Nature Preserves Master Plan

Transcription

MECKLENBURG COUNTY
NATURE PRESERVES
MASTER PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3
Mission and Vision ........................................................................................................................ 3
Need for Nature Preserves ........................................................................................................... 4
Benefits of the Nature Preserves .................................................................................................. 7
Supply and Gap Analysis............................................................................................................ 10
Management Goals, Policies, and Zones ................................................................................... 15
Designation of Land-banked Properties...................................................................................... 22
Acquisition of Nature Preserve Properties .................................................................................. 23
Recommendations for Future Nature Centers ............................................................................ 26
Capital Costs Associated with Recommendations...................................................................... 29
Nature Preserves: Existing Conditions, Zones, & Recommendations ........................................ 30
Appendix ................................................................................................................................... 135
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INTRODUCTION
The Mecklenburg County Nature Preserves Master Plan has been updated as part of the 2008
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Master Plan. The Division of Nature Preserves and
Natural Resources (formerly the Stewardship Services Division) has been utilizing the 1997
Nature Preserves Public Use Master Plan and the 2003 update to manage a growing system of
nature preserves; however, due to system-wide growth it has become evident the plan needs to
be updated. The 2008 plan includes: a review of the Division’s Mission and Vision; an overview
of the benefits of natural resource conservation, natural areas, and nature-based programming;
a review of nature preserve distribution; management goals and policies; management
strategies for nature preserves; a strategic acquisition strategy for future land protection;
recommendations for future facilities and programming; and capital costs associated the
recommendations.
Currently, the Division protects and manages 14 nature preserves on 5,783.4 acres. Facilities
and services include the operation of three nature centers, a 56-site campground, 35 miles of
hiking trails, 37 parking areas, 25 bathrooms, and five picnic shelters. Nature-based and
outdoor adventure recreation programs are provided for over 50,000 participants annually. Latta
Plantation, Reedy Creek, and McDowell Nature Preserves provide outdoor nature-based
recreation opportunities for over 500,000 visitors per year. Natural Resources staff collect and
analyze scientific data used for land management, planning, and the land use decision making
process. Staff identify, inventory and monitor natural areas, maintain the largest wildlife
database in the region, manage for rare, threatened, and federally endangered species, and
provide technical assistance to government agencies, outside organizations, and the public.
MISSION AND VISION
The mission for the Mecklenburg County Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources is
to “protect the region’s biodiversity and natural heritage for its inherent value and for the benefit
of future generations by promoting open space preservation, conserving natural communities,
and fostering awareness and stewardship through environmental education and outdoor
recreation.”
The vision is for “natural communities to exist within Mecklenburg County in perpetuity and for
these interconnected high-quality natural areas to benefit and be valued by all citizens.”
Definition of Nature Preserve
Definition—Nature Preserves protect natural areas and are managed for their ecological value
and native biodiversity, and where appropriate, provide the public with the opportunity to explore
and experience nature.

Nature preserves protect and enhance our air and water quality, contribute to the public
understanding of natural systems and native species, provide sites for educational activities,
outdoor recreation, wildlife observation, and nature appreciation, and preserve unique
features and the natural beauty of Mecklenburg County.
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Acquisition or designation of sites of any size is authorized where warranted to protect a
significant ecological, geological, or cultural resource (when co-located with a significant
ecological resource).
Objectives—Nature preserves, as designated by the Mecklenburg Board of County
Commissioners, are declared to be at their highest and best use for public benefit by serving
one or more of the following public purposes:

Contribute to the growth and development of public understanding of and empathy for
natural systems, and the consequent development of public understanding for the
interdependence of all forms of life and vital dependence of the health of the human
community on the health of other natural communities.
Provide sites for scientific research and examples for scientific comparison with more
disturbed sites.
Provide sites for educational activities and places where people may observe the natural
world, learn about environmental systems, and reflect upon nature.
Provide habitat for the survival of rare plants or animals, natural communities, or other
significant biological features.
Provide opportunities for nature-based recreation compatible with the protection of the
natural area.
Provide places for the preservation of natural beauty or unique/unusual natural features.
Provide large, contiguous undeveloped natural lands in perpetuity for the purpose of
conserving open space and creating wildlife corridors within densely developing urban
areas.
Provide small habitat areas within urban or suburban development areas that can act as
“stepping stones” to habitat corridors or between larger protected habitat areas.
NEED FOR NATURE PRESERVES
There is a clear public need and desire for nature-based recreation in Mecklenburg County.
Public input framed the planning process for the 1997 Nature Preserves Master Plan. A series
of meetings were conducted with stakeholders throughout the county. It became clear through
those public meetings that residents desired passive open space and natural areas that would
allow walking/hiking, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to learn about the natural heritage of
their community. Over the past 10 years, community support for open spaces and natural
resource conservation remained strong.
The visioning efforts for the 2008 Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Master Plan clearly
reveal the public’s appreciation for natural areas. Stakeholders and focus groups from all
geographic areas of the county stated that open space and natural resources are very important
to the community. Representative comments from stakeholders and focus groups include:

“Do not have enough nature preserves.”
“Preservation of the environment, our society, and our youth is what is expected of the
county.”
“Natural settings provide a great way to center yourself in an urban environment.”
“The availability of green space is of high value.”
“Green Space needs should be a focus. This includes the environment and air quality.”
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“Water protection and the connection to open spaces needs to continue to be a ‘strength’ of
the system.”
“We need to be a ‘green’ community.”
“Land acquisition is a high priority.”
“Environmental stewardship is a strength of the system.”
The importance of nature preserves and their associated facilities and programming was further
revealed and confirmed in the random household Community Survey conducted as part of the
master planning process. The survey was completed in January 2008, and had a goal of 1,000
completed surveys. The survey results are statistically valid with a confidence level of 95% (+/3.5%). The results of the survey continue to confirm that county residents value nature
preserves and the outdoor opportunities they provide. Representative data include:

Seventy-six percent (76%) of residents have visited a Mecklenburg County park in the past
year (national average 72%).
Top two reasons people visited parks: enjoyment of the outdoors (62%) and close to home
(61%).
(Only) 39% of residents feel there are sufficient parks and green space within walking
distance of their homes.
From a list of 28 types of parks and recreation facilities, the top 5 requested by the public
were:

76% Walking and biking trails (national average 68%)
64% Large community parks and regional parks
62% Nature center and trails (national average 57%)
62% Small neighborhood parks of 2-10 acres
60% Park shelters and picnic areas
Soccer fields (32%), youth baseball/softball fields (32%), football fields (27%), golf
courses (26%), and other athletic facilities/amenities were all considerably lower.

The top three needs (currently only being 50% met or less), based on 335,891 households
in the county, are:

Walking and biking trails
Nature center and trails
Community gardens
Most popular/top four programs residents have a need for (from a list of 22 program
categories) include:

50% Special events/festivals
49% Adult fitness and wellness programs
39% Family recreation/outdoor adventure programs
37% Nature education programs
The results of the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) for North
Carolina closely mimic the Mecklenburg County survey results, and provide a strong rationale
for natural resource conservation and the provision of nature preserves. According to the
SCORP, outdoor activities for North Carolina residents are very popular and include:
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75% Walking for pleasure
71% Viewing scenery
62% Visiting historical sites
53% Visiting natural areas
52% Picnicking
All of these activities and more are experienced at county nature preserves. Outdoor recreation
surveys at the national level have also shown the desire of Americans to have outdoor
experiences. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has conducted a nationwide recreation
survey every five years since 1955. It is one of the oldest and most comprehensive continuing
recreation surveys in the country. The 2006 survey found that 87.5 million U.S. residents 16 and
older participated in wildlife-related recreation. Of that, the vast majority participated in wildlifewatching activities (i.e. bird watching, nature observation, nature photography, etc.) with
approximately 71.1 million residents participating in these activities. This was an 8% increase
over the prior survey. In contrast, the number of sportspersons (fishers and hunters) declined by
10%. Overall, nearly a third of the U.S. population enjoyed wildlife watching in 2006. Of all
wildlife, birds attracted the biggest following, with 47.7 million participating from home, close to
home, or taking trips specifically to bird watch. Additionally, these wildlife watchers spent $45.7
billion on their activities. Survey responses revealed that benefits to outdoor enthusiasts range
from personal satisfaction to social interaction. Wildlife watchers make up one of the largest
segments of visitors served at nature preserves.
Finally, the Outdoor Industry Foundations Outdoor Recreation Participation StudyTM (research
conducted by The Leisure Trends Group) provides data on numerous trends since 1998. The
objectives of this study are to “annually track nationwide participation levels for Americans 16
and older in active outdoor activities, give insight into American’s behavior as outdoor
recreationists, and provide independent and projectable research to help the outdoor industry.”
Key findings of the 2006 report include:

161.1 million (72%) Americans 16 and older participated in an outdoor activity in 2005.
The majority of these Americans participated in between one and three activities (62.6%).
The top five active outdoor activities* by percent of Americans who participated are:
Bicycling, Fishing, Hiking, Camping, and Trail Running.
* Wildlife watching was not an activity measured by this survey. This survey included only active outdoor
recreational pursuits.
All of the top five activities, especially fishing, hiking, camping, and trail running, are offered at
Mecklenburg County nature preserves.
Although not one of the top five activities, the activity with the greatest decline over the eight
year period was overnight backpacking (22.5% decline). This follows a national trend where the
greatest growth in individual outdoor activities are those that can be “Done in a Day.” For
instance, hiking (on unpaved trails) continues to remain one of the most popular outdoor
activities. The 2005 American hiker was a relatively balanced demographic by gender,
household affluence, children in household, and region of the country. The average hiker hit the
trails on average 11 times in 2005, with 20% hiking more than 11 times. Additionally, Hispanic
hikers are increasing in numbers. Results such as these highlight the importance of providing
“local” and “close to home” opportunities to explore nature, hike, trail run, bird watch, picnic,
canoe/kayak, fish, and camp.
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Results of these local and national surveys provide the basis for many of the recommendations
contained within this master plan. Arguably, never before has the need and desire by the public
for nature preserves, access to nature trails and facilities, and nature-based outdoor
recreational programming been so strong at both the local and national level.
BENEFITS OF NATURE PRESERVES
Environmental Benefits
The environmental benefits of protecting open space, high quality natural areas, tree-canopy,
watersheds, and shorelines are extensive as there is a direct correlation between forested lands
and water quality. The county has experienced a significant loss of open space to development
and an increase of impervious surfaces in the past 20 years. Increased storm water runoff from
these surfaces creates significant impacts to our streams, lakes, and water quality. The run-off
enters creeks and tributaries, creating scouring and heavy erosion, and in many areas
eventually draining into the region’s drinking water supply. Currently most streams do not meet
the county’s “fishable or swimmable” standard. Additionally, for the first time, the water quality of
Mountain Island Lake (MIL) slipped from excellent to excellent/good, largely due to development
upstream of main tributaries in the Huntersville area. (LUESA 2006 State of the Environment).
As development continues, and impervious surfaces continue to increase, protecting the
watersheds of critical drinking reservoirs will continue to be necessary. A 2003 study indicated
that the nearly 5,800 acres of nature preserve property throughout the county have a storm
water retention capacity of 29 million cubic feet per year. This means that county nature
preserves are naturally filtering this amount of storm water annually, which otherwise would fall
onto impervious surfaces and directly enter the tributaries and lakes of the county.
One goal of the county has been to protect the watershed of MIL, the source of drinking water
for most Mecklenburg County and City of Charlotte residents. It is for this reason that the
majority of nature preserve acreage is located in the NW region of the county. The goal of
Phase1 of this program was to protect 80% of both the shoreline and the key tributaries of the
lake. To date, the region has done a fair job of protecting the shoreline (nearly 74% protected).
Mecklenburg County nature preserves protect 14 miles of this shoreline, the vast majority of the
74%. Although additional shoreline needs to be protected, this is encouraging. However, only
20% of the tributaries have been protected. Nature preserves such as Gar Creek Nature
Preserve were specifically purchased for protection of this vital tributary, which discharges
immediately upstream of the MIL drinking water intake. Because additional development within
the MIL watershed is occurring and likely to continue to occur until “build out”, land along
tributaries and the lake should be pursued for acquisition and protection.
It is interesting to note that a survey completed by the Trust for Public Lands in Mecklenburg
County revealed extremely strong citizen support for protecting our drinking water quality. Water
quality ranked 2nd in priorities just behind crime/public safety, and ahead of schools,
transportation, and jobs/economic development.
Another factor in the health of Mecklenburg County residents is air quality. Local studies have
shown the significant beneficial impact that an extensive forest can have on air quality. The
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Urban Ecosystem Analysis of Mecklenburg County, which was prepared by American Forests in
2003, revealed that from 1984 to 2001, the forested land in Mecklenburg County decreased
over 22%. There is a direct correlation between air quality and forested land. Urban forests
reduce the negative effects of air pollution by removing carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon
monoxide, ozone and particulate matter. The American Forests study estimated that the
forested lands in Mecklenburg County remove 17.5 million pounds of pollutants from the air
annually. As of 2007, county nature preserves accounted for 472,000 pounds of air pollution
removal every year. It has been conservatively estimated that the air quality benefits provided
by the county nature preserves can be valued at $2,210,000 per year.
Economic Benefits
Although not well known, county nature preserves provide direct, and significant, economic
benefits. The greatest of these benefits derives from higher sale prices and associated higher
yearly property taxes via the “proximity effect.” The proximity effect results from the fact that
people are willing to pay more (for a comparable home) based on location. In layman’s terms
this is known as “location, location, location….” Real estate markets consistently show people
are willing to pay more for homes located close to parks. Dr. John Crompton, Texas A&M
University, is a well-known authority on the subject. His work, “The Proximate Principle: The
Impact of Parks, Open Space and Water Features on Residential Property Values and the
Property Tax Base”, explores this effect in detail. Over 30 empirical studies clearly show parks
have an overwhelming positive effect on property values. The resulting higher sale price and
associated yearly taxes by an owner living adjacent to or near a park represent a direct,
immediate, and on-going economic return to a municipality on its investment in the park. This is
a direct economic tax benefit to the community, with no increase in services (or associated
expenditures) required.
The effect of parks on property values is not a new phenomenon. Frederick Law Olmsted, the
architect of New York’s Central Park, justified the purchase of this park by showing how the rise
in adjacent land value would produce enough new tax revenue to pay for the park investment.
By 1864, Olmsted could document new tax revenue with a $55,880 net return in annual taxes.
By 1873, the park – which until then had cost approximately $14 million, was responsible for an
extra $5.24 million in taxes each year.
Not surprisingly, Crompton’s recent work clearly shows that “passive properties” and parks
(non-athletic parks such as nature preserves) show the greatest proximity effect. In fact, on
average, properties adjacent to passive parks such as nature preserves experience a 20%
increase in value. The proximity effect declines to zero percent for properties 2,000 feet away,
or an average of 6-8 city blocks. Using the results of these studies, it has been estimated that
the tax benefit of Mecklenburg County nature preserves on the adjacent 2,026 property owners
and 3,146 nearby property owners within 1,000 feet of a preserve equals $1.18 million per year.
Two additional economic benefits of county nature preserves include tourism and direct revenue
generation. Based on the 2004 Charlotte Tourism Report and visitation to the nature preserves
and the many special events hosted at these sites every year, the estimated yearly tourism
benefit of county nature preserves in 2005 was $1.08 million. The direct revenue associated
with department fee-based nature programs, camps, shelter rentals, and the McDowell
campground totaled $181,000 in 2006. Taken together, the tax benefit, tourism benefit, and
revenue of the nature preserves and associated facilities and programs alone exceeds $2.4
million per year.
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Health & Quality of Life Benefits
The nature preserves system and connecting trails/greenways significantly benefit the health of
local residents. This is a very important consideration as studies indicate approximately 33% of
Americans are overweight. The Centers for Disease Control report that the number of
overweight adult Americans increased over 60% between 1991 and 2000. The percentage of
overweight children between the ages of two and five years old increased by almost 36%, and
studies show the amount of television that children watch directly correlates with measures of
their body fat. One recent study found that children ages eight to ten years old experience an
average of 6-10 hours of “screen time” per day. Childhood obesity is up 300% over the past two
decades, with nearly two out of every ten children now obese. As stated in the Outdoor
Recreation Participation StudyTM, the decline in the average number of outings taken by 16 to
24 year olds is a result of competition by other non-outdoor activities. For example, on an
average day in 2005, 14% of 16 to 24 year old males indicated they played video games and
31% indicated that it was one of their favorite activities. Another 2006 survey found that 91% of
parents cite television, computers, and video games as the main cause of their children’s
disinterest in outdoor play.
Other health issues include the growing number of children with Type II diabetes, asthma, and
attention deficit disorder (ADD). Stress levels continue to rise as well, and stress is linked to
both physical and mental health. More than ever, stress is recognized as a major drain on
corporate productivity and competitiveness. Depression, one type of stress reaction, is predicted
to be the leading occupational disease of the 21st century, and is responsible for more days of
lost work than any other single factor. Annually, over $300 billion is spent on stress-related
workers compensation claims, reduced productivity, absenteeism, health insurance costs, direct
medical expenses and employee turnover. This equals, on average, $7,500 per U.S. employee.
Nature preserves can be, and are, part of the solution to these significant health and societal
issues. Over 100 studies find that spending time in nature reduces stress. As documented in
“Last Child in the Woods” by Richard Louv, other studies find that children with nature near their
home report lower levels of behavioral conduct disorders, anxiety, and depression. Studies
demonstrate children have a greater ability to concentrate in more natural settings, and that
children engage in more creative forms of play in green areas. Incredibly, studies even suggest
that children who spend more time playing outdoors have more friends, and there is compelling
evidence that nature is useful as therapy for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
In response to these trends, there is growing support for the reconnection of children and
nature. The Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources makes a strong effort to help
resolve these health and social issues by providing environmental education programs
throughout the nature preserve system.
Research conducted at 150 schools in 16 states over a 10-year period found that environmental
education produces student gains in social studies, science, language arts, and math; improves
standardized test scores and grade point averages; and develops problem-solving, critical
thinking, and decision making skills. In addition, environmental education students typically
outperform their peers in traditional classes and these students also demonstrate better
attendance and behavior. For more than a decade, the National Environmental Education &
Training Foundation and the Roper Starch polling organization have been conducting surveys
that show 95% of American adults support environmental education. Every year, staff conduct
hundreds of educational programs for over 30,000 students and residents. As the only public
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provider of hands-on, outdoor, environmental education in the County, the Division will continue
to enhance and expand these offerings as funding permits.
Although it is clear that residents of Mecklenburg County value open space and natural
resource conservation and that there are significant environmental, economic, and health
benefits from nature preserves, there are other reasons that these resources are a value to the
community. The quality of life as well as economic vitality in the region is consequently
enhanced by both recreational and educational opportunities available throughout the nature
preserve system. Ecotourism is a growing component of regional economies across the country.
This type of tourism is generally based on the attraction of natural areas for outdoor recreation,
viewing of wildlife and scenic resources, and visitor education. Even though it would seem that
ecotourism would be something experienced in wilderness areas, many urban areas are taking
advantage of natural and cultural resources to attract visitors and provide local residents the
opportunity to partake in outdoor adventures close to home. Local examples include the
Carolina Thread Trail, which will link natural and cultural sites in a 15 county region within the
Piedmont, and the Central Carolinas Biodiversity Trail, which will guide visitors to areas with
unique wildlife and natural areas throughout the Piedmont. A strong nature preserves system
will be a key component of these regional trails and will attract regional and national visitors to
the Charlotte metropolitan area, which in turn will benefit the local economy.
SUPPLY AND GAP ANALYSIS
The Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources currently protects and manages 5,783
acres of natural areas and cultural resources, and fosters their understanding through
educational and recreational programs and facilities. Due to proactive efforts by Mecklenburg
County, the nature preserves system has grown since the 1997 Nature Preserves Master Plan.
At that time, there were seven nature preserves. There are currently 14 nature preserves in the
system. The nature preserves are:

Latta Plantation (1,339.4 acres)
McDowell (1,107.6 acres)
Reedy Creek (736.3 acres)
Cowan’s Ford (660.1 acres)
Rural Hill (488.8 acres)
Gar Creek (353.0 acres)
Stephen’s Road (343.3 acres)
Auten (268.8 acres)
RibbonWalk (186.9 acres)
Haymarket (100.4 acres)
Evergreen (77.4 acres)
Brackett Bluff (61.1 acres)
Flat Branch (42.2 acres)
Shuffletown Prairie (18.1 acres)
Mecklenburg County is approximately 526 square miles in size and Mecklenburg County
government owns 17,921 acres (28 square miles) of land throughout the county. This acreage
accounts for approximately 5% of the county and includes numerous county facilities, parks and
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land banked parcels. Nature Preserve properties account for approximately 32% of the countyowned lands and approximately 1.7% of the entire county.
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Brackett Bluff
Interstate
Thoroughfare
Stephen's Road
Mecklenburg County Boundary
77
Catawba River
Auten
Cowan's Ford
Current Nature Preserves
Gar Creek
Rural Hill
Haymarket
Latta Plantation
Shuffletown Prairie
85
RibbonWalk
Reedy Creek
277
Evergreen
485
McDowell
Flat Branch
0
2
4
Miles
Current Mecklenburg County
Nature Preserves
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The estimated population of Mecklenburg County in 2005 was 871,432, a 19% increase from
the population in 2000. Based on the estimated 2005 population, there are 6.6 acres of Nature
Preserves per 1,000 residents. A review of peer communities has resulted in the determination
that the Mecklenburg County Nature Preserve system is lagging behind these communities in
the amount of acreage that is managed for natural resources and nature-based recreation. This
cursory evaluation revealed that all other counties far exceeded the amount of protected lands
in Mecklenburg County, both in terms of total acreage, acres per capita, and percent of county
land. This survey is summarized in Table 1.
Table 1
Survey of Peer Communities
Nature
Population
Preserve
County/State
Acres
Wake County, North Carolina
748,815
47,861
Lake County, Illinois
702,682
25,000
Kane County, Illinois
482,113
14,200
Montgomery County, Ohio
547,435
13,000
Lucas County, Ohio
448,229
9,174
Hamilton County, Ohio
806,652
13,128
Will County, Illinois
642,813
12,569
Summit County, Ohio
546,604
8,744
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
1,335,317
21,000
Franklin County, Ohio
1,090,771
16,934
Pinellas County, Florida
928,032
14,423
King County, Washington
1,826,732
25,000
DuPage County, Illinois
929,113
24,000
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
871,432
5,783.4
Acres per
1,000
residents
63.9
35.6
29.5
23.7
20.5
16.3
19.6
16.0
15.7
15.5
15.5
13.7
11.3
6.6
Percent of
county
land
9.0
8.74
4.27
4.41
4.22
5.04
2.35
3.32
7.16
4.91
8.05
1.83
11.26
1.7
Fortunately, Mecklenburg County still contains many high-quality natural areas and watershed
protection lands that could be preserved prior to private or commercial development. If the
county is to meet the needs of the residents, which strongly indicate a desire for more open
space, natural areas, and nature trails, additional lands will need to be acquired in the
immediate future. The urgency in acquiring and protecting remaining natural areas is evident by
recent results from UNC Charlotte, which show Mecklenburg County lost 14.85 undeveloped
acres per day from 1996-2006. Increases in development are expected to continue until 2030,
at which time it is projected that 96% of the county will be built-out. Only after this does the rate
of development slow.
The Mecklenburg County Nature Preserve system is divided into three management districts;
Northwest, Southwest, and Northeast. Most protected lands are in the Northwest portion of the
county, strongly influenced by the Catawba River, Mountain Island Lake and water quality
protection efforts for those water bodies. Over 60% of nature preserve acreage is found in this
area of the county, resulting in service gaps and lack of adequate access to nature preserves
and associated facilities for many other residents of the county.
NATURE CENTERS
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There are currently three nature centers serving the entire county. Nature Centers are one of
the primary public facilities associated with nature preserves. In addition to serving as a
customer service facility where visitors can pick up a trail map, ask questions, use restrooms,
and register for programs, the centers typically provide hands-on educational exhibits, provide
staff offices, and serve as the program facility for tens of thousands of students, scouts, families,
and adults that participate in programs yearly. The three nature centers are located at Latta
Plantation, McDowell, and Reedy Creek Nature Preserves. Based on gap analysis and drive
time, many residents must drive considerable distances to access a center. This creates a
significant access and equity issue. Additionally, the results of the 2008 Community Survey as
well as best practices indicate an extremely high level of need for additional nature centers.
The Department’s recommended standard of one nature center per 100,000 residents results in
a current deficit of five nature centers, and a deficit of nine nature centers to serve residents by
the year 2022. Although many new nature centers were planned or discussed over the years,
no new centers have been built or opened to the public for the past 15 years.
Based on the community survey results and gap analysis, the Nature Preserve Master Plan
calls for five new nature centers to be built over the next five years. An additional four nature
centers will be needed in the following five years. These nature centers would provide access
and services to the majority of the county once opened. See Current and Proposed
Mecklenburg County Nature Centers map.
CATAWBA RIVER CANOE TRAIL
One of many regional initiatives the Division is actively involved with is the 175-mile Catawba
River Canoe Trail. The vision of this trail is to provide access and services for canoeists and
kayakers to be able to continuously paddle the river from Lake James near Morganton, NC to
Fishing Creek Lake near Lancaster, SC. The Middle Catawba River Canoe Trail is an 83-mile
stretch of the river trail extending from Lake Hickory Dam to the Lake Wylie Dam. Due to the
presence of numerous county nature preserves, parks and land banked properties along this
stretch of river, the department should consider the vision of this regional plan with any future
development or redevelopment of park properties.
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MANAGEMENT GOALS
x
To protect the biodiversity and natural heritage of each Mecklenburg County Nature
Preserve for its intrinsic value, the health of our environment, and the long-term benefit of
the public.
x
To collect and utilize the best available scientific data to provide a sound basis for making
management decisions.
x
To maintain, enhance, and/or restore the integrity and biodiversity of natural communities.
x
To identify target species in need of monitoring and/or management.
x
To identify, acquire, designate and protect as Nature Preserve other county areas
containing important ecological, geological, or cultural resources.
x
To attempt to link together Nature Preserves and other natural areas.
x
To minimize the impact of external human influences on Nature Preserve properties.
x
To provide nature-based outdoor recreation and education opportunities to the public, while
ensuring protection of our natural resources and natural areas.
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The County recognizes that to ensure that residents continue to benefit from the nature
preserve system there must be a commitment to protection of natural areas within the
preserves, minimizing impacts from outside influences, and giving priority to natural
communities when conflicts arise. The following policies will guide the Division of Nature
Preserves and Natural Resources in managing resources on nature preserves to enhance the
natural environment throughout the county.
Appropriate Uses of Nature Preserves
The Division recognizes that there should be limitations to some outdoor recreation pursuits and
that some public uses have been determined to be inappropriate for nature preserves. It is
critical that any public use of a nature preserve will not cause unacceptable impacts to the
resource.
The determination of appropriate public use will be the “recreation vs. resource” test. The
appropriateness of public uses in nature preserves will be evaluated for consistency with the
Division’s Mission, Management Goals, Management Policies, or County Ordinance; actual and
anticipated impacts to the resource; and resources available to manage the current/proposed
use.
Policy - If it is determined that a proposed public use will result in unacceptable impacts to the
resource, then this use will be disallowed from the nature preserve. If it is determined that
15
current public uses are creating unacceptable impacts to the resource, that public use will be
eliminated.
Appropriate public uses at nature preserves are:

Hiking/Walking/Jogging
Wildlife Observation/Bird Watching
Nature Study and Appreciation/Spending Time in Nature
Educational Activities (school groups, scouts, public, colleges/universities, etc.)
Public and Private Nature–based Programs (environmental education, outdoor recreation)
Picnicking
Fishing
Canoe/Kayaking
Camping (currently at McDowell Nature Preserve and Copperhead Island only)
Biking on Paved Roads Only
Horseback Riding (Latta Plantation Nature Preserve only; limited to designated equestrian
trails)
This policy addresses appropriate uses within a nature preserve. Mecklenburg County
ordinances and policies have also been adopted to govern the use and operation of County
Park and Recreation Facilities. The County ordinances and policies are presented in the
Appendix to this plan. All county ordinances apply to nature preserves.
The following uses and actions are prohibited within nature preserves:

Removal or destruction of any natural objects, including plants or minerals (per county
ordinance)
Feeding of wildlife, including waterfowl (per county ordinance)
Mountain Biking on natural/non-paved trails
ATV Riding (per county ordinance)
Swimming (per county ordinance)
Dogs off leash (per county ordinance)
Horseback Riding (except at Latta Plantation on designated equestrian trails)
Releasing of pets or feral animals (per county ordinance)
Camping (except at established campgrounds)
Hunting and trapping (except specially approved deer management hunts)
Injuring, killing, or harassing in any manner, any bird or animal (per county ordinance)
16
MANAGEMENT ZONES
Public uses at nature preserves are based upon “management zones” designated within each
nature preserve. These zones are determined by the natural resources found within them. The
specific management of each zone differs, as well as the permitted public uses and amenities,
based on the quality of the natural areas of the zone, potential impacts certain activities can
have on these areas, and/or other significant features (i.e. the presence of endangered species,
etc.).
All natural areas within a nature preserve are designated as Natural Zone, Outstanding Natural
Zone, or Critical Natural Zone. These zones exhibit significant biological diversity and ecological
processes. The overall management priority of these zones is the conservation and restoration
of natural communities and the protection of animal and plant species.
In addition to the three natural zones, a Cultural and Historical Zone has been established for
the protection and management of unique cultural resources, and a Support Development Zone
has been established to permit the construction and building of facilities which support the
mission of the Division. Management zones are assigned a hierarchy level (i.e., 1 to 4 where 1
is the most significant) based on their ecological sensitivity and development restrictions. Zone
maps have been established for all nature preserves and can be found in this master plan.
Hierarchy Level 1 - Critical Natural Zone
Hierarchy Level 2 - Outstanding Natural Zone
Hierarchy Level 3 - Natural Zone
Hierarchy Level 3 - Cultural and Historical Zone
Hierarchy Level 4 - Support Development Zone
Policy – If changes to management zones in a nature preserve are proposed, the changes can
only be upgraded to a more strict management zone (i.e., to a higher hierarchy level, such as a
Natural Zone to Outstanding Natural Zone) or result in an overall decrease in Support
Development Zone.
Because the nature preserve is established to preserve natural communities, it is evident that
the predominant management zones with a nature preserve will be the Natural, Outstanding,
and Critical Zones.
Policy - The total amount of Support Development Zone within a nature preserve may never
exceed 10% of the total preserve acreage.
The definitions of nature preserve management zones are listed below:
Critical Natural Zone
Definition—Sensitive areas whose natural features, ecological processes, or species are
subject to serious impairment if opened to the public. These sites may contain significant
Natural Heritage Sites, threatened or endangered species, and/or habitats or wildlife sensitive to
human disturbance, as well as buffer areas to protect them from encroachment or impairment.
17
Hierarchy Level—1
Management Priorities—Site monitoring, scientific study, and management to preserve and/or
restore the area's ecological integrity and natural heritage values.
Permitted Amenities:

Amenities must be compatible with the preservation and management of ecological features
and natural resources.
No new trails shall be permitted.
Service roads for management purposes.
Public Access—Restricted. Controlled access is limited to guided tours by Division staff and to
scientific researchers working under special permit issued by the Division.
Outstanding Natural Zone
Definition—Areas exhibiting a significant diversity of flora, fauna, natural communities, rare
species, and/or geologic features, where public trails will not adversely affect the integrity of the
site. This designation shall also include shoreline buffers (minimum 100 feet wide) along the
Catawba River and regulated floodplains along tributary streams not designated as Critical
Natural Zone.
Hierarchy Level—2
Management Priorities:

Site monitoring, scientific study, and management to preserve and/or restore the area's
biological diversity.
Provide public access that will not adversely affect the integrity of the natural features and
ecological processes.

Amenities must be compatible with the preservation, interpretation, and management of
ecological features and natural resources.
Pedestrian trails (natural surface, boardwalk, stone surface or approved stream/wetland
crossings) and interpretive signage for educational and passive recreational purposes.
Existing equestrian trails (natural surface or stone surface).
Public Access—Not restricted.
Natural Zone
Definition—Areas that provide general plant and wildlife habitat and buffer sites of higher
ecological significance from adjacent land uses.
Hierarchy Level—3
18
Management Priority:

Site monitoring, scientific study, and management to conserve and/or restore the area's
natural resources.
Provide public access that will not adversely affect the integrity of the natural features and
ecological processes.
Provide facilities for environmental education, public programs, and nature-based
recreation.

ecological features and natural resources.
Non-motorized, multi-use trails (any surface material) and interpretive signage for
educational and recreational purposes. Motorized wheelchairs are permitted on trails.
Nature centers, observation decks/towers, and supporting infrastructure compatible with the
interpretation of natural resources and ecological processes.
Cultural and Historical Zone
Definition—Areas to be managed for the preservation, protection, and interpretation of cultural,
archeological, and historical resources. Cultural and historical resources include properties
listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, along with resources not
eligible for the register, but worth preserving for interpretive or other management purposes.
Hierarchy Level—3
Management Priority—Protection of cultural and historical resources for public visitation,
education, and interpretation.

cultural/historical values and resources.
Educational centers and associated infrastructure.
Facility restorations.
Non-motorized, multi-use trails (any surface material) and interpretive signage for
educational and passive recreational purposes. Motorized wheelchairs are permitted on
trails.
Service roads (any surface material) for management purposes.
Amenities shall be restricted to the smallest area necessary to accommodate required
development and use, and to minimize environmental impacts.
Public Access—Not restricted, however certain sites may be closed to the public to ensure
protection of the site.
Support Development Zone
19
Definition—Areas where facility development and intensive use may substantially alter the
natural environment.
Hierarchy Level—4
Management Priority—Facility maintenance and management.

Amenities must support visitor use or nature preserve management.
Typical amenities include paved roads, parking lots, picnic shelters, maintenance facilities,
operational support buildings, camping areas, boat access, fishing piers, restroom facilities,
and utility easements.
Amenities shall be restricted to the smallest area necessary to accommodate required
development and use and to minimize environmental impacts. Support Development Zones
may not exceed 10% of the total nature preserve acreage, and every attempt should be
made to develop the least amount of acreage, while still providing public facilities and
access.
Maintain Species of Concern
Policy – Every attempt shall be made to ensure no net loss of species of local conservation
concern or their critical habitat within the nature preserve system.
The Division monitors and manages for numerous local, state, and federal species of
conservation concern. The long term goal is to ensure these species do not disappear from our
community. To accomplish this, the Division will conduct comprehensive surveys for and protect
species of concern. The Division will strive to recover all species of concern and their critical
habitats within the nature preserve system. To accomplish this, the Division will: adhere to
policies within this master plan, coordinate state and federal agencies to ensure that all
management activities meet the requirements of state or federal species recovery plans, and
prepare and implement management plans for all natural areas.
Natural Heritage Program
Designated Natural Heritage Areas (referred to as Natural Heritage sites in this plan) are
defined by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program as …”an area of land or water identified
by the Natural Heritage Program as being important for conservation of the State’s biodiversity.
Significant Natural Heritage Areas contain one or more Natural Heritage elements—high quality
or rare natural communities, rare species, and special animal habitats.”
This national program, coordinated by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, is locally
managed by the Natural Resources section of the Division. Currently, there are 53 known and
documented Natural Heritage sites in Mecklenburg County. These are the truly unique and
“special places” still remaining in the county. Natural Heritage Sites are ranked as being of local,
20
regional, state, or national significance. All or portions of all nature preserves are designated as
Natural Heritage sites.
Land and Water Conservation Fund Properties
The county has received funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for
acquisition of lands for the nature preserve system. The provision of LWCF funds requires strict
adherence to Section 6 (f) (3) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. This section of
the Act states that without the consent of the Secretary of Interior, no property acquired (or
developed) with assistance of LWCF funds shall be converted to purposes other than outdoor
recreation. Lands within the nature preserve system acquired with LWCF funds are to be
considered nature preserves in perpetuity.
Management of Nature Preserve
Lands Leased to Outside Organizations
Facilities operated by organizations other than the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
Department are located on some nature preserves. All future lease agreements or contracts
with these organizations should ensure that these facilities and associated grounds are
managed to meet the Division’s Mission and Management Goals. Agreements and contracts
should only permit amenities, maintenance, and public activities appropriate for the
management zone in which the facility is located. Facilities within Cultural and Historical Zones
should balance management of the cultural landscape with the requirement to minimize
unacceptable impacts to the natural resources in the nature preserve. Any plans to develop
new facilities or amenities within areas operated by these organizations must be approved by
the Division.
Conservation Easements on Nature Preserves
Several nature preserve properties were acquired subject to a conservation easement held by
the Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC). These properties include the 61-acre Brackett Bluff
Nature Preserve and 343 acres of Gar Creek Nature Preserve. Catawba Lands Conservancy is
responsible for annually monitoring these preserves to ensure compliance with the conservation
easements.
A conservation easement on the 100-acre Haymarket Nature Preserve was purchased by the
State of North Carolina through the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. The State is
responsible for monitoring this preserve to ensure compliance with the conservation easement.
Several properties owned by the City of Charlotte are designated as Mecklenburg County
nature preserves and managed in accordance with the Nature Preserve Master Plan. These
properties include approximately 210 acres of Stephen’s Road Nature Preserve and 80 acres of
Auten Nature Preserve. A Conservation and Preservation Agreement between the City and
County appoints the County as the exclusive custodian and manager of these properties.
Copies of the conservation easements and the Conservation and Preservation Agreement are
retained on file by the Division.
21
Dedication as State Nature Preserves
Mecklenburg County is actively pursuing State Dedication of the larger nature preserves.
Articles of Dedication (conservation easements) will be conveyed to the State of North Carolina
to provide the highest level of protection for these significant natural areas. Acceptance of the
dedication must be approved by the Governor and the Council of State. Once dedicated, the
State will be responsible for monitoring these preserves to ensure compliance with the Articles
of Dedication.
Managing Encroachment
Urban growth places increasing pressure on the integrity of natural communities and the
corridors that connect these natural areas. Commercial and residential development is already
extending to boundaries of some nature preserves and this trend will likely continue for many
years. Incompatible land uses or activities can have an unacceptable impact to resources on a
nature preserve by limiting species movement and reducing habitat integrity. Additional
unacceptable activities resulting from encroachment include illegal dumping, unauthorized
access (e.g., creation of trails), all-terrain vehicle use, horseback riding, and expansion of
private backyards into nature preserve properties. Encroachment is not limited to properties
bordering nature preserves and may stem from land uses or activities upstream or upwind of a
nature preserve. The Division must be proactive in addressing encroachment. Options for
managing encroachment include:

Acquiring lands adjacent to nature preserves and extending nature preserves to definable
boundaries (e.g., major thoroughfare, street, stream, etc.).
Partnering with local planning departments and engagement in the earliest stages of land
use planning.
Participating in any rezoning processes that would result in unacceptable impacts to the
nature preserve.
Addressing specific activities on neighboring properties that would result in unacceptable
impacts to the nature preserve with local code enforcement departments.
Partnering with non-governmental or private organizations to establish conservation
easements on land bordering nature preserves.
Partnering with appropriate federal, state, and regional agencies to develop strategies to
mitigate unacceptable impacts to nature preserves.
NATURE PRESERVE DESIGNATION OF
LAND-BANKED PROPERTIES
In 2007 the Division completed an analysis of undeveloped “land-banked” department
properties. The analysis was conducted in an attempt to document natural resources at each
site and provide recommendations, where appropriate, for properties that should be considered
for nature preserve designation (either whole or in part).
22
The original analysis included 46 properties totaling 3,522 acres that, at the time, were landbanked and undeveloped. Since that time, 21 of these properties (1,856 acres) have been
developed. Many of the remaining properties do not contain significant natural resources or high
quality natural areas, and are therefore recommended to be developed as Neighborhood,
Community, or Regional Parks based on need. Two properties, the Back Creek and Pennington
properties, contain high quality natural areas, but with sensitive planning and design they could
still support limited active use development and provide active parks.
Of the remaining properties, six contain exceptional natural areas and/or unique features, rare
species of concern, and high biodiversity. Five are recommended for Nature Preserve
designation in the department’s new 10-year master plan. These new Nature Preserves will be:
x
x
x
x
x
Stevens Creek Nature Preserve
Berryhill Nature Preserve
Oehler Nature Preserve
Gateway Nature Preserve & Community Park
Hucks Road/Davis Farm Nature Preserve
The locations of these five properties are within the service radii of other Community and
Regional Parks. Hence, residents living near these preserves have, or will have, their active
recreation needs met at those facilities. Total acreage of the above five properties (or portions
thereof) to be designated nature preserve is 730.6 acres. This will bring the total acreage of the
nature preserve system to 6,514 acres.
The sixth property containing exceptional natural resources, Sherman Branch, is in an area of
the county that also shows a strong need for a Regional Park (existing active recreation service
gap). Therefore, the department recommends the Sherman Branch property remain “landbanked” and undesignated for the time being. The department will pursue land acquisition
nearby for an active Regional Park to serve this area. This could then result in Sherman Branch
being designated Nature Preserve. Information of each of the six properties mentioned above is
available through the department.
ACQUISITION OF NATURE PRESERVE
PROPERTIES
To assist with a strategic approach toward nature preserve land acquisition, the Trust for Public
Lands completed a “greenprinting” analysis of Mecklenburg County. The greenprinting process
takes community values and uses them as a basis for rating properties. Two analyses were
conducted to determine Nature Preserve priority land acquisitions. The first was a “Critical
Wildlife Habitat” greenprint, and the second was a “Parcel Prioritization” greenprint. The Critical
Wildlife Habitat considered and mapped the following: forested habitat, early successional
habitat, wetland habitat, riparian habitat, Natural Heritage Sites, buffer zones adjacent to
existing unique/rare habitats, wildlife corridors, presence of rare species of concern, critical
watersheds, and large unbroken natural areas remaining in the county. Based on a weighted
matrix, lands were ranked 1-5, five being lands exhibiting the highest “critical habitat values.”
23
Brackett Bluff
Summers Walk
Interstate
Thoroughfare
Mecklenburg County Boundary
Oehler
Catawba River
Current and Recommended Nature Preserves
Stephen's Road
Current
77
Recommended
Auten
Cowan's Ford
Partnership in Progress/Potential Nature Preserve
Land-banked Property/Potential Nature Preserve
Gar Creek
Rural Hill
Haymarket
Hucks Road/Davis Farm
Latta Plantation
Shuffletown Prairie
85
RibbonWalk
Reedy Creek
Gateway
Berryhill
Sherman Branch/Moore Farm
277
Evergreen
485
Stevens Creek
McDowell
Big Rock
Flat Branch
0
2
4
Miles
Current and Recommended
Mecklenburg County Nature Preserves
24
Lake
Wylie
85
§
¦
¨
Catawba
River
277 27
21
£
¤
77
§
¦
¨
521
£
¤
§
¨
¦
485
¤
§
¨
¦£
16
§
¦
¨
77
§
¦
¨
521
£
¤
29
£
¤
Mt. Island
Lake
Lake
Norman
21
£
¤
74
§
¦
¨
0
2.5
5 Miles
for Natural Area Protection
Parks and Open Space
Waterbodies
River
Tier 1 and Tier 2 Priority Lands
Legend
1.25
Medium High
±
25
TPL, The Trust for Public Land, and The Trust for Public Land
logo are trademarks of The Trust for Public Land.
Copyright © 2008 The Trust for Public Land.www.tpl.org
Information on this map is provided for purposes of
discussion and visualization only.
Medium
High
Highway
Protect Critical Habitat Priorities
Interstate
Transportation
120 properties
6,446 acres
Special thanks to the following data providers: Southeast Gap Analysis Project, Biodiveristy and Spatial Information Center;
NCSU Mecklenburg County GIS North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Map created by the Trust for Public Land on
March 24, 2008. Created in ArcMap 9.2® Map Projection: NAD 1983 State Plane
North Carolina FIPS 3200 Feet
29
£
¤
29
85 £
¤
§
¦
¨
Tier 1 and Tier 2 Priority Lands for
Natural Area Protection
Mecklenburg County Greenprinting
The second analysis evaluated parcels of land throughout the county, and those parcels that
were both larger and contained the least amount of impervious cover were also mapped and
ranked. Where these parcels overlaid with mapped Critical Habitat areas scoring 3-5, a final
ranking was established. This final ranking is based on a scale of 1-24, with twenty-four being
the highest possible score a parcel could receive, based on various factors such as size,
undeveloped state, and the presence of critical habitat factors.
Properties which scored a value of 16-24 (Tier 1) contain the greatest value in terms of critical
habitat. Properties which scored a value of 15 are considered Tier 2. The combined acreage of
these 120 properties is 6,446. These properties should be considered for future nature preserve
acquisition, as they would greatly contribute to the unmet needs of the community and protect
significant areas. Therefore, the department has set a goal of acquiring and protecting an
additional 6,446 acres of nature preserve properties.
Properties scoring 14 or less may still contain critical habitat and would significantly benefit the
community by protection. Acquisition of these properties should be pursued if funding and
opportunity exists.
See Mecklenburg County Greenprinting Tier 1 and Tier 2 Priority Lands for Natural Area
Protection map. This map illustrates areas of the county which, according to aerial imagery, field
verification, and best available information, contain critical wildlife habitat for nature preserve
designation. The circles represent general areas the department should try to protect through
donation, purchase, or conservation easements (via partners such as the Catawba lands
Conservancy).
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE NATURE
CENTERS
Currently three nature centers serve the entire county. Nature Centers are the primary public
facilities associated with nature preserves. The three nature centers are located at Latta
Plantation, McDowell, and Reedy Creek Nature Preserves. Based on gap analysis, many
residents must drive considerable distances to visit a nature center, creating a significant
access and equity issue. Additionally, the results of the 2008 Community Survey as well as best
practices indicate an extremely high level of need for additional nature centers.
The Department’s recommended standard of one nature center per 100,000 residents results in
a current deficit of five nature centers, and a deficit of nine nature centers to serve residents by
the year 2022. Refer to the Mecklenburg County – Facility Standards Spreadsheet in the
department Master Plan. Although many new nature centers were planned or discussed over
the years, no new centers have been built or opened to the public for the past 15 years.
Based on the community survey results and service gap analysis of existing centers, the Nature
Preserve Master Plan recommends five new nature centers to be built over the next 10 years.
These nature centers would provide access and services to the majority of the county once
opened. See Current and Proposed Mecklenburg County Nature Centers map. An additional
four nature centers will be needed in the following five years to meet the recommended
standard as population and density increase.
26
Nature Center Location
Nature Preserves
Parks
Nature Center Type
Current
Current - Partnership
77
Latta Plantation
85
Reedy Creek
485
85
277
Charlotte Nature Museum
77
485
McDowell
0
1
2
Miles
Current Mecklenburg County
Nature Centers
with 5-Mile Radius Service Areas
27
Nature Center Location
Nature Preserves
Parks
Nature Center Type
Current
Current - Partnership
Proposed
Summers Walk
77
Latta Plantation
RibbonWalk
85
Reedy Creek
Gateway
485
85
277
Charlotte Nature Museum
77
485
Stevens Creek
Sharon Road West
McDowell
Proposed Nature Center Rankings
1 - Stevens Creek
2 - Gateway
3 - Sharon Road West
4 - Summers Walk
5 - RibbonWalk
0
1
2
Miles
Current and Proposed
Mecklenburg County Nature Centers
with 5-Mile Radius Service Areas
28
CAPITAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH
RECOMMENDATIONS
Current capital needs for the master planning and development of five new nature preserves
and basic amenities (bathrooms, shelters, trails, parking lots), the master planning and
development of four existing designated preserves (Evergreen, Flat Branch, RibbonWalk, and
Haymarket), the construction of new nature centers, and the expansion of two existing nature
centers is estimated at $54,900,000 over the next ten years. These capital costs do not include
land acquisition for future nature preserves.
A detailed breakdown of these estimated costs is included in the departments Master Plan.
29
NATURE PRESERVES: EXISTING
CONDITIONS, ZONES, AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
This section details the existing site conditions of each of the 14 current Mecklenburg County
nature preserves, an explanation of the designated management zones in each preserve, and
provides some recommendations for the preserves. Detailed descriptions of the listed plant
communities are located in the appendix. All “species of note” are for reference and are not
meant to be complete lists.
Latta Plantation Nature Preserve
Site Features
Physiography
Topographic elevations across the site range from a lake elevation of around 647 feet to
elevations of approximately 750 feet on ridge tops near the equestrian center and the Piedmont
Prairie site. Slopes throughout the Preserve are moderate with a limited number of side slopes
exceeding 20 percent. The Gar Creek and Beechwood Cove watersheds provide the largest
drainages on the site, both draining into Mountain Island Lake. The majority of the preserve is
wooded.
Plant Communities
Plant communities documented within this preserve are listed below. Please refer to the
appendix for a detailed explanation of each community type.
Basic Mesic Forest
Basic Oak-Hickory Forest – (North Carolina-designated significant natural heritage area)
Dry Oak-Hickory Forest
Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest
Piedmont Alluvial Forest
Early Successional Mosaic: Piedmont Prairie / Grassland / Shrubland / Right-of-Way
Pine Plantation
Plant Species of Note
Documented rare plants include: Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweintzii), manfreda
(Manfreda virginica), Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum), and Carolina buckthorn
30
(Frangula caroliniana). Locally rare plants include: fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), nodding
onion (Allium cernuum), and beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta). Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema
triphyllum) and puttyroot orchid (Aplectrum hyemale) are unusually plentiful in some areas.
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Autumn
olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet
(Ligustrum sinense), liriope (Liriope muscari), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica),
Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and rat-tail fescue
(Vulpia myuros).
Animal Species of Note
Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: American
kestrel (Falco sparverius), eastern meadowlark (Sturna magna), Kentucky warbler (Opornis
formosus), northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), American
woodcock (Scolopax minor), Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), black-and-white warbler
(Mniotilta varia), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), ovenbird
(Seiurus aurocapillus), Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), pileated woodpecker
(Dryocopus pileatus), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria
citrea), red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter
striatus), whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus),
red-spotted newt (Notopthalmus viridescens), and gulf coast spiny softshell turtle (Apalone
spinifera aspera).
Land Use Inventory
Existing land uses within the 1,339.4 acre Latta Plantation Nature Preserve include Historic
Latta Plantation (a historic farm and plantation home), Carolina Raptor Center, Nature Center,
Natural Resources North Office, Equestrian Center, picnic area, two canoe access areas, power
line rights-of-way, a maintenance facility, and 16 miles of hiking trails, of which 13 miles are
open to equestrian use. The remainder of the preserve is undeveloped. Adjacent land use is
predominately residential.
Significant Features
All of Latta Plantation Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site and the
Basic Oak-Hickory Forest is ranked as being of state significance. The site provides significant
protection for the water quality of Mecklenburg County. The forest surrounding the Gar Creek
watershed protects the City of Charlotte’s primary drinking water intake located at the mouth of
Gar Creek. The 40 acre Piedmont Prairie restoration site harbors two federally listed plant
species and the Beechwood Trail area protects a high quality beech woodland.
Summary
This preserve is one of the most visited nature preserves in the county. While its attractions are
important to public recreation, its natural areas serve many vital ecological functions from
habitat protection and restoration, to the protection of the region’s air and water quality. The
ecological health of the Gar Creek floodplain is of critical importance to the water quality of
Mountain Island Lake and the City of Charlotte’s drinking water.
31
Management Zones
Natural Zones—The majority of Latta Plantation is designated as Outstanding Natural Zone
(856.9 acres). This area includes the Gar Creek floodplain, the Beechwood Trail area, various
upland forests, and the shoreline protection buffer and the 40 acre Piedmont Prairie restoration
site. There are 313.1 acres designated as Critical Natural Zone within the northern third of the
preserve, including the Basic Oak-Hickory Forest area.
Cultural and Historical Zone—The area associated with Historic Latta Plantation has been
designated as Cultural and Historical Zone. This zone is 42.7 acres in size. The boundaries of
Historic Latta Plantation are dictated by their current lease agreement with Mecklenburg County.
Support Development Zone—The intense development along Sample Road with access
drives and active uses led to the creation of a support development zone. The 126.7 acre (9.5%
of total acreage) support development zone accommodates a variety of pubic uses that include:

Nature Center
Natural Resources North Office
Equestrian Center
Maintenance Facility
Carolina Raptor Center
Canoe Access
Canoe/Kayak Storage Area
Picnic Area
Recommendations

Additional land should be acquired to provide linkages between this preserve and others in
the vicinity of Mountain Island Lake. These lands would fill in some of the out-parcel gaps,
preserve contiguous habitat and wildlife corridors, protect water quality and increase the
buffer to adjacent land uses. The acquisition strategy is based on the Trust for Public Land
(TPL) Greenprinting Strategy prepared for the update to the Mecklenburg County Parks and
Recreation Comprehensive Plan.
Equestrian use was “grandfathered in” during the 1997 master plan process. Equestrian
trails are limited to those currently designated at the preserve.
Continuing agreements with partner organizations other than Mecklenburg County Division
of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources on Latta Plantation Nature Preserve property
should require land management actions that balance the need to interpret the cultural
landscape with habitat protection and requirements for preservation of sensitive species.
A cultural landscape report for historic properties at Latta Plantation should be developed.
The cultural landscape report will include recommendations for vegetation management that
balances the need to interpret historic resources with maintaining ecological integrity of the
preserve.
32
Nature Preserve
10 Foot Contour
Soil
Appling
Cecil
Davidson
Enon
Iredell
Mecklenburg
Monacan
Pacolet
Wilkes
0
0.1
0.2
Miles
Existing Conditions - Physiography
2007 Aerial Photography
33
Mountain Island Lake Watershed ; CA-3
Nature Preserve
Critical Watershed Sub Area
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
Mountain Island Lake Watershed ; PA-1
Ga
r
Cre
e
k
Lake Wylie Watershed ; PA
0
0.1
0.2
Miles
Existing Conditions - Hydrology
34
avis
Duke Access Rd
on-d
r
sC
La
tta
Sp
rin
g
ove Ln
Canoe C
s
John
Arthur Auten Rd
Av
ac
o
y
tec
ri
Ca
p
br
ig
Ha
m
Mo
n
Dr
M
on
Rd
W
Dr
Tit
an
ht
Tl
il M
ist
yM
ist
Ap
r
Morgan Horse Tl
Lawings Co
rner Dr
Rd
New Bond Dr
Nec
k
Red Falcon Ct
W
i nd
ar
lo
D
r
Rd
a
Be
s
ttie
rd
Fo
Sa
mp
le
Rd
Rd
Nature Center
Equestrian Center
Natural Resources North
Historic Latta Plantation
r
Riva Ridge Ct
Den
ali L
n
Alydar Ct
nD
Viceregal Ct
Se
la
r
ftai
r Ln
0
0.09 0.18
Miles
Existing Conditions - Infrastructure
35
Woodcock Ln
Marengo Cr
iC
t
dD
oo
Rd
ie
Ch
o
cat
d
ille R
Hyperion Ct
o
Adv
Firestreak Dr
Rive
rvie
wD
Ri
r
ve
rfr
Riv
o
er i
ne nt D
r
Dr
tersv
Keeneland Ln
r
Tree
n
lly-Hu
Mt Ho
r
Glenn Teague Rd
Pea
r
Rive
rC
Ln
thw
i nt
Nature Preservein Po
ta
un
Streets
Mo
Trails
Buildings
Ke
Parking
nn
ew
Utility ROW
ick
So
u
Mountain Lake Cv
Rd
Equipment Compound
Carolina Raptor Center
Early Successional Communities
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
Basic Oak-Hickory Forest
Dry/Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest
Piedmont Alluvial Forest/Basic Mesic Forest
0
0.1
0.2
Miles
Existing Conditions - Natural Communities
36
CNZ
ONZ
SDZ
SDZ
CHZ
ONZ
SDZ
ONZ
SDZ
Nature Preserve Boundary
Management Zones
Cultural & Historical Zone
0
0.1
0.2
Miles
Management Zones
37
McDowell Nature Preserve
Site Features
Physiography
Topography at McDowell Nature Preserve is comprised of a major ridgeline forming the
approximate eastern and southern boundary of the site along York Road and Shopton Road
and numerous lesser ridges, which are oriented toward the shoreline of Lake Wylie to the west.
Elevations range from approximately 580 feet at the shoreline to over 720 feet at the tops of
some ridges along York Road. Slopes are moderate across most of the site; however, some
very steep side slopes occur along reaches of narrow stream valleys.
Plant Communities
Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest
Upland Depression Swamp Forest
Xeric Hardpan Forest
Pine Plantation
Documented rare plants include: Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweintzii), smooth purple
coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), Carolina prairie-trefoil (Lotus helleri), prairie-dock (Silphium
terebinthinaceum), and Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum). Locally rare plants here
include dwarf pawpaw (Asimina parviflora), American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), witch-hazel
(Hamamelis virginiana), cancer-root (Orobanche uniflora), and sprouts of the American chestnut
tree (Castanea dentata). Additionally, McDowell Nature Preserve protects some of the most
abundant populations of spring ephemeral wildflower species remaining in Mecklenburg County.
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), kudzu (Pueraria
montana), tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), sericea
lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), liriope (Liriope muscari),
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum),
multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense).
38
Documented rare animals or animal species of conservation concern include: grasshopper
sparrow (Ammodramus savannurum), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), vesper sparrow
(Pooecetes gramineus), Chuck-will’s-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis), Louisiana waterthrush
(Seiurus motacilla), red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), rusty blackbird (Euphagus
carolinus), Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), sedge wren (Cistothorus
platensis), willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii), winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), American
kestrel (Falco sparverius), eastern meadowlark (Sturna magna), northern bobwhite (Colinus
virginianus), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), American woodcock (Scolopax minor), Baltimore
oriole (Icterus galbula), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla),
hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), pileated woodpecker
(Dryocopus pileatus), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria
citrea), red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter
striatus), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), gulf coast spiny softshell turtle (Apalone
spinifera aspera), and bobcat (Felis rufus).
Land Use Inventory
Land use at the 1,107.6 acre McDowell Nature Preserve includes a campground, picnic areas,
seven miles of hiking trails, Nature Center, canoe/kayak launch, and fishing piers. Visual access
to the waterfront is provided by waterfront decks and a walkway along the shore. The majority of
the property is wooded with the exception of a 150 acre Piedmont Prairie restoration site and a
power line right-of-way. Adjacent land use is predominately residential.
All of McDowell Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. The site
provides significant protection for the water quality of Mecklenburg County. The Piedmont
Prairie is the largest restoration site of this type in the county and the second largest in the
region. Two vernal pool areas (i.e., Upland Depression Swamp Forest) provide breeding habitat
for spotted and marbled salamanders. Several mature hardwood stands are present with north
facing slopes harboring unique plant communities and patches of diverse, spring ephemeral
wildflowers.
Cultural and historical features occurring on the preserve include an old general store near the
center of the preserve and remnants of an old roadbed, which traverses the preserve.
Summary
The developed area of McDowell is heavily used for drive-in and primitive camping, picnicking,
hiking, and water-related activities. The shorelines are heavily used by pedestrian trail users as
well as fishermen. Existing trails extending from the nature center offer accessible
environmental education opportunities. The natural areas within the preserve protect the
county’s air and water quality as well as a wide variety of habitat types and plant and animal
species that are rare in Mecklenburg County.
39
Management Zones
Natural Zones—Most of McDowell (1,016.6 acres) is zoned Outstanding Natural Zone. The
Outstanding Natural Zone includes all of the trail areas surrounding the Support Development
Zone, several alluvial floodplains to the north, two upland depression swamp forests, various
upland forests, and the Piedmont Prairie restoration site.
Support Development Zone—Several areas within McDowell Nature Preserve are designated
Support Development Zone, totaling 91.0 acres.

Nature Center
Roads and parking lots
Picnic Areas
Southwest Nature Preserve District and Natural Resources South Offices
Maintenance Compound
Canoe/Kayak launch
Boat ramps at Copperhead Island
RV/Primitive Campground
The corner of Shopton Road and Four Horse Road is identified as a potential satellite parking
site for trailhead access.
Copperhead Island provides outdoor recreation and environmental education facilities for group
outings and boat access to the lake.
Recommendations

Additional land should be acquired to provide linkages between this preserve and other
Natural Heritage Sites and Thomas McAllister Winget Park. These lands would fill in some
of the out-parcel gaps, create contiguous habitat and wildlife corridors, and increase the
buffer to adjacent land uses. The acquisition strategy is based on the TPL Greenprinting
Strategy prepared for the update to the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation
Comprehensive Plan.
40
Nature Preserve
10 Foot Contours
Soil
Cecil
Davidson
Enon
Iredell
Mecklenburg
Monacan
Pacolet
Pacolet-Udorthents
Wilkes
0
0.09
0.18
Miles
41
e
Lak
lie
Wy
Lake Wy
lie
Lower Lake Wylie Watershed ; CA
La
ke
W
yli
e
B
ter
Por
Wylie
Lake
c
ran
h
Porter Branch
Lower Lake Wylie Watershed ; PA
Nature Preserve
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
0
0.1
0.2
Miles
42
Ct
ide
Por
ts
Wind
ward
Cv
Rd
r Es
tate
Ra
in
ba
rre
lR
d
r Dr
Ct
Har
bo
Rd
Pi
ne
Ha
rb
or
bo
Crown Har
g
Annalon
Rd
Beeding
St
Luray Av
or t h
Petw
ld
So
ier
Rd
r
Lu
Wa
te
ay
rtra
ce
n
Av
kie
Buc
Ct
Wate
rly
n Dr
nR
dW
es
t
Nobbe
rL
Bir
lin
gR
ier C
Dr
Dor
n
Pilch
er
t
Sh
o
Waym
Boat Ramps
art Ln
Copperhead Island
Village Pond Dr
pto
n
Ele
r
aD
d
Four Horse Rd
ha
De
Ballyshannon
Millers Cree
k
Picnic Pavilion
rk Dr
dD
Ln
Dra
ft C
t
Ea
g
an
Ln
Mcdo
well P
a
Ln
v ill
arts
Stu
c
Do
iew
kV
Dr
Nature Center
lev
iew
Dr
Plantation Wo
Campground
rpo
Rive
ods Dr
Maintenance Compound and Offices
inte
Dr
ryo
ST
York R
d
Yo
u
ng
blo
od
Langston Dr
Rd
Nature Preserve
Streets
Trails
Buildings
Parking
Utility ROW
0
0.09
0.18
Miles
43
nS
t
r
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
Upland Depression Swamp Forest/Xeric Hardpan Forest
Water
0
0.075 0.15
Miles
44
ONZ
ONZ
ONZ
SDZ
SDZ
SDZ
ONZ
SDZ
ONZ
ONZ
ONZ
Nature Preserve
Management Zones
0
0.09
0.18
Miles
Management Zones
45
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve
Site Features
Physiography
Topography at Reedy Creek is predominantly gently rolling with a few areas of steeper slopes
on the sides of broad ridges. The elevation ranges from approximately 650 feet at the floodplain
of Reedy Creek along the eastern property line to over 800 feet on the ridge tops along Plaza
Road Extension to the south. Slopes on this preserve are relatively gentle except for limited side
slopes of narrow stream valleys, which can have very steep slopes for short distances.
Plant Communities
Basic Mesic Forest
Basic Oak-Hickory Forest (designated by the NC NHP as one the best quality in the region)
Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory
Documented rare plants include: Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum) and conjurer’s
nut (Nestronia umbellula). Locally rare plants include: broad beech ferns (Phegopteris
hexagonoptera), umbrella tree (Magnolia tripetala), northern horsebalm (Collinsonia
canadensis), and prickly-pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa). Additionally, bird’s-foot violet (Viola
pedata), pink lady’s slipper (Cypripedium acaule), American chestnut (Castanea dentata), and
yellow star grass (Hypoxis hirsuta) have been documented on a small sand ridge on the
boundary of the preserve.
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: English ivy (Hedera helix), tree of heaven
(Ailanthus altissima), mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), sericea
lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum), Chinese privet
(Ligustrum sinense), liriope (Liriope muscari), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), kudzu
(Pueraria montana), Sacred bamboo (Nandina domestica), Japanese grass (Microstegium
vimineum), and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora).
Documented rare animals or animal species of conservation concern include: Chuck-will’swidow (Caprimulgus carolinensis), Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferous), Louisiana
46
waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), winter wren
(Troglodytes troglodytes), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), American woodcock (Scolopax
minor), Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), field sparrow
(Spizella pusilla), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), pileated
woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), Kentucky warbler
(Oporornis formosus) prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter
striatus), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), yellow-crowned night-heron (Nyctanassa
violacea), gulf coast spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera aspera), and northern river otter
(Lontra canadensis).
Land Use Inventory
Land uses at the 736.3 acre Reedy Creek Nature Preserve include the Reedy Creek Nature
Center, the Dr. James F. Matthews Center for Biodiversity Studies, the county’s Conservation
Science office, approximately ten miles of walking trails, and two culturally significant historic
home sites. The remainder of the site is woodlands. Adjacent land uses are predominately
residential, or undeveloped. The active recreation portion of Reedy Creek Park, adjacent to the
preserve, offers a dog park, picnicking, disc golf, ballfields, fishing, and playground recreation.
All of Reedy Creek Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. The
headwaters of Reedy Creek, including streams within the Preserve, have among the highest
water quality of surface waters in Mecklenburg County. Significant environmental features
include a regionally significant basic oak-hickory forest which contain umbrella magnolia
(Magnolia tripetala), a rare sand ridge habitat along the boundary of the preserve, scattered
patches of native wildflowers and broad beech ferns, lush floodplain wetlands along Reedy
Creek, and a relict population of Georgia aster, a federal candidate species.
Cultural and historical features, which occur on the site, include the Robinson Rock House
homestead near the center of the site, as well as several out buildings.
The Reedy Creek Nature Center is the focal point for a diversity of environmental education and
natural history programs and workshops. The nature center contains a classroom, exhibit hall,
and gift shop. Outside the nature center there is a bird feeding station, butterfly/bird garden,
garden pond, bog garden, and an outdoor composting demonstration area.
Summary
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve remains mostly wooded and protects some of the most
significant ecological resources and highest water quality streams in the county. Some of the
most botanically significant areas of the preserve occur within its southwestern portion that
includes a population of umbrella trees. Seven hiking trails have been established which are
currently used by the Environmental Education staff for interpretive programs, which are based
out of the nature center.
Management zones
47
Natural Zones—Most of the Nature Preserve is designated as Outstanding Natural Zone (673.5
acres). The Outstanding Natural Zone includes upland hardwood forest areas, the Reedy Creek
floodplain, virtually all trails, and an area at the northwest corner of the Nature Preserve for the
purpose of water quality protection. There are 45.5 acres designated as Critical Natural Area.
These areas include the South Fork of Reedy Creek natural heritage sub-site and a small area
in the southeast portion of the preserve. The larger area protects the headwaters of Reedy
Creek.
Cultural and Historical Zone—A small area totaling 2.5 acres has been set aside in Cultural
and Historical Zone for the Robinson Rock House.
Support Development Zone—The roadway, nature center, and lands immediately adjacent to
the nature center comprise the 14.8 acre Support Development Zone.
Recommendation
Additional lands should be acquired to enhance the integrity of the preserve. These lands would
provide additional habitat and help buffer both the Outstanding and Critical Natural Zones.
Linkages should be sought with the Back Creek Community Park and nearby natural heritage
sites, Harrisburg Community Park and Hickory Grove Park. These lands would fill in some of the
out-parcel gaps, create contiguous habitats and wildlife corridors, and increase the buffer to
adjacent land uses. Additional land acquisition should be based on the TPL Greenprinting
results.
48
Nature Preserve
10 Foot Contour
Soil
Cecil
Enon
Helena
Mecklenburg
Monacan
Pacolet
Vance
Wilkes
0
0.06 0.12
Miles
49
Nature Preserve
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
e
Re
dy
k
ee
Cr
Reedy C
re
ek Trib #
3
0
0.08
0.16
Miles
50
Rd
Rd
r
ve
Ri
Rd
all Ln
ig
Buckle
rgh Tr
Hollybu
h Dr
i
ef
d
el
Ct
Leopo
ld
Pl
r
ffo
Gi
dP
s
Ro
Rd
erh
Chart
n
te Ln
nL
d
fiel
ga
Kirk
Gle
all
ky
Rd
e
w
ado
Me
uir
ds m
nh
ell
oy C t
Twe
rto
Mo
c
Ro
Getalong
Rd
us s
nR
er
Riv
Joh
B
Lost
cky
Ro
ar
Gri
er R
d
t
kC
Nature Center
Pla
za
and
er R
Conservation Science Of
un L
n
irre
Ct
l
lT
Chrisbry Ln
Nature Preserve
Dr
Streets
ma
m
E
ra
Trails
Ge
Buildings
Parking
Utility ROW
Matle
a
Ct
Moo
d
dy R
Terra Cotta Dr
C
Sills
Oc
hr
t
eD
Frank Grier
Rd
ge
u
Sq
Rid
d
Re
le
mb
Bra
Sala
m
Vermilion Dr
The
Sand Hills Ct
Ln
Plott R
d
Cros
svine
Pla
za
Rd
Ext
r
Casa
C
t
0
0.07
0.14
Miles
51
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
Piedmont Alluvial Forest/Basic Mesic Forest
Water
0
0.08
0.16
Miles
52
SDZ
ONZ
CHZ
CNZ
Management Zones
Cultural & Historical Zones
0
0.09
0.18
Miles
Management Zones
53
Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge
Site Features
Physiography
Elevations across the Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge range from 648 feet at the river’s edge to
approximately 780 feet at several locations near the center of the site. Steep slopes occur on
the sides of some of the more pronounced ridges.
Plant Communities
Piedmont Semi-Permanent Impoundment
Pine Plantation
Documented rare plants include: marsh St.-John’s-wort (Triadenum tubulosum). Locally rare
plants include: southern rein orchid (Platanthera flava), bur-reed (Sparganium americanum),
silverbell (Halesia carolina), and bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia).
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense),
princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgrae), Bermuda grass (Cynodon
dactylon), golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea), tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Autumn
olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), bicolor lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor), sericea lespedeza
(Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera
japonica), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and rattail fescue (Vulpia myuros).
Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: grasshopper
sparrow (Ammodramus savannurum), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), vesper sparrow
(Pooecetes gramineus), Chuck-will’s-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis), whip-poor-will
(Caprimulgus vociferous), Kentucky warbler (Opornis formosus), Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus
motacilla), red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), Savannah sparrow (Passerculus
54
sandwichensis), sedge wren (Cistothorus platensis), winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes),
American kestrel (Falco sparverius), eastern meadowlark (Sturna magna), northern bobwhite
(Colinus virginianus), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), American woodcock (Scolopax minor),
Baltimore oriole (Icterus galbula), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), field sparrow
(Spizella pusilla), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), pileated
woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), prothonotary warbler
(Protonotaria citrea), red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), sharp-shinned
hawk (Accipiter striatus), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), red-spotted newt
(Notopthalmus viridescens), and bobcat (Felis rufus).
Land Use Inventory
The 660.1 acre Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge is a peninsula bounded on three sides by the
Catawba River (Mountain Island Lake). Duke Energy owns all land below the high water line. A
portion of this Duke Energy land adjacent to the refuge is leased by the North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission as a Wildlife Management Area. Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge is a
controlled access nature preserve. General access to the public is limited to the small parking
area at the end of Neck Road and the wildlife viewing observation deck located here. Access to
the remainder of the property is provided by Division staff for special public or group programs
scheduled throughout the year. Researchers can apply for scientific research permits through
the Natural Resources Permit Coordinator in order to gain access to the property to conduct
research on the natural resources protected here.
All of Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. The site
provides significant protection for the water quality of Mecklenburg County. The entire wildlife
refuge is significant in terms of its habitat diversity; however, there are areas that can be singled
out as notable. The area on the north side of the Refuge along Duck Cove contains high quality
wetland habitat including bottomland hardwood forest, impoundment, and a north-facing slope
located above the cove. The wetlands and their adjacent uplands provide a combination of
Mountain, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain flora not found elsewhere in the county.
Summary
Many of the features of the land protected here reflect the legacy of human agricultural and
timber management of the property prior to its designation as nature preserve. Former
agricultural fields are in the progress of being converted to Piedmont grassland communities by
enhancing native warm season grasses and forbs. Conversion of former pine plantations to
natural communities is also in progress. Invasive species management is being implemented in
non-forested areas but is needed throughout. Wetlands and manmade ponds have been
managed for waterfowl and amphibians. Additionally, the land has been minimally developed in
order to protect the water quality of Mountain Island Lake.
55
Management Zones
Natural Zones— At Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge, 657.1 acres are designated Critical Natural
Zone. The fragile habitat, diverse ecosystem, and abundance of wildlife that exist on this site
should be protected and controlled access to this unique natural area should continue to be
enforced.
Support Development Zone—A Support Development Zone of 3.0 acres has been designated
to include the existing observation deck and parking. This zone also allows for guided
educational and interpretive activities for the public.
Recommendations
Additional land should be acquired to provide linkages between this preserve and others in the
vicinity of Mountain Island Lake. These lands would fill in some of the out-parcel gaps, create
contiguous habitats and wildlife corridors, protect water quality, and increase the buffer to
adjacent land uses. The acquisition strategy is based on the TPL Greenprinting Strategy
prepared for the update to the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan.
56
Nature Preserve
10 Foot Contour
Soil
Cecil
Davidson
Helena
Mecklenburg
Monacan
Pacolet
Wilkes
Cowan's Ford Wildlife Refuge
0
0.07
0.14
Miles
57
Nature Preserve
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
Cowan's Ford Nature Preserve
0
0.09
0.18
Miles
58
Nature Preserve
Streets
Buildings
Parking
Utility ROW
R
Neck
Observation Deck
0
0.06 0.12
Miles
59
d
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
Piedmont Semi-Permanent Impoundment
Water
0
0.075
0.15
Miles
60
CNZ
SDZ
Management Zones
0
0.1
0.2
Miles
Management Zones
61
Evergreen Nature Preserve
Site Features
Physiography
Elevations range from a low of about 700 feet along Edwards Branch on the southern boundary
to a high of more than 730 feet on hilltops. Slopes are gradual and generally range from 8-15
percent. There are two small tributaries which flow south through the preserve into Edwards
Branch, a stream that borders a portion of the southern edge of the preserve.
Plant Communities
Documented rare plants include: (none). Locally rare plants include: swamp chestnut oak
(Quercus michauxii) and pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides).
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Japanese hops
(Humulus japonicus), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), ground ivy (Glechoma
hederacea), liriope (Liriope muscari), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Japanese grass
(Microstegium vimineum), Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), Japanese knotweed
(Reynoutria japonica), greater and common periwinkle (Vinca major and V. minor), English ivy
(Hedera helix), Chinese mahonia (Mahonia bealei), sacred bamboo (Nandina domestica),
boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), Japanese and amur honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica and L.
maackii), Autumn olive and Autumn silverberry (Elaeagnus umbellata and E. pungens), mimosa
(Albizia julibrissin), Chinese and Japanese wisteria (Wisteria sinense and W. floribunda), white
mulberry (Morus alba), Chinese and Japanese privet (Ligustrum sinense and L. japonicum),
Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus
altissima), and porcelain-berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata).
Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: vesper sparrow
(Pooecetes gramineus), Kentucky warbler (Opornis formosus), Louisiana waterthrush (Seiurus
motacilla), red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes),
American kestrel (Falco sparverius), American woodcock (Scolopax minor), Baltimore oriole
(Icterus galbula), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla),
northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), ovenbird (Seiurus
aurocapillus), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes
62
erythrocephalus), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus),
and yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).
Land use Inventory
The 77.4 acre Evergreen Nature Preserve is undeveloped woodland with a few field areas kept
open to provide wildlife watching opportunities. It is bordered on the north by Evergreen
Cemetery, Eastway Middle School to the west, and Sheffield Park and Winterfield Elementary
School to the east. Residential development borders the preserve to the south.
All of Evergreen Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site because of its
significance as the last largest natural area protected within the inner city of Charlotte.
Environmental features of significance include native canopy trees within the mesic-mixed
hardwood forest, which grades into floodplain-dominated vegetation around Edwards Branch
and its tributaries, all of which provide habitat for wildlife. The site is especially noted for its
diversity of birds, primarily migrant species, using the area as stopover habitat during migration.
A prominent remnant of the historic “Potter’s Road” is a significant historic feature that lies along
the eastern boundary of the preserve.
Summary
This property is a substantial forested area within an urban setting. The forest canopy provides
cover and habitat for a variety of wildlife species and the field areas provide additional habitat
and opportunities for wildlife viewing by the public. This preserve is an isolated natural area. It is
surrounded by development and is heavily impacted by invasive plant species. Located
between two schools, this preserve can play a vital role in providing outdoor experiences and
environmental education opportunities for inner city school children.
Management Zones
Natural Zones—Most of this Nature Preserve is designated as Natural Zone (72.3 acres).
Because this Nature Preserve is located in an inner-ring suburb, next to Sheffield Neighborhood
Park and Winterfield Elementary School, there are limited options for linkages and expansion.
This Nature Preserve has not received extensive habitat management. The Initial Biodiversity
Assessment for this site recommends that eradication of invasive species should be the initial
management action taken to restore this site.
Cultural and Historical Zone—A portion of the 0.4 acre historic Potter’s Road alignment
extends through the eastern boundary of the site.
Support Development Zone—A Support Development Zone of 4.7 acres has been
designated. This area could include, among other things, a parking access site on Norland Drive
on the northwest portion of the preserve.
Recommendations

Prepare a Natural Communities Management Plan that targets invasive species removal.
63

Conduct a review of the Potter’s Road alignment and work with state and local historic
preservation agencies in the management of the resource.
Utilize the established Support Development Zone to provide amenities for environmental
education / interpretive activities at this location in conjunction with Eastway Middle School
and Winterfield Elementary School.
64
Nature Preserve
10 Foot Contour
Soil
Cecil
Cecil-Urban
Monacan
0
0.02 0.04
Miles
65
n
Bra
ard
w
d
E
ch
Nature Preserve
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
0
0.03
0.06
Miles
66
Rd
Nature Preserve
Streets
Trails
Buildings
Parking
Utility ROW
ss
re
Ln
No
r
la
n
d
og
Pr
n
Roa
ok e
Av
oo
W
dla
nd
Dr
in
Tarr
gton
Av
e
Le
ds
Dr
mist
Opti
en D
r Ea
st
at e
Dr
thg
ld
ffie
u
So
e
Sh
Ln
sd
Dre
Dr
ld D
r
Wils
hire
Pl
Win
fie
rs
Pie
on
0
0.03
0.06
Miles
67
Dr
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
0
0.03
0.06
Miles
68
SDZ
CHZ
NZ
Management Zones
Natural Zone
0
0.04
0.08
Miles
Management Zones
69
RibbonWalk Nature Preserve
Site Features
Physiography
The terrain within the preserve consists of moderate to steep slopes. Elevations range from a
low of about 710 feet along Irwin Creek near Nevin Road to a high of about 807 feet on a hilltop
at the northern tip of the site. Steep slopes, particularly those that exceed 15 percent are
associated with the Irwin Creek tributary and the land in the northwest portion of the preserve.
Irwin Creek flows along the southwest edge of the preserve. A western tributary and two small
tributaries flow in from the north. Irwin Creek eventually enters Sugar Creek southwest of
Charlotte.
Plant Communities
Pine Plantation
Documented rare plants include: Carolina buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana). Locally rare plants
include: New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus), witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana),
pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides), northern horse balm (Collinsoina canadensis),
swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii), and Indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora).
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: kudzu (Pueraria montana), liriope (Liriope
muscari), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum),
English ivy (Hedera helix), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), mimosa (Albizia julibrissin),
Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), multiflora rose
(Rosa multiflora), and rat-tail fescue (Vulpia myuros).
Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: Louisiana
waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), field sparrow (Spizella
pusilla), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), and yellow-billed
cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).
70
Land use Inventory
The 186.9-acre RibbonWalk Nature Preserve is partially developed, with several hiking trails,
parking and picnic areas, roads, two barns, and other buildings. Adjacent land uses include
residential development on all sides except to the west, which borders Nevin Park. The
southeast boundary of the preserve occurs along Nevin Road, from which a short segment of
Hoyt-Hinson Road extends northward into the site.
All of RibbonWalk Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. An
American beech (Fagus grandifolia) grove in the northern portion of the preserve has been
designated a Mecklenburg County Treasure Tree site because of the number of large, old trees
and its overall natural integrity.
Environmental features of note include mesic-mixed hardwood forest, which includes the
American beech grove, dry oak-hickory forest, with piedmont bottomland forest along Irwin
Creek. Carolina buckthorn is a state Watch List species that occurs on the northern third of the
site. There are also wetland areas associated with the three ponds and adjacent stream.
Summary
The RibbonWalk Nature Preserve includes second growth hardwoods and pine plantations, and
trails that are maintained by the Division. The combination of steep slopes, several streams, and
ponds provides diverse habitat for wildlife and attractive green space in a dense suburban
setting.
Management Zones
Natural Zones—The majority of this Nature Preserve (123.2 acres) is designated as Natural
Zone. This zone consists of dry or dry-mesic oak-hickory forest and pine plantations in
succession from previous farm fields, and includes three ponds and wetlands along the
southern tributary to Irwin Creek. At its northern third, the preserve transitions to a mesic mixed
hardwood forest and is designated as an Outstanding Natural Zone (45.3 acres). A system of
trails exists throughout much of the Natural Zone.
Support Development Zone—The Support Development Zone includes the parking area east
of Hoyt-Hinson Road. This zone occupies 18.4 acres and accounts for 9.8% of the preserve.
Recommendations

Prepare a Natural Communities Management Plan that targets invasive species removal.
Incorporate county-owned parkland additional acreage west of the preserve into the nature
preserve to add additional habitat and protect these undeveloped areas for the future.
Although the RibbonWalk Nature Preserve is largely surrounded by residential development
and Nevin Park (to the northwest), there is still additional undeveloped private land in the
vicinity of the preserve that should be considered for acquisition. This would provide
additional buffer for the preserve and would help maintain water quality in Irwin Creek.
Environmental education should be a major component of preserve use. Additional
interpretive facilities could be developed at this location.
71
Nature Preserve
10 Foot Contour
Soil
Appling
Cecil
Enon
Helena
Monacan
Pacolet
Wilkes
0 0.020.04
Miles
72
Nature Preserve
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
n
Irwi
Cre
ek
0
0.06
0.12
Miles
73
s
Rd
Rib
b
on
wa
lk T
l
Green
Mead
ow
Dr
Poplar Sprin
gs Dr
in
rk
Pe
ni
Gra
te C
ree
k Ln
ve
rD
r
t
Hoy
Pine St
o
Ho
Hin
s on
Rd
k
La
Oak
w oo
d Rd
Durham Ln
e
Dr
Irw
in
Ne
v
ve
Ln
Av
Eliz
ab
ok
Rd
Av
ne
Ln
tR
hs
to
Dr
vio
Bi
rc
Ch
e
Kayron
Dr
e Dr
Ceris
d
Br
o
ler
in
x
Tre
Ne
v
Lake Rd
s
Atla
Nature Preserve
Streets
Trails
Buildings
r
in D
Parking
Arv
Utility ROW
eth
Rd
in
d
Ct
in
Rd
y
lle
Va
Gro
Irw
oo
W
0
0.04
0.08
Miles
74
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
Water
0
0.04
0.08
Miles
75
ONZ
SDZ
NZ
Management Zones
Natural Zone
0
0.04
0.08
Miles
Management Zones
76
Rural Hill Nature Preserve
Site Features
Physiography
The terrain within the preserve consists of moderate to steep slopes. Elevations range from a
low of less than 650 feet along the edge of the southern peninsula to a high of more than 790
feet on a hilltop at the southeast corner of the site. Slopes along the shoreline of Mountain
Island Lake and the floodplain of McDowell Creek and ravines are moderate to steep. McDowell
Creek cuts through the east side of the preserve and has some of the poorest water quality in
the county.
Plant Communities
Pine Plantation
Documented rare plants include: (none). Locally rare plants include: swamp chestnut oak
(Quercus michauxii).
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: kudzu (Pueraria montana), liriope (Liriope
muscari), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum),
English ivy (Hedera helix), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), mimosa (Albizia julibrissin),
Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), multiflora rose
(Rosa multiflora), and rat-tail fescue (Vulpia myuros).
Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: grasshopper
sparrow (Ammodramus savannurum), winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), American kestrel
(Falco sparverius), eastern meadowlark (Sturna magna), northern bobwhite (Colinus
virginianus), black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), ovenbird
(Seiurus aurocapillus), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), prairie warbler (Dendroica
discolor), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), yellowbilled cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), and red-spotted newt (Notopthalmus viridescens).
77
Land use Inventory
The 488.8 acre Rural Hill Nature Preserve is largely undeveloped and is surrounded by rural
residential and agricultural/wooded lands. The McDowell Creek wastewater treatment plant
occurs immediately east of the preserve at its northeast edge. The preserve is leased by the
Catawba Valley Scottish Society and serves as the host site for numerous events including the
Amazing Maize Maze, the Scottish Games, and the Rural Hill sheep dog trials. A historic home
and cemetery are included on the site.
The fields of Rural Hill are the only documented nesting areas of grasshopper sparrows that are
protected as nature preserve in Mecklenburg County. Without proper management, this final
breeding population of this rare species will be lost and the species may be extirpated from the
county. Additional features of note include the floodplain forest along McDowell Creek and the
forested uplands on the peninsula. This property provides critical habitat and habitat
connectivity between Auten Nature Preserve and Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge.
Cultural resources on the preserve include the historic Rural Hill or “Davidson Plantation”, which
includes several structures and foundations of the “mansion house” and its outbuildings. These
are located in the northeast corner of the preserve north of Neck Road. The Davidson family
cemetery occurs as an out parcel along the south side of Neck Road. There are also two
historic schoolhouses located along the south side of Neck Road.
Summary
The significance of this site includes both the historic Rural Hill farmstead as well as the
undeveloped heavily forested peninsulas bordering Mountain Island Lake. Management and
mowing of the field grasses within the plantation portion of the preserve should be done in
conjunction with the management needs of the wildlife present.
Management Zones
Natural Zones—Approximately two-thirds of this Nature Preserve (224.5 acres) is designated
as Critical Natural Zone. This area includes the peninsula, north to and including the woodlands
surrounding McDowell Creek, its floodplain, and associated wetlands.
Cultural and Historical Zone—The northern third of the Nature Preserve is designated as a
Cultural and Historic Zone, and accounts for 190.3 acres. This zone includes the historic
Davidson Plantation and the land surrounding the Davidson family cemetery (an out parcel).
Although this zone is designated for management of cultural resources, the landscape
(agricultural fields) provides important habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
Recommendations

Prepare a Natural Communities Management Plan and/or Conservation Action Plans and
Statements (C.A.P.S.) for this property.
78

create contiguous habitats and wildlife corridors, protect water quality, and increase the
Comprehensive Plan.
Land acquisitions should consider inclusion of a restored historic property (Holly Bend)
along Neck Road.
Future agreements with organizations other than Mecklenburg County Division of Nature
Preserves and Natural Resources on Rural Hill Nature Preserve property should require
land management actions that balance the need to interpret the cultural landscape with
habitat requirements of sensitive species such as the grasshopper sparrow and the eastern
meadowlark.
79
Nature Preserve
10 Foot Contour
Soil
Appling
Cecil
Davidson
Enon
Helena
Mecklenburg
Monacan
Pacolet
Wilkes
0
0.05
0.1
Miles
80
McDo
w
Nature Preserve
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
ell Cre
ek
0
0.07
0.14
Miles
81
K
Jim
Al
lis
o
n
Fe
r
ry
idd
Rd
Rd
Historic Rural Hill
Neck Rd
ov e Rd
Ar
th
ur
Au
ten
Rd
Drake
C
Nature Preserve
Streets
Buildings
Parking
Utility ROW
0
0.07
0.14
Miles
82
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
0
0.075
0.15
Miles
83
CHZ
CHZ
CNZ
CNZ
Management Zones
0
0.08
0.16
Miles
Management Zones
84
Auten Nature Preserve
Site Features
Physiography
The terrain within the preserve is moderate to steep sloping. Elevations range from a low of
about 650 feet along McDowell Creek at the northern end of the preserve to about 810 feet at
the top of “Mt. Olive”, a hillock to the north of Neck Road. Steep slopes are associated with
McDowell Creek and other small tributaries and ravines. The floodplain of McDowell Creek
includes many potential wetland areas.
Plant Communities
Basic Mesic Forest
Documented rare plants include: cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) and Carolina buckthorn
(Frangula caroliniana). Locally rare plants include: cancer-root (Orobanche uniflora).
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), sericea
lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle
(Lonicera japonica), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora),
and mimosa (Albizia julibrissin).
Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: (none) – a fauna
inventory has not yet been conducted on this property.
Land use Inventory
The 268.8 acre Auten Nature Preserve is undeveloped, and is surrounded on three sides by
rural residential and agricultural/wooded lands, while to the east there is dense residential
development. The McDowell Creek wastewater treatment plant occurs immediately west of the
preserve.
85
All of Auten Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. Environmental
features of note include a significantly unusual 63 acre pawpaw (Asimina triloba) site. This
almost unique plant community has a canopy of white oak (Quercus alba) and a sub-canopy of
dogwoods (Cornus florida) growing over a shrub layer of pawpaw. Ground cover includes a
local population of cancer-root (Orobanche uniflora). The site provides significant protection for
the water quality of Mecklenburg County.
There are no known cultural or historical resources within the preserve.
Summary
The significance of this site includes the pawpaw site, considered of Regional Significance by
the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. This is a unique plant community that should be
protected from development and the threat of non-native invasive species. Additionally, the site
provides significant protection of water quality in McDowell Creek and in Mountain Island Lake.
Management Zone
Natural Zones—The entire Nature Preserve is designated as Critical Natural Zone (except a
small easement for a future greenway trail), and includes the regionally significant pawpaw state
Natural Heritage site and McDowell Creek, with its associated floodplain and wetlands.
Recommendations

Prepare a Natural Communities Management Plan.
create contiguous habitats and wildlife corridors, protect water quality and increase the
Comprehensive Plan.
86
Nature Preserve
10 Foot Contour
Soil
Cecil
Enon
Iredell
Mecklenburg
Monacan
Pacolet
Wilkes
0 0.04 0.08
Miles
87
Mc
D
ow
e
ll C
ree
k
Nature Preserve
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
0
0.06
0.12
Miles
88
ows
Pl
Sarsfield Ln
Jim
Kid
dR
te D
r
Par
k
Mea
d
Ca
oi n
nP
gto
rrin
d
R
Mcilwaine
ing
e
Vantag
nd
Wi
Rd
ard
Windw
ge
n
Point L
Rid
Farm
Rd
R
ord
d
Edna Dr
Robert St
New Bond Dr
Folkston Dr
Canal Dr
Bronx Dr
Edna St
Rd
Arth
ur
Aute
n Rd
ies F
t
t Ext
Flatbush Dr
Nec
k
tt
Bea
Pamela
S
Pamela
S
r
Oaks D
Barkle
y
Red Falcon Ct
Dr
ks
Oa
t Tl
Mis
rs i
de
ve
L
n
Cr
gs
Co
Sp
rin
oe
Duke Access Rd
Lat
ta
Ca
n
il
Apr
Riv
e
Johnson-davis Rd
Nature Preserve
Streets
Trails
Drake
Cov e R
Buildings
d
Parking
Utility ROW
Morgan Horse Tl
Heritage Orchard Wy
0
0.05
0.1
Miles
89
d
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
Basic Mesic Forest
0
0.06
0.12
Miles
90
NZ
CNZ
CNZ
CNZ
Management Zones
Natural Zone
0
0.1
0.2
Miles
Management Zones
91
Stephen’s Road Nature Preserve
Site Features
Physiography
Topography at the Stephen’s Road site is comprised of three major ridgelines, which are
oriented toward the marshes and shoreline of Mountain Island Lake to the west. Elevations
range from approximately 650 feet at the shoreline to over 750 feet at the tops of some ridges.
Slopes are moderately steep across most of the site and very steep side slopes occur along
reaches of narrow stream valleys and on slopes near the shore. A few areas of relatively gentle
slopes occur on ridge tops. Very high quality wetlands can be found along streams, headwater
basins, and in the marshes and shoreline covers of the site.
Plant Communities
Pine Plantation
Documented rare plants include: (none). Locally rare plants include: (none)
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Autumn
olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), English ivy (Hedera helix), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza
cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), liriope (Liriope muscari), Japanese honeysuckle
(Lonicera japonica), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora),
and rat-tail fescue (Vulpia myuros).
Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: red-breasted
nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) – a fauna inventory has not yet been conducted on this property.
Land Use Inventory
Although most of the 343.3 acre Stephen’s Road Nature Preserve is undeveloped, a lift station
occupies a small area. The property consists of marsh, woodlands, and successional growth.
Adjacent land use is predominately undeveloped although some agricultural or residential land
use occurs to the north and east. A new subdivision has been developed northeast of the site.
92
All of Stephen’s Road Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. The
preserve has many significant environmental features including extensive river marshes, several
small wetland areas, mature hardwood stands, dense successional areas, and one stand of
trees that is almost entirely comprised of American beech (Fagus grandifolia). High quality
wetlands can be found along streams, headwater basins, and in the marshes and shoreline
covers of the site. The site provides significant protection for the water quality of Mecklenburg
County.
The nature preserve does not contain pronounced cultural or historical features although there
has been a long history of use of this land. An old roadbed follows the shoreline and two of the
ridgelines, although in some areas it is indistinguishable from surrounding woods. There is a
possibility that an old mill site was located along the stream in the northern end of the property.
Summary
The absence of other competing land uses provides the opportunity for encouraging wildlife
species that require isolation from development and activity. The extensive marsh and wetland
resources on this property provide valuable stopover and nesting sites for neo-tropical migrants
and migratory waterfowl.
Management Zone
Natural Zones—The entire Stephen’s Road Nature Preserve is designated as Critical Natural
Zone. This preserve, like other Mountain Island Lake preserves, forms a shoreline buffer
protection zone. The Nature Preserve encompasses those lands that, like Cowan’s Ford,
provide valuable nesting sites for migratory waterfowl and wildlife isolation from development
and other activities that would disturb wildlife.
Recommendations

Acquire a management agreement or conservation easement on the McGuire Nuclear
Station wildlife area immediately to the north of this property and manage both sites as one.
Comprehensive Plan.
93
Nature Preserve
10 Foot Contour
Soil
Appling
Cecil
Davidson
Enon
Helena
Iredell
Mecklenburg
Monacan
Pacolet
Wilkes
Stephen's Road Nature Preserve
0
0.05
0.1
Miles
94
Nature Preserve
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
Cata
w
ba T
rib #
3
Cataw
ba Trib
#3
0
0.08
0.16
Miles
95
nR
d
hio
Ca
s
r
sD
ilki
e
Dr
hen
gW
nn
Ste
p
Lon
Sar
a
hA
Eliz
a
rove
Ct
ns G
sire
c
Che
Steph
e
Per
th
Ln
Maclauren
Ln
kerb
erry
rs
Ho
Ln
esh
Cre
ek
Dr
n
eL
lk
wa
rov
ch
Bir
Snapdragon Ln
oe
Dr
e
ph
Ste
G
ns
he
ep
St
ns
Rd
Nature Preserve
Streets
BuildingsKidd
Jim
Parking
Utility ROW
Rd
0
0.07
0.14
Miles
96
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
Dry/Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory/Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest
0
0.07
0.14
Miles
97
CNZ
Management Zones
0
0.08
0.16
Miles
Management Zones
98
Brackett Bluff Nature Preserve
Site Features
Physiography
The terrain within the preserve is relatively steep sloping. Elevations range from a low of about
680 feet along the eastern boundary at the Rocky River (the county line) to a high of about 800
feet along Shearer Road at the southwest edge of the site. Slopes of ravines are severe.
Surface waters in the preserve primarily flow eastward into the Rocky River and its associated
floodplain along the eastern edge of the site. The Rocky River flows southward and eastward to
eventually join the Yadkin Pee-Dee River.
Plant Communities
Low Elevation Seep
Piedmont Acidic Cliff
Documented rare plants include: Panax (Panax quinquefolius). Locally rare plants include:
black-foot quillwort (Isoetes melanopoda).
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: kudzu (Pueraria montana), Autumn olive
(Elaeagnus umbellata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera
japonica), and Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum).
Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: northern
bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus
pileatus), and yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).
99
Land use Inventory
The 61 acre Brackett Bluff Nature Preserve is entirely undeveloped woodland and is surrounded
by rural farmland and residential areas. The Rocky River along the site’s eastern edge also
forms the boundary between Mecklenburg County and Cabarrus County, while Shearer
Road/SR 2418 borders part of the southwest site boundary. A portion of the preserve is under a
land conservation easement with the Catawba Land Conservancy.
A portion of the preserve is still being used by a local resident for a disc golf course. Occasional
ATV damage and impacts from horse traffic has been noted within the preserve. A major
encroachment issue is an adjacent landfill that has been closed due to violation of
environmental regulations. Litigation regarding this site and its clean up is in progress.
All of Brackett Bluff Nature Preserves falls within the boundaries of the designated Natural
Heritage Site; however, there are a few acres of the Natural Heritage Site that extends beyond
the current preserve boundary. Environmental features of significance include the Piedmont
acidic cliff and low elevation seep natural communities as well as the mesic-mixed hardwood
forest along the steep, rocky bluff at the northern part of the preserve.
Summary
The extreme relief and extensive forested nature of this preserve provide high quality habitat
that benefits a diversity of wildlife. In addition, there are several high elevation vantage points to
observe the scenic attributes of the Rocky River valley to the east, including the bluffs that
overlook the seasonal wetland. Lastly, damage control from trespassing and control of several
highly invasive plant species such as kudzu and Japanese honeysuckle need to be addressed.
Management Zone
Natural Zones—The entire 61.1 acre site is designated as Critical Natural Zone.
Recommendations

Additional lands should be acquired to enhance the integrity of the Critical Natural Area and
to connect the property to Fisher Farm or undeveloped land in Cabarrus County. Additional
land acquisition should be based on the TPL Greenprinting results and include all acreage
designated as a Natural Heritage Site.
Coordination with planners in adjacent Cabarrus County (east of the Rocky River) is
recommended to ensure that inappropriate land uses are not developed next to the
preserve.
100
10 Foot Contour
Nature Preserve
Soil
Cecil
Monacan
Pacolet
0
0.02 0.04
Miles
101
Nature Preserve
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
ck
Ro
yR
r
ive
0
0.04
0.08
Miles
102
Nature Preserve
Streets
Buildings
Parking
Utility ROW
e
Sh
are
rR
d
0
0.03
0.06
Miles
103
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
Low Elevation Seep
0
0.03
0.06
Miles
104
CNZ
Management Zones
0
0.04
0.08
Miles
Management Zones
105
Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve
Site Features
Physiography
The terrain within the preserve is generally gradual and modestly sloping. Elevations range from
a low of about 690 feet at the western end of the preserve to a high of about 760 feet along the
utility line ROW near the center of the site. Most of the slopes throughout the preserve are less
than 8 percent. There are no perennial streams within the preserve. Surface water runoff drains
into Mountain Island Lake.
Plant Communities
Documented rare plants include: Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweintzii), smooth purple
coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), Michaux’s sumac (Rhus michauxii), manfreda (Manfreda
virginica), Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum), and starry rosinweed (Silphium
asteriscus var. dentatum). Locally rare plants include: rattlesnake master (Eryngium
yuccifolium).
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) and
multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora).
Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: sharp-shinned
hawk (Accipiter striatus) – a fauna inventory has not yet been conducted on this property.
Land Use Inventory
The 18 acre Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve is entirely undeveloped woodland and prairie
habitat/power line ROW. Adjacent land uses include dense residential immediately to the south
and wooded rural residential to the north. The preserve is bounded by Old Carolina and Winding
River Drives to the south and Hart Road to the north, both of which are west of Rozzelles Ferry
Road.
All of Shuffletown Prairie Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site.
Environmental features of significance include what is considered perhaps the best example of
a Piedmont Prairie habitat remnant in North or South Carolina. Two federally-listed and one
candidate plant species occur at the site: Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii),
106
smooth purple coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), and Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum
georgianum - candidate for listing). Two additional rare plants at the preserve that are on the
state Watch List include manfreda (Manfreda virginica) and starry rosinweed (Silphium
asteriscus var. dentatum). This prairie remnant within the preserve occurs on 10 acres of
maintained power line ROW.
Summary
Due to its floral diversity, including several federal and state-listed species, this Natural Heritage
site is one of the best with regard to plant species diversity of any county-owned prairie site.
Duke Power had kept the prairie remnant along the power line open through bush-hogging and
selective herbicide use for many years. As this site has been acquired by the county,
management continues to control pioneer woody and exotic vegetation in combination with the
planting of native grasses and forbs. Controlled burns have also been considered, but may not
be feasible due close proximity to residential areas.
Management Zone
Natural Zones—The entire 18.1 acre parcel is designated a Critical Natural Zone, which
includes the seven-acre power line ROW that supports two federally-listed and one candidate
plant species and two state Watch List species.
Recommendation
Where possible, future acquisitions are recommended to better secure protective buffers for the
regionally significant Piedmont Prairie remnant and its rare flora. In particular, the large
population of Schweinitz’s sunflower that is located along another power line ROW west of the
Preserve should be especially targeted for acquisition or conservation easement in the longterm.
107
Nature Preserve
10 Foot Contour
Soil
Iredell
Mecklenburg
0
0.025
0.05
Miles
108
Nature Preserve
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
0
0.02
0.04
Miles
109
zz
Ro
Nature Preserve
Streets
elle
er r
sF
yR
Buildings
Parking
Utility ROW
d
Ha
rt
aro
lin
a
Dr
W
i nd
ing
Ri
ve
rD
r
Co
rb
ett
Sq
ua
re
Ln
Se
cre
tG
ard
e
Ne
la
nL
n
nd
Ln
Ol
dC
Rd
kw
Bac
a t er
Dr
O
ld
Ca
a
lin
Dr
nb
an
e Ln
e
re
n
Ln
d
eR
gat
ston
G
ek L
ood
or
Mo
ot h
Smo
ro
w
Year
ing
Ct
Cre
k
Mor
n
hth
Brig
av en
Ln
0
0.02
0.04
Miles
110
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
0
0.03
0.06
Miles
111
CNZ
Management Zones
0
0.025
0.05
Miles
Management Zones
112
Gar Creek Nature Preserve
Site Features
Physiography
Elevations range from a low of about 670 feet along the west end of Gar Creek, by Beatties
Ford Road, to a higher elevation of more than 770 feet at the southeast corner of the preserve.
Slopes of ravines associated with the Gar Creek floodplain exceed 15 percent in the southeast
part of the preserve. Slopes throughout the remainder of the preserve are generally moderate.
Gar Creek is the primary watershed within the preserve, and its surface waters drain westward
into Mountain Island Lake and the Catawba River.
Plant Communities
Documented rare plants include: Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweintzii), Heller’s rabbittobacco (Pseudognaphalium helleri), tall boneset (Eupatorium altissimum), Locally rare plants
include: yucca (Yucca filamentosa).
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), trifoliate orange
(Citrus trifoliata), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata),
sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), liriope (Liriope
muscari), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei),
Japanese grass (Microstegium vimineum), white poplar (Populus alba), kudzu (Pueraria
montana), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and rat-tail fescue (Vulpia myuros).
Land use Inventory
The 353.0 acre Gar Creek Nature Preserve is primarily undeveloped woodland and shrubland.
Adjacent land uses include dense residential areas to the south and rural residential and
agricultural elsewhere. The emergency propane gas supply for the county is located in a
113
compound on the northern border but it is buffered by wooded habitat. The Catawba Lands
Conservancy has a conservation easement on a portion of this property.
All of Gar Creek has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. Environmental features of
note include three rare plant species on the McCoy Road Prairie tract: the federally endangered
Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii) and the state listed Heller’s rabbit tobacco
(Pseudognaphalium helleri) and tall boneset (Eupatorium altissimum). The population of
Schweinitz’s sunflower was estimated as high as 800 flowering stems in 1992 prior to herbicide
use along the roadside utility line and it is being managed to expand. Restoration of the McCoy
prairie and savannah has particularly emphasized protection of the rare sunflower species. The
site provides significant protection for the water quality of Mecklenburg County.
The only known cultural resource is an old slave cemetery (60 x 90 feet) along the south edge
of the McCoy Prairie. This small parcel it is not owned by Mecklenburg County.
Summary
Restoration of Piedmont Prairie habitat and savanna habitat is the primary management action
being implemented within the preserve. Other portions of the preserve remain undeveloped for
wildlife habitat. There is a great need to control non-native invasive plant species in this area.
Management Zones
Natural Zones—The entire preserve (352.7 acres), with the exception of the small cemetery
site, is designated as Critical Natural Zone, which includes the prairie and savanna restoration
site.
Cultural and Historic Zone—A small 0.3 acre tract that borders the old slave cemetery is
designated a Cultural and Historic Zone. The cultural and historic zone designation will buffer
any unacceptable impacts to either natural or cultural resources in this area.
Recommendation
Additional land should be acquired to provide linkages between this preserve and others in the
vicinity of Mountain Island Lake. These lands would fill in some of the out-parcel gaps, create
contiguous habitats and wildlife corridors, protect water quality and increase the buffer to
adjacent land uses. The acquisition strategy is based on the TPL Greenprinting Strategy
prepared for the update to the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan.
114
Nature Preserve
10 Foot Contour
Soil
Cecil
Enon
Mecklenburg
Monacan
Wilkes
0
0.05 0.1
Miles
115
ek
Cre
Gar
Nature Preserve
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
0
0.1
0.2
Miles
116
ns
Ker
Rd
y
Mcco
on
Rd
az
Am
a
Dr
n
Ja
ro
ei
D
r
o
Ri
St
P
Dr
ll
Howe
o
Sa
la
au
Ridge
e
tti
Kent A
v
Rd
a
Be
rd
Fo
Wedge
wood D
r
s
R
d
Nature Preserve
Streets
O
inb
Ed
rd
Pl
Av
cia
rD
r
r
D
Overhill Rd
r
Me
te
s
ld
ie
Sh
Pembroke Rd
Miriam Dr
0
0.07
0.14
Miles
gh
ins
tm
es
W
o
xf
Buildings
Parking
Utility ROW
ur
117
Av
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
0
0.06 0.12
Miles
118
CNZ
CNZ
CNZ
CNZ
CHZ
Management Zones
0
0.1
0.2
Miles
Management Zones
119
Flat Branch Nature Preserve
Site Features
Physiography
The terrain within the preserve is generally gradual and modestly sloping. Elevations range from
a low of about 620 feet along Tom Short Road on the southwest boundary to a high of about
635 feet in the northeast corner of the site. It is unlikely that any relief exceeds 8 percent. There
are no drainages within the preserve, and all surface water runoff flows to the southwest and
into Flat Branch, a tributary of Six-mile Creek to the south (within the Catawba River
watershed).
Plant Communities
Documented rare plants include: (none). Locally rare plants include: black-footed quillwort
(Isoetes melanopoda), Atamasco lily (Zephyranthes atamasco), Shumard’s oak (Quercus
shumardii), overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), and swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii).
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), sericea
lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle
(Lonicera japonica), and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora).
Documented rare animals and animal species of conservation concern include: yellow-billed
cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), – a fauna inventory has not yet been conducted on this
property.
Land use Inventory
The 42.2 acre Flat Branch Nature Preserve is entirely undeveloped woodland and old field, and
is bordered by residential development and roads. Flat Branch Elementary School and Flat
Branch District Park are west of Tom Short Road.
120
This preserve has one of the last remaining upland depression swamp forest communities in
Mecklenburg County. The site has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site. Habitat at this
preserve is suitable for species associated with ephemeral wet areas, especially Ambystomid
salamanders.
Summary
This land-locked property protects much needed open space in a rapidly developing area of the
county. Its proximity to a new elementary school and community park provide ideal educational
and nature-based programming opportunities.
Management Zones
Natural Zones—Aside from the small Support Development Zone, the entire (41.4 acres) Flat
Branch Nature Preserve is designated as Outstanding Natural Zone. This zone protects the
portion of the watershed surrounding the mafic forest depression wetland.
Support Development Zone—A small area (0.8 acres) on the west side of the nature preserve
along Tom Short Road will accommodate limited parking and trailhead development.
Recommendations

Additional protection of undeveloped areas within the watershed for the upland depression
swamp forest west of the preserve should be pursued. Additional land acquisition would not
be contiguous with the preserve; however, habitat of this natural community would be
protected.
Any land within Flat Branch District Park that could be beneficial to the natural communities
at the preserve should be managed as a natural resource.
The Support and Development Zone could be considered for construction of a picnic shelter
for use by visiting groups. A partnership between Environmental Education staff and the Flat
Branch Elementary School should be pursued.
121
Nature Preserve
10 Foot Contour
Soil
Iredell
Mecklenburg
0 0.010.02
Miles
122
Nature Preserve
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
0
0.02
0.04
Miles
123
Bryant
Farm
s Rd
So
u
Cr
ee
kR
d
S ho
Tom
Buildings
Parking
Utility ROW
th
rt R
d
Nature Preserve
Streets
ick
W
low
Br
oo
kC
Ar
dr
ey
Ke
ll
Humboldt Dr
Rd
t
y Ln
Pl
a
att-V
Thre
Colo
n
ial C
ountr
Haddonfield
il Ln
Ol
dT
ay
po
rt P
l
lay C
l Club
Dr
Hors
ep
ssiona
t
Congre
0 0.010.02
Miles
124
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
Upland Depression Swamp Forest/Xeric Hardpan Forest
0
0.02
0.04
Miles
125
SDZ
ONZ
Management Zones
0
0.03
0.06
Miles
Management Zones
126
Haymarket Nature Preserve
Site Features
Physiography
The preserve occurs immediately adjacent to Mountain Island Lake and its extensive watershed
along the Catawba River. Elevations range from a low of about 648 feet at Mountain Island Lake
to a high of more than 730 feet along portions of Haymarket Road. Ravines and slopes exceed
15% in some areas.
Plant Communities
Pine Plantation
Documented rare plants include: (none). Locally rare plants include: (none)
Documented invasive-exotic plant threats include: Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), English
ivy (Hedera helix), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense),
liriope (Liriope muscari), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and Japanese grass
(Microstegium vimineum).
Land use Inventory
The 100.4 acre Haymarket Nature Preserve is primarily undeveloped woodland, though human
disturbance is evident. Human disturbance is also evident from boaters that access the
preserve from the shoreline. A residential area lies east of the preserve, while NC 16/Brookshire
Boulevard forms its western boundary. Dense residential areas occur west of the preserve.
All of Haymarket Nature Preserve has been designated as a Natural Heritage Site.
Environmental features of significance include the oak-dominated forest that provides mast for
wildlife. The site provides significant protection for the water quality of Mecklenburg County and
127
development restrictions are in place on the property because it was purchased using monies
from the N.C. Clean Water Trust Fund.
There are no known cultural or historical features within the preserve.
Summary
Preserving this site was a significant step in protecting undeveloped natural land and the water
quality of the lake.
Management Zone
Natural Zones—The majority of Haymarket Nature Preserve (i.e., west of Haymarket Road) is
designated as Outstanding Natural Zone (80.3 acres) because it is a critical undeveloped
portion of the watershed immediately adjacent to Mountain Island Lake. The portion of the
preserve east of Haymarket Road is designated as Natural Zone (20.1 acres). If allowed, public
use on the preserve will be limited to existing trails.
Recommendations

Comprehensive Plan.
Coordinate the designation of the cove and shoreline as non-public areas. This can be
partially accomplished through signage on the preserve and marker buoys in the lake.
128
Nature Preserve
10 Foot Contour
Soil
Appling
Cecil
Pacolet
Wilkes
0
0.04
0.08
Miles
129
Nature Preserve
Creeks
Wetland
SWIM Buffer
Catawba River
0
0.03
0.06
Miles
130
d
ey
Rd
tR
Va
ll
ke
al
ir
ksh
Me
ffe
o
Bro
rt L
n
Ha
y
m
ar
Co
r
eB
Millw
ood C
r
v
e
Pr
Rd
va
n
tio
r
Pa
c
ve
r
se
r
n
Ma
kD
n
Na
e Ct
Orovill
o
eC
gla
Dr
Ct
Hidden
R
Shady
yR
lles
ze
n
Ro
z
eac h L
Fe
rr
Buildings
Parking
Utility ROW
d
Nature Preserve
Streets
0
0.02 0.04
Miles
131
Pine Plantation
Natural Community
0
0.04
0.08
Miles
132
ONZ
NZ
Management Zones
Natural Zone
0
0.04
0.08
Miles
Management Zones
133
Zone Delineation Summary
Table 2 summaries the acreages and percentages of each of the zones and subzones within
the seven identified Nature Preserves.
Table 2
Zone Delineation Summary
Nature
Preserve
Latta Plantation
Acres
1,339.4
McDowell
1,107.6
Reedy Creek
736.3
Cowan’s Ford
Wildlife Refuge
Evergreen
660.1
RibbonWalk
186.9
Rural Hill
488.8
Auten
268.8
Stephen’s
Road
Brackett Bluff
343.3
Shuffletown
Prairie
Gar Creek
18.1
353.0
Flat Branch
42.2
Haymarket
100.4
Totals
77.4
61.1
5,783.4
Critical
Natural Zone
313.1 Acres
(23.4%)
0 Acres
(0%)
45.5 Acres
(6.2%)
657.1 Acres
(99.5%)
0 Acres
(%)
0 Acres
(%)
298.5 Acres
(46%)
265.8 Acres
(98.9%)
343.3 Acres
(100%)
61.1 Acres
(100%)
18.1 Acres
(100%)
352.7 Acres
(99.9%)
0 Acres
(%)
0 Acres
(%)
2,355.2 Acres
(40.7%)
Natural Zones
Outstanding
Natural Zone
856.9 Acres
(63.9%)
1,016.6 Acres
(91.8%)
673.5 Acres
(91.5%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
45.3 Acres
(24.2%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
41.4 Acres
(98.1%)
80.3 Acres
(80%)
2,714.0 Acres
(46.9%)
Natural
Zone
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
72.3 Acres
(93.4%)
123.2 Acres
(65.9%)
0 Acres
(0%)
3 Acres
(1.1%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
20.1 Acres
(20%)
218.6 Acres
(3.8%)
Cultural &
Historical
Zone
42.7 Acres
(3.2%)
0 Acres
(0%)
2.5 Acres
(.3%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0.4 Acres
(.5%)
0 Acres
(0%)
190.3 Acres
(38.9%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0.3 Acres
(.1%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
236.2 Acres
(4.1%)
Support
Development
Zone
126.7 Acres
(9.5%)
91 Acres (8.2%)
14.8 Acres
(2%)
3 Acres
(.5%)
4.7 Acres
(6.1%)
18.4 Acres
(9.9%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(0%)
0 Acres
(%)
.8 Acres
(1.9%)
0 Acres
(%)
259.4 Acres
(4.5%)
134
APPENDIX
135
Sites: Occurs on lower slopes, steep north-facing slopes,
ravines and occasionally well-drained small stream bottoms,
on acidic soils.
Soils: Deep, well-drained, somewhat acidic soils. Series
include Cecil, Georgeville, and Pacolet.
Hydrology: Terrestrial, mesic.
Vegetation:
Canopy: Dominated by Fagus grandifolia (American
beech), Quercus rubra (Northern red oak), Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar), Acer rubrum
(Red maple) and A. floridanum (Southern sugar maple). Oaks, other than Q. rubra, are not generally
dominant.
Understory: Understory trees include Cornus florida (Flowering dogwood), Ostrya virginiana
(American hop-hornbeam), Acer rubrum (Red maple), and Ilex opaca (American holly). Shrub
species may include Vaccinium stamineum (Deerberry), Euonymus americanus (Strawberry bush),
and sometimes Kalmia latifolia (Mountain laurel).
Groundcover: The herb layer is often moderately dense and diverse, though it may be sparse under
heavy shade. Herb species may include Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern), Viola spp.
(Violet), Galium circaezans (Bedstraw), Hexastylis arifolia (Heartleaf), H. minor (Little heartleaf),
Desmodium nudiflorum (Naked Tick-trefoil), Erythronium americanum (Trout lily), Anemone
americana (Round-lobed liverleaf), Chamaelirium lutem (Devil’s-bit), Epifagus virginiana
(Beechdrops), Tiarella wherryi (Foamflower), Heuchera americana (Alumroot), Stellaria pubera (Giant
chickweed), Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple), Prenanthes serpentaria (Lion’s foot) and Botrypus
virginianus (Rattlesnake fern).
Rare Plants: Rare plants include Eurybia mirabilis (Piedmont aster), Corollorhiza wisteriana (Spring
coral-root), and Panax quinquefolius (Ginseng).
Dynamics: Under natural conditions these forests are uneven-aged, with old trees present.
Reproduction occurs primarily in canopy gaps. Severe natural disturbances may allow pulses of
increased regeneration. Disturbed areas have increased amounts of pines and weedy hardwoods,
Liriodendron tulipifera and Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum).
Associations: Grades into Piedmont Alluvial Forest or Piedmont Bottomland Forest below. Grades
into various upland communities above, typically Dry-Mesic Oak Hickory Forest.
Comments: While not as extensive as the Oak-Hickory forests, these communities are quite
common.
136
Basic Mesic Forest
Sites: Occurs on lower slopes, steep north-facing slopes, ravines
and occasionally well-drained small stream bottoms, on basic or
circumneutral soils.
Soils: Deep, well-drained, basic or circumneutral soils. Series
include Wilkes.
Hydrology: Terrestrial, mesic.
Vegetation:
Canopy: Dominated by Fagus grandifolia (American beech),
Quercus rubra (Northern red oak), Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow
poplar), and A. floridanum (Southern sugar maple). Trees typical
of better drained bottomland sites, such as Quercus shumardii
(Shumard oak), Juglans nigra (Black walnut) and Celtis laevigata (Sugarberry) may be present.
Understory: Understory trees include Cercis canadensis (Redbud), Cornus florida (Flowering
dogwood), Ostrya virginiana (American hop-hornbeam), Carpinus caroliniana (Ironwood), Asimina
triloba (Pawpaw) and Ulmus rubra (Slippery elm). Shrubs may include Viburnum spp. (Haw),
Euonymus americanus (Strawberry bush), Lindera benzoin (Spicebush), Styrax grandifolia (Storax),
Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth hydrangea), Staphylea trifolia (Bladdernut), Calycanthus floridus
(Sweet-shrub) and Aesculus sylvatica (Painted buckeye).
Groundcover: The herb layer is generally dense and very diverse, with Polystichum acrostichoides
(Christmas fern), Asarum canadense (Wild ginger), Menispermum canadense (Moonseed), Hepatica
americana (Round-lober liverleaf), Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot), Actaea racemosa (Black
cohosh), Cypripedium parviflorum (Yellow lady’s slipper), Panax quinquefolius (Ginseng), Adiantum
pedatum (Maidenhair fern), Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple), Tiarella wherryi (Foamflower), Viola
spp. (Violet), Hybanthus concolor (Green violet), Delphinium tricorne (Larkspur), Trillium cuneatum
(Little sweet betsy) and Corydalis flavula (Short-spurred corydalis).
Rare Plants: Rare plants include Eurybia mirabilis (Piedmont aster), Cardamine dissecta (Dissected
toothwort), Corallorhiza wisteriana (Spring coral-root), Dirca palustris (Leatherwood), Hybanthus
concolor (Green violet), and Quercus muehlenbergii (Yellow chinquapin oak).
Dynamics: Under natural conditions these forests are uneven-aged, with old trees present.
Reproduction occurs primarily in canopy gaps. Severe natural disturbances may allow pulses of
increased regeneration. Disturbed areas have increased amounts of pines and weedy hardwoods,
Liriodendron tulipifera and Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum).
Associations: Grades into floodplain forests below or various upland forests above.
Comments: Distinguished from Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest by basic or circumneutral soils, a
denser herb layer, and greater floristic diversity with species more characteristic of bottomlands.
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Sites: Occurs on mid slopes, low ridges and upland flats on
acidic soils.
Soils: Variety of upland soils. Series include Cecil, Pacolet,
and Georgeville.
Hydrology: Terrestrial, dry-mesic.
Vegetation:
Canopy: Dominated by mixtures of oaks and hickories, with
Quercus alba (White oak) most prevalent, along with Q. rubra (Northern red oak), Q. velutina (Black
oak), Carya alba (Mockernut hickory), C. ovalis (Red hickory) and C. glabra (Pignut hickory).
Pinus spp. (Pines), Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar) and Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum)
may be common.
Understory: Understory species include Acer rubrum (Red maple), Cornus florida (Flowering
dogwood), Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood), Ilex opaca (American holly) and Nyssa sylvatica
(Black gum). Shrubs include Vaccinium stamineum (Deerberry), V. pallidum (Hillside blueberry), and
Euonymous americanus (Strawberry bush).
Groundcover: Herbs are generally sparse.
Rare Plants: Rare plants include Nestronia umbellula (Conjurer’s-nut) and Smilax biltmoreana
(Biltmore carrion-flower).
Dynamics: Disturbed areas have more pines and weedy hardwoods, such as Acer rubrum and
Liquidambar styraciflua with the amount depending on the degree of canopy opening. Areas that
were cultivated are generally dominated by even-aged pine stands which are replaced by the climax
oak-hickory community as the pines die. Under natural conditions these forests are uneven-aged,
with old trees present. Reproduction occurs primarily in canopy gaps.
Associations: Occurs on the topographic moisture gradient between the Dry Oak- Hickory Forest and
the Mesic Mixed Hardwoods. Grades into Piedmont Alluvial Forest or Piedmont Bottomland Forest
below. May also grades into Piedmont Acidic Cliff, other upland communities, or floodplain
communities.
Comments: This forest type was once one of the predominant community types in the Piedmont.
Most of this area has been converted to agriculture, urban development or is occupied by
successional pine stands after past agriculture. This type is still relatively common compared to other
natural community types, but examples of significant size and good quality are rare.
138
Sites: Occurs on ridgetops, upper slopes, steep southfacing slopes and other relatively dry upland areas on acidic
soils.
Soils: Variety of upland soils. Series include Cecil, Pacolet,
Goldston, and Georgeville.
Hydrology: Terrestrial, dry.
Vegetation:
Canopy: Dominated by dry site oaks; primarily Quercus alba (White oak), Q. falcata (Southern red
oak) or Q. stellata (Post oak), along with other various oak and hickory species such as Q.
marilandica (Blackjack oak), Q. velutina (Black oak), Q. coccinea (Scarlet oak), Carya alba
(Mockernut hickory), C. ovalis (Red hickory) and C. glabra (Pignut hickory). Pines are often an
important component and may occasionally even be dominant.
Understory: Typical understory trees include Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood), Acer rubrum (Red
maple), Nyssa sylvatica (Black gum), Cornus florida (Flowering dogwood) and Vaccinium arboreum
(Sparkleberry). The shrub layer varies from sparse to dense, with ericaceous (heath) shrubs
constituting most of the species.
Groundcover: Herbs are generally sparse.
Rare Plants: Rare plants include Corallorhiza wisteriana (Spring coralroot), Nestronia umbellula
(Conjurer’s-nut), Prunus umbellata (Hog plum), Thermopsis mollis (Appalachian golden-banner) and
Yucca flaccida (Weakleaf yucca).
Dynamics: Disturbed areas have more pines and weedy hardwoods, such as Acer rubrum and
Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) with the amounts depending on the degree of canopy opening.
Areas that were cultivated are generally dominated by even-aged pine stands, which may be
replaced by the climax oak-hickory community as the pines die. Heavily logged areas may have a
mixture of hardwoods and pines. Under natural conditions these forests are uneven-aged, with old
trees present. Reproduction occurs primarily in the canopy gaps.
Associations: Usually associated with Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest, sometimes with Piedmont
Acidic Cliff, Xeric Hardpan Forest, Upland Depression Swamp Forest, and other upland communities.
Comments: This forest type was once one of the predominant community types in the Piedmont.
Most of this type has been converted to agriculture, urban development or is occupied by
successional pine stands after past agriculture. What was not cleared was subject to long-term
selective cutting and to livestock foraging.
139
Sites: Occurs on slopes, ridges, upland flats, and other dry to drymesic sites on basic or circumneutral soils.
Soils: Developed from gabbro or other mafic rock. Series include
Iredell and Mecklenburg.
Hydrology: Terrestrial, dry to dry-mesic.
Vegetation:
Canopy: Dominated by mixtures of Quercus alba (White oak), Q.
stellata (Post oak), Q. velutina (Black oak), Q. muehlenbergii
(Yellow chinquapin oak), Carya carolinae-septentrionalis (Carolina
shagbark hickory), C. glabra (Pignut hickory), C. alba (Mockernut
hickory) and C. ovalis (Red hickory).
Understory: Typical understory trees include Cornus florida (Flowering dogwood), Cercis canadensis
(Redbud), Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe tree), Acer leucoderme (Chalk maple), and Ostrya
virginiana (American hop-hornbeam). Shrubs include Calycanthus floridus (Sweet-shrub), Aesculus
sylvatica (Painted buckeye), Rhus aromatica (Fragrant sumac), Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (Coralberry), Viburnum acerifolium (Maple-leaf viburnum), and V. prunifolium (Black haw).
Groundcover: Herbs are moderately diverse with several sedges, Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s
seal), Uvularia perfoliata (Bellwort), Endodeca serpentaria (Turpentine root) and Euphorbia corollata
(Flowering spurge).
Rare Plants: Rare plants include Cirsium carolinianum [Carduus carolinianus] (Carolina thistle),
Hexalectris spicata (Crested coral-root), Lotus helleri (Carolina birdfoot-trefoil), Nestronia umbellula
(Conjurer’s-nut), Polygala senega (Seneca snakeroot), Ruellia purshiana (Ruellia), Silphium
terebinthinaceum (Prairie dock), and Smilax biltmoreana (Biltmore carrion-flower).
Dynamics: Disturbed areas have pines and weedy hardwoods, such as Acer rubrum (Red maple)
and Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum). Under natural conditions this community is uneven-aged,
with old trees present. Reproduction occurs primarily in canopy gaps.
Associations: Often associated with Xeric Hardpan Forest and Upland Depression Swamp Forest.
Grades into Basic Mesic Forest downslope or to more acidic upland communities at geologic
contacts.
Comments: This forest type covers a moisture range equivalent to both the Dry and Dry-Mesic OakHickory Forest types, but is less understood. Absence of acid-loving species such as Vaccinium
(Blueberry) and Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood) helps separate this community from other upland
types. Many species that are confined to relatively mesic moisture areas on acidic substrates occur
in apparently drier sites on higher pH soils, thus may occur in this community. Many sites have some
clay hardpan development, though less so than the Xeric Hardpan Forest or Upland Depression
Swamp Forest.
140
Sites: Occurs on upland flats and gentle slopes with an
impermeable clay subsoil which does not pond water for
extended periods. Most commonly it occurs on mafic rocks.
Soils: Various Piedmont soils can have a clay hardpan or
shallow rock, such as Iredell, Enon and Helena.
Hydrology: Impermeable subsoils make the soil very dry in
summer and during drought periods, but wet in rainy
periods.
Vegetation:
Canopy: Somewhat stunted with an open canopy dominated by Quercus stellata (Post oak) and Q.
marilandica (Blackjack oak). A variety of other species may be present, including Pinus virginiana
(Virginia pine), P. echinata (Shortleaf pine), Carya carolinae-septentrionalis (Carolina shagbark
hickory), C. glabra (Pignut hickory), Fraxinus americana (White ash), Quercus alba (White oak), and
Q. phellos (Willow oak).
Understory: Typical understory species include Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar), Cercis
canadensis (Redbud), Diospyros virginiana (Persimmon), Vaccinium arboreum (Sparkleberry), Ulmus
alata (Winged elm) and Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe tree). Shrubs may be sparse or dense,
particularly Viburnum prunifolium (Black haw).
Groundcover: Herbs include: Clematis ochroleuca (Curlyheads), Sericocarpus linifolius (Narrowleafed white-topped aster), Hieracium venosum (Veiny hawkweed), Hypericum hypericoides (St.
Andrew’s cross), Symphyotrichum dumosum (Long-stalked aster), Oenothera fruticosa (Sundrops)
and Liatris pilosa (Shaggy blazing star).
Rare Plants: Rare plants that may occur in this community are: Echinacea laevigata (Smooth coneflower), Helianthus schweinitzii (Schweinitz’s sunflower), Hexalectris spicata (Crested coral-root),
Lotus helleri (Carolina birdfoot-trefoil) and Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie dock).
Dynamics: The natural structure and dynamics of this community are uncertain. Most have a closed
canopy and reproduction occurs in canopy gaps. Succession is slowed by unfavorable site
conditions.
Associations: Typically associated with Upland Depression Swamp Forest, Basic-Oak Hickory
Forest, and Dry Oak-Hickory Forest.
Comments: This community type is relatively rare. Part of a suite of communities occurring on mafic
igneous (such as gabbro) or metamorphic rock.
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Piedmont Levee Forest
Sites: Occurs on natural levee and point bar deposits on
large floodplains.
Soils: Medium or course-textured alluvial soils, mostly
Monacan series.
Hydrology: Seasonally or intermittently flooded.
Vegetation:
Canopy: The canopy is a mixture of bottomland trees such
as Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore), Betula nigra (River birch), Celtis laevigata (Sugarberry), Acer
negundo (Box elder), Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum), Quercus pagoda (Swamp Spanish oak),
Q. michauxii (Swamp chestnut oak), Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar), Fraxinus pennsylvanica
(Green ash), Ulmus americana (American elm), Carya cordiformis (Bitternut hickory), Juglans nigra
(Black walnut) and Carya ovata (Shagbark hickory).
Understory: Understory trees include Acer negundo (Box elder), Asimina triloba (Pawpaw), Ilex
opaca (American holly) and Carpinus caroliniana (Ironwood). Shrubs include Lindera benzoin
(Spicebush), Aseculus sylvatica (Painted buckeye), Xanthorhiza simplicissima (Yellow-root) and
Arundinaria gigantea (Giant cane). Woody vines are common, such as Toxicodendron radicans
(Poison ivy), Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper), Bignonia capreolata (Cross vine), Smilax
spp. (Greenbrier), Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper) and Vitis spp. (Grape).
Groundcover: The herb layer is lush and usually fairly diverse, including Boehmeria cylindrica (False
nettle), Chasmanthium latifolium (River oats), Elymus hystrix (Bottlebrush grass), Verbesina
alternifolia (Common wingstem), Saxifraga virginiensis (Early saxifrage), Sedum ternatum
(Stonecrop), Solidago caesia (Blue stem), Eurybia divaricata (Common white heart-leaved aster),
Clematis virginiana (Virgin’s bower), Botrypus virginianus (Rattlesnake fern), Elymus virginicus (Wild
rye grass), Claytonia virginiana (Spring-beauty), Stellaria pubera (Chickweed), Viola spp. (Violet) and
Rudbeckia laciniata (Coneflower).
Rare Plants: Rare plants are typically not found in this community in Mecklenburg County.
Dynamics: Dominated by forces of the river. Levees outside of bends may be undercut and eroded
by the river, while those inside may be abandoned by the channel. Vegetation may be directly
disturbed by flooding and occur as mature forest or in various stages of succession.
Associations: Grades into Piedmont Bottomland Forest away from the channel.
Comments: This community type is rare and isolated in Mecklenburg County. Found mainly along
the Catawba River, Rocky River, and other streams with large floodplains.
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Piedmont Bottomland Forest
Sites: Occurs on floodplain ridges and terraces other than
active levees adjacent to the river channel.
Soils: Various alluvial soils, mostly Monacan series.
Hydrology: Intermittently flooded.
Vegetation:
Canopy: The canopy is dominated by various bottomland
trees such as Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar),
Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum), Quercus pagoda (Swamp Spanish oak), Q. michauxii (Swamp
chestnut oak), Ulmus americana (American elm), Celtis laevigata (Sugarberry), Fraxinus
pennsylvanica (Green ash), Carya ovata (Shagbark hickory) and C. cordiformis (Bitternut hickory).
Understory: Understory trees include Carpinus caroliniana (Ironwood), Acer floridanum (Southern
sugar maple), A. rubrum (Red maple), Cornus florida (Flowering dogwood), Ilex opaca (American
holly) and Asimina triloba (Pawpaw). Shrubs include Aesculus sylvatica (Painted buckeye) and
Euonymus americanus (Strawberry bush), with Arundinaria gigantea (Giant cane) often forming
dense thickets. Vines are frequent, including Toxicodendron radicans (Poison ivy), Parthenocissus
quinquefolia (Virginia creeper), Bignonia capreolata (Cross vine), Smilax spp. (Greenbrier),
Menispermum canadense (Moonseed) and Vitis spp. (Grape).
Groundcover: Herbs include Boehmeria cylindrica (False nettle), Polystichum acrostichoides
(Christmas fern), Cryptotaenia canadensis (Honewort), Persicaria virginianum (Jumpseed), Arisaema
triphyllum (Jack-in-the-pulpit), Viola spp. (Violet), Elymus virginicus (Wild rye grass), Solidago caesia
(Blue stem), Eurybia divaricata (Common white heart-leaved aster), Chasmanthium latifolium (River
oats) and C. laxa (Slender spikegrass).
Rare Plants: Rare plants include Cirsium carolinianum (Carolina thistle), Dryopteris campyloptera
(Mountain wood fern), and Silphium perfoliatum (Cup-plant).
Dynamics: These communities are occasionally flooded, but unlike Piedmont Levee Forests are
seldom disturbed by flowing water. They receive less sediment deposition than communities
adjacent to the channel, but still receive a significant input of nutrients. The fertility and infrequent
flooding of these sites have made them excellent farm lands and many areas exist as successional
forests grown up from abandoned fields. Areas that have been cleared or heavily logged may be
dominated by just a few disturbance species, such as Acer rubrum (Red maple), Liquidambar
styraciflua (Sweetgum), Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore), Ligustrum sinense (Privet), Lonicera
japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) or Microstegium vimineum (Japanese grass). These species often
reduce the diversity of the undisturbed community.
Associations: Grades into Piedmont Levee Forest adjacent to the channel, or various mesic and drymesic forests upslope.
Comments: This community type is rare and isolated in Mecklenburg County. Found mainly along
the Catawba River, Rocky River, and other streams with large floodplains.
143
Sites: Occurs along river and stream floodplains in which separate
fluvial landforms and associated vegetation zones are too small to
distinguish.
Soils: Various alluvial soils, mostly Monacan series.
Hydrology: Seasonally or intermittently flooded.
Vegetation:
Canopy: The canopy is a mixture of bottomland and mesophytic
trees including Betula nigra (River birch), Platanus occidentalis
(Sycamore), Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum), Liriodendron
tulipifera (Yellow poplar), Ulmus americana (American elm), Celtis
laevigata (Sugarberry), Juglans nigra (Black walnut), Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green ash), Carya
cordiformis (Bitternut hickory), C. ovata (Shagbark hickory) and Acer rubrum (Red maple).
Understory: Understory trees include Acer negundo (Box elder), A. floridanum (Southern sugar
maple), A. rubrum (Red maple), Halesia carolina (Silverbell)(confined to the NW part of the County),
Asimina triloba (Pawpaw), Ilex opaca (American holly) and Carpinus caroliniana (Ironwood). Shrubs
may include Lindera benzoin (Spicebush), Euonymus americanus (Strawberry bush), Aesculus
sylvatica (Painted buckeye), Corylus cornuta (Beaked hazelnut) and Cornus amomum (Silky
dogwood). Vines are frequently prominent, including Toxicodendron radicans (Poison ivy),
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper), Bignonia capreolata (Cross vine), Vitis spp. (Grape),
Menispermum canadense (Moonseed), and Smilax spp (Greenbrier).
Groundcover: The herb layer is generally lush and diverse. Species include Erythronium
americanum (Trout lily), Claytonia virginica (Spring beauty), Stellaria pubera (Chickweed), Solidago
pubera (Goldenrod), Eurybia divaricata (Common white heart-leaved aster), Elymus virginicus (Wild
rye grass), Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern), Botrypus virginianus (Rattlesnake fern),
Uvularia sessilifolia (Bellflower), Boehmeria cylindrica (False nettle), Elymus hystrix (Bottlebrush
grass), Chasmanthium latifolium (River oats), C. laxa (Slender spikegrass), Sedum ternatum
(Stonecrop), Geum canadense (Avens), Tovara [Polygonum] virginianum (Jumpseed), Verbesina
alternifolia (Common wingstem), Impatiens capensis (Touch-me-not), Cryptotaenia canadensis
(Honewort), Viola spp. (Violet) and Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-pulpit).
Rare Plants: Rare plants in this community may include Eurybia mirabilis (Piedmont aster), Carex
projecta (Sedge), Dirca palustris (Leatherwood), Quercus bicolor (Swamp white oak), Q.
muehlenbergii (Yellow chinquapin oak), and Silphium perfoliatum (Cup-plant).
Dynamics: Flood-carried sediment provides nutrient input, but also serves as a natural disturbance
factor. Beavers occasionally create impoundments (see Piedmont Semipermanent Impoundment).
Associations: Grades into various mesic, dry-mesic, or dry upland forests.
Comments: Distinguished from communities of larger floodplains by the absence or poor
development of the depositional fluvial landforms which determine vegetation.
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Piedmont Semi-permanent Impoundment
Sites: Occurs in beaver ponds and similar small, old,
undisturbed, artificial impoundments. Generally occur in
floodplains with low gradient.
Soils: Soils existing prior to impoundment will be modified
by flooding and the accumulation of clayey, mucky sediment.
Generally not distinguished in soil surveys.
Hydrology: Permanently flooded in the center, grading to the
pre-existing hydrology.
Vegetation:
Canopy: Ponds are likely to have dead trunks of trees that existing on the site prior to flooding, but
generally there is no tree canopy. Occasionally, flood-tolerant species such A. rubrum (Red maple),
Quercus phellos (Willow oak) or Q. lyrata (Overcup oak) may survive or become established.
Understory: Wetland shrubs such as Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush), Alnus serrulata (Tag
alder), or Salix spp. (Willow) may become established on old stumps or along the edge.
Groundcover: Herbs along the edge or gradient to other communities may include Scirpus cyperinus
(Woolgrass bulrush), Juncus spp. (Rushes), Saururus cernuus (Lizard's tail), Carex spp. (sedges),
Hibiscus moscheutos (Eastern rose mallow), and Ludwigia spp. (seedbox). In deeper water, aquatic
plants such as Peltandra virginica (Green arrow arum) may occur.
Rare Plants: Rare plants are generally not known for this community.
Dynamics: These communities are subject to disturbance at irregular intervals. Flooding may
deposit nutrients and sediment, while damage or deterioration of the dam may temporarily or
permanently drain the pond. Active beaver colonies will maintain or increase the size of the
community, but in the absence of such disturbances, ponds may fill with sediment and be invaded by
trees.
Associations: May border various upland or floodplain communities.
Comments: This community is unusual in that some artificial ponds are included if they are the same
size and scale as beaver-created ponds, have been established for a long time, and have not been
significantly modified by disturbances other than flooding.
145
Sites: Occurs on very steep slopes on acidic substrates that
are rocky or dry enough to prevent formation of a closed
canopy of trees or shrubs.
Soils: A heterogeneous mosaic ranging from bare rock to
accumulations of organic or mineral matter in pockets and
crevices, to thin and rocky soils. Soil series are generally
not mapped for cliffs.
Hydrology: Ranges from xeric on bare rock and shallow soil
with southern and western exposure to mesic on northerly
and sheltered exposures.
Vegetation:
Canopy: Scattered trees and shrubs may occur in crevices or areas of deeper soils. Shadeintolerant and relatively xerophytic species, such as Pinus virginiana (Virginia pine), P. echinata
(Shortleaf pine), Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar), Quercus montana (Rock chestnut oak), Q.
coccinea (Scarlet oak), Q. falcata (Southern red oak), and Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood), are
common.
Understory: Shrubs include Vaccinium arboreum (Sparkleberry), Kalmia latifolia (Mountain laurel),
Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry), and Gaylussacia spp. (Huckleberry).
Groundcover: Herbs include Epigaea repens (Trailing arbutus), Andropogon virginicus (Broom
sedge), Schizachyrium scoparium (Little bluestem), Danthonia spicata (Poverty oat grass), Sanicula
canadensis (Snakeroot), Hieraceium venosum (Veiny hawkweed), Houstonia purpurea (Summer
bluet), Coreopsis major (Coreopsis), Galax urceolata (Galax), Saxifraga virginiensis (Early saxifrage),
Mitchella repens (Partridge berry) and Pleopeltis polypodioides (Resurrection fern).
Rare Plants: Rare plants are not known for this community in Mecklenburg County.
Dynamics: This community varies due to the disturbance associated with erosion and mass
movement, producing more bare ground or rock. With stability, primary successsion may lead to
greater soil development and forest cover.
Associations: Generally borders floodplain forests or stream channels. May grade to other upland
hardwood types above.
Comments: This community is distinguished by an open canopy and bare substrate, resulting from
steepness and rockiness. Vegetation may vary greatly based on aspect, slope, amount of rock,
stability of the soil, and degree of seepage.
146
Sites: Poorly drained upland flats or depressions. Usually
occur on broad upland flats but occasionally occur on high
ridge tops. They have a closed canopy and a short
hydroperiod (standing water from October to May), tending
to pond rain and runoff water rather than fill by seepage.
Soils: Drainage hindered by clay hardpan or shallow rock.
Iredell series.
Hydrology: Seasonally flooded or saturated.
Vegetation:
Canopy: Dominated by Quercus phellos (Willow oak) or Q. lyrata (Overcup oak). Others include:
Q. michauxii (Swamp chestnut oak), Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum), Acer rubrum (Red maple),
Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar), Nyssa sylvatica (Black gum), Quercus bicolor (Swamp white
oak), Carya ovata (Shagbark hickory) and occasionally Quercus stellata (Post oak) and Carya
carolinae-septentrionalis (Carolina shagbark hickory).
Understory: Shrubs may include Vaccinium fuscatum (Black highbush blueberry), Cephalanthus
occidentalis (Button bush), Ilex decidua (Possum haw) and Viburnum dentatum (Large tooth haw).
Vines include Trachelospermum difforme (Climbing dogbane) and in disturbed areas Lonicera
japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), Toxicodendron radicans (Poison ivy), Campsis radicans (Trumpet
creeper), Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine) and Smilax spp. (Greenbrier).
Groundcover: Herbs are usually sparse, with Carex (Sedge) species common, along with Juncus
effusus (Soft rush), Selaginella apoda (Meadow spikemoss), Eleocharis tenuis (Spike-rush) and
various bottomland spring ephemerals such as Claytonia virginica (Spring-beauty).
Rare Plants: Rare plant species include Quercus bicolor (Swamp white oak).
Dynamics: Generally stable climaxes, maintained by their hydrology. Susceptible to disturbance
from unusually prolonged flooding or drought.
Associations: Typically associated with Xeric Hardpan Forest and Basic-Oak Hickory Forest.
Synonyms: Gabbro Depression.
Comments: Part of a suite of communities occurring on mafic igneous (such as gabbro) or
metamorphic rock, along with Xeric Hardpan Forest and Basic-Oak Hickory Forest. High base levels
in mafic rock contribute to the formation of montmorillonite clays which inhibit drainage.
147
Low Elevation Seep
Sites: Occurs at seepages and springs at the bases of slopes or
edges of floodplains.
Soils: Mucky and permanently saturated soils, typically too small to
be mapped in soil surveys.
Hydrology: Permanently saturated.
Vegetation:
Canopy: Occasionally trees such as Quercus phellos (Willow oak)
and Acer rubrum (Red maple) may become established in the seep,
but most areas are shaded by the canopy of adjacent communities.
Understory: Understory trees, other than young Quercus phellos
(Willow oak) and Acer rubrum (Red maple), and shrubs are rarely found in this small wetland
community.
Groundcover: Herbs are the primary indicator of this community and include Saururus cernuus
(Lizard’s tail), Impatiens capensis (Touch-me-not), Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon fern),
Osmunda regalis (Royal fern), Boehmeria cylindrica (False nettle), Rudbeckia laciniata (Coneflower),
Ranunculus recurvatus (Hooked buttercup), Chelone glabra (Turtlehead), Sagittaria spp.
(Arrowhead), Peltandra virginica (Green arrow arum) and Juncus spp. (Rush).
Rare Plants: Rare plants other than Isoetes spp. (Quillwort) are not common.
Dynamics: Probably relatively stable over long periods, this community responds drastically to
changes in groundwater levels, particularly drought or draining.
Associations: Grades into floodplain communities or into slope communities such as Mesic Mixed
Hardwood Forest.
Comments: These communities tend to be small, but are distinguished by a sharp contrast in
vegetation and moisture with adjacent communities. Sites may be important breeding and foraging
sites for amphibians, particularly lungless salamanders such as Eurycea spp. and Pseudotriton spp.
148
Pine Plantations
Sites: Occur in various locations where natural communities
have been completely removed and re-planted in pine.
Soils: Any upland soil. Typically not found in floodplains or
on wet soil types.
Hydrology: Terrestrial, dry and mesic uplands.
Vegetation:
Canopy: Typically a monoculture of Pinus taeda (Loblolly
pine), with other tree species reaching canopy height only sporadically, and never as a dominant
species.
Understory: This layer is typically absent in pine plantations. The canopy of mature pines is so
dense that little sunlight reaches the forest floor, severely limiting what species can survive under the
planted pines. Small, scraggly trees may seed in from neighboring forests, and are usually
pioneering species such as Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow poplar), various Quercus spp. (Oaks), and
Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum). These species seldom grow tall enough to reach canopy
height.
Groundcover: The herb layer is generally non-existent. Thick pine straw and lack of sunlight
penetrating to the forest floor prevent herbaceous plants from becoming established.
Dynamics: Pine plantations are typically planted with the intention of harvesting them for timber on a
regular rotation. They are not natural communities and natural community dynamics do not apply.
Associations: Pine plantations can grow anywhere, and their borders are obvious. They can be
adjacent to any natural community that is on upland soil, such as Oak Hickory Forests or Mesic Mixed
Hardwood Forests.
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Sites: Abandoned agricultural fields, farm field borders,
utility rights-of-way, roadsides, canopy gaps, and bare
ground created in forests or pine plantations following
thinning or harvest. Can be found on almost any site or
substrate.
Soils: Located on any soil type, but primarily upland soils.
Hydrology: Terrestrial.
Vegetation:
Canopy: By definition, these communities are early successional and therefore have no dominant,
mature canopy species. In some areas with clay hardpan soils, occasional Quercus stellata (Post
oak) or Q. marilandica (Blackjack oak) may be present but these do not form a dense canopy.
Understory: This layer can contain a wide variety of young trees, shrubs, and vines. Typically 3-5
years post-abandonment or post-disturbance, pioneer woody species such as Liquidambar styraciflua
(Sweet-gum), Ulmus alata (Winged elm), Juniperus virginiana (Eastern red cedar), Rhus spp.
(Sumac), and Rubus spp. (Blackberry) may invade. These plants can grow in very close proximity to
one another, forming nearly impenetrable thickets in some situations.
Groundcover: Early successional groundcover species are generally herbaceous annuals and
perennials that quickly occupy bare ground from wind-borne seed and seed that lie dormant in the
soil. Common species include Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Ragweed), Eupatorium capillifolium
(Dogfennel), and Andropogon virginicus (Bromsedge).
Rare Plants: Rare plant species favoring open areas with high light requirements may be found in
some early successional habitats, such as those associated with Xeric Hardpan Forest. These
species include Helianthus schweinitzii (Schweinitz’s sunflower), Symphyotrichum georgianum
(Georgia aster), and Echinacea laevigata (Smooth purple coneflower).
Dynamics: Early successional plants and habitats do not persist unless a favorable bare ground
environment is provided through periodic disturbances every few years. A disturbance that develops
bare ground and open conditions exposed to sunlight, such as fire, logging, or disking, creates a
situation where early successional plants thrive. These plant communities produce nutritious seed,
forage, and cover that is valuable to wildlife. Numerous wildlife species benefit from periodic
disturbances that create and maintain early successional communities in the landscape.
Associations: Adjacent forested communities typically have a distinct boundary due to the closed
canopy of the forest. These early successional species that need high-light conditions generally do
not expand into neighboring communities unless they have an open canopy. On hardpan soils with
significant canopy, may grade into or be considered Xeric Hardpan Forest.
Comments: The open nature of these sites, coupled with their typical location on dry, upland soils
makes them distinct from other natural communities. In addition, if these communities do not
experience periodic disturbance, they will succeed into some type of forested community through
time.
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MECKLENBURG COUNTY ORDINANCES
Mecklenburg County policy on appropriate uses within a nature preserve is stated in the in the
Nature Preserve Master Plan. That policy also includes a listing of appropriate public uses
within nature preserves. This appendix presents adopted county ordinances that govern use
and operation of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Facilities. The ordinance covers all
county park and recreation facilities; however, the nature preserves staff has to address certain
situations on a regular basis. The relevant ordinance language that directly addresses the
following issues that arise on a regular basis are summarized in Table A-1. The entire
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Facilities Ordinance and Amplified Sound Ordinance
are provided in their entirety after Table A-1.
Table A-1
Summary of County Ordinances that Address Daily Nature Preserve Issues
Civil Penalty
Ordinance
Issue: Dogs Off-Leash
$20.00
Section 26—shall be unlawful to have pets in the areas of County parks where pets
are expressly prohibited. The term “pets” includes but is not limited to dogs, cats,
primates, snakes, rodents, members of the ferret and weasel family, swine and any
other animal kept in domestication. All snakes, ferrets and rodents must be kept in
proper cages at all times. All other pets allowed in parks shall be attended and on a
leash not more than 6 feet long except for dogs in an officially designated “off-leash”
area. This section does not apply to seeing-eye dogs or guide dogs for the visually
impaired. This restriction shall not apply to Department employees conducting
educational programs or dogs in officially designated “off-leash” areas. Dogs in offleash areas shall be attended by the owner, have a valid and current license with
required vaccinations, and are subject to operational rules established by the County
for the designated area.
Issue: Feeding of Wildlife
$50.00
Section 28(a)—No person may feed, cause to be fed, assist another person to feed,
or provide food or any other sustenance, to any waterfowl in any park where signs
have been posted affording reasonable notice that persons are prohibited from
feeding waterfowl in the park and that any person found to do so will be subject to
citation under this Ordinance.
Issue: Collecting of Natural Objects
$50.00
$100.00
Section 5—No person shall willfully and intentionally remove, destroy, cut down, scar,
mutilate, injure, take, or gather in any manner any tree, flower, fern, shrub, rock,
artifact or other plant or mineral in any park unless authorized by permit.
Section 27—No person within the confines of any park shall hunt, pursue, trap, shoot,
injure, kill, harass or molest in any way, any bird or animal except by permit.
Issue: Disturbing Natural Areas
See Nature Preserve Policy on Amplified Sound below and Mecklenburg County
Ordinance Sec. 15-69 Amplified Noise—at the end of the Appendix.
Issue: Releasing of Animals into the Parks and Preserves
$100.00
Section 28(b)—No person or organization shall feed or in any way assist in the
development or administration of an assistance program for feral animals.
Issue: Mountain Biking on Nature Trails
$20.00
Section 14—No person shall ride a bicycle on other than the right-hand side of a
paved vehicular road or bicycle trail designated for that purpose; or fail to keep in
single file when two or more bicycles are operating as a group. A bicyclist shall be
permitted to wheel or push a bicycle by hand over any grassy area or wooded trail or
on any paved area reserved for pedestrian use.
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MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Park and Recreation Department
Policy/Resolution: Non-Native Free-Ranging Domestic Animals
WHEREAS non-native, free-ranging domestic animals are exotic species; and
WHEREAS exotic species are recognized as one of the most widespread and serious threats to
the integrity of native wildlife populations and natural ecosystems; and
WHEREAS “managed” free-ranging animal colonies fail to eliminate predation on native wildlife
and encourage people to release domestic animals into the wild; and
WHEREAS the Park and Recreation Department (Division of Natural Resources) is charged
with the management, conservation and preservation of native fauna and flora on Mecklenburg
County properties; and
WHEREAS the management of free-ranging animals on County park property poses a health
and safety risk to park visitors and staff;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
Department:
1. Encourages enforcement of existing ordinances and the passage of stronger local and state
ordinances prohibiting the release of pet and feral animals into the wild and the feeding of
feral animals on public property.
2. Strongly opposes the introduction of stray, feral, or exotic free-ranging animals onto County
property.
3. Strongly supports and actively partners with allied agencies for the humane removal and
elimination of stray, feral, and other free-ranging domestic animals from Mecklenburg
County property. Species to be removed include but are not limited to domestic cats, dogs,
ferrets, pigs, rodents, and birds.
4. Strongly opposes the establishment, management, maintenance and/or operation of a trapneuter-return program (or similar program) for feral or domestic animals on Mecklenburg
County property.
5. Strongly supports educational programs and materials that call for all domestic animals to
be kept indoors, in outdoor enclosures or on a leash or otherwise controlled.
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6. Strongly supports educational programs and materials that educate the public about the
negative impacts of free-ranging and feral domestic animals on native wildlife, including
birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and endangered species.
Nature Preserve Policy
Amplified Sound

Amplified sound shall be prohibited in all areas designated as “Natural Zone” in the
Mecklenburg County Nature Preserve Master Plan.

Amplified sound shall be permitted in all areas designated “Cultural/Historical Zone” or
“Support Development Zone” in the Mecklenburg County Nature Preserve Master Plan
under the following conditions:
(1) Sound amplification must be in compliance with the following City of Charlotte Noise
Ordinance:
(a) Amplified sounds shall not exceed sixty (60) db(A) fifty (50) feet or more from any
electromechanical speaker between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
(b) Amplified sounds shall not exceed fifty (50) db(A) fifty (50) feet or more from any
electromechanical speaker between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
(2) Electromechanical speakers shall not be located within one-hundred (100) feet of any
body of water or boundary line (including internal boundary lines of adjacent
“management zone”).
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MECKLENBURG COUNTY PARK AND
RECREATION FACILITIES ORDINANCE
Be it ordained by the Board of Commissioners of Mecklenburg County that the following
Ordinance shall govern the use and operation of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
Facilities.
Definitions
Section 1—Definitions. Whenever used in this Ordinance, the following terms, unless otherwise
therein expressly defined, shall mean and include each of the meanings herein set forth:
A.
“Board”—Board of County Commissioners of Mecklenburg County.
B.
“Bridle Path or Trail”—Any path or trail maintained for persons riding on horseback.
C.
“Commission”—The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Commission
established and authorized by the Board of County Commissioners to serve as the
recreation advisory body to the Board.
D.
“County”—Mecklenburg County.
E.
“Department”—The Mecklenburg County Department of Park and Recreation.
F.
“Director”—Director of the Park and Recreation Department, or his or her designee.
G.
“Feed or Feeding”—The act of, or the furnishing of, food or other sustenance, including
but not limited to substances such as bread, popcorn, crackers, grain, and seeds.
H.
“Feral Animals”—Any domesticated animal (or off spring of a domesticated animal)
that has returned to an untamed or wild state.
I.
“Foot Path or Trail”—Any path or trail maintained for pedestrians.
J.
“Holder”—Any person to which a permit is issued.
K.
“Park”—The term park or parks, unless specifically limited, shall be deemed to include
all parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, greenways, water areas, wildlife refuges,
nature preserves or other recreation areas, developed or undeveloped, and structures
thereon, owned, operated, leased or managed by the County.
L.
“Permits”—Any written license issued by or under authority of the Department,
permitting the performance of a specified act or acts, as authorized by Section 4 of this
Ordinance.
M.
“Person”—Any natural person, corporation, company, association, firm, partnership or
other legal entity.
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N.
“Vehicle”—Any wheeled conveyance, whether motor powered or animal driven,
including but not limited to motorbikes, mopeds, and motorcycles; except self-powered
bicycles, wheel chairs and similar vehicles, baby carriages, and vehicles in the service of
the Department.
O.
“Water Feature”—Any stream or natural or manmade impoundment of water located
within a park such as lakes, ponds, swimming pools, wading pools, and fountains,
except public waters such as the Catawba River, Mountain Island Lake and Lakes
Norman and Wylie.
P.
“Waterfowl”—Any member of the species of birds commonly known as swans, geese,
ducks, seagulls, and any other species of birds commonly found in or around bodies of
water.
Construction and Scope of Regulation
Section 2—Construction. In the interpretation of this Ordinance: (1) Any term in the singular
shall include the plural; (2) Any term in the masculine shall include the feminine and the neuter;
(3) any requirement or prohibition of any act shall, respectively, extend to and include the
causing or procuring, directly or indirectly, of such act; (4) No provision hereof shall make
unlawful any act necessarily performed by any officer or employee of the County or the
Department in the line of duty or work as such, or by any person, his agents or employees, in
the proper and necessary execution of the terms of any agreement of the County or the
Department; (5) Any act otherwise prohibited by this Ordinance, shall be lawful if performed
under, by virtue of and strictly within the provisions of a permit; and (6) This Ordinance is in
addition to and supplements State law, including but not limited to motor vehicle laws, which are
in force in all parks and which are incorporated herein and made a part hereof.
Section 3—Territorial Scope. This Ordinance shall be effective within and upon all parks with
the exception of the Tradition Golf Links at Mallard Creek, and shall regulate the use thereof by
all persons.
Section 4—Permits. The Director shall have the authority to issue permits, consistent with the
rules and regulations promulgated by the Board for use of parks. Permits are not transferable. A
permit to do any act shall authorize the same only insofar as it may be performed in strict
accordance with the terms and conditions thereof. Any violation by its holder or agents or
employees of any term or condition thereof shall constitute grounds for its revocation by the
Director whose action therein shall be final. In case of revocation of any permit, all monies paid
for or on account thereof shall, at the option of the Director, be forfeited to and be retained by
the County; and the holder of such permit, together with his agents and employees who violated
such terms and conditions, shall be jointly and severally liable to the County for all damages and
loss suffered in excess of money so forfeited and retained; but neither such forfeiture and
retention by the County of the whole or any part of such monies nor the recovery or collection
thereby of such damages, or both shall in any manner relieve such person or persons from
liability for punishment for any violation of any provision of this Ordinance.
Preservation of Parks
Civil Penalty
for Violation
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$50.00
Section 5—No person shall willfully and intentionally remove, destroy, cut down,
scar, mutilate, injure, take or gather in any manner any tree, flower, fern, shrub,
rock, artifact or other plant or mineral in any park unless authorized by permit.
$50.00
Section 6—No person shall willfully and intentionally in any manner injure,
deface, disturb, destroy, or disfigure any part of any park or any building, sign,
equipment or other property found therein.
Swimming
$50.00
Section 7—No person shall bathe, wade, or swim in any water features in any
park except in designated spray grounds, swimming or wading pools, or enter
public waters from any park to bathe, wade or swim except in connection with
special events authorized by the Director. This section does not prohibit ingress
or egress to or from a park by way of swimming in public waters.
$50.00
Section 8—No person shall dress or undress in any place in any park, except in
such bath houses as may be maintained by the Department or within tents used
in connection with permitted camping. The removal from the person of outer
garments such as coats, jackets, sweaters, shoes and stockings, is not
prohibited.
$100.00
Section 9—No person shall willfully expose the genitals or buttocks of his or her
person while in a park and in the presence of any other person, or aid and abet
another in any such act, except as permitted by Section 8.
Refuse and Rubbish
$50.00
Section 10—No person shall deposit in any part of any park any garbage,
sewerage, refuse, waste, fruit, vegetables, foodstuffs, boxes, tin cans, glass,
crockery, paper, or other litter or other waste material or obnoxious material,
except in the containers designated for such purpose.
$50.00
Section 11—No person shall, in the streams, lakes, or other water features of
any park, bathe dogs or other animals, wash vehicles or clothing, or throw, cast,
lay, drop, or discharge into or leave in the streams, lakes, or other water features
of the park or in any storm sewer or drain flowing into said waters, any
substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid, which may or will result in the pollution
of said waters.
Traffic and Parking
$20.00
Section 12—No person shall drive a vehicle in any park within or upon a safety
zone, walking path, bridle path, bicycle trail, jogging trail, fire truck trail, service
road or any part of any park not so designated for vehicular traffic by the Director,
nor in an area or on a road or trail marked for authorized vehicles only.
$50.00
Section 13—No person shall operate any go-cart or mini-bike or moped at any
location within any park other than such places, if any, as are specifically
designated for such purposes by the Director, except that regularly licensed
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vehicles and operators may have access to streets and roadways within parks to
the same extent as public streets, subject to the traffic rules of this Ordinance
and State law.
$20.00
Section 14—No person shall ride a bicycle on other than the right-hand side of a
paved vehicular road or bicycle trail designated for that purpose; or fail to keep in
single file when two or more bicycles are operating as a group. A bicyclist shall
be permitted to wheel or push a bicycle by hand over any grassy area or wooded
trail or on any paved area reserved for pedestrian use.
$20.00
Section 15—No person shall ride any other person over the age of six (6) years
on a single passenger bicycle in any park.
$0.00
Section 15(a)—No person under the age of sixteen (16) years shall operate a
bicycle or ride as a passenger on a bicycle or operate a skateboard or
rollerblades as may be permitted on park property without wearing a protective
helmet, nor shall a parent or guardian allow their child or ward to so operate or
ride a bicycle, skateboard or rollerblades without wearing a protective helmet.
Such helmets shall meet or exceed the safety standards set by the American
National Standards Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation.
$20.00
Section 16—No person shall ride a bicycle on any road between thirty (30)
minutes after sunset and thirty (30) minutes before sunrise without an attached
headlight plainly visible at least 200 feet from the front, and without a red tail light
or red reflector plainly visible from at least 100 feet from the rear of such bicycle.
$20.00
Section 17—No person in a park shall fail to comply with all applicable
provisions of the motor vehicle laws of the State and ordinances of the County in
regard to equipment and/or operation.
$5.00
Section 17(a)—No person may ride a skateboard within any area designated for
skateboard use without wearing a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads. Such
helmets shall meet or exceed the safety standards set by the American National
Standards Institute or the Snell Memorial Foundation. The Director shall post at
any facility or area designed for skateboard use (including areas that might be
known as a “skateboard park”) signs affording reasonable notice that any person
riding a skateboard in the facility or area must wear a helmet, elbow pads, and
knee pads, and that any person failing to do so will be subject to citation under
this Ordinance.
$50.00
Section 18—No person shall fail to obey police officers, park personnel or other
persons designated by the County to enforce this Ordinance in regard to traffic
direction in a park.
$50.00
Section 19—No person shall fail to observe and comply with all traffic and park
regulatory signs, including but not limited to those indicating speed, direction,
caution, stopping or parking.
$50.00
Section 20—No person shall drive a vehicle in a park in excess of the posted
speed limit.
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Cruising
$50.00
Section 21—In order to prevent traffic congestion, obstruction of parks streets,
parking lots, emergency vehicle access and public vehicular areas, as well as
impediments and danger to pedestrians, it shall be unlawful for a person to drive,
or to permit a vehicle under his care, custody or control to be driven past a traffic
control point three (3) or more times within a one (1) hour period in parks posted
as “No Cruising.”
At every point where a park street, parking lot, emergency vehicle access or
public vehicular area provides ingress to a “No Cruising” park, there shall be a
sign posted designating “No Cruising”. A “No Cruising” park is a designated park
in which it is unlawful for a person to drive, or permit a vehicle under his care,
custody or control to be driven past a traffic control point three (3) or more times
within a one (1) hour period.
A traffic control point, as used in this section, is any point or points within the “No
Cruising” park established by the County for the purpose of monitoring cruising.
No violations of the section shall occur except upon the third passage of a
vehicle by the same traffic control point within the aforementioned one (1) hour
period.
This section shall not apply to County owned vehicles, City owned vehicles, inservice emergency vehicles, buses and other vehicles being driven for the
purpose of conducting park business.
Boating
$50.00
Section 22—No person shall use privately owned boats or canoes, to include
radio controlled models (boats, airplanes, etc.), in any water feature without a
permit.
Camping
$50.00
Section 23—No camp shall be maintained in any park except under permit, and
under such conditions, at such places, and for such periods as may be
designated by the Director.
Sports and Games
$20.00
Section 24—No sport or athletic contest shall be allowed except in areas
designated and posted for that activity; nor shall a person play rough or
comparatively dangerous games such as football, baseball, or golf except in
those areas designated for such activity. Bicycle riding, rollerblading, roller
skating, and skateboarding shall be conducted in a safe manner, in areas and at
times, which do not create a traffic hazard or a hazard to pedestrians. The
Director shall have the authority to temporarily or permanently close sidewalks,
footpaths or other areas to bicycle riding, rollerblading, roller skating and
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skateboarding if necessary to prevent creation of a traffic safety hazard or
conditions hazardous to pedestrians.
$20.00
Section 25—No person shall use, ride, walk, or drive a horse except to, from, or
along a bridle path or other designated area.
Pets
$20.00
Section 26—It shall be unlawful to have pets in the areas of County parks where
pets are expressly prohibited. The term “pets” includes but is not limited to dogs,
cats, primates, snakes, rodents, members of the ferret and weasel family, swine
and any other animal kept in domestication. All snakes, ferrets and rodents must
be kept in proper cages at all times. All other pets allowed in parks shall be
attended and on a leash not more than 6 feet long except for dogs in an officially
designated “off-leash” area. This section does not apply to seeing-eye dogs or
guide dogs for the visually impaired. This restriction shall not apply to
Department employees conducting educational programs or dogs in officially
designated “off-leash” areas. Dogs in off-leash areas shall be attended by the
owner, have a valid and current license with required vaccinations, and are
subject to operational rules established by the County for the designated area.
Wildlife
$100.00
Section 27—No person within the confines of any park shall hunt, pursue, trap,
shoot, injure, kill, harass or molest in any way, any bird or animal except by
permit.
$20.00
Section 28—No person shall fish in any water features of any park where
expressly prohibited. Additionally, no person shall fish in any park without first
obtaining a permit from the Director and without first obtaining a North Carolina
fishing license, if so required.
$50.00
Section 28(a)—No person may feed, cause to be fed, assist another person to
feed, or provide food or any other sustenance, to any waterfowl in any park
where signs have been posted affording reasonable notice that persons are
prohibited from feeding waterfowl in the park and that any person found to do so
will be subject to citation under this Ordinance.
$100.00
Section 28(b)—No person or organization shall feed or in any way assist in the
development or administration of an assistance program for feral animals.
Weapons, Explosives, and Fires
$500.00
Section 29—No person except duly authorized local, State or federal law
enforcement officers, and duly authorized County employees or officers shall
carry, possess or discharge any type of firearm, explosive device, air guns of any
description (BB guns, paintball guns, pellet guns etc.), or bowie knife, dirk,
dagger, slung shot, sling shot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic
knuckles, razor, shurkin, stun gun, or deadly weapon as defined in the North
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Carolina General Statutes within any park unless authorized by permit issued by
the Director.
$20.00
Section 30—No person shall kindle, build, maintain or use a fire other than in
places provided or designated for such purposes, except by permit. Any fire shall
be continuously under care and direction of a competent person over sixteen
years of age from the time it is kindled until it is extinguished. No person within
the confines of any park shall throw away or discard any lighted match, cigarette,
cigar, or other burning object unless entirely extinguished before thrown away or
discarded.
Hours and Charges
$50.00
Section 31—The Director shall have the authority for establishing opening and
closing hours of all parks. It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to leave a park
prior to the posted closing time for that park. No person shall enter an area
posted as “Closed to the Public” or where the entrance gates are closed, or enter
a park after the posted closing time for that park, to include all attached parking
areas to any park.
$50.00
Section 32—Any section or part of a park may be declared closed to the public
by the Director at any time and for any period of time as the Director deems in
the best interest of the public or the County.
$50.00
Section 33—No person shall use or gain admittance to, or attempt to use or gain
admittance to the facilities in any park for the use of which a charge is made by
the Department unless he shall first pay the established charge or price.
Commercial Enterprises, Soliciting,
Advertising, Meetings, Exhibitions, Etc.
$100.00
Section 34—Selling, Soliciting, and Exhibiting. It shall be unlawful for any
person, firm or corporation to engage in commercial selling, soliciting,
demonstrating, exhibiting or other commercial activity, for any purpose, without
having in their possession a valid permit issued by the Director as hereinafter
provided. Permits shall be issued only when the following requirements are met:
1) The Department shall impose a charge as fixed by the Board for each permit
for each person selling, soliciting, or exhibiting in order to finance the
administration of this section; 2) A permit to sell, solicit, or exhibit must be
obtained from the Director; 3) each individual requesting a permit shall appear in
person and furnish the Department his name and address and show positive
identification. Identification shall be a drivers license or other identification
bearing a photograph, or any other form of positive identification; 4) If the selling,
soliciting, or exhibiting is on behalf of another person, firm, corporation, its federal
identification number shall be given to the Department; 5) At the time the permit
is obtained, the Department shall be given a copy of all other licenses or permits
required by other governmental agencies as a condition precedent to engaging in
the activity for which the permit is sought; and 6) Each individual shall also
provide any other information as required by the Director, which may include
proof of insurance coverage. Each applicant will then be issued a permit
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containing the information shown above, which permit must be signed by the
applicant at the time it is issued.
$50.00
While selling, soliciting, demonstrating, exhibiting or engaging in other
commercial activities within the jurisdiction of the park, it shall be unlawful to: 1)
Fail to conspicuously display the permit at all times; 2) Refuse to exhibit the
permit to any member of the general public upon request; or 3) Sell, solicit, or
exhibit in violation of conditions of the permit.
Violation of any of the provisions of this section shall cause the permit to be
revoked.
$50.00
Section 35—Advertising. No sign, notice or advertisements of any nature shall
be erected or posted at any place within any park without the permission in
writing from the Director and in conformance with all applicable zoning
regulations.
No permit shall be required, however, for a sign exhibited in connection with an
activity regulated by Section 33, provided that the sign or signs are placed within
10 feet of the selling, soliciting or exhibiting and are not placed in any vehicular
area or pedestrian pathway.
Section 36—Unless an area is specifically reserved for a person by the Director,
areas such as picnic shelters and ballfields may be used or occupied on a “first
come, first served” basis.
$50.00
No person shall refuse to vacate a reserved area, such as a picnic shelter or a
ballfield, which has been properly reserved by another person.
$50.00
No person shall continue to occupy a reserved area beyond the time limitation of
his reservation if there is another person with a valid reservation waiting to use
the area.
$50.00
Section 37—Alcoholic Beverages. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess
an open container of malt beverage or unfortified wine, to consume malt
beverages or unfortified wine, or to possess or consume fortified wine, spirituous
liquor, mixed beverages on property subject to the jurisdiction of this Ordinance
unless obtained pursuant to a special consumption permit issued by the Director.
The words “ABC laws,” “alcoholic beverage”, “malt beverage”, “unfortified wine”,
“open container”, “fortified wine”, “spirituous liquor”, and “mixed beverages” shall
have the same definition as given said terms in Chapter 18B of the North
Carolina General Statutes. Possession of an open container of an alcoholic
beverage shall be prima facie evidence of consumption.
A. A special consumption permit may be issued as follows:
1. Malt Beverages and Unfortified Wine:
a) By the Director to the sponsor of any athletic contest or similar event
held in a park, if such sponsor is a manufacturer or distributor of malt
beverages or unfortified wine and if such permit is to allow only the
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b)
c)
d)
e)
participants in the athletic contest or similar event to consume at the
completion of the contest the malt beverages or unfortified wine
manufactured or distributed by the sponsor.
By the Director to the sponsor of events to be held in the Freedom
Park bandshell.
By the Director to the sponsor of events to be held in designated
picnic shelters, including temporary areas, which have a minimum
seating capacity of 50 persons and which are at least 50 feet away
from other shelters where consumption of malt beverages or
unfortified wine is not permitted and at least 50 feet away from athletic
fields. Possession of an open container or consumption outside of the
immediate area of the picnic shelter shall be unlawful.
By the Director for the Grady Cole Center and for the American
Legion Memorial Stadium.
By the Director to any other person for any special event.
2. Spirituous Liquor, Fortified Wine, and Mixed Beverages:
a) Director approval will only be given to sponsors for events which are
closed to persons not attending or participating in the event while the
fortified wine, spirituous liquor or mixed beverages are being
possessed or consumed; and to sponsors presenting evidence that
the event will comply with the ABC laws of the State of North Carolina
and will comply with the conditions of the special consumption permit
to be issued by the Director.
B. The Director shall be authorized to establish and promulgate regulations for
the issuance of special consumption permits under this Ordinance. These
regulations shall include, but not be limited to, the following requirements:
1. The sponsor shall be required in the discretion of the Director to either
procure or reimburse the County for procuring such insurance coverage
with such limits and with such other terms as may be required by the
County.
2. The sponsor may be required in the discretion of the Director to make
arrangements for and to bear the costs of additional law enforcement
presence at the event.
3. The sponsor shall be required to obey all federal, State and local laws
and regulations, including but not limited to noise, safety, public health,
and laws relating to the consumption of alcohol.
4. The sponsor shall be required to sign an agreement that fully indemnifies
the County, its officers, agents and employees from any liability arising
from consumption of beverages pursuant to the permit.
5. The sponsor shall be required to serve non-alcoholic beverages as an
alternative.
6. The sponsor shall not allow self-service of alcoholic beverages, nor shall
the sponsor allow participants to bring their own alcoholic beverages to
the event. The sponsor may be required in the discretion of the Director to
obtain the services of a professional bartender for dispensing beverages.
7. The sponsor shall not allow consumption of alcoholic beverages to take
place beyond environs designated by the permit.
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8. The sponsor shall post a sufficient number of signs as determined by the
Director that clearly state the prohibition on underage drinking.
C. No permit shall be issued to an individual or to a group who did not comply
with the provisions of a previously issued permit. Further, no permit shall be
issued for events at which a majority of those attending will be twenty years
old or younger.
D. This section shall not apply to the Charles T. Myers Golf Course and
Proshop, Renaissance Golf Course and Proshop, Renaissance Softball and
Tennis Complexes, Revolution Park Golf Course, Sunset Hills Golf Complex,
The Tradition Golf Links at Mallard Creek, the Senior Center, the Carolina
Raptor Center, Latta Place, property leased by Loch Norman Highland
Games, Inc., the Dowd House, and Charlotte Community Camp and Retreat
Center, provided that operators of these facilities possess valid ABC permits
for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages and provided that all
alcoholic beverages are obtained from the authorized operator of the
respective facilities or its concessionaire.
Conduct
$50.00
Section 38—No person in a park shall willfully and intentionally disobey a lawful
order of a law enforcement officer, park personnel or volunteers authorized to
enforced this Ordinance, nor use abusive, profane or insulting language; nor
unreasonably disturb or annoy others; nor be under the influence of intoxicants;
nor do any act tending to or amounting to a breach of the peace nor conduct
himself in any disorderly manner whatsoever.
$50.00
Section 39—No person shall enter an area posted as “Closed to the Public,” nor
shall any person use or abet the use of any area in violation of posted notices.
$20.00
Section 40—No person shall lie or sleep in a prone position on seats, tables or
benches.
$50.00
Section 41—No person shall construct or erect any building or structure of
whatever kind, whether permanent or temporary in character, or run or string any
public service utility into, upon or across such lands, except on special written
permit issued hereunder.
$50.00
Section 42—No person shall climb, stand or sit upon monuments, planters,
vases, fountains, railings, fences, gun-carriages, trees or upon any other property
not designated or customarily used for such purposes.
$20.00
Section 43—No person shall leave a bicycle unattended in a place other than a
bicycle rack when such is provided and there is space available.
$20.00
Section 44—No person shall leave a bicycle lying on the ground or paving, or
set against trees, or in any place or position where other persons may trip over or
be injured by it.
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$100.00
Section 45—No person shall force entry into any restroom or washroom that is
locked or bolted; and no person over the age of five (5) years shall use any
restroom, washroom, or locker room designated for the opposite sex.
Enforcement
Section 46—Enforcement. Duly sworn law enforcement officers with jurisdiction
within Mecklenburg County, and park personnel, or volunteers as authorized by
the Board shall have the duty and responsibility to enforce this Ordinance and
shall be empowered to issue citations when in their judgment any provisions of
the Ordinance have been violated.
Each such person receiving a citation may, within 72 hours of the time when
issued the citation, submit to the violation and pay, as a penalty in full satisfaction
of such violation, the sum or sums set out in the left margins in this Ordinance.
Failure of such person to make such payment of said amount within 72 hours
shall render such person subject to punishment for a misdemeanor.
The violation of any of the provisions of this Ordinance except Sections 15(a),
17(a), 28, 28(a) and 28(b) shall be a misdemeanor punishable by the Courts in
accordance with North Carolina law.
The violation of Section 29 of this Ordinance shall be a misdemeanor punishable
by the Courts by fine up to $500.00.
Section 47—Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase
of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unlawful, such decision shall not
affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
This Ordinance supersedes the existing, previously adopted, Mecklenburg County Parks and
Recreation Centers Ordinance, as amended, and shall be in full force and effect from and after
its date of adoption.
Adopted the 8th day of August, 1995; as amended December 20, 1995; September 15, 1998;
December 18, 2001; September 16, 2003; March 15, 2005; and October 18, 2005.
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Mecklenburg County
Ordinance on Amplified Sound
Sec. 15-69. Amplified Sound.
(a) It shall be unlawful to:
(1) Operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment so as to create
sounds registering fifty-five (55) db(A) between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. or fifty (50)
db(A) between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., as measured anywhere within the boundary line
of the nearest residentially occupied property, except in accordance with a permit
obtained from the noise control officer.
(2) As to multifamily structures including apartments condominiums, or other residential
arrangements where boundary lines can not readily be determined, it shall be unlawful to
operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment so as to create
sounds registering fifty-five (55) db(A) between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. or fifty (50)
db(A) between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., as measured from any point within the interior of
another residential unit in the same complex or within the boundary line of the nearest
residentially occupied property, except in accordance with a permit obtained from the
noise control officer.
(3) As to places of public entertainment having a capacity of one thousand (1,000) or more
persons, operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment so as to
create sounds registering ore than sixty-five (65) db(A) between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00
p.m., or fifty (50) db(A) between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., as measured anywhere within
the boundary line of the nearest residentially occupied property, except in accordance
with a permit obtained from the noise control officer.
(4) Operate or allow the operation of any sound amplification equipment for advertising
purposes or otherwise to attract customers so as to cast sounds which are unreasonably
loud and disturbing or which register more than sixty (60) db(A) at or on the boundary of
the nearest public right-of-way or park.
(5) Operate or allow the operation for personal use of any sound amplification equipment on
the public right-of-way, including streets or sidewalks, or in the public parks so as to
produce sounds registering more than sixty (60) db(A) fifty (50) feet or more from any
electromechanical speaker between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., or fifty (50)
db(A) fifty (50) feet or more from any electromechanical speaker between the hours of
9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
(b) The foregoing limitations on the operation of sound amplification equipment shall not apply
to the operation of horns, sirens, or other emergency warning devices actually being used in
emergency circumstances.
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