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Upper Makefield Townsihp

BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

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2005 Other Priority Goals

2005 Goal 1. Greenway Corridors

Greenways, or connecting pathways and waterways between open spaces, give the opportunity for people to travel longer distances among changing landscapes and habitat types. Greenways make it possible for more people to enjoy the popular activities of hiking, biking, walking and boating. Parks can be linked together by trails and eventually wander far into the most rural areas of Upper Makefield. Wildlife need corridors too, so that they can migrate between nesting and foraging areas. Plant species also need a variety of environmental conditions to survive and regenerate. It is not enough to preserve isolated parcels of unconnected open spaces. Integrating Upper Makefield's system of open spaces would aid in preserving the natural links upon which both plant and animal species rely. Upper Makefield is fortunate to have both the Washington Crossing Historic Park and the Delaware Canal State Park that allow significant greenway linkages between the Delaware River and the Delaware Canal and associated towpath which runs the entire length of the Township. The permanently protected lands of the David Library property and Sol and Rose Feinstone Nature Preserve link the canal and the river.

Objective:
The EAC recommends that the creation of additional greenway linkages through preservation of open space or purchase of easements and rights?of?way throughout the Township be explored. The Township is encouraging the development of linkages both within and between new residential subdivisions to allow residents to get to adjacent or nearby open spaces without the use of cars and to provide passive recreation opportunities on a larger scale than can be accomplished within a single subdivision.

2005 Goal 2. Biological Diversity

Since the 1998 plan was adopted, the Natural Area Inventory of Bucks County was completed. Sites were evaluated based on thirteen biological, ecological, geological, and hydrological criteria. The plan notes that many of the sites may be partially protected, many require additional protection. Upper Makefield is also concerned with the protection of transition areas between ecosystems. While many of the sensitive natural areas are currently protected by ordinance, there is a concern for establishment of buffer areas surrounding those resources. Upper Makefield's preservation of the Marazzo tract and the Kudra tract (a portion of the Timber Knoll wetlands) are major accomplishments towards this goal. The county plan established four levels of priority for the 115 most significant sites in the county:

Priority 1 sites-19 sites of state-wide and county-wide significance based on the uniqueness or exceptionally high quality of the natural features they encompass.

Priority 2 sites-33 sites of county-wide and in some cases state-wide significance due to their overall quality and the diversity and importance of the resources they contain. The difference between the sites in this list and those in the Priority 1 list is one of degree.

Priority 3 sites-39 sites of local or county-wide importance. Some locations with small or somewhat degraded occurrences of state-listed rare species are included here also.

Priority 4 sites-24 sites with biological or ecological resources that are important at the local level. In some cases small remnant populations of rare species or rare natural communities are present that can provide a nucleus for future restoration efforts.

Upper Makefield Township contains six priority inventory sites as follows:

• Priority 3 Natural Area Sites:
• Bowman's Hill and Pidcock Creek
• Delaware Canal State Park Ellisia site
• Jericho Mountain
• Scudders Falls Islands
• Timber Knoll Wetlands

Priority 4 Natural Area Sites:
Washington Crossing-Marazzo tract along Delaware Canal

Objective:
The EAC recommends that preservation of biodiversity be a criterion in all open space funding programs.

2005 Goal 3. Viewsheds

The value of open space to the community at large is often visual. There are many wonderful viewsheds in the Township. From the scenic beauty of Jericho Mountain to the beautiful, tranquil waters of the Delaware River, Upper Makefield has some of the most spectacular countryside in southeastern Pennsylvania. Habitat protection and agricultural preservation are very important; on a day-to-day basis, the appearance of open space has a significant effect on the community's perceived quality-of-life. Maintaining the wide open vistas and scenic viewsheds are an important part of preserving Upper Makefield's rural character.

Preserving viewsheds has been a critical component of land preservation activities. The acquisition of the farmland of the Floge property preserves one of the last open spaces between River Road and the Delaware Canal. The land between the canal and the river has also been preserved. The township's preservation of the Lehman, Buckman, and Rapuano tracts along Wrightstown Road has preserved long range vistas across the township into New Jersey. The agricultural views along the westerly side of Eagle Road were preserved with conservation easements on the Antrobus and Magill properties. The viewshed from the area of Wrightstown and Creamery Roads has been protected by the easement on Merrick Farm.

Objective:
The EAC recommends that important vistas and viewsheds be protected, especially those visible from frequently traveled public thoroughfares and those along the Delaware River.

2005 Goal 4. Recreational Open Space

The community needs beautiful, interesting, affordable, educational and enjoyable parks and open spaces. From quiet forests to athletic fields filled with children; favorite fishing spots to hiking and mountain bike paths; playgrounds to campgrounds; all manner of outdoor recreation pursuits, by all manner of able and disabled persons are in demand. Upper Makefield has addressed its recreational open space goals through its Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan. (See also Appendix B & C). Cooperative efforts with the state parks located in the Township can also serve to improve the quality of outdoor recreation for its citizens and should be actively pursued.

Objective:
The EAC agrees that recreational areas may be needed in the township and recommends utilizing existing lands dedicated for outdoor recreation (Biddle and Brownsburg), and the completion of Phase II of the Comprehensive Park and Recreation Plan.