HomeMy WebLinkAboutSix Mile Creek People & Preservation - Report of the SMC Study Committee - March 1984 SIX MILE GORGE
PEOPLE and PRESERVATION
Report of the Six Mile Creek Study Committee
March 1984
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CITY OF ITHACA
10B EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
TELEPHONE: 272-1713
CODE 607
MEMORANDUM OF TRANSMITTAL
To: Citizens of Ithaca
John Gutenberger, Mayor
Members of the Common Council
Members of the Board of Public Works
From: Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Gerald Schickel , Chairman
Date: March 16, 1984
Re: Public Information Meeting on
Draft Recommendations of S.M.C.S.C.
The enclosed report contains 14 recommendations on access , uses and
environmental concerns in the Six Mile Creek Gorge, along with a short
statement of the rationale for each of them.
They will be presented to the Common Council and the public at an
informational meeting at Central Fire Station, 310 West Green Street, at
7:30 P.M. on April 2, 1984. If there are adjustments to be made, they will
be included before the report is formally presented to the Common Council on
April 4, 1984.
There is also a longer report with documentation, minutes, reports,
maps, history, etc. , on file at the City Clerk's office. It will be avail-
able after March 26, 1984.
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
3
CHARGE TO THE COMMITTEE
The Committee should examine the initial and basic purpose of our Six Mile Creek
Watershed area from its creation to its present need. It should examine the
existing rules and regulations and documentation, its perimeter and its actual
land area and water flow. Most of that data is available, some may have to be
collected. The study should then review the various competing and compatible
uses that are currently present for which there is interest or demand. For
example, hiking, camping, dirt bike riding, fishing, target practice, public
highway crossing and many others. The goals should be to identify and prioritize
the basic public needs and requirements in the watershed area so that methods for
preserving and protecting and maintaining those can be established and implemented.
In addition, it is hoped that compatible issues can be examined and allowed or
rejected depending on their risk versus public benefit. Such study should include
research on other watershed areas throughout New York State, developing technology
in watershed management, public hearing and input on appropriate use of watershed
area and plans and development for the future. The Committee should feel free to
pursue various other appropriate and necessary tangents as they develop.
VOTING MEMBERS ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTED
Peter Rogers (1 ) Planning & Development Board
Harold Gerkin (2) Board of Public Works
Dan Hoffman (3) Common Council
Elizabeth Mulholland (4) Circle Greenway
Frank Moon Hydropower Commission
John Perko Conservation Advisory Council
Joel Rabinowitz Hydropower Commission
Jerry Schickel Board of Public Works
NON-VOTING MEMBERS
Jeff Coleman Six Mile Creek Preservation Committee
Leslie Dotson Tompkins County Planning Dept.
Richard Fischer Environmental Management Council
Donald Kinsella Superintendent of Public Works
Montgomery May Town of Ithaca
Peter Lovi Town of Ithaca Planning
Carolyn Peterson Common Council
SubCommittee Chairs: (1 ) Legal & Enforcement
(2) Recreation
(3) Competing Interests
(4) Historical
Much cooperation also was given by City of Ithaca: D.P.W. Secretaries,
Engineering Department; Planning Department; Police Department;
Tompkins County Sheriff' s Department and Finger Lakes Park Commission.
SIX MILE CREEP STUDY COMM IfIIt,
SUMMARY Of RECOMMEMDAfION!",
WHEREAS, Six Mile Creek is a natural area of q: vol he-iuty clww Io rc ..iderrlinl
ne i ghhol-hoods , and
WHEREAS, part of this area is the City of Ithaca wow r supply , and
WHEREAS, the area already has Wildflower Prvnerve designation , and
WHEREAS, human impact on the area must be controlled,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Six Mile Creek Study Committee recommends
that the City of Ithaca institute a Six Mile Creek manactement program which
includes the following:
I . PUBLIC ACCESS. The City should permit public access to the Six
Mile Gorge for walking and nature study between Aurora Street and
the sixty foot dam only on marked paths specified for such purposes.
Access to the reservoir area above the sixty fool dam and the surrounding
shore area should be prohibited except by special permit from the
Department of Public Works for scientific studies. No access should be
permitted between sunset and sunrise.
2. PUBLIC ENTRANCES. The Committee recommends that there be only six
entrances , all to be marked:
Hudson Street at Renzetti Place,
Giles Street at Columbia at the present stairway,
Giles Street into the Indian Camp Ground (west of bridge) ,
Giles Street to VanNatta' s Dam Pond (east of bridge) ,
Giles Street just below East State Street ,
Waterville Road (Route 79) as near Honness Lane as possible.
(to be selected by Circle Greenway in consultation with
the Town of Ithaca.)
Public parking for gorge use should be maintained only at VanNatta' s
Dam Pond just south of Giles Street bridge.
3. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES. The City should prohibit the following activities
throughout the gorge area:
Swimming
Boating
Ice skating
Camping
Littering
Amplified sound
Wood cutting
Trapping
Rock climhinq and rapelling
Hunting , shooting and carrying ,inns
Motorized vehicle and bicycle riding
Plant digging
Flower picking
Cnnsunry>t inn of alchol ic. beveragr.s
F i res of any kind
Skiing
Page 2
Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Summary of Recommendations
4. GORGE RANGER. The position of Six Mile Creek Gorge Ranger should
be established to advise users of regulations governing Six Mile
Creek and to demonstrate the City's intention of protecting such
a unique natural area. The Ranger should be provided with adequate
communication equipment to communicate readily with law enforcement
agencies.
The Ranger will work under the direction of the Superintendent of
Public Works and will serve as liaison with the Overseer Committee
and Circle Greenway.
S. OVERSEER COMMITTEE. The Mayor should restructure the current committee
as the Six Mile Creek Overseer Committee for a period extending through
June 1984. This committee will continue to work on the long-range
plan for the Gorge and monitor the results of the recommendations
accepted by the City.
Changes to the Six Mile Creek Master Plan or Map should be reviewed
by the Overseer Committee prior to implementation by the Board of Public
Works.
6. CIRCLE GREENWAY. The City's Circle Greenway should continue to
maintain trails and the Wildflower Preserve within the Gorge and should
work closely with the Department of Public Works in these matters.
It will explore and open new trails in accordance with the Master Plan
or Map. It will provide certain educational services.
I 7. CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREA DESIGNATION. The designation of the Six
Mile Creek as a Critical Environmental Area (CEA) pursuant to the
State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) would serve the best
interests of the City of Ithaca.
a. The Planning and Development Committee should begin
consideration of CEA designation for the section of
Six Mile Creek from Aurora Street to the City limits.
b. The Planning and Development Committee should initiate
discussion with the Town of Ithaca Town Board concerning the
possibility and the specifics of CEA designation for the
Town of Ithaca section of Six Mile Creek.
8. CONSERVATION ZONING.
a. Specific boundaries are recommended to form a Conservation
Zone within City limits that would further enhance existing
zoning by creating new construction guidelines.
b. The Planning and Development Committee should initiate
discussion with the Town of Ithaca Town Board concerning the
development of guidelines for a Conservation Zone for the Town
of Ithaca section of Six Mile Creek.
Page 3
Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Summary of Recommendations
9. MAINTENANCE
a. All DPW maintenance and construction activities in the
Six Mile Creek area should be carried out in an
environmentally sensitive manner with proper Department
of Environmental Conservation permits, with appropriate
Town of Ithaca environmental review, and consistent with
the City' s water supply needs.
b. Regular training of City personnel in environmentally
sensitive stream woodland work techniques, and long-range erosion
control measures should be developed in cooperation with
the DEC.
10. SIX MILE CREEK MASTER PLAN OR MAP. The City should budget for and
adopt a Master Plan or Map for Six Mile Creek which includes all
present and approved future roads, trails, clearedareas, and structures
to be maintained or created.
11 . EDUCATION. The City, acting through the Six Mile Creek Study Committee,
should widely publicize, by late April , the new policies and rules for
public use of Six Mile Creek Gorge.
Circle Greenway should be given the task of overseeing the educational
uses of the Gorge.
12. ALTERNATIVE SWIMMING AREAS. In order to relieve pressure for natural
swimmingin the Gorge, the City should study swimming possibilities at
Stewart Park, Beebe Lake and other places.
13s PROPERTY' ACQUISITION. The City should consider acquisition of certain
properties - now privately owned (or the development rights thereto) ,
within the Gorge or along its rim, in order to create a buffer zone
of more consistent width. The City should also explore the feasibility
of developing a joint recreational corridor, together with the Town of
Ithaca, along the south bank of the Gorge.
14. SIGNAGE. The City should direct the DPW in consultation with the SMCSC
to provide adequate and attractive signage to alert the public to the
rules and regulations covering trails and hazards to the Gorge.
SIX MILE CREEK STUDY COMMITTEE
SUPPORTING STATEMENTS FOR SUMMARY
I . PUBLIC ACCESS
The City should permit public access to the Six Mile Gorge for
walking and nature study between Aurora Street and the sixty
foot dam only on marked paths specified for such purposes.
Access to the reservoir area above the sixty foot dam and the
surrounding shore area should be prohibited except by special
permit from the Department of Public Works for scientific
studies. No access should be permitted between sunset and sunrise.
At this time, the Sixty Foot Dam Reservoir is the City water supply. The
Thirty Foot Dam Reservoir has served as an additional water supply in the
past, but is not currently able to serve that function due to a broken
connecting main. The Committee felt that, because it was important to
provide as much protection as possible to the City water supply, public
access should not be allowed above the Sixty Foot Dam, except by special
permit for academic (not recreational ) use. Until now it has been illegal
to use this area between the Thirty Foot and Sixty Foot Dam. It was felt
that public access could be allowed up to that point as long as the Thirty
Foot Dam Reservoir was not in use as an active water supply. Public entry
and egress is directed to six specific points (cf. item 2 below) which
would lead into approved, marked, and maintained trails. Unsafe trails
would be clearly marked and/or blocked so as to prevent their use.
2. PUBLIC ENTRANCES
The Committee recommends that there be only six entrances,
all to be marked:
Hudson Street at Renzetti Place,
Giles Street at Columbia at the present stairway,
Giles Street into the Indian Camp Ground (west of bridge) ,
Giles Street to VanNatta' s Dam Pond (east of bridge) ,
Giles Street just below East State Street,
Slaterville Road (Route 79) as near Honness Lane as possible.
(to be selected by Circle Greenway in consultation with
the Town of Ithaca. )
Public parking for gorge use should be maintained only at
VanNatta' s Dam Pond just south of Giles Street bridge.
In keeping with the desire of the Study Committee to have the Six-Mile Creek
Gorge remain a natural wild life area, we are recommending that the number of
public entrances to the Gorge be limited. North of Giles Street there are
already two; one at Giles and Columbia with railroad tie stairs leading into
the gorge, and the other on the northwest side of the bridge at VanNatta's
Dam which leads to the old Indian campground. South of Giles Street there is
already an official public entrance at Giles and VanNatta' s Dam which is the
entrance to the Wildflower Preserve. The Committee recommends that the City
permit the public to enter at two other sites in the City. One is on Giles
just below East State Street. This entrance already has easy walking paths
Page 2
Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Supporting Statements for Summary
2. PUBLIC ENTRANCES (Continued)
and is readily accessible to East Hill residents. The other entrance should
be on South Hill at Hudson Street and Hillview. This is another easy walking
trail and follows a City sewer line and the old switchback. This path also
has the advantage that can connect with a future trail to follow the old
railroad line below Morse Chain to Buttermilk Falls State Park. One additional
entrance which is required along Slaterville Road is an exit/entrance for the
Circle Greenway trail . The exact site for this entrance is under study by
Circle Greenway.
As for parking, the Committee recommends that the Giles Street South entrance
at VanNatta' s Dam be the only entrance with provision for parking. The City
should also take action to discourage parking along Giles Street.
3. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
The City should prohibit the following activities throughout
the Gorge area:
Swimming Rock climbing and rapelling
Boating Hunting, shooting and carrying arms
Ice Skating Motorized vehicle and bicycle riding
Camping Plant digging
Littering Flower picking
Amplified Sound Consumption of alcoholic beverages
Wood Cutting Fires of any kind
Trapping Skiing
a. At our meeting on November 9, 1983, swimming was unanimously prohibited in the
Six Mile Gorge east of Burns Road (easterly line of City-owned property) to
Aurora St. , Ithaca. At that time, Alderman Schlather and Andrew Mazzella,
Manager of the Finger Lakes Region of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation, addressed the subject of legal liability and the
hazards of unguarded swimming.
Also taken into account were the reports of Andrew Frost, Senior Environmental
Health Technician of the Tompkins County Department of Health, dated July 29,
1983, and that of the Subcommittee on Recreation dated July 28, 1983. The
reports included figures from a turbidity test taken by Mr. Frost at the Thirty
Foot Dam showing a clarity of 48 to 60 inches. Dates of that test were between
7/20/83 and 7/28/83.
As reported in the minutes of the July 20, 1983 meeting of the Subcommittee,
if swimming were to be allowed, the City of Ithaca would be compelled by
State Law to provide: two (2) lifeguards, a boat, sanitary facilities, an
emergency access road, an approved communications system. Also, regular tests
by the Tompkins County Health Department for clarity and cleanliness of the
water are among the limitations for a legal swimming area.
Page 3
Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Supporting Statements for Summary
3• PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES (Continued)
b. The following activities which would be prohibited were discussed at our
September 7, 1983 meeting: boating, bicycling, ice skating, use of motor
vehicles (except of emergency and service) , camping, trapping, shooting
and carrying of arms, wood cutting,plant digging, flower picking, littering,
building of fires, consumption of alcoholic beverages, and amplified sound.
It was felt these activities were inappropriate in a natural area, and some
would be hazardous.
c. Rapelling and rock climbing were discussed at our February 8, 1983 meeting.
A motion was made and passed by a 4 to 1 vote to prohibit these activities
in the Six Mile Creek Gorge area. A document is on file from the NYS Office
of Parks, etc. , explaining the limitations of rock climbing in State parks.
Our rationale for the prohibition is the condition of the rock which has been
described by climbers as "rotten rock" or shale which is subject to slides
and falling.
4. GORGE RANGER
The position of Six Mile Creek Gorge Ranger should be established
to advise users of regulations governing Six Mile Creek and to
demonstrate the City' s intention of protecting such a unique
natural area. The Ranger should be provided with adequate communi-
cation equipment to communicate readily with law enforcement
agencies.
The Ranger will work under the direction of the Superintendent
of Public Works and will serve as liaison with the Overseer
Committee and Circle Greenway.
A desire to provide the Department of Public Works direct information on
activities in the gorge and the inaccessibility of the Gorge to both City and
County law enforcement agencies has led the Committee to recommend the creation
of a Gorge Ranger to patrol the area during the summer months. The primary
duties of this person will be to advise visitors of the regulations and hazards
in the Gorge, including contacting law enforcement or life safety agencies in
cases of emergencies. This person will also work with the Circle Greenway
Commission on trail maintenance and educational activities within the Gorge.
The Ranger will not be a peace officer, but should be provided with communica-
tions equipment to contact DPW or law enforcement agencies. The Ranger should
report to the DPW, but will also act as a liaison between DPW and the Circle
Greenway and Six Mile Creek Overseer Committee. This arrangement is not new
to the City since the Landmarks Commission works with a preservationist hired
by the City under the Planning Department. The Gorge Ranger should have the
ability to deal with large numbers of the public in a friendly but persuasive
way and should have some background in environmental or biology-related areas.
Page 4
Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Supporting Statements for Summary
5. OVERSEER COMMITTEE
The Mayor should restructure the current committee as the
Six Mile Creek Overseer Committee for a period extending
through June 1984. This Committee will continue to work
on the long-range plan for the Gorge and monitor the results
of the recommendations accepted by the City.
Changes to the Six Mile Creek Master Plan or Map should be
reviewed by the Overseer Committee prior to implementation
by the Board of Public Works.
As the Six Mile Creek Study Committee approached the end of its deliberations,
it became increasingly clear to Committee members that there was a need for
some sort of overseer or advisory committee to provide continuity with respect
to City policies in the Six Mile Creek Gorge, once the work of the Study
Committee was completed. An ongoing Six Mile Creek committee is considered
especially important should the City decide to implement some or all of the
recommendations contained in the present Report. Also, there are several
issues that the current Committee did not have time to examine thoroughly.
After a number of proposals for an Overseer Committee had been discussed, it
was decided that in terms of continuity, the most sensible arrangement was to
extend the life of the present Study Committee, to cover at least the initial
implementation period for the recommendations contained herein. By the
beginning of the 1985 Summer season, the proposed Advisory Committee should
be better able to recommend what kind of permanent Six Mile Creek committee
is needed, based on the experience that will have been gained during the
1984-85 transition period.
In general , the composition of the Six Mile Creek Study Committee, as created
by former Mayor Shaw, has been a workable arrangement. However, Committee
members are of the opinion that some restructuring is necessary, particularly
in terms of the voting member vs. non-voting member issue that the Committee
has had to live with up to now. Professional staff support--in particular by
the Superintendent of Public Works, the Town of Ithaca Planner, and a staff
member of the County Planning Department--has been very helpful to the Study
Committee thus far. It is recommended that staff advice, input and participa-
tion should continue with the proposed Advisory Committee.
Purpose of the Advisory Committee:
(a) Acting in an advisory capacity, the Committee shall assist the
Department of Public Works, the Planning and Development Committee,
and other City committees or departments in considering and
implementing the recommendations of the Six Mile Creek Study
Committee (contained in this Report) .
(b) The Committee shall monitor the results and ongoing implementation
of Study Committee recommendations that are accepted by the City.
(c) If the Gorge Ranger position is created, the Committee shall meet
regularly with the Ranger (as often as once a week, if necessary,
during the summer) to hear and discuss his/her report of activities
and conditions that were encountered in the Gorge during his/her
patrols.
Page 5
Six Mile Creek Study Committee .
Supporting Statements for Summary
5. OVERSEER COMMITTEE (Continued)
(d) The Committee shall continue to work on the Master Plan or Map for the
Gorge (See Recommendation 10) in conjunction with Circle Greenway,
and shall review any changes thereto prior to implementation by the
Board of Public Works.
(e) The Committee shall examine a number of specific issues that the
Study Committee did not have time to consider thoroughly (including:
draining/lowering the level of the Lower Reservoir, annexation of
City-owned Watershed property in the Town of Ithaca, instituting
stiffer fines for trespassing or swimming, and the potential impact
of hydropower development) .
(f) In connection with all of the above, the Advisory Committee shall make
policy recommendations as needed.
6. CIRCLE GREENWAY
The City' s Circle Greenway should continue to maintain trails
and the Wildflower Preserve within the Gorge and should work
closely with the Department of Public Works in these matters.
It will explore and open new trails in accordance with the
Master Plan or Map. It will provide certain educational
services.
Six Mile Creek Gorge is an important segment of Circle Greenway for it
represents one of Ithaca' s most noted features, our Gorges. Its trails
provide for unstructured recreation, especially walking, in a beautiful
natural setting located just a few blocks from downtown, and between two
heavily populated residential areas, East Hill and South Hill .
Circle Greenway has found that by keeping the VanNatta Dam Pond area
consistently clear of litter, and by developing a better looking parking
lot, people tend to treat the area with more respect. In other words, the
evidence of a City presence has upgraded the area causing destructive people
to go elsewhere, and encouraging more responsible people to enjoy the Gorge.
Circle Greenway works with the Department of Public Works through a system
of work plans sent to the Superintendent; heavy work such as dangerous
tree felling is done by the DPW crews, Circle Greenway and its volunteers
do light work such as trail maintenance, clean-up, and clearing seating
sites.
The Gorge, from Aurora Street to the Easterly line of City-owned property,
east of Burns Road, was designated a Wildflower Preserve in April 1970.
However, at that time no special group was designated to care for it.
Circle Greenway, in the course of its work in the Gorge became aware of the
special flora quality of the area (see Dr. Richard Fischer' s article in
"The Circumnavigator" (see documentation] and has informally become its
champion. Its preservation requires:
(a) Constant knowledgable monitoring.
Page 6
Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Supporting Statements for Summary
6. CIRCLE GREENWAY (Continued)
(b) A current flora survey of the area (last one in 1920's) .
Circle Greenway has arranged to have this done during spring and
summer of 1984 by Dr. William Dress of Cornell . Funding has been
provided by Common Council .
(c) Development of a program of public information about the value of
the Preserve (See Recommendation #11 ) .
Walking, birding and other quiet recreational activities plus Wildflower
preservation make an appropriate mixed use of Six Mile Gorge. To these will
be added, this spring, a measured mile recuperation walk from VanNatta' s
parking lot back to the parking lot in a one-mile loop with measured marks
and resting places. Circle Greenway has support and advice from patients
and doctors for this "Get Well Walk"; it is an appropriate and valuable
addition to Gorge use.
7. CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREA DESIGNATION
The designation of the Six Mile Creek as a Critical Environmental
Area (CEA) pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act
(SEQR) would serve the best interests of the City of Ithaca.
a. The Planning and Development Committee should begin
consideration of CEA designation for the section of
Six Mile Creek from Aurora Street to the City limits.
b. The Planning and Development Committee should initiate
discussion with the Town of Ithaca Town Board concerning
the possibility and the specifics of CEA designation for
the Town of Ithaca section of Six Mile Creek.
The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) provides local governments
with an official designation that is intended to facilitate environmental
protection of "areas that are of exceptional or unique character." This
designation is called "Critical Environmental Area" (CEA) . More specifically,
the designation helps insure that projects or developments which might impact
the area be given careful environmental review.
The Six Mile Creek Gorge from the Town of Ithaca/Town of Dryden line to
Aurora Street in the City of Ithaca exhibits all of the characteristics
typical of a CEA, as listed in the SEQR Handbook. The CEA designation thus
seems "tailor-made" for Six Mile Creek. Additional and more detailed
discussion of CEA designation for Six Mile Creek may be found in the "Competing
Interests" Subcommittee' s report on this subject, in the Documentation section
of this Report. (See also Minutes of October 26, 1983) .
Because the City-owned portions of the Six Mile Creek Gorge (and adjacent areas
deserving of protection) lie within two separate jurisdictions, two Critical
Environmental Areas would have to be designated: one by the City of Ithaca and
one by the Town of Ithaca.
Page 7
Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Supporting Statements for Summary
7. CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREA DESIGNATION (Continued)
Conclusions and Specific Recommendations:
(1 ) The Six Mile Creek Study Committee believes that the designation of
Six Mile Creek as a Critical Environmental Area would serve the best
interests of the City of Ithaca, for the following reasons:
a. Such designation would help protect the viability and
quality of the City's water supply.
b. Such designation would help foster the preservation
of the Six Mile Creek Gorge and its rims in as natural
and wild a state as they are currently.
(2) The Planning and Development Committe of Common Council is the appropriate
official body to:
a. Begin serious consideration of the pros and cons of
CEA designation for the City section of Six Mile Creek,
and
b. Initiate discussion with the Town of Ithaca Town Board
concerning the possibility and the specifics of CEA
designation for the Town of Ithaca section of Six Mile
Creek.
(3) The suggested boundaries of the two CEAs are as follows:
a, City of Ithaca Section: It is recommended that the CEA
boundaries be identical to those proposed for the City
Six Mile Creek Conservation Zone. (See overlay Map and
Recommendation #8) .
b. Town of Ithaca Section: Precise boundaries are not
proposed in this Report. However, in the event that
both CEA designation and a Conservation Zone are
considered favorably by the Town, it is suggested
that the boundaries of the CEA and the Conservation
Zone be identical . (See Recommendation #8) . In general ,
the CEA should contain current City Watershed property
and also those contiguous "rim" properties recommended
for acquisition in Recommendation #11 .
(4) During the CEA designation process, in addition to the steps required by
SEQR (See Subcommittee Report) , it is strongly recommended that at least
one pre-designation public meeting be held to discuss all aspects of the
intended designation. In addition, it might be useful to prepare a
relatively brief "generic EIS" that would inform the public of the various
rationales behind the proposed CEA and the ramifications of taking such a
step. (See P. B-39 of SEQR Handbook, included in the Documentation section
of this Report).
Page 8
Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Supporting Statements for Summary
8. CONSERVATION ZONING
a. Specific boundaries are recommended to form a Conservation
Zone within City limits that would further enhance existing
zoning by creating new construction guidelines.
b. The Planning and Development Committee should initiate
discussion with the Town of Ithaca Town Board concerning
the development of guidelines for a Conservation Zone
for the Town of Ithaca section of Six Mile Creek.
(a) City of Ithaca
The lands under special consideration for Conservation zoning are, in general ,
all the lands zoned P-1 bordering Six Mile Creek upstream of Aurora Street to
the City limits plus the lands zoned R-la along Giles Street and the land
between Hudson Street and Six Mile Creek. (Refer to the Map in documents for
specific boundaries). These original zones will remain but will also have
additional construction guidelines imposed to protect the sensitive environment
of Six Mile Creek. This area plus the new guidelines form the Conservation
Zone.
Three key guidelines are proposed. The City currently requires a twenty foot
bank or high water level setback to determine building sites. This requirement
should be changed to a fifty foot setback from the rim of the gorge. A rim
definition would have to be agreed upon but would generally mean the place where
the land clearly drops away to form the Gorge. The second proposal is to
include design review for building in this environmentally sensitive area as is
done in City historic districts. Thirdly, no new construction would be permitted
in badly eroding places.
(b) Town of Ithaca
The lands under consideration for Conservation zoning are, in general , bounded
on the northeast by a line between City property and Slaterville Road and on
the southeast by a line between City property and Coddington Road and including
all the City-owned watershed land in the Town. (Refer to the Map in documents
for suggested boundaries) . The underlying base zoning is generally R-30. An
additional conservation zone could include further building and design require-
ments. Some suggestions have included site plan review for any construction,
buffer areas which would be a specified distance from the City land, dis-
couraging change of land contours, and consideration of visual impacts of
construction.
Additionally, no changes should be made in existing zoning that would allow
more intensive residential , commercial , or industrial use in the area. (See
Minutes of January 25 and February 15, with Zoning attachment) .
Page 9
Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Supporting Statements for Summary
9. MAINTENANCE
a. All DPW maintenance and construction activities in the
Six Mile Creek area should be carried out in an environ-
mentally sensitive manner with proper Department of
Environmental Conservation permits, with appropriate
Town of Ithaca environmental review, and consistent with
the City' s water supply needs.
b. Regular training of City personnel in environmentally
sensitive stream woodland work techniques, and long-range
erosion control measures should be developed in cooperation
with the DEC.
The City Department of Public Works is the agency responsible for operating
and maintaining the water supply system, including the stream, all dams, and
water processing equipment. In the process of carrying out this necessary
work, DPW needs to cut and maintain access roads and rights-of-way. DPW also
works on maintaining Circle Greenway trails, parking, and picnic areas. The
Committee understands and accepts the need for these activities, but wishes
to emphasize the natural values of the area, and, therefore, the need to
carry out these activities in a low- impact, environmentally sensitive manner.
Full cooperation with the Department of Environmental Conservation in the
matter of stream work permitting is just one important element in this
approach.
In the summer of 1982, the City, in cooperation with DEC, initiated training
for DPW personnel in environmentally sensitive stream work techniques. The
Committee supports this positive action, and feels that it should be part of
a regular program, in conjunction with the planning and implementation of
long-range erosion control measures. Cooperation with the Soil Conservation
Service and Tompkins County Planning Department will aid the DPW in developing
low cost, effective, and environmentally sensitive stream and bank maintenance
projects. Similar cooperative training efforts should be pursued for any
cutting or clearing in the area.
10. SIX MILE CREEK MASTER PLAN OR MAP
The City should budget for and adopt a Master Plan or Map
for Six Mile Creek which includes all present and approved
future roads, trails, cleared areas, and structures to be
maintained or created.
In order for local officials and the community to have a comprehensive under-
standing of present land uses, areas in need of special protection, and
planned modifications, an accurate, large-scale Map of the area is needed.
Such a Map would form the basis for a "Master Plan" of the Six Mile Creek
area. The development of this Master Plan should be a major goal of the
Overseer Committee, in conjunction with the Planning Department and DPW.
Page 10
Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Supporting Statements for Summary
10. SIX MILE CREEK MASTER PLAN OR MAP (Continued)
The Master Plan/Map should include present land uses, including buildings on
City land and on adjacent properties, vegetation, property lines, zoning,
topographic contours, trails open to the public, trails not suitable for use,
picnic areas, eroding areas, and any proposed modifications. The proposed
Critical Environmental Area should be outlined on this Map, as well as the
proposed Conservation Zone. The area above the 60-foot dam that is to remain
off-limits to the public should be clearly delineated on the Map. Other
approved suggestions, such as property acquisitions, trash dumps to be cleaned
up, or warning sign locations, should also be mapped. Once complete, this
Map should be officially adopted by the City, and together with any land-use
policies adopted, should constitute the Master Plan for Six Mile Creek.
Once the Map/Plan has been adopted, any modifications proposed, such as
addition or elimination of trails, roads, picnic areas, buildings or access
routes, should be considered by the Six Mile Creek Overseer Committee (or
its successor) , and approved by the Board of Public Works, before implementation.
The creation of a Map of this quality will require professional expertise and
time beyond the resources of the Six Mile Creek Committee; the continued
assistance of the City' s Engineering Department would be most helpful in
accomplishing this task.
The Overseer Committee should work with DPW to develop a budget for Gorge
maintenance and improvement.
11 . EDUCATION
The City, acting through the Six Mile Creek Study Committee,
should widely publicize, by late April , the new policies and
rules for public use of Six Mile Creek Gorge.
Circle Greenway should be given the task of overseeing the
educational uses of the Gorge.
The following activities have been in the Gorge for several years, and will be
continued:
(1 ) Public tours by Circle Greenway to explain the value of the Wildflower
Preserve, - or simply to enjoy the flowers. Other environmental
features of the Gorge such as birds, insects, geomorphology, are also
tour topics.
Other groups (Cayuga Bird Club, Cayuga Trails) use the Gorge. Circle
Greenway encourages this use and publicize their events in the
"Circumnavigator."
(2) Grade school wildflower walks are usually organized and led by teachers,
but Circle Greenway participates, if requested.
(3) Cornell University research projects are organized through the University,
but Circle Greenway likes to be informed of location and subject.
Page 11
Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Supporting Statements for Summary
11 . EDUCATION (Continued)
New activities planned for 1984:
(1 ) Trail mapping.
(2) Beginners' Wildflower guides.
(3) Flora survey of Gorge by Dr. William Dress.
(4) Brochure on use of Gorge. (Do's and Don'ts as developed by
SMCSC) for public distribution.
(5) Lengthen the season of wildflower interest by introducing summer
and autumn wildflowers (sun-loving) as part of the enhancement
of the VanNatta' s Pond parking lot.
(6) Brochure for "Get Well Walk," how to use a part of the trails
for recuperation.
(7) Development of a long-term plan for care and interpretation of
the Wildflower Preserve.
12. ALTERNATIVE SWIMMING AREAS
In order to relieve pressure for natural swimming in
the Gorge, the City should study swimming possibilities
at Stewart Park, Beebe Lake and other places.
Testimony for Chief Herson seemed to indicate that illegal swimming in the
Gorge increased significantly when Beebe Lake and Stewart Park were closed.
It is the Committee's belief that there is a large demand for a natural
swimming facility within the City or near Cornell in the summer and that
unless this is recognized, the gorge will continue to be used for illegal
swimming. Thus, to releive the pressure on the Gorge, the City is
encouraged to conduct studies by itself, or with Cornell , into the
swimming possibilities at Stewart Park, Beebe Lake and other places.
13. PROPERTY ACQUISITION
The City should consider acquisition of certain properties
now privately owned (or the development rights thereto) ,
within the Gorge or along its rim, in order to create a
buffer zone of more consistent width. The City should also
explore the feasibility of developing a joint recreational
corridor, together with the Town of Ithaca, along the south
bank of the Gorge.
Page 12
Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Supporting Statements for Summary
13. PROPERTY ACQUISITION (Continued)
The present boundary of the City' s watershed property is irregular. In
most places, City ownership provides a "buffer" of about 500 feet from
the water' s edge; in some places the buffer is as wide as 1500 feet;
However, in a few places, privately-held property extends almost to the
water's edge. In the area of the Wildflower Walk, several land-locked
private lots are scattered through the otherwise publicly owned area.
Lack of an adequate buffer zone creates the potential for undesired
activities to occur in very close proximity to the City' s water supply
(i .e. , on private property outside the City' s control ) . Development in
these areas could cause problems in terms of erosion, increased illegal
access, and litter. In addition to the impact on the water supply,
inappropriate uses of land on the rims of the Gorge could detract from
the natural , unspoiled character of the Six Mile Creek area which the City
should protect.
For these reasons, the Committee recommends that the City consider adding
certain properties within the Gorge or along its rim to the City's watershed
holdings. This could be done by outright purchase or by acquiring the
"development rights" to the property, allowing it to remain in private hands,
while preventing undesired uses. Property acquisitions have been tentatively
identified as "high priority," by the Committee.
The abandoned railroad rights-of-way along the south bank of Six Mile Creek
are presently used for a variety of recreational purposes, including hiking
and cross-county skiing. The City, in conjunction with the Town of Ithaca,
could explore the feasibility of further developing the right-of-way and
adjacent land into an official recreational corridor.
14. SIGNAGE
The City should direct the DPW, in consultation with the
SMCSC, to provide adequate and attractive signage to
alert the public to the rules and regulations covering
trails and hazards to the Gorge.
The Six Mile Creek Study Committee feels the City should inform the public
about acceptable Gorge usage; we must provide effective signage at appropriate
places. They must be simple, forceful , and explicit.
We do not want to clutter the Gorge with signs, but the following seem
necessary (at this writing) :
a. Entrances (6) : "Six Mile Gorge Wildflower Preserve. Use only
marked trails, 0 •. City of Ithaca." "Prohibited Uses" list
(unfortunately long) will have to be posted beneath each Welcome
sign.
b. Swimming (many) : "Absolutely No Swimming. City of Ithaca."
Signs to be placed at former swimming places and on the trails
leading to them.
Page 13
Six Mile Creek Study Committee
Supporting Statements for Summary
14. SIGNAGE (Continued)
C. Trails (several ) : "Do Not Use This Trail . It is too Dangerous.
City of Ithaca." Although this might seem to point out an
attractive nuisance it does clearly state the City' s position.
This is for paths we cannot cut off by physical means.
d. Hunting (many) : "No Hunting, No Shooting, No Carrying of Arms.
City of Ithaca." To be posted at legal distances apart in areas
where shooting takes place, especially on the south bank.
e. "Circle Greenway 0" and "Alternate Paths •" are stenciled onto
trees or posts; more will be painted this spring.
It is very important to post this signage as soon as possible, by the end of
April at the very latest.
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