Bushkill Creek Greenway Master Plan: Initial Analysis

Bushkill Creek Greenway Mas Omnes Landscape Architecture, Planning & Art www.omnes.studio

ter P

n la

Master Planning Process

Pop Up #1

Public Meeting #2

Pop Up #2

TBD

8/15 - 8/16/25 Palmer Community Weekend

Planning

3/23/25 to 4/30/25

05/19/25, 7pm Board of Supervisors

05/17/25, 9am Easton Farmer's Market

WE ARE HERE

Analysis

Public Meeting #1

Public Meeting #3 TBD

5/1/25 to 9/17/25

100%

9/17/25 Internal Planning Team Meeting

50%

90%

Implementation & Phasing 9/18/25 to 10/15/25

9/28/25

8/20/25

75%

7/16/25 Internal Planning Team Meeting

5/21/25 Internal Planning Team Meeting

6/25/25 Steering Committee Presentation

Survey #1

05/17/25 to 06/22/25

100%

Short term: 1-3 years

10/15/25 Steering Committee Presentation

50%

25%

Grant Funding & Phased Implementation

Steering Committee Presentation

Mid-term: 3-10 years Long-term: 10+ years

75%

11/19/25 Internal Planning Team Meeting

Final Report 9/29/25 to 11/25/25

Survey #2

10/19/25 to 11/16/25

2

Project Goals

Create Resilient

Protect & Restore

Enhance Support

Communicate

History a t e l o ca l h is u nic m toric m i f i n c g a al & i o n s ce C u ra l t l cu

Reveal the historic and cultural significance of the area through creative storytelling of archival research.

Connection trat e exemp ons lary m De ort trail system c accessibility, hang pp es su

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

f a c i l i t i e s, ate d U p - u s e r r e c re a t i o n expe lti rience mu

Update existing parks facilities, including those identified in the National Wetland Inventory, to enhance safety and usability.

Ecology a b i t at & ct h e t o Pr n c e r e s i l i e n c e ha en

Hydrology tig Mi

at e

fl o oding

Address significant flooding events in creekside parks and gateway intersections.

Protect and enhance the creek’s habitat to withstand the potential effects of global climate change.

Evaluate overlapping and conflicting park uses and make recommendations that improve the experience for all of the different user groups.

3

What is the Bushkill Creek Greenway?

Bushkill Creek Greenway

T1

PARKS & OPEN SPACE PARKS INCLUDED IN THIS STUDY:

1

•1 Mill Race Park & Tot Lot (Villages at Mill Race Open Space, Bushkill Open Space) •2 Penn’s Grant Open Space •3 Two Fool's Island (Potential Future Acquisition) •4 Keystone Park •5 Penn Pump Park & Potential Future Open Space at Northwood Ave •6 Binney & Smith Preserve (Binney & Smith Open Space) •7 Hillcrest Open Space & Tot Lot

A6

2

D2

T2

TRAILS INCLUDED IN THIS STUDY: T1 • T2 •

Palmer Bikeway (Connects to Tatamy Trail to North & Two Rivers Trailway to South) Schoeneck Creek Trail A.K.A. Penn’s Grant Path (Connects to Palmer Bikeway to East)

ADJACENT PARKS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS STUDY: A1 •

• A2 • A3 • A4 • A5 A6 • A7 • A8 •

Bushkill Park, Forks Township Forks Community Park, Forks Township Fox Run Park, Palmer Township

Hackett & Lower Hackett Park, City of Easton Lion's Park, Forks Township Penn's Ridge Park, Forks Township Tracy Elementary School, Palmer Township Wolf's Run Open Space, Palmer Township

T2

3

A3

A2

A7 A5

4 5

A8

D1

6 A1

7

T1

DAMS WITHIN STUDY AREA: D1 • D2 •

Dam #6 Penn Pump Park Dam #7 Penn's Grant Open Space

A4

5

Regional Context

1 A1

TRAIL NETWORKS

10 G1

REGIONAL TRAIL NETWORKS: •1 9/11 National Memorial Trail (1,500 miles) •2 D&L Trail (140 miles) •3 Delaware River Water Trail (200 miles) •4 Forks Township Recreation Trail (2 miles) •5 Karl Stirner Arts Trail (2.2 miles) •6 Lehigh River Water Trail (75 miles) •7 Palmer Township Trail Network (1.4 miles) •8 Plainfield Township Recreation Trail (6.7 miles) •9 South Bethlehem Greenway (2.4 miles) • Stockertown Rail Trail (1 mile) 10 •11 Tatamy Trail (0.25 miles) 12 • Two Rivers Trailway (20 miles)

11

T2 •

G2

G3

7

5 G4

A2

Palmer Bikeway (3.0 miles) Schoeneck Creek Trail A.K.A. Penn's Grant Path (0.7 miles)

12

ADJACENT PARK TRAILS: A1 •

3

T2

EXISTING TRAILS INCLUDED IN THIS STUDY: T1 •

4

T1

2

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center Trails (19.7 miles)

Louise W. Moore County Park Trails (2.7 miles) A3 • Marlton Wildlife Sanctuary Trails (4.2 miles) A2 •

6

REGIONAL TRAIL NETWORK GAPS: Between Tatamy Trail & Stockertown Rail Trail G2 • Between Schoeneck Creek Trail & Trail at Fox Run Open Space G3 • Between Palmer Bikeway & KSAT at 13th Street G4 • Between KSAT & D&L Trail through the City of Easton G1 •

A3

9

6

History ate loc c i n u al h m istor m n i f g i i c i s o cal & a l n a c C r e u t l cu

Evolution of the Bushkill CULTURAL-ECOLOGICAL TIMELINE Interactions between humans and the Bushkill Creek have occurred throughout history, shaping the ecosystem and culture around this unique and dynamic waterway.

“Wild brook trout need the coldest and cleanest water, like that which flows in a small stream beneath a shady forest. Today, most of these shaded streams can be found only in the forested mountains. That’s because much of our landscape has been opened up to agriculture and development. - Walt Dietz

Wagener Homestead & Dam S o urc e : M a r x Ro o m at t he E a sto n Pub lic L ib ra r y

Easton & Northern Railroad along Bushkill Creek S o urc e : M a r x Ro o m at t he E a ston Pu b l i c L i b ra r y

S o u rc e : Bu s h k i l l Strea m C o nserva ncy. (20 0 5). S o bers Run Col dwater Con s ervat i on Pl an . Bus h ki l l Towns h i p, PA. Ret r ieve d f ro m ht t ps : // bu s h kill.o rg / w p - co ntent/u p lo a d s/ 2019/11/2005-s obers -run-c ons ervat i on-pl an . pdf

MAJOR INFLUENCES:

CREEK USES:

EFFECTS ON WATERWAY:

INDIGENOUS LAND PRACTICES [10,000 YEARS AGO]

COLONIAL SETTLEMENT [1600S - 1700S]

EARLY INDUSTRY [1700S - 1800S]

RAILROADS, PIGMENT & URBANIZATION [EARLY 1900S]

Fish from the Bushkill were a significant food source for the Lenape, the native people of the Lehigh Valley, including the native brook trout which once thrived in the streams.

European settlers cleared the forests for fuel, homes, furniture and tools. Eventually large-scale demand for timber production in northeastern Pennsylvania led to major deforestation in the region.

Small dams and mills were built along the Bushkill to harness power and mill grains and lumber. Wheat flour was sent to Philadelphia and New York.

Railroads were built along the creek to transport coal and other materials.

•

Limited clearing of the land meant that the creek was surrounded by forest which shaded and cooled its waters, a primary characteristic needed for the native brook trout and associated flora and fauna

(Bu shkill Strea m C o ns ervan cy Pamphl et , 2022. M arx ro o m at the ea sto n publ i c l i brary)

• • •

Lack of forests changed the habitat for the native brook trout Water temperatures rose too high to support native brook trout With no vegetation to hold the soil, the banks eroded and silt washed into spawning habitat

(Bus h ki l l St ream Cons er va ncy. (2 0 0 5). S o b e rs Run Col dwater Con s ervat i on Pla n. Bushk ill Tow nship, PA .

Ret ri eved f rom ht t ps ://b ushk ill.o rg/w p -c o nte nt /) upl oads /2019/11/2005-so b e rs-r un-c o nse r vat io n-p la n.p df

•

•

Dams formed barriers to fish migration, disrupting their migration and the species that depend on them such as the freshwater mussel Dams disrupted the flow of the creek which contributed to flooding, erosion and reduced water quality

(Indust r y a lo ng t he Bushk ill, M a r x ro o m at t he e a sto n p ub lic lib ra r y)

New industries developed along the Bushkill including the Binney & Smith company which bought one of the mills along the creek to manufacture pencils.

• • •

Land was cleared and graded along the creek, further disrupting the forested riparian buffer Dams remained but were decreasing in use for milling or power Creek was stocked with introduced fish such as the European Brown trout to support fishing recreation

(Central Railroad of New Jersey Wikipedia). ( ht t p s: //w w w.fundinguni vers e.com/comp a nyhisto r ie s/b inney-sm it h-i n c- h i stor y/ )

8

Evolution of the Bushkill CULTURAL-ECOLOGICAL TIMELINE

Construction work on Bushkill Drive, 1968 S o u rce: Ma rx Ro o m at t h e Easton Publ i c Li brary

MAJOR INFLUENCES:

CREEK USES:

POST INDUSTRIAL DECLINE & SUBURBANIZATION [MID 1900S]

ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS & REWILDING [LATE 1900S - NOW]

The population of Palmer Township greatly increased following WWII. Development encroached on waterways and riparian areas.

1991 - Bushkill Stream Conservancy was formalized; it’s original intent was to explore a recreational trail utilizing abandoned rail lines along Bushkill Creek.

1968 - Bushkill Drive roadway was widened and the creek was rechanneled.

EFFECTS ON WATERWAY:

Nazareth High school Students working in the Bushkill Creek, 1979 Sourc e: Ma r x Ro o m at t he E a sto n Pub lic L ib ra r y

• • •

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

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

Bushkill flooding at the old Stocker Mill, 1984 S o urc e : M a r x Ro o m at t he E a sto n Pub lic L ib ra r y

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....

9

Evolution of the Bushkill HISTORIC MILL & DAM LOCATIONS

Wagener Homestead & Dam Sourc e : M a r x Ro o m at t he E a sto n Pub lic L ib ra r y

WAGENER SPRING HOUSE

NEWLINS MILL, FORMERLY WAGENER’S MILL & DAM

STOCKER MILL & DAM Walter’s Mill & Dam S o urce s : Si g a l Mu s e u m , NC HG S Ma rx Ro o m at the E a sto n Pu b lic Lib ra ry

WALTER’S MILL & DAM (PENN PUMP)

Overholt Mill, 1944 Sourc e : N C H G S

OVERHOLT MILL & DAM

KELPER’S MILL

Kelper’s Mill So u rce: Sig a l Mu seu m , NC HG S

BINNEY & SMITH PIGMENT PLANT, FORMER MILL & DAM LEIGHTON MILLS HESTER FLOUR MILL & DAM 10

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..."

"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 S o urc e : Bushk ill St re a m C o nse r va ncy. (2 0 0 5). S o b e rs Run C o ldwate r C o nse r vat io n Pla n. Bushk ill Tow n s h i p, PA . Ret r i eved f rom ht t p s: //b ushk ill.o rg/w p -c o nte nt /up lo a ds/2 0 1 9/1 1 /2 0 0 5 -so b e rs-r un-c o nse r vat io n-p la n.p df

INDIGENOUS LAND PRACTICES

COLONIAL SETTLEMENT

Fishing on the Bushkill Creek, 1987

S o u rc e : Ma rx Ro o m at the E a sto n Pu b lic Lib ra ry

EARLY INDUSTRY

Trout Fishing

Sourc e: M arx Room at t he E a sto n Pub lic L ib ra r y

1st Day of Fishing On The Bushkill April 14, 1975

S o urc e : M a r x Ro o m at t he E a sto n Pub lic L ib ra r y

11

Evolution of the Bushkill RAILROAD & INDUSTRY

New industries developed along the Bushkill including the Binney & Smith company which bought one of the mills along the creek to manufacture pencils and eventually crayons.

Railroads were built along the creek to transport coal and other materials.

S o urc e : C e nt ra l Ra ilro a d of New Je rsey W ik ip e dia ; ( ht t p s: //w w w.fundingunive rse.c o m /c o m p a ny- h i stor i es / b i n n ey- s mi t h - i n chisto r y/)

INDIGENOUS LAND PRACTICES

COLONIAL SETTLEMENT

Easton & Northern Railroad along Bushkill Creek

S o u rc e : Ma rx Ro o m at the E a sto n Pu b lic Lib ra ry

EARLY INDUSTRY

RAILROADS, PIGMENT & URBANIZATION

Conrail, 1985

Sourc e: M arx Room at t he E a sto n Pub lic L ib ra r y

Binney & Smith Co Crayon Box, 1926

S o urc e : S c ie nc e Histo r y Inst it ute, Pub lic do m a in, v ia W i k i med i a Common s

12

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.”

S o urc e : Bilinsk i, M o lly. “ The C re e k ’ s Flow ing Aga in: E a sto n Da m Re m ove d a s Pa r t of Bushk ill C reek Restorat i on . ” Leh i g hVa l l eyNews . c o m , June 5 , 2 0 24 . ht t p s: //w w w.le highva lleynews.c o m /e nv iro nm e nt-sc ie nc e /t he -c re e ks-flow ing -a g a i n - ea ston - d a m- removed -a s p a r t-of-b ushk ill-c re e k-re sto rat io n.

- Kristie Fach, Director of Ecological Restoration, Wildlands Conservancy INDIGENOUS LAND PRACTICES

COLONIAL SETTLEMENT

1952 Flood

S o u rc e : Ma rx Ro o m at the E a sto n Pu b lic Lib ra ry

EARLY INDUSTRY

RAILROADS, PIGMENT & URBANIZATION

1956 Flood

Sourc e: M arx Room at t he E a sto n Pub lic L ib ra r y

POST INDUSTRIAL DECLINE & SUBURBANIZATION

1957 Drought

S o urc e : M a r x Ro o m at t he E a sto n Pub lic L ib ra r y

13

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..."

"...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.”

S o urc e : A wate r q ua lit y st udy of t he Bushk ill C re e k fro m E a sto n to Tat a my, No r t ha m pto n C o unt y, Pen n sy l va n i a , M a r x Room at t h e E a sto n Pub lic L ib ra r y.

INDIGENOUS LAND PRACTICES

COLONIAL SETTLEMENT

POST INDUSTRIAL DECLINE & SUBURBANIZATION

RAILROADS, PIGMENT & URBANIZATION

EARLY INDUSTRY

Construction work on Bushkill Drive, 1968

Before & after views of the 1968 Bushkill Drive construction and creek rechanneling

SH

SH

KI

KI

LL

LL

BE FOR E 19 68

DR

DR

AFT E R 19 68

IV

IV

E

E NEW

LINS

RD.

Sourc e: PennPi l ot (Histo r ic a l Ae r ia l Photo L ib ra r y) 1 93 8 - 1 9 80 The Pennsyl van i a St ate Unive rsit y

NEW

LINS

RD.

Y RD. TATAM

Y RD. TATAM

So u rc e : Ma rx Ro o m at the E a sto n Pu b lic Lib ra ry

BU

1971

BU

1958

PATH OF BUSHKILL CREEK

KEY MAP S o urc e : Pe nnPilot (Histo r ic a l Ae r ia l Photo L ib ra r y) 1 93 8 - 1 9 80 The Pe nnsylva nia St ate Unive rsit y

14

Evolution of the Bushkill ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS & REWILDING

“Every day there’s a new threat to Bushkill Creek.

Within the last year there was extensive fish kill on the Little Bushkill. A new chemical plant went into operation on the flood plain a short distance from the creek. Just last week plans to rebuild the dam at Tatamy and approval for an oil pipe line which will cross the creek were announced..."

INDIGENOUS LAND PRACTICES

COLONIAL SETTLEMENT

EARLY INDUSTRY

Nazareth High School Bio Students working in the Bushkill, May 30th, 1979

S o u rc e : Ma rx Ro o m at the E a sto n Pu b lic Lib ra ry

"...This is a rapidly urbanizing area without action on the part of residents, Bushkill Creek can change from an asset to a liability.”

- Raymond W. Grant, president of the Bushkill Watershed Association, February 16, 1973 S o urc e : Bushk ill Wate rshe d A sso c iat io n Newslet te r, Fe b r ua r y 1 97 3. M a r x Ro o m at t he E a sto n Pub l i c L i b ra r y

RAILROADS, PIGMENT & URBANIZATION

POST INDUSTRIAL DECLINE & SUBURBANIZATION

Palmer Township Recreation Trail, at former rail line (initiated in 1970s)

Sourc e: Pal mer Tow nship, ht t p s: //p a lm e r t w p.c o m /b ike -wa lk ing-p at hs.ht m l

ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS & REWILDING

Dam #1 removed along the Bushkill, 2023

S o urc e : W ildla nds C o nse r va ncy

15

Connection t e exe a r t s n mp o l , m ary y t l i e s i a l y r i s t accessib t t D e r m o ch a n p p ges su

Who lives in Palmer Township?

TOTAL POPULATION

22,390 People

48.9% 51.1% Female

Male

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Population estimates” July 1, 2023, v2023. Quick Facts, accessed February 25, 2025.

EDUCATION (POPULATION 25 YRS+)

RACE 5.9% Asian alone 3.9% Black alone

AGE

8.7% Two or More Races

76.2% White alone

9.9%

Associates Degree

25%

Bachelor’s Degree

18.6%

Persons under 18 years

22.6%

Persons 65 years and over

Not Shown: - 0.0% American Indian and Alaska Native alone - 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Race & Hispanic Origin, Palmer Township, PA” Quick Facts, accessed February 25, 2025.

MEDIAN AGE

46.7 Years

High School or Equivalent Some College, No Degree

Persons under 5 years

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Age and Sex, Palmer Township, PA,” Quick Facts, accessed February 25, 2025.

29.2% 16.1%

4.9%

HISPANIC ORIGIN

15.0%

Hispanic or Latino

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “AGE & Sex” ACS 5-Year Estimates, TABLE S0101, 2023.

72.5%

White alone, not Hispanic or Latino

15.4%

Graduate or Professional Degree

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Educational Attainment)” ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table S1501, 2023.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Race & Hispanic Origin, palmer township, PA,” Quick Facts, accessed February 25, 2025.

17

Who lives in Palmer Township?

MEDIAN INCOME

BY TYPES OF FAMILIES

HOUSING OCCUPANCY

2.6% Vacant

2.49

$150K

People

97.4% Occupied $0

$128,676 $140,110 $58,586 Families

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Selected housing characteristics” ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table DP04, 2023.

HOME OWNERSHIP RATE

80.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Selected housing characteristics” ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table DP04, 2023.

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE

Married Couple Families

SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau, “Households and Persons Per Household” ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2019-2023.

Non-family Households

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “income in the past 12 months (in 2023 InflationAdjusted Dollars)” ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table S1901, 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.

18

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

19

Access & Connectivity

1

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

2 3 4

5

6

7 9

8 10 12 11

20

Access & Connectivity BRIDGE & GREENWAY ACCESS INVENTORY

1 Bridge at Tatamy Trail (Bushkill Street)

2 Bridge at Mill Race Park (Newlins Mill Road)

3 Abandoned Bridge (located between

4 Pedestrian Bridge at Penn's Grant Open Space

5 Bridge at Two Fool's Island (Stocker Mill Road)

6 Bridge at Penn Pump Park (Northwood Avenue)

7 Pedestrian Bridge at Penn Pump Park (Bridge B) [1]

8 Pedestrian Bridge at Binney & Smith Preserve

9 Pull over area at Waterfowl Observation Area

10 Bridge at Bushkill Park (Bushkill Park Drive)

11

12 Bridge at Binney & Smith (Edgewood Avenue)

Newlins Mill Road and Stocker mill Road)

Bridge at Hillcrest Open Space (Hackett Avenue)

Source: [1] Tony Rhodin File Photo for Lehighvalleylive.com

21

How does Palmer's trail system compare with national medians?

MILES OF TRAIL 120

NRPA National Medians

Palmer Township

MILES OF TRAIL

100

MILES OF TRAILS

60

40

Less than 20,000

20,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 99,999

100,000250,000

More than 250,000

Median*

16.00

4.50

10.00

18.10

27.00

97.00

PALMER TOWNSHIP

Lower Quartile*

6.00

2.00

5.00

8.00

18.00

40.80

56% LESS THAN THE NATIONAL MEDIAN

Upper Quartile*

46.00

9.20

19.60

52.00

52.00

180.30

NATIONAL MEDIAN FOR JURISDICTIONS OF A SIMILAR SIZE

Population

Miles of Trail

5.1

22,390**

Adjacent Regional Trail Networks

0 90 ,3 0 22 00 0, 25 00 0 an 0, th e 25 or to 99 M 0 ,9 00 99 0, to 00 10 ,0 00 49 ,0 to 50 00 00 0,0 ,0 2 20 an th s ie ss Le enc g A

ll A

TRAILS INCLUDED: • • •

Palmer Township

10.00*

20

Jurisdiction Population All Agencies

5.1

80

NRPA Data*

Palmer Bikeway A.K.A. Palmer Township Bike Path (3 miles) Palmer Township Trail Network (1.4 miles) Schoeneck Creek Trail A.K.A. Penn’s Grant Open Space (0.7 miles)

*Source: National Recreation and Park Association, Agency Performance Review, 2024 **Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Population estimates” July 1, 2023, v2023. Quick Facts, accessed February 25, 2025.

Trail Length (Miles)

Palmer Bikeway

3.0

Palmer Township Trail Network

1.4

Schoeneck Creek Trail

0.7

9/11 National Memorial Trail

1,500

D&L Trail

140

Karl Stirner Arts Trail

2.2

Plainfield Township Recreation Trail

6.7

South Bethlehem Greenway

2.4

Stockertown Rail Trail

1.0

Tatamy Trail

0.25

Two Rivers Trailway

20

22

Signage & Wayfinding Visual Inventory EXISTING ASSETS

Palmer Township Standard Park Entry Signage

Palmer Bikeway Trail Signage

Standard Playground Rules Signage

Palmer Township Standard Park Entry Signage - Alternate

Palmer Trail Map Standard Signage

Palmer Township Standard Park Rules Signage

23

Signage & Wayfinding Visual Inventory EXISTING RELEVANT BRANDING IDENTITIES

DELAWARE & LEHIGH (D&L) TRAIL

9/11 NATIONAL MEMORIAL TRAIL

IL

TR A &L MILE

59 D

&L

L

TWO RIVERS TRAILWAY

D

LIVABLE LANDSCAPES GRANT

T RA

I

24

ZONING

Zoning & Code

LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL

ZONING DESIGNATIONS

MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL

LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL: • • •

•

Parks in Zoning District: Keystone Park Potential Future Open Space: Stocker Mill Rd, Trails Permitted Uses Include: community garden, nature reserve, public park/ recreation Permitted Accessory Uses Include: : non-commercial recreational facility for household/residents

non-commercial recreational facility for household/residents, bus shelters, and community-supported agriculture delivery station

LIGHT INDUSTRIAL/MIXED USE: • • •

MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL: •

•

•

Parks in Zoning District: Penn’s Grant Open Space, Villages at Mill Race Open Space, Mill Race Park, Mill Race Tot Lot, Bushkill Open Space, Hill Crest Tot Lot, Trails Permitted Uses Include: community garden, nature reserve, public park/ recreation Permitted Accessory Uses Include: non-commercial recreational facility for household/residents

HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL: • •

•

•

PLANNED OFFICE/BUSINESS MAIN STREET COMMERCIAL LIGHT INDUSTRIAL/MIXED USE INDUSTRIAL/OFFICE COMMERCIAL PALMER CORRIDOR PARKS

Parks in Zoning District: Penn Pump Park, Binney and Smith Open Space Potential Future Open Space; Northwood Ave, Trails Permitted Uses Include: artisan, craft, exercise or performing arts studios, commercial indoor recreation use, golf courses, and public parks and recreation Permitted Accessory Uses Include: food trucks

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS: •

•

Existing parks and potential open space fall within districts where public parks and recreation are permitted as a principal use.

Individual park concepts will need to meet bulk standards for its zoning district

Parks in Zoning District: Trails Permitted Uses Include: community garden, nature reserve, public park/ recreation Permitted Accessory Uses Include: 25

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.

26

Zoning & Code TOWNSHIP STORMWATER ORDINANCES WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:

•

•

• • •

=/+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

•

•

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.

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)

Image Source: Wildlands Conservancy

27

Activity acilities, f e at d Up i-u s e r re c re atio n ex t l u perience m

Recreational Resources AMENITIES & PROGRAMMING OBSERVATIONS: •

Recreational programming is concentrated at Mill Race Park, Keystone Park and Penn Pump Park, all of which have high levels of visitation

•

Picnicking areas are the most well-represented category of recreational resource within the adjacent area

LEGEND: •

Hiking / Walking Trails

•

Play Areas

•

Live Music

•

Picnicking Areas

•

Baseball Fields

•

Basketball Courts

•

Disc Golf Courses

•

Football Fields

•

Soccer / Multi-use Fields

•

Tennis / Pickleball Courts

•

Volleyball Courts

•

Water Access Areas

•

Waterfowl Observation Area

•

Gray Icon: Recreational Resource Not Within Scope 29

Play Richness Analysis

COMPETITIVE PLAY (SPORTS)

BENEFITS: • Fosters teamwork • Improves coordination and motor skills

SENSORY / EXPLORATION PLAY

BENEFITS: • Sensory stimulation • Imagination and role playing • Fosters communication & learning • Inclusive (for those with physical and mental disabilities)

SWINGING PLAY

CLIMBING / BALANCING 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

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

SLIDING PLAY

WATER PLAY

SPINNING / ROTATING PLAY

BENEFITS*: • Develops spatial awareness and sense of balance • Trains core muscles • Invites socialization • Develops understanding of space, speed and distances

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

30

Play Richness Analysis MAPPING EXISTING PLAY OPTIONS

MILL RACE TOT LOT

CL

SP

SW

CL

PLAY AREA @ MILL RACE PARK

SL

SL

SW

CL

SL

PLAY AREA @ PENN PUMP PARK

CL

SL SP Competitive Play (Sports)

SE [Sensory / Exploration Play]

SW Swinging Play

WA [Water Play]

CL Climbing / Balancing Play

RO [Spinning / Rotating Play]

SL

Sliding Play

FI

HILLCREST TOT LOT

[Fitness / Adult Play]

31

Ecology a bitat & h t c e t o i s lienc e r r e P e c n a h en

The Riparian Corridor ANATOMY OF THE BUSHKILL CREEK TERRACE

ROOT-STABILIZED STREAM BANK

CUT BANK

UPLAND FOREST & UNDERSTORY

STREAM RUN

WOODY DEBRIS LOG JAM

RIPARIAN BUFFER

STREAM ACCESS

Riparian forests shade & cool water

Shaded pools provide optimal fish habitat

Planting within the riparian landscape enhances infiltration as well as water quality for stormwater runoff

ST

FORESTED RIPARIAN BUFFER

A RE

M

RU

N

RIFFLES

POOLS

POINT BAR & ALLUVIAL DEPOSIT

THALWEG (LOWEST POINT OF STREAM) 33

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)*

Mill Race Park

Penn's Grant Open Space

Two Fool's Island

Keystone Park

Penn Pump Park

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.

Hillcrest Open Space & Tot Lot Binney & Smith Preserve

34

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).

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

CONNECTING HABITAT

EROSION & STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

•

•

•

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.

•

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

35

Ecology OBSERVED HABITATS & SPECIES IN THE BUSHKILL CREEK GREENWAY Bird species Song Birds Found in: Woodland Areas

Black-billed cuckoo

Yellow-billed cuckoo

Eastern wood pewee

Eastern phoebe

Great crested flycatcher

Chickadee sp.

Nuthatch sp.

Blue-gray gnatcatcher

Wood thrush

Red-eyed vireo

Red-tailed hawk

Eastern screech owl

Bald eagle *(Habitat unspecified due to sensitive nature of species)

Black-andwhite warbler

American redstart

Ovenbird

Rosebreasted grosbeack

Sparrow sp.

Baltimore oriole

Song Birds Found in: Open areas along streams and wetlands

Purple martin

Tree swallow

Raptors Found in: Forested Areas*

Black vulture

Turkey vulture

Sharpshinned hawk

Cooper's hawk

Redshouldered hawk

Broadwinged hawk

Bird species Found in: Mix of habitats throughout the Greenway

Ruby-throated hummingbird

Red-winged blackbird

Chimney swift

Barn swallow

Northern mockingbird

36

Ecology 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

Wood duck*

Black duck*

Mallard*

Common merganser*

Swan*

Canada goose*

Osprey**

Great-horned owl**

Barred owl**

Great blue heron***

Green heron***

Belted kingfisher****

Northern rough-winged swallow****

Fish crow****

Veery****

Common yellowthroat ****

Orchard oriole****

Ground nesting birds Found in: Open areas and young woodland habitat

Ruffed grouse

Ring-necked pheasant

American woodcock

Wild turkey

Woodpeckers Found in: Standing dead trees (Ash)

Red-bellied woodpecker

Northern flicker

Downy woodpecker

Hairy woodpecker

Pileated woodpecker

37

Ecology OBSERVED HABITATS & SPECIES IN THE BUSHKILL CREEK GREENWAY Mammal species Aquatic Mammals* Larger Mammals** Found in: Wooded/naturalized stream corridor and wetland

Common muskrat*

American mink*

White-tailed deer**

Bobcat**

Black bear**

Mammals Found in: Mixed landscape

Big brown bat

Coyote

Red fox

Reptile & Amphibian species (Herptiles) Reptiles & Amphibians (Herptiles) Found in: Natural wetlands and ephemeral wet areas

Wood turtle

Common snapping turtle

Eastern box turtle

Northern two-lined salamander

Eastern long-tailed salamander

Northern spring salamander

Red-spotted newt

Eastern American toad

Northern spring peeper

Northern green frog

Pickerel frog

Northern leopard frog

Northern water snake

Ribbon snake

Eastern garter snake

Reptiles & Amphibians (Herptiles) Found in: Drier wooded areas along Palmer Bikeway Trail

Wood frog

Northern black racer

Northern ringneck snake

38

Ecology OBSERVED HABITATS & SPECIES IN THE BUSHKILL CREEK GREENWAY Fish species Fish species Found in: Class A sections of Bushkill Creek

Brown trout

Rainbow trout

Brook trout

Smallmouth bass

Largemouth bass

Slimy sculpin

White sucker

Blacknose dace

Cutlips minnow

Source: Forks of the Delaware Chapter, Trout Unlimited. 2010 ARC Bushkill Creek Electro-fishing Survey. 2010. https://forksofthedelaware.tu.org/sites/ default/files/2010%20ARC%20Bushkill%20Creek%20Electro-fishing%20Survey.pdf.

Longnose dace

American eel

Pumpkinseed (Sun perch)

Common shiner

39

Ecology HABITATS & SPECIES IN THE BUSHKILL CREEK GREENWAY Relationship of Vegetation Type to Buffer Effectiveness

Plant According to Moisture Conditions

Wet

Moderate

SMALL TREES/SHRUBS

SMALL TREES/SHRUBS Birch, Black and Sweet

River Birch Smooth Alder Chokeberry Red Chokeberry Black Groundselbush Dogwood, Red Osier and Silky Summersweet Winterberry Inkberry Swamp Rose Swamp Azalea Meadowsweet Highbush Blueberry Witherod N. Arrowwood

TREES

Box Elder Persimmon Ash, Black and Red Pawpaw Sweet-bay Magnolia Sycamore Cottonwood Swamp White Oak Willow Oak Oak, Sandbog and Black

Mountain Laurel Hornbeam Yellow Birch Dogwood, Gray and Flowering American Hazelnut Black Huckleberry Common Spicebush Rosebay Rhododendron Southern Arrowwood Ninebark American Elder Bayberry Highbush Cranberry Red Elm

TREES

Hackberry Red Maple Bitternut Hickory Redbud American Beech White Ash Honey Locust Sweet-gum Tuliptree Black-gum Large-toothed Aspen Pin Oak

Dry Natural Resource Conservation Service

SMALL TREES/SHRUBS Hop-hornbeam Witchhazel Staghorn Sumac Nannyberry Blackhaw

Forested vs. Non-Forested Streams

TREES

White Pine Black Cherry Sassafras Canada Hemlock White Oak Red Oak Chestnut Oak Shagbark Hickory Sugar Maple Black Walnut

Arrows denote that a certain species can tolerate either a wetter or drier environment.

so water slows down

Adapted from the Pennsylvania Stream ReLeaf Forest Buffer Toolkit. Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, 1998, T. Maxfield

Summary of Research by Stroud Water Research Center, 2004 Source: Bushkill Stream Conservancy. A Homeowner’s Guide to Riparian Buffer Restoration. 2019. https://bushkill.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ bscbufferguide_web.pdf.

15

13

40

TREE CANOPY

BUSHKILL CREEK CORRIDOR ANALYSIS

Ecology

% TREE CANOPY

TREE CANOPY & HEAT RISK

AREAS OF HEAT RISK HIGH IMPERVIOUS COVER LOW TREE COVERAGE

KEY TERMS:

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:

•

•

K

EE

CR

•

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.

PALMER TOWNSHIP PARKS LL KI

•

BUSHKILL CORRIDOR PARKS

SH

HEAT RISK

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

BU

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]

PALMER TOWNSHIP GREENWAY DRAINAGE AREA BOUNDARY

[1] Pa.gov [2] Tree canopy data was retrieved from Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access for 2019.

[3] Impervious Area data was retrieved from Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access for 2019.

EK

RE

C CK NE

OE

SCH

0

460

920

1,840 Feet

41

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.

42

Tree Canopy Benefits

[1] Tree Canopy data retrieved from Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access for 2019.

43

Hydrology M

iti

flooding e t ga

GH AV LE HI

RD N EN TO W LL DA

RD TO W ES OR MO

CREEK RD RI DG E RD D RD

NORTH DELA WARE DR

D MR

MON RICH

ST W NE

H 1S 019 SR

RA MP

RAMP S RD

TR

NA

AW AN

CK

LA

RAMP K RD

P SR AR K 00 R 78 D SH

ND

LA

HP K

ARE T

NAZ

T

NS

L

IS

RD

IPS ILL

N

KO B

P

M

B

RIVERSIDE DR

RA

RD

ST EF

ST T N HS O IFT IR NTYF WE

ST

DE

D

RD D E R AMP F R

LIN

R

D

NORTH

HOP

AR

H

ET

RD D PU R RAMRAMP R

RK RD

WASHINGTON AV

WILLOW PA

RA MP

RD

AR

AZ

AIRPOR T RD

RD

PH

LL

HI

INT

IN

PO

KL

AN

ILLE

RSV

TR N IVA LL SU BUSHKILL DR

ZUCKSVILLE RD

RD

N

RD

RD LE IL SV ER RT EN SPUR

ER ST

HO

LOW POINTOF DRAINAGE AREAWITHIN PALMER TOWNSHIP

ADA RD

MAC

RD

RD

U

Y TATAM

LS

SC

[1] Drainage area for the Greenway was determined using Stroud Water Research Center's Model My Watershed tool.

[2] 2019 National Land Cover Database data was retrieved from Pennsylvania Spatial Access Data.

RA

RD

EA

ST ON

ST

ILL RD AV WOOD OLD M ST RD T D TE ARN ET NEWBURG RD Y A LAF HACKET FI T AV SC BUSHKILL ST HE AV N RD R OD HECKTOW RD WO ST N O T P RD NORTHAM T LLE I LS T V S NA VER UTLER B A O Y N C LEHIGH VALLEY THRUWA HA K ST RAMP C RD BERWIC TOLL W I-78 D NH R ST E E N IN L L IL PE ARV CED OAKLA IAM LL ND RD I W AV RD R N CHESTE O RD ST LL HI EA AN AV RG G O R M H BL SBU NORT AN EM E FR

CENT

D ER

RD

M

B PL

R

E HL

T

NIE

ATH PK

E

LL

ILL NV

VI

RS

O KS

JAC

VE EA

W

RACE ST

EA

TH S

DA

BETH B

N

LR

D

N RD

EIGH

K

P

AW ST L

ST

NT

O

FR

SLE

GH

BATH P

KES

M

HI

T

OR

IL RD H 3S RA

RD

PENN ALLEN RD AV SEIP

UT S

TH BA

BL

TRA

R

DR

003

RD

STN

NT

RD

SA

HILL

DR

EA

DEE

CHE

PH

TAI L

RRY

ETH

ITE

CHE

ZAR

WH

NG

BA

D YR NR HE RD OWN FILET

TER

YOS

NA

2019 NaƟonal Land Cover Database data retrieved from Pennsylvania SpaƟal Access Data.

T RD

DR CY CA NO MO GROUSE DR

The drainage area includes less than 1% of land consisƟng of a mix of Barren Land, Shrub/Scrub, Mixed Forest, and Evergreen Forest.

DRAINAGE AREA WITHIN PALMER TOWNSHIP CEN

ITY DR

COMMUN

IVAN

D

RD

LL-

Mixed Forest

SR

LFAST R

HKI

7% Woody Wetlands

I

EN

SC

Pasture-Hay 13%

R CD

BUS

5%

Cultivated Crops

D

26%

AR

LL

PE

0.5%

R

O

FR

R

MILL RD

SULL

AREA DRAINING TOBGREENWAY [1] E

SD

CO

Deciduous Forest

5%

ER

JACOBSBURG RD

ND

O

RD

ST MAIN

BE

Developed, Low Intensity

RD RCH CHU

MO

Developed, Medium Intensity

RD

D

IN TA UN

LE

AB

L DE

IR

Developed, High Intensity

MALE ST

MP

18% 25%

PE

RA

Developed, Open Space

H

MIT

RS

E UPP

RD

OL

0.5%

GAP

ST

Greenway Drainage Area in Palmer Township

S MAIN

Drainage Area Land Cover

RD YL RG NA PE

T AY S ADW BRO

SH

BL

17

TO N

30

C

ST

SR

BLUE VALLEY DR MARKET ST AV A I ST AN UT LV Y LN S A W NN

V LA

RA

T EN

ST

RD

RD

N1

E K

RD

SE

HIN G

K LA N TOW

LE UNK

C

EA TO N

WA S

R

EI MT

ST

S 1ST ST

W

What's draining to the Greenway?

D ON

45

BUSHKILL CREEK CORRIDOR ANALYSIS

Hydrology

FEMA FLOOD MAP

FLOODING

BUSHKILL CREEK 100 YEAR FLOOD 500 YEAR FLOOD

KEY TERMS: •

• • • •

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

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS: •

•

•

•

•

IMPACTED STRUCTURES (500 YR FLOOD)

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

K

RISK:

IMPACTED STRUCTURES (100 YR FLOOD)

EE

•

PROPOSED BIKE TRAILS

CR

•

PROPOSED TRAILS

ILL HK

•

•

EXISTING TRAILS

S BU

•

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)

Floodplain 12,385 LF of Trail in 500-Year Floodplain

BUSHKILL CORRIDOR PARKS PALMER TOWNSHIP PARKS PALMER TOWNSHIP GREENWAY DRAINAGE AREA BOUNDARY

EK

RE

C CK NE

OE

SCH

[1] FEMA mapping shapefiles were retrieved from FEMA.gov

0

460

920

1,840 Feet

46

PROJECTED FLOODING

•

[1] FEMA Map Panel No. Include No. 42095C0278E, 42095C0259E, 42095C0276E, and 42095C0257E [2] Maimone, M. and Adams, T. (2023). "A practical method for estimating climate-related changes to riverine flood elevation and frequency."

[3] Princeton Hydro, LLC (2020). Bushkill Creek Dam Removal Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analysis and Infrastructure Protection.

2

CURRENT

186 FEET

0

460

920

277 FEET

CURRENT FEMA 100YR FLOODPLAIN

Updated elevations south of Dam 4 were estimated based on the Hydrologic & Hydraulic Study conducted for the dams [3] Due to the steep slopes along the Creek, it is unlikely that the extents of flooding will significantly increase for most of the Greenway

13 FT 15 FT

1,840 Feet

CURRENT

•

Using runoff delta change factors for the Delaware - Mid Atlantic Coastal Region [2], the estimated change in 100-year flood elevations was mapped for 2050 and 2090 projections along Bushkill Creek

•

1

2050 FEMA 100YR FLOODPLAIN

•

•

Parks and trails located adjacent to the Bushkill Creek should anticipate increases to flood elevations and should plan infrastructure accordingly Additional freeboard should be considered for structures Designing with flood-damage resistant materials outside of FEMA mapped areas should be considered in anticipation of increased flooding

2050

CHANGES IN RISK:

•

2

1

A 100YR FLOODPLAIN

•

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:

2090 FEMA 100YR FLOODPLAIN

•

RCP (Representative Concentration Pathway) 8.5: Climate change model assuming 4.5 degree Celsius warming FEMA Flood Elevations: Flood elevations associated with the 100year floodplain, as recorded on Map Panels [1] and the Flood Insurance Study for Northampton County, dated 2014.

Delta Change Factor: A change factor or "delta" derived from general circulation models and the applied to observed data to create future climate scenarios.

Exceptions are located where topography is less severe in areas along Mill Race Park

277 FEET

2050

•

•

2090 FEMA 100YR FLOODPLAIN

KEY TERMS:

186 FEET

CURRENT FEMA 100Y

2050 FEMA 100Y

2090 FEMA 100Y

Hydrology

47

How has impervious cover changed in the drainage area?

Impervious Area Changes Greenway Drainage Area within Palmer Township 1600 Anticipate Additional 500+ Acres of Impervious by 2030 if Trend Continues

Acres of Impervious

1400 1200 1000 800 600

+955 acres of Impervious Between 2001 and 2019

400 200 0 2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

202

2030 0

460

920

1,840 Feet

Year

Sources: Esri, Maxar, Airbus DS, USGS, NGA, NASA, CGIAR, N Robinson, NCEAS, NLS, OS, NMA, Geodatastyrelsen, Rijkswaterstaat, GSA, Geoland, FEMA, Intermap, and the GIS user community

0

460

920

1,840 Feet

2001

Impervious cover data retrieved from Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access for 2001, 2008, 2013, and 2019.

Best fit equation used for projection: y = 4E-28e0.0347x R² = 0.9984

Sources: Esri, Maxar, Airbus DS, USGS, NGA, NASA, CGIAR, N Robinson, NCEAS, NLS, OS, NMA, Geodatastyrelsen, Rijkswaterstaat, GSA, Geoland, FEMA, Intermap, and the GIS user community

2006

% IMPERVIOUS 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% 0

460

920

1,840 Feet

Sources: Esri, Maxar, Airbus DS, USGS, NGA, NASA, CGIAR, N Robinson, NCEAS, NLS, OS, NMA, Geodatastyrelsen, Rijkswaterstaat, GSA, Geoland, FEMA, Intermap, and the GIS user community

2013

0

460

920

1,840 Feet

Sources: Esri, Maxar, Airbus DS, USGS, NGA, NASA, CGIAR, N Robinson, NCEAS, NLS, OS, NMA, Geodatastyrelsen, Rijkswaterstaat, GSA, Geoland, FEMA, Intermap, and the GIS user community

2019

48

Hydrology

WATER QUALITY

BUSHKILL CREEK CORRIDOR ANALYSIS

IMPAIRED FOR FISH CONSUMPTION

WATER QUALITY

IMPAIRED FOR RECREATIONAL USE

KEY TERMS:

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:

•

•

•

•

•

BUSHKILL CORRIDOR PARKS

K

•

•

100FT STORMWATER BUFFER

EE CR

•

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]

WELL LOCATIONS

ILL

•

DISCHARGE POINTS

K SH

WATER QUALITY

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.

BU

Impaired: A classification given to water bodies that cannot support their designated uses due to pollution and other factors.

IMPAIRED FOR AQUATIC LIFE

PALMER TOWNSHIP PARKS FARM & CROPLANDS PALMER TOWNSHIP GREENWAY DRAINAGE AREA BOUNDARY

EK

RE

C CK NE

OE

SCH

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

0

460

920

1,840 Feet

49

Hydrology

UudB

SOILS AND ERODIBILITY

•

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.

[1] Soil Information was obtained from USDA Web Soil Survey.

[2] PADEP Erosion and Sediment Control Manual defines "easily erodible"

WaA WaB

UkaB

•

•

Areas with high erodibility should be prioritized for stream bank stabilization projects.

Creation of steep slopes in these areas should be avoided where possible.

ClA

ClB

UbB

WaB

CpA

UkaB

WaC

DaA

Ukb

GnD

UoB

Ho

UoD

Mb

UudB

WaD <all other values>

PQ

UudD

HIGH ERODIBILITY PALMER TOWNSHIP GREENWAY DRAINAGE AREA BOUNDARY

Mb

Ho

C CK NE

UudD

WaB

WaB

WaA

WaA

CORRIDOR PARK BOUNDARIES

WaC

EK

UoB

WaD

RE

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:

RzF

WaB

UudB

W

RzF

WATERWAYS

WaC

WaA

ClB

RyB

ClA

OBSERVED EROSION

K

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

ClB

EE

•

UoB

CaB

CR

SOILS KEY:

UudD

ClB

LL KI SH BU

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]

ERODIBLE SOILS

BUSHKILL CREEK CORRIDOR ANALYSIS

WaB

UoD

OE SCH

WaB

UudB UkaB

UkaB UoB

UoD WaC RzF

WaB

WaB UudB

Mb

WaD

UudD

RzF UoB

RzF

WaB

UoD

UkaB

50 0

460

920

1,840 Feet

HYDROLIC SOIL TYPES

BUSHKILL CREEK CORRIDOR ANALYSIS

Hydrology

A B

SOIL INFILTRATION POTENTIAL

C D

KEY TERMS:

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:

•

•

PALMER TOWNSHIP GREENWAY DRAINAGE AREA BOUNDARY

K

EE

•

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

CORRIDOR PARK BOUNDARIES

CR

•

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.

LL KI

SOIL INFILTRATION

•

OTHER VALUES

SH BU

•

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]

B/D

[1] USDA Web Soil Survey [2] PA Erosion and Sediment Control Manual EK

RE

C CK NE

OE

SCH

0

460

920

1,840 Feet

51

BEDROCK DEPTHS

BUSHKILL CREEK CORRIDOR ANALYSIS

Hydrology

34’ - 45’ 46’ - 57’

SOIL INFILTRATION CONSTRAINTS

58’ - 68’ 69’ - 80’

KEY TERMS:

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:

•

•

• •

•

PALMER TOWNSHIP GREENWAY DRAINAGE AREA BOUNDARY

K

•

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

EE CR

•

ILL

CONSTRAINTS

•

CORRIDOR PARK BOUNDARIES K SH

•

•

KARST LOCATION WITH 100FT BUFFER

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.

BU

•

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

8’1 - 91’

EK

RE

[1] USDA Web Soil Survey

C CK NE

OE

SCH

0

460

920

1,840 Feet

52

Park Analysis

Mill Race Park & Tot Lot EXISTING CONDITIONS SIZE: • •

Mill Race Park: 39.5 acres Mill Race Tot Lot: 0.5 acres

include a rest stop, bike station, jug filler, and bike racks."

•

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:

FOREST TYPOLOGIES PRESENT*: • • •

•

• • • •

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 2020 PARKS PLAN:

•

•

•

"Considerations should be given to designating the park as a trailhead and providing bike amenities that would

+ 300'

Villages at Mill Race

Urban/Suburban Built Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest North-Central Appalachian Large River Floodplain

ADA CONCERNS**:

MDR: Medium Density Residential

•

"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.

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

+ 355'

+ 295'

+ 290'

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

Source: *The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Gateway (https://www.conservationgateway.org/Pages/default.aspx) **Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL), Palmer Township Accessibility Report

54

Mill Race Park

Observed a possible stand of phrag and view of the road along Bushkill Dr. This area is still wetland with skunk cabbage and knotweed. We can highlight the nice habitat for aquatic mammals throughout the corridor.

This may be a sewer easement. Species bserved include knotweed, oaks, box elder, multiflora, lily, chervil, hyacinth, and olive.

If this isn't a pipeline ROW, there is a lot of potential for planting. Celandine will keep spreading. Observed some skunk cabbage. This area is likely wet at times.

This is a particularly nice spot. Observations include a nice vernal pool, lovely sycamore, box elder, and a frog hopping into the vernal pool. There are signs that other areas nearby would be wet if it rains.

Observed more knotweed and wetland along the channel, as well as a lovely stand of sycamores.

This is a beautiful section of the stream with lovely wetlands.

Observed stands of knotweed along the stream in the park. The knotweed, celandine, chervil, privet, and multiflora need to be managed.

There are nice woodland steep slopes on the other side of the trail and an intersting rock formation. Species observed include box elder, oaks, honeysuckle, spicebush, and hackberry. We could plant some pretty flowering understory

There are lots of opportunities here.

The hillside by the trail could be a great meadow showpiece.

This is a nice natural area with good habitat. Species observed include goldenrod (which is dominating this area and is typical of a late succession meadow), sycamore, box elder, rose, olive, pear, and some locust creeping in.

There is a potential opportunity to reduce mowing and naturalize this hillside.

A lot of mugwort and thistle were observed. This area is currently being mowed.

Management needs to be The buffer has understory done in this mugwortinvasives (multiflora, chervil!, dominated natural area. locust, mugwort, pear, box elder, olive, forsythia, vine honeysuckle, and knotweed).

Continue understory meadow efforts and incorporate signage like this in other areas.

55

Penn's Grant Open Space EXISTING CONDITIONS SIZE: •

34.9 acres

SPATIAL CHARACTER: •

Forested Natural Park with Hiking Trails

SPORTS: •

Fishing Access

FOREST TYPOLOGIES PRESENT*: • • • •

Urban/Suburban Built Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest North-Central Appalachian Large River Floodplain Central Appalachian Alkaline Glade and Woodland

+ 290'

AMENITIES: • •

2 Hiking / Walking Trails Birdwatching

+ 350'

ZONING: •

MDR: Medium Density Residential

+ 300'

+ 360'

Source: *The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Gateway (https://www.conservationgateway.org/Pages/default.aspx)

56

Penn’s Grant Open Space

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 powerline ROW presents an opportunity for different habitat type (scrub shrub, grassland, etc.).

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 erosion from stormwater and a huge area of Hydrophyllum virginianum on both sides.

The signage is nice but should be replaced. There are more opportunities for signage in key areas of interest.

There is a series of dams and channelization on the tributary.

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.

A lack of riparian vegetation on the powerline ROW contributes to streambank erosion in this section.

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.

57

Two Fool's Island EXISTING CONDITIONS SIZE: •

5.3 acres

SPATIAL CHARACTER: •

Potential Future Acquisition, Natural Area

SPORTS: •

FOREST TYPOLOGIES PRESENT*: • • •

Urban/Suburban Built Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest North-Central Appalachian Large River Floodplain

+ 270'

N/A

AMENITIES: • • •

1 Pavilion 1 Bench Potential Habitat Restoration Areas

ZONING: •

LDR: Low Density Residential + 265'

Source: *The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Gateway (https://www.conservationgateway.org/Pages/default.aspx)

58

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).

59

Keystone Park EXISTING CONDITIONS SIZE:

ZONING:

•

•

10.3 acres

SPATIAL CHARACTER: •

Community Park - Extension of Backyards

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

LDR: Low Density Residential

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 2020 PARKS PLAN: •

SPORTS: • • •

Tracy Elementary School

"Over-use and over-scheduling must be addressed in order to minimize costly repairs and lower ongoing maintenance costs."

+ 365'

FOREST TYPOLOGIES PRESENT*: • •

Urban/Suburban Built Agricultural

+ 340'

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

Source: *The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Gateway (https://www.conservationgateway.org/Pages/default.aspx) **Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL), Palmer Township Accessibility Report

60

Keystone Park

This area could be a demonstration meadow/pollinator area, and proximity to an elementary school presents an opportunity for an educational area/partnership. Sports fields in the park limit opportunities.

We recommend incorporating some nature play elements to this area.

Species observed include robins and sparrows. We recommend planting more trees (serviceberry, redbuds, and oaks) throughout the park to increase habitat diversity.

The entrance is obscured, and the signage is difficult to see and should be replaced.

This space is great for a meadow, and we could add some trees on the other side of the soccer field to screen the houses.

61

Penn Pump Park EXISTING CONDITIONS SIZE: • •

11.8 acres 1.3 acres (Adjacent Undeveloped Parcel)

redefine use areas, creek access, flood mitigation and re-establish the bank and riparian buffer"

•

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: •

•

FOREST TYPOLOGIES PRESENT*: • • • • •

• • • •

"Develop a management plan for this park to specifically address erosion,

Urban/Suburban Built Agricultural Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest North-Central Appalachian Large River Floodplain Central Appalachian Alkaline Glade and Woodland

ADA CONCERNS**:

LI/MU: Light Industrial / Mixed Use

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 2020 PARKS PLAN:

"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."

• •

+ 265'

+ 255'

+ 255'

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

Source: *The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Gateway (https://www.conservationgateway.org/Pages/default.aspx) **Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL), Palmer Township Accessibility Report

62

Penn Pump Park

The plantings are great and should be expanded to create a buffer. Need to identify where the sewer line runs.

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.

Species observed include wild chervil, honeysuckle, knotweed, box elder, ash, poison ivy, sycamore, multiflora, white pine, black cherry, and red oak. It looks like a habitat feature was built in-stream at some point and is similar to rock weir.

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.

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.

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.

Signage opportunity.

This signage should be updated with interpretive signs.

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.

63

Potential Future Open Space: Northwood Ave

This area is compacted and partially paved. Potential opportunity for pollinator habitat showpiece.

No recommendation for the building, though the stone part at end is very pretty.

Signage.

64

Binney & Smith Preserve

Future 55+ Housing Community

EXISTING CONDITIONS SIZE: •

6.8 acres

+ 240'

SPATIAL CHARACTER: •

Natural Area

SPORTS: •

Fishing Access (Informal)

AMENITIES: •

Habitat Restoration Areas

ZONING: •

LI/MU: Light Industrial / Mixed Use

+ 255'

FOREST TYPOLOGIES PRESENT*: • •

Urban/Suburban Built Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest

+ 340'

Source: *The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Gateway (https://www.conservationgateway.org/Pages/default.aspx)

Hackett Park (City of Easton)

65

Binney & Smith Preserve EXISTING CONDITIONS

4 3

2 1

1

Wildlands Conservancy removed a dam immediately downstream from the property in 2021 and the stream continues to recover from the impacts of the former dam.

2

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.

3

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.

4

Parts of the property may be suitable for eastern hognose snake.

66

Hillcrest Open Space & Tot Lot EXISTING CONDITIONS SIZE: • •

Hillcrest Open Space: 3.0 acres Hillcrest Tot Lot: 0.5 acres

SPATIAL CHARACTER: • •

FOREST TYPOLOGIES PRESENT*: • •

Urban/Suburban Built Northeastern Interior Dry-Mesic Oak Forest

Bushkill Park (Forks Township)

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

Hillcrest Neighborhood

ZONING: •

+ 315'

MDR: Medium Density Residential

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM 2020 PARKS PLAN: • •

+ 270'

"Define the park boundaries with fencing or shrubbery."

"Add a fence or barrier adjacent to the access drive."

Palmer Park Mall

Source: *The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Gateway (https://www.conservationgateway.org/Pages/default.aspx)

67

Hillcrest Open Space & Tot Lot

There is dumping throughout the property. Blackflies are prevalent, and mosquitoes are likely present in the summer.

Standing dead trees and invasive/open understory can potentially be restored.

There is bad erosion in the intermittent tributary. Deer tracks were observed.

This area has erosion, dead standing trees, and overgrown vines.

Species observed include cardinal, northern flicker, and white throated sparrow.

This area has huge drainage/stormwater issues and erosion.

Species observed include spicebush, honeysuckle vines, multiflora, box elder, stiltgrass, mugwort, bush honeysuckle, wineberry, and (possibly dying) walnut/butternut.

This area is completely overtaken by vines and invasives and is not a usable space.

Perhaps trails can be through, or it can be a nature play space.

Private residence.

Large culverts.

68

Palmer Bikeway 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.

Species observed include vines, dead ash, and honeysuckle. This whole woodland is likely to change in few years.

The phrag ends here. This is a nice park setting Garter snake. with geese and dogwood (silky or red osier).

Observed some private property signs.

Observed celandine.

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.

Species observed include large stand sycamore, some dead ash (indicating continued wet habitat), olive, honeysuckle, and multiflora.

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.

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.

Good habitats like this (pine grove) allow for things like bird watching.

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.

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.

69