITY
KEY TERMS:
• Erosion: The loosening and removal by wind and/or water of soil and/or rock from its location.
• Easily erodible: Soils having an erodibility factor (K) > 0.37. This factor is used to estimate annual soil loss. [2]
SOILS
• Soils throughout the drainage area include loam, silt loam, sandy loam, gravelly loam, rock outcrop, and urban fill.
• Soils that are easily erodible are located along the streams.
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:
• Areas with high erodibility should be prioritized for stream bank stabilization projects.
• Creation of steep slopes in these areas should be avoided where possible.
SOILS KEY:
CAB: Califon loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
CLA: Clarksburg silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes
CLB: Clarksburg silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
CPA: Comly silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes
DAA: Delaware fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes
GND: Gladstone-Parker gravelly loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes
HO: Holly silt loam
MB: Middlebury silt loam
PQ: Pits, quarry
RYB: Ryder-Duffield silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes
RZF: Ryder-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 75 percent slopes
UBB: Udorthents, limestone, 0 to 8 percent slopes
UKAB: Urban land, 0 to 8 percent slopes
UKB: Urban land, occasionally flooded
UOB: Urban land, Duffield complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes
UOD: Urban land, Duffield complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes
UUDB: Urban land-Udorthents, limestone complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes
W: Water
WAB: Washington silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes
WAC: Washington silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes
WAD: Washington silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes
[1] Soil Information was obtained from USDA Web Soil Survey.
[2] PADEP Erosion and Sediment Control Manual defines "easily erodible"
OBSERVED EROSION
CORRIDOR PARK BOUNDARIES
Hydrology
SOIL INFILTRATION POTENTIAL
KEY TERMS:
• Hydrologic Soil Group: Indication of the amount of runoff to be expected when the soil is saturated. [1]
• Infiltration: Portion of rainfall or runoff that moves downward into the subsurface soils and rock. [2]
SOIL INFILTRATION
• The area around the Greenway includes soils with potentially high infiltration capacity
• Hydrologic Soil Group describes the ability of a soil to infiltrate runoff which reduces surface runoff volumes.
• A: High infiltration
• B: Moderate infiltration
• C: Slow infiltration
• D: Very slow infiltration
• B/D: Either moderate or very slow infiltration, depending on subsurface conditions
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:
• Soil investigations during more detailed design will be required to confirm infiltration rates. Infiltration must be between 0.5 in/hr and 12 in/hr per Palmer Township ordinances to allow for infiltrating stormwater practices.
• Impervious surfaces should be located on areas with Hydrologic Soil Group C or D where feasible to reduce impacts on runoff patterns.
SCHOENECKCREEK
Hydrology
SOIL INFILTRATION CONSTRAINTS
KEY TERMS:
• Carbonate Rock: Rock types that are susceptible to chemical weathering (dissolution) by groundwater. These are most commonly limestone and dolomite rock.
• Karst Features: Terrain that result from the dissolution of carbonate rock
• Karst Process: Chemical weathering (dissolution) of carbonate rock
CONSTRAINTS
• 2,690 Karst Features identified in the Greenway Drainage Area
• Karst geology can impact where a stormwater system can be located and how it functions
• Areas with shallow bedrock have higher risk of karst processes
• Areas closer to identified karst features have higher risk of karst processes
• The amount of runoff a stormwater system can capture is limited by carbonate rock
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:
• The prevalence of Karst features and carbonate rock near the Greenway may require noninfiltrating practices
• Per Township code, non-infiltrating practices must include multiple stormwater practices in series
• If stormwater systems can infiltrate, the amount of runoff they can capture may be limited. This would require more stormwater systems to meet Township volume and rate reduction requirements.
BUSHKILL
SCHOENECKCREEK
Mill Race Park & Tot Lot
EXISTING CONDITIONS
SIZE:
• Mill Race Park: 39.5 acres
• Mill Race Tot Lot: 0.5 acres
SPATIAL CHARACTER:
• Mill Race Park: Community Park
• Mill Race Tot Lot: Playground
SPORTS:
• 3 Soccer / Lacrosse Fields
• 5 Tennis / Pickleball Courts
• Fishing Access (Informal)
AMENITIES:
• 1 Picnic Area
• 2 Play Areas
• 1 Interpretive Sign
• 1 Pavilion
• 1 Bench
• 2 Public Restrooms
• 1 Water Fountain
• 13 Trash Receptacles
• Storage Shed
• Flagpole dedicated to coaches Gordon A. Evans and John R. Wunderly
ZONING:
• MDR: Medium Density Residential
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 2020 PARKS PLAN:
• "Considerations should be given to designating the park as a trailhead and providing bike amenities that would
include a rest stop, bike station, jug filler, and bike racks."
• "Repurpose open lawn by developing wildlife meadows to enhance sustainability efforts, especially at the park entries and along the creek. Also explore opportunities to transform / repurpose underutilized paved areas.
FOREST TYPOLOGIES PRESENT*:
• Urban/Suburban Built
• Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest
• North-Central Appalachian Large River Floodplain
ADA CONCERNS**:
• Mill Race Park: Only 1 van accessible space & 1 car accessible space out of 200 total spaces. Mill Race Tot Lot: No accessible spaces provided
• Currently no accessible routes to park amenities
• Current route to the pavilion is less than 36" wide and is not accessible
• Current route to the public restrooms has a slope of 12.6% and is not accessible
• Currently no accessible picnic tables or companion seating adjacent to benches
• Existing drinking fountain is not accessible
• No signage directing users to accessible areas
Penn's Grant Open Space
EXISTING CONDITIONS
SIZE:
• 34.9 acres
SPATIAL CHARACTER:
• Forested Natural Park with Hiking Trails
SPORTS:
• Fishing Access
AMENITIES:
• 2 Hiking / Walking Trails
• Birdwatching
ZONING:
• MDR: Medium Density Residential
FOREST TYPOLOGIES PRESENT*:
• Urban/Suburban Built
• Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest
• North-Central Appalachian Large River Floodplain
• Central Appalachian Alkaline Glade and Woodland
Source: *The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Gateway (https://www.conservationgateway.org/Pages/default.aspx)
The powerline ROW presents an opportunity for different habitat type (scrub shrub, grassland, etc.).
There is erosion from stormwater and a huge area of Hydrophyllum virginianum on both sides.
Species observed include wingstem, mugwort (which dominates the area), and hemlock. This area is likely wet with some frequency. There is some insect activity.
This property contains stands of dead ash with vines and few others mixed in (walnut, magnolia, hackberry, box elder, sycamore, spicebush, oak, beech) and understory invasives (dames rocket). The stream is still eroded here. Observed some songbirds (sparrow, titmouse, cardinal, and robin) and reforestation might bring more.
Penn’s Grant Open Space
A lack of riparian vegetation on the powerline ROW contributes to streambank erosion in this section.
Species observed include olive, honeysuckle, multiflora, and stiltgrass (which will explode if the dead ash isn't replaced). There is a large amount of deadfall in the stream.
The signage is nice but should be replaced. There are more opportunities for signage in key areas of interest.
This is a nice section of stream - good riffles and runs. The buffer has been kept up, though the understory can be improved and there is dead ash.
There is a series of dams and channelization on the tributary.
Observed animal crossing here.
Species observed in this wetland include large phragmites (which dominate the area), chervil, scirpus sylvaticus, olive, multiflora, wingstem, sycamore, solidago, and deer.
Two Fool's Island
EXISTING CONDITIONS
SIZE:
• 5.3 acres
SPATIAL CHARACTER:
• Potential Future Acquisition, Natural Area
SPORTS:
• N/A
AMENITIES:
• 1 Pavilion
• 1 Bench
• Potential Habitat Restoration Areas
ZONING:
• LDR: Low Density Residential
FOREST TYPOLOGIES PRESENT*:
• Urban/Suburban Built
• Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest
• North-Central Appalachian Large River Floodplain
Source: *The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Gateway (https://www.conservationgateway.org/Pages/default.aspx)
Potential Future Open Space: Stocker Mill Rd
A huge stand of phragmites makes up the rest of this wetland. It has started to move in and will continue to do so. This must be prevented.
Wooded wetlands and a spring/ephemeral stream are present. Species observed include skunk cabbage, jewelweed, violet, spicebush, and lilies. Invasives are starting to take over (vine honeysuckle, chervil, celandine, multiflora, wineberry, and cattail).
Keystone Park
EXISTING CONDITIONS
SIZE:
• 10.3 acres
SPATIAL CHARACTER:
• Community Park - Extension of Backyards
SPORTS:
• 1 Baseball Field
• 3 Soccer / Multi-use Fields
• 2 Volleyball Courts (with lighting)
AMENITIES:
• 1 Picnic Area
• 1 Pavilion
• 2 Light Poles at Volleyball courts
• 4 Benches
• 2 Public Restrooms
• 1 Water Fountain (Out of Service?)
• 1 Trash Receptacle
AMENITIES AT ADJACENT TRACY ELEMENTARY:
• 2 Softball Fields (overlaid with youth Soccer)
• Children's Play Area
ZONING:
• LDR: Low Density Residential
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 2020 PARKS PLAN:
• "Over-use and over-scheduling must be addressed in order to minimize costly repairs and lower ongoing maintenance costs."
FOREST TYPOLOGIES
PRESENT*:
• Urban/Suburban Built
• Agricultural
ADA CONCERNS**:
• Currently no accessible routes to park amenities
• Currently no accessible seating or equipment
• Currently no accessible water fountain
• Existing accessible parking spaces do not meet width requirements, more accessible spaces are needed
• Currently no accessible restrooms
• Currently no signage for accessible routes
Penn Pump Park
EXISTING CONDITIONS
SIZE:
• 11.8 acres
• 1.3 acres (Adjacent Undeveloped Parcel)
SPATIAL CHARACTER:
• Forested Community Park
SPORTS:
• 1 T-Ball Field
• Fishing Access (Dam is used as a fishing/swimming feature, though not allowed within park rules)
AMENITIES:
• 3 Picnic Areas
• 1 Pavilion
• 1 Play Area
• Birdwatching
• 3 Benches
• 1 Interpretive Sign (Wild Brown Trout)
• 2 Public Restrooms
• 7 Trash Receptacles
• Entry Gates
ZONING:
• LI/MU: Light Industrial / Mixed Use
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 2020 PARKS PLAN:
• "Develop a management plan for this park to specifically address erosion,
redefine use areas, creek access, flood mitigation and re-establish the bank and riparian buffer"
• "Develop a facility services plan to align visitor needs with restroom and pavilion use; implement applicable upgrades. Address ball field updates as applicable in context of overall demand and usage levels."
FOREST TYPOLOGIES PRESENT*:
• Urban/Suburban Built
• Agricultural
• Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest
• North-Central Appalachian Large River Floodplain
• Central Appalachian Alkaline Glade and Woodland
ADA CONCERNS**:
• Currently no accessible routes to park amenities
• Currently no accessible seating or equipment
• Currently no accessible water fountain
• Existing accessible parking spaces do not meet width requirements, more accessible spaces are needed
• Currently no accessible restrooms
• Currently no signage for accessible routes
The dam is cracked/aging, and debris, sediment deposition, and erosion are present. There are signs of intrusion and no “Danger” sign. Species observed include chervil, redbud, sycamore, multiflora, box elder, bradford pear, Norway maple, and ducks.
If this area is still not being used for sports, it presents a great opportunity to expand the buffer or create a meadow. It seems like geese are the main users.
There have been past efforts to naturalize this area and provide education. We should seize opportunities to steward and expand these efforts by involving volunteers. Currently, it's mostly just invasive species (chervil hemlock) and buck rubbed elder.
Penn Pump Park
This signage should be updated with interpretive signs.
The plantings are great and should be expanded to create a buffer. Need to identify where the sewer line runs.
Species observed include wild chervil, honeysuckle, knotweed, box elder, ash, poison
multiflora,
and
like a habitat feature was built in-stream at some point and is similar to rock weir.
This park is in a floodplain, and any materials used should reflect that. Gravel is not ideal because it washes away. Observed mergansers in the stream.
This is a nice stream access point and fish habitat.
Something like this is a great opportunity to educate about dam removal. There are opportunities to see other migratory fish coming up from the Delaware. Other signage should be fixed up/improved. Waterfowl other than geese could be encouraged to come to this area with things like nest boxes.
Signage opportunity.
ivy, sycamore,
white pine, black cherry,
red oak. It looks
Binney & Smith Preserve
EXISTING CONDITIONS
SIZE:
• 6.8 acres
SPATIAL CHARACTER:
• Natural Area
SPORTS:
• Fishing Access (Informal)
AMENITIES:
• Habitat Restoration Areas
ZONING:
• LI/MU: Light Industrial / Mixed Use
FOREST TYPOLOGIES
PRESENT*:
• Urban/Suburban Built
• Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest
Source: *The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Gateway (https://www.conservationgateway.org/Pages/default.aspx)
Binney & Smith Preserve
EXISTING CONDITIONS
from
the impacts of the former
The property is largely forested, with two distinct age classes of trees, suggesting differing land use histories. The overstory is largely native but the understory is choked with Japanese stilt grass and other invasive species. These should be managed and replaced with native plantings to improve the riparian woodland.
There are long-range plans to improve access to the property from the trail. No funding is secured, but the long-term goal is to provide ADA access to certain sections of stream and formalize a trail system.
Parts of the property may be suitable for eastern hognose snake.
Wildlands Conservancy removed a dam immediately downstream
the property in 2021 and the stream continues to recover from
dam.
Hillcrest Open Space & Tot Lot
EXISTING CONDITIONS
SIZE:
• Hillcrest Open Space: 3.0 acres
• Hillcrest Tot Lot: 0.5 acres
SPATIAL CHARACTER:
• Hillcrest Open Space: Natural Area
• Hillcrest Tot Lot: Playground
SPORTS:
• N/A
AMENITIES:
• 1 Play Area
• 1 Bench
• Signage
• 1 Trash Receptacle
• Potential Habitat Restoration Areas
ZONING:
• MDR: Medium Density Residential
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 2020 PARKS PLAN:
• "Define the park boundaries with fencing or shrubbery."
• "Add a fence or barrier adjacent to the access drive."
FOREST TYPOLOGIES
PRESENT*:
• Urban/Suburban Built
• Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest
Source: *The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Gateway (https://www.conservationgateway.org/Pages/default.aspx)
Hillcrest Neighborhood Bushkill Park (Forks Township)
Palmer Park Mall
Dead ash is present throughout this whole area, which is dangerous, but it could be an opportunity for habitat by leaving some up. There are also planting opportunities. The typical understory invasives are present - vines threaten living trees, and there are a few magnolia stellata and hyacinth throughout the greenway.
This is a great herp habitat with great potential. Use plants to enhance the habitat and aesthetics and to create a buffer from the trail. This is a high priority for protection.
Species involved include chickadee, red bellied woodpecker, goldfinch, Carolina wren, cardinal, and red winged blackbird.
This could be a swale. There are opportunities for improvement in this area. Species observed include wineberry, honeysuckle, chervil, multiflora, and others.
Palmer Bikeway
This is a very nice wetland/ephemeral habitat. Species observed include skunk cabbage, jewelweed, vine honeysuckle, chervil, wineberry, and cattails. Invasives are starting to take over.
Species observed include multiflora, bittersweet vines, chervil, staghorn, box elder, spicebush, burning bush, burdock, wingstem, wild cucumber, sycamore, pine, dogwood, poison ivy, Ohio buckeye, and garlic mustard.
There is not much opportunity beyond here with the road, but it is a nice section of the stream.
This field is a good opportunity for something, potentially buffer expansion.
Species observed include vines, dead ash, and honeysuckle. This whole woodland is likely to change in few years.
Species observed include large stand sycamore, some dead ash (indicating continued wet habitat), olive, honeysuckle, and multiflora.
The phrag ends here. This is a nice park setting with geese and dogwood (silky or red osier). Observed some private property signs.
Species observed include multiflora, honeysuckle, chervil, dead ash, and waterfowl (mergansers and mallards). There is some erosion on both sides and the understory could be improved.
Good habitats like this (pine grove) allow for things like bird watching.
We could add some trees for screening.
Species observed include lovely old sycamores, honeysuckle, pear, and Norway maple.
Species observed include skunk cabbage, chervil, and geese in Lions Park.
There are eroded banks along the trail, which need to be restored to protect the infrastructure. Erosion is also present along Lions Park. The stream is still impounded. Species observed include multiflora, honeysuckle, and a nice section of pines. Clustered plantings may give a different feel along sections of the trail.
Observed celandine.
Garter snake.