Sugar Land - Fort Bend Green

y Steering Committee Members
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Marta d. Newkirk
Kathryn Nichols
John Van De Wiele
Kim Icenhower
Lisa Cox
Joe Chesser
Roland Adamson
Beth Wolf
Darren McCarthy
Steve Killian
Larry Foos
Janis Burall
National Park Service
National Park Service
Fort Bend Green
Fort Bend Green
Sienna
City of Sugar Land
The George Foundation
Fort Bend County
City of Rosenberg
Brazos Bend State Park
City of Missouri City
Van De Wiele & Vogler
2011: Steering Committee
Vision and Study Area
Plan will be Recommended Projects
Brochure, Map, Facebook Page
2012: Collected Information on Facilities and Plans
Conducted Interviews for Issues
Public Survey for Ranking Activities
2013: Workshops for Public Input
The natural ecosystems of the Brazos River are conserved and appreciated by the community at large.
The relationship of the Fort Bend community to the Brazos River is enhanced by safe public access.
Land trails, paddle trails and parks are connected in a distinguished Brazos River greenway system. Assuring that improvements for public use respect wildlife habitat and private lands.
Facilitating public‐private partnerships for maximizing shared economic, social and environmental benefits.
Promoting river‐oriented facilities and activities that encourage community and regional involvement.
™ Survey open from October 26 – January 11
™ Total Respondents: 742
™ 49% asked to be notified of opportunities
to participate in planning
™ 43% of respondents commented
™ 34% of commenters agreed with Vision
™ 45% of commenters agreed but with modifications
™ 14% wanted more emphasis on protection of
natural ecosystem
™ 18% suggested specific activities to include
™ Only 4% disliked the river planning effort
Average Score: 1 = Not Important 5 = Very Important
2
3
4
5
4.55
Clean up river and riverbanks
4.50
Protect ecology – conservation, restoration and habitat protection
4.29
Improve land access alongside the river (trails, public access)
4.21
Increase parkland along the river
4.07
Protect cultural resources, such as Native American & early settlement…
4.05
Increase recreation and nature tourism opportunities
4.01
Provide security for users and nearby property
3.95
Provide safety information to river and riverbank users
3.73
Improve interpretation and educational opportunities along the river…
Improve beauty and civic pride
3.54
Improve boat access onto the river (launch sites, boat rentals)
3.54
3.42
Stimulate recreation and tourism businesses that depend on the river…
Encourage economic development in areas near the river corridor
2.83
2
Most Important: 1=Not Important 5=Very Important
3
4
Trails that follow along the river
4.31
Canoe/kayak launches/take‐out points
4.06
Restrooms
3.94
Parking areas near the river
3.85
Trails that connect neighborhoods/developed areas to the…
3.88
Wildlife viewing facilities (decks, blinds, etc.)
3.86
River viewing decks
3.72
Fishing access
3.68
Picnic areas
3.67
Park benches
3.59
Eco tourism programs, activities, tours
3.49
Canoe/kayak rentals
3.46
Interpretive kiosks or signs
3.30
Community gathering areas
3.27
Children’s play areas/playgrounds
3.17
Pavilions
3.05
Bike rentals
2.85
Rental facilities for parties, events
2.78
Boat ramps (motor boats)
2.71
Fountains, water features
2.62
Cafes, food & drink vendors
2.60
Publicly‐managed hunting areas
2.27
5
Percent of Respondents saying Yes to Use
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
90.0%
81.1%
72.1%
65.0%
58.4%
54.5%
53.6%
50.3%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
24.1%
18.0%
17.8%
14.3%
Average Score: 1=Not a problem 5=Very significant
2
3
4
5
4.5
Trash and dumping along the river
Pollution impacting water quality
4.18
Loss of wildlife habitat
4.18
4.06
Environmental degradation along the river corridors
4.02
Erosion of riverbank
Lack of access and connectivity along the river corridor
3.94
Lack of vision for the future of the corridor
3.94
Conflicts between development and natural and cultural protection
3.92
Competition for public vs. private space on the river
3.78
Need for more recreation opportunities
3.75
Costs of operations and maintenance of new facilities
3.72
Lack of parking to access river corridor
3.69
Concerns about crime
3.66
Concerns about safety
3.65
3.51
Limited pedestrian amenities
3.38
Recreation user conflicts in corridor
3.3
Lack of interpretation of history and natural resources to explain…
3.29
Need for better ways to inform people about opportunities
Increased property values displacing current residents
2.96
Survey respondent:
2013 Workshops Summary
• Brazos Bend State Park
• 32 Attended
• 17 Forms Returned
• Fulshear
• 25 Attended
• 17 Forms Returned
• Sugar Land
• 46 attended
• 25 Forms Returned
y How Long have you lived/worked in the region?
y Which of the following best describes you best?
y Which are your favorite recreation activities?
y What city/community do you represent?
14
12
10
0‐5 Years
8
6‐15 Years
6
15+ Years
4
2
0
BBSP
Fulshear
Sugar Land
14
12
10
Homeowner
Rancher
8
Tourist
6
Business Owner
Agency Employee
4
2
0
BBSP
Fulshear
Sugar Land
20
18
Birding/Wildlife Watching
16
Horseback Riding
14
Hiking
12
Bicycling
10
Canoeing/Kayaking
Fishing
8
Hunting
6
ORV Riding
4
Photography
2
Other
0
BBSP
Fulshear
Sugar Land
y Projects being cataloged on a single map
y Brazos Bend State Park: 32
y Fulshear: 22
y Sugar Land: 46
y Extra via email: 4
y Total: 104
y Release results of Survey & Workshops
y Steering Committee review projects for duplicates and y
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possible project combinations
Divide Study Area into Segments
Steering Committee to split into sub‐committees for each segment
Sub‐committees to get community input on prioritizing projects
Discuss best way to release information
Final Plan Discussions