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CITY OF ITHACA
1 OB EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
CIRCLE GREENWAY TELEPHONE: 272-1713
CODE 607
PRESERVATION OF SIX MILE CREEK GORGE
CHRONOLOGY
1970 Designated a Preserve by Board of Public Works .
1975 Circle Greenway selects Six Mile as the Gorge
segment of its Bicentennial walkway around
Ithaca .
1983 Six Mile Creek Study Commission formed by Mayor
Shaw to study area problems .
1984 Report of the Six Mile Creek Study Commission
issued , among recommendations :
- formation of a Six Mile Creek Overseer Committee.
- Circle Greenway given light maintenance jobs to
be done in cooperation with Department of Public
Works divisions .
1993 "Overseer C ommittee0changed to Six Mile Creek Advisory
Committee'land new By-laws adopted .
1994 Presery ation of Six Mile Creek Gorge re-affirmed by
Common Council .
Present : on-going discussions about the advisability of
forming a City ''Natural Areas Commission
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
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SIX MILE CREEK GORGE COMMITTEE
CONSTITUTION
1 . The name of this Committee shall be "THE SIX MILE CREEK
GORGE COMMITTEE" .
2 . Its purpose shall be to support the conservation of Six
Mile Creek Gorge for the uses listed in "People and
Preservation" , a 1984 report of the Six Mile Creek Study
Committee:
- City of Ithaca water supply
- Six Mile Creek Wildflower Preserve
- Public passive recreation (only to Potter's Falls)
A further purpose is to advise the Board of Public Works,
the Department of Public Works and the Conservation Advisory
Council in regard to public concerns about the Gorge, the
threats to its ecosystem, to monitor public usage, and to
assist in efforts to educate the public about the importance
of the Gorge to the City of Ithaca.
It is not the purpose of this Committee to tell the City's
professional staff how to do their jobs, but rather to inform
them of public concerns about problems and projects within the
Gorge area; and, if appropriate, to offer expert environmental
information about wildlife preservation and proper public use.
3 . Membership qualifications are an interest in Six Mile Creek
Gorge and/or special environmental expertise.
4 . The officers shall be: a Chair, a Vice Chair, and a Secretary.
5 . Meetings shall be held at least once a month.
6 . This Constitution may be amended by prior notice of a
quarterly meeting and a 2/3rds vote of the Committee
membership; absent members may vote by proxy.
BY-LAWS
1 . Officers and their duties .
The CHAIR shall call meetings together, and preside over them.
The Chair to be selected by the whole Committee and to serve
at the pleasure of the Committee.
The VICE CHAIR shall lead meetings in the absence of the Chair
and shall assist the Chair as required. The Vice Chair shall
be appointed by the Chair and serve at the pleasure of the
Chair.
\
The SECRETARY shall take meeting notes and prepare Minutes;
shall announce meetings by card or phone; and shall oversee
the preparation of reports, etc.
2 . An EXECUTIVE BOARD shall consist of the officers plus a member
or members knowledgeable about specific problems or
opportunities before the Board.
3 . The COMMITTEE shall consist of representatives of :
Board of Public Works, 1
Water and Sewer Division, 1
Common Council, 1
Circle Greenway, 1
Conservation Advisory Council, 1
Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Commission, 1
Ecologists, 3
At least 6 of these persons shall be City residents .
A quorum shall be 5 members .
4 . Robert's "Rules of Order" shall guide meeting procedures .
5 . These By-Laws may be changed by 2 weeks prior notice of a
quarterly meeting, and a 2/3rds vote of the membership;
absent members may vote by proxy.
6 . The Committee shall assist in the selection of a Gorge
RANGER and shall facilitate his/her work.
7 . A budget shall be submitted to the Superintendent of Public
Works by August 15th of each year.
8 . An annual report shall be submitted to Common Council and the
Mayor by the first Common Council meeting in December of each
year.
9 . Liaison with other agencies . There shall be a real effort to
network with all agencies and individuals involved in the Six
Mile Creek Gorge area (Example: Joint City and Town Committee
for Preservation of Six Mile Creek) .
10 . The Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee shall act in the public
interest by:
- undertaking, in concert with the Department of Public
Works, suitable public relations about the gorge area.
- supporting the on-site maintenance and education work
of Circle Greenway as laid out in "Preservation and
People" .
- acting as a conduit for public questions, concerns, and
suggestions about Six Mile Creek and its Gorge.
ppRAT�-
CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
TELEPHONE: 272-1713
CODE 607
SIX MILE CREEK GORGE COMMITTEE
BY-LAWS
1 . The name of this Committee shall be "The Six MILE CreekGorge
Committee" .
2 . Its purpose shall be to support the conservation of Six Mile
Creek Gorge for the uses listed in "People and Preservation" ,
a1984 report of the Six Mile Creek Study Committee :
- City of Ithaca water supply
- Six Mile Creek Wildflower Preserve
- Public passive recreation (' Only to Potter ' s Falls ) .
A further purpose is to advise the Board of Public Works , the
Department of Public Works and the Conservation AdvisoryCouncil
in regard to public concerns about the Gorge , the threats to
its ecosystem , to monitor public usage , and to assist in efforts
to educate the public about the importance of the Gorge to the
City of Ithaca .
It is not the purpose of this Committee to tell the City ' s pro-
fessional staff how to do their jobs , but rather to inform them
of public concerns about problems and projects within the Gorge
area ; and , if appropriate , to offer expert environmental infor-
mation about wildlife preservation and proper public use .
3 . Membership qualifications are an interest in Six Mile Creek Gorge
and/or special environmental expertise.
4. The Mayor shall appoint members to this Committee upon suggestions
from the Committee itself and from persons expressing an interest
in the Committee.
5. The officers shall be : a Chair , a Vice Chair , and a Secretary , all
to be elected by the Committee .
6 . Meetings shall be held at least once a month .
7 . The Officers and their duties .
The Chair shall call meetings together , and preside over them .
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee , By-laws . Page 2
The Vice Chair shall lead the meetings in the absent of the
Chair , and shall assist the Chair as required .
The Secretary shall take meeting notes and prepare Minutes ;
shall announce meetings , and shall oversee preparation of
reports and other documents .
8. The Executive Board shall consist of the officers plus a mem-
ber or members knowledgeable about specific problems or
possibilities before the Board .
9. The Committee shall consist of representatives of :
Board of Public Works , 1
Water and Sewer Division , 2
Common Council , 1
Circle Greenway , 1
Conservation Advisory Council , 1
Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory COuncil , 1
Ecologists , 3
At least 6 of these persons shall be City residents . A quorum
shall be 6 .
10 . Robert ' s "Rules of Order" shall guide meeting proceedures .
11 . These By-laws may be changed by 2 weeks prior notice of a spe-
cial meeting , and a 2/3rds vote of the membership ; absent mem-
bers may vote by proxy .
12 . The Committee shall assist the Superintendent of Public Works
and the Personnel Office in the selection of a Gorge Ranger by
reviewing applications and interviewing candidates ; it shall
al so support his her work by reviewing and commenting on the
Gorge monthly reports and advising on site problems .
13 . A proposed budget shall be submitted to the Department of
Public Works and the Board of Public Works for comments , then
to the Mayor and Common Council by August 15th of each year.
14. An Annual Report shall be submitted to the Department of Public
Works and the Board of Public Works for comment , then to the
Mayor and Common Council by the first Council meeting in December.
15 . Liaison with other agencies . There shall be an effort to network
With afl agencies and individuals involved in the Six Mile Creek
Gorge area ( Example : Joint City and Town Committee for Preser-
vation of Six Mile Creek ) .
16 . The Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee is responsible to the Board
of Public Works and reports to it by the Board ' s liaison member.
Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee , By-laws . Page 3
17. The Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee shall act in the public
interest by :
- undertaking , in concert with the Department of Public
Works , suitable public relations about the Gorge area .
- supporting the on-site maintenance and education work
of Circle Greenway as laid out in "Preservation and
People : .
- acting as a conduit for public questions , concerns , and
suggestions about Six Mile Creek and its Gorge.
- sponsoring a "Friends of Six Mile Creek Gorge" volunteer
group for light maintenance of the Gorge.
PRESERVATION OF THE SIX MILE CREEK NATURAL AREA
WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek Watershed serves as the source of the
City of Ithaca's water supply, and contains facilities and
resources critical to the successful operation of the water supply
and treatment system, and
WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek Natural Area is one of unusual and
beautiful waterways, woodland, and open fields with a rich native
flora, within walking distance of the Ithaca urban area, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca in 1970 designated the Six Mile area
from Giles Street to Burns Road as a Wildflower Preserve; and in
1983 appointed a special Six Mile Creek Study Commission, which, in
1984 produced "People and Preservation" , and
WHEREAS, Common Council, in response to the Report of the Six Mile
Creek Study Commission, began in 1984 to take steps to protect the
ecological and recreational value of the Six Mile Creek area,
including the establishment of the Six Mile Creek Overseer
Committee (now the Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee) , and the
investment of public funds in signage, the Gorge Ranger position,
professional staff time, and the expansion, by purchase, of rim
land inappropriate for development, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council has
named the Six Mile Creek area a unique Natural Area, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca' s Conservation Advisory Council has
recognized the ecological and recreational value of the Six Mile
Creek area by its study report "A Natural Heritage" and its
recommendation of its designation as a Critical Environmental Area,
and
WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek Natural Area provides opportunities for
public education and eco-systems research, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is the largest landowner in the Six
Mile Creek Watershed area and has the greatest investment therein,
and
WHEREAS, the danger of infringement upon the character of the
Natural Area by inapprorpriate private development has increased in
recent years, and
WHEREAS, the protection of the City' s investment, and the efforts
of many Ithacans to preserve this resource requires additional
commitment and action by the City; now, therefore, be it
1
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby affirms the City of
Ithaca' s commitment and intent to protect and maintain all of the
following uses of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, the first being
of the highest priority, the second the second and the third
following:
1 . The WATER SYSTEM, including the reservoirs, raw water
line, dams, access roads, and the necessary maintenance
to keep the water system operational for present and
future use.
2 . The WILDFLOWER PERSERVE, unique in Upstate New York, a
unique habitat with a rich flora; especially suitable for
public pleasure and botanical research.
3 . PUBLIC PASSIVE RECREATION in an easily accessible
location; Ithaca does not have many of these sites,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That in its effort to protect and maintain these uses,
the City shall be guided by the following:
1 . The Six Mile Creek Natural Area (as defined on attached
map) shall remain as natural as posssible, with the
addition of only those human-made facilities that are
necessary for public safety and maintenance of the water
supply.
2 . City boards and staff involved in any plans for new
construction of facilities or rehabilitation of existing
facilities in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area shall give
thorough consideration to the objective of preserving, to
the greatest extent possible, all of these uses .
3 . The City shall continue to seek the protection of all
land within the Natural Area boundary from development,
through a planned strategy of negotiation of voluntary
easements, acquisition of development rights, or
purchase.
4 . The City shall continue to work cooperatively with the
Town of Ithaca to ensure the protection of the Area.
5 . The Six Mile Creek Area shall be open to the public up to
the foot of Potter' s Falls, subject to safety or
maintenance considerations .
6 . The Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee shall be the advisory
body that shall coordinate City and public concerns about
the Natural Area.
2
7 . An ecologically informed management plan for the Six Mile
Creek Natural Area shall be promulgated by the Department
of Public Works in consultation with the Six Mile Creek
Gorge Committee, Circle Greenway, and the Conservation
Advisory Council, and subject to the approval of the
Board of Public Works .
Submitted by the Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee,
John Johnson, Chair
JJ/cjh
3
.,. f
Memo to: Supervisor Noel Desch �s
Members of Ithaca Town Board
Town Planners, Susan Beeners and George Frantz
Town Attorney John Barney
From: Betsy Darlington, Conservation Advisory
Council (CAC) Chair X451
Re: Six-Mile Creek Recreation Trail EAF
Date: March 6, 1989
I understand the Town Board will be discussing, and maybe voting on,
the bikeway EAF on March 13. I urge you to delay the vote.
I. I only learned a little over a week ago that an EAF had been done for
this project. If the City is an "involved agency," it should be included
in the SEQR process. I have three bits of information concerning this:
A. Bonnie McLaud, the NYSEG negotiator, said she thought--but was not
sure--that the City would have to give its approval for the bikeway to
cross the new City parcel. Susan Beeners asked Attorney Barney about
this and he felt City approval would not be needed. Someone (or some
document) at NYSEG should be able to clarify this.
B. Susan Beeners said that Mr. Barney felt that the City would have
to give its approval for use of the Wildflower Preserve Trail, in from
Renzetti P1.--if that is, in fact, an official trail.
C. Ralph Nash told me that if City approval is needed for any part of
the project, then the City will conduct its own environmental review when
the time comes, if it is not included now. This would delay the project--
possibly at an awkward time for you.
I would like to suggest that the City be included and a vote on the
EAF be delayed until this has happened. This will give people in the City
an opportunity to state any concerns, and also avoid later delays.
II. In the event that you decide to go ahead without comments from the
City, I would like to make a few now, although I have not yet had time
to study the document carefully.
1. Trail width: Few people seem to favor a width of 8 feet. There are
narrow maintenance vehicles designed for use on narrow trails, and access
for trucks is the only reason I've heard for having the trail so wide.
(For removing fallen trees from the trail, the ecologically soundest procedure
would be to simply leave the trees in the woods.)
A number of users of the Honness Lane trail feel that is it far wider
than necessary or desirable. Along Six-Mile Creek, which is so much wilder
a place, the extra width would destroy the sense of being on a remote,
isolated trail through the woods. If the trail is narrower--4 or 5 feet
maybe?--at least some of the opposition to it will disappear.
2. Sewer line, etc.: There is always a problem of knowing what to address
in doing an EAF. One of the City planners and I were told by John Lockrow,
Sr. Analyst at the DEC in Albany, (regarding the City's Alienation process)
that an environmental assessment must address a "worst case" scenario;
other things that could follow as a result of the project must be addressed.
In this instance, there are five major things that could happen, once
the project is approved, and these should be addressed in the EAF:
a. Extension of the sewer line out along the right-of-way,
b. Intense development below Coddington Rd. as a result of (a);
c. Construction of a road where the trail now is (some of this
is in fact already planned);
d. Deterioration of the valuable natural area below the rr bed
because of (b);
e. Degradation of the water supply because of (b), (c), and (d).
One could argue that leaky septic systems along Coddington Rd. pose a
greater risk. (If so, why isn't the County correcting the problem?) First,
sewer lines also can leak (and the one west of Northfield may be doing
just that!). Also, a new study shows that with development comes greatly
increased pollution of groundwater (which, of course, along Coddington
Rd., ends up in Six-Mile Creek). This pollution is from many different
substances - pesticides, solvents, salt, gasoline, etc. Of course, there
is also greater runoff and more pollution of surface water with development.
3. Mitigating measures: If we wish to protect the water supply and the
outstanding and unique natural area that extends upward for a considerable
distance from it, measures must be taken before the bikeway is approved. Here
are some possibilities:
a. Be sure that the easements from NYSEG and Therm allow for only the
bikeway and not a sewer line or future road;
b. Be sure that there are not other conditions in the easement that
could stimulate intense development below Coddington Rd.;
c. Go for an easement, and not purchase, of the right-of-way. (Otherwise
some future board could overturn any protections you put in place.)
d. Ask for an easement of, say, 20' rather than 66'.
* A determination of significance cannot be made until terms of the easement
are known.
4. Cost of project: Many people are concerned about the cost of the project.
Couldn't a good bike trail be made at far less expense by simply smoothing
maybe?--at least some of the opposition to it will disappear.
2. Sewer line, etc.: There is always a problem of knowing what to address
in doing an EAF. One of the City planners and I were told by John Lockrow,
Sr. Analyst at the DEC in Albany, (regarding the City's Alienation process)
that an environmental assessment must address a "worst case" scenario;
other things that could follow as a result of the project must be addressed.
In this instance, there are five major things that could happen, once
the project is approved, and these should be addressed in the EAF:
a. Extension of the sewer line out along the right-of-way,
b. Intense development below Coddington Rd. as a result of (a);
c. Construction of a road where the trail now is (some of this
is in fact already planned);
d. Deterioration of the valuable natural area below the rr bed
because of (b);
e. Degradation of the water supply because of (b), (c), and (d).
One could argue that leaky septic systems along Coddington Rd. pose a
greater risk. (If so, why isn't the County correcting the problem?) First,
sewer lines also can leak (and the one west of Northfield may be doing
just that!). Also, a new study shows that with development comes greatly
increased pollution of groundwater (which, of course, along Coddington
Rd., ends up in Six-Mile Creek). This pollution is from many different
substances - pesticides, solvents, salt, gasoline, etc. Of course, there
is also greater runoff and more pollution of surface water with development.
3. Mitigating measures: If we wish to protect the water supply and the
outstanding and unique natural area that extends upward for a considerable
distance from it, measures must be taken before the bikeway is approved. Here
are some possibilities:
a. Be sure that the easements from NYSEG and Therm allow for only the
bikeway and not a sewer line or future road;
b. Be sure that there are not other conditions in the easement that
could stimulate intense development below Coddington Rd.;
c. Go for an easement, and not purchase, of the right-of-way. (Otherwise
some future board could overturn any protections you put in place.)
d. Ask for an easement of, say, 20' rather than 66'.
* A determination of significance cannot be made until terms of the easement
• are known.
4. Cost of project: Many people are concerned about the cost of the project.
•
Couldn't a good bike trail be made at far less expense by simply smoothing
■ f
riNN
Memo to: Supervisor Noel Desch 8
Members of Ithaca Town Board
Town Planners, Susan Beeners and George Frantz
Town Attorney John Barney
From: Betsy Darlington, Conservation Advisory � �
Council (CAC) Chair
Re: Six-Mile Creek Recreation Trail EAF
Date: March 6, 1989
I understand the Town Board will be discussing, and maybe voting on,
the bikeway EAF on March 13. I urge you to delay the vote.
I. I only learned a little over a week ago that an EAF had been done for
this project. If the City is an "involved agency," it should be included
in the SEQR process. I have three bits of information concerning this:
A. Bonnie McLaud, the NYSEG negotiator, said she thought--but was not
sure--that the City would have to give its approval for the bikeway to
• cross the new City parcel. Susan Beeners asked Attorney Barney about
this and he felt City approval would not be needed. Someone (or some
document) at NYSEG should be able to clarify this.
B. Susan Beeners said that Mr. Barney felt that the City would have
to give its approval for use of the Wildflower Preserve Trail, in from
Renzetti P1.--if that is, in fact, an official trail.
C. Ralph Nash told me that if City approval is needed for any part of
the project, then the City will conduct its own environmental review when
the time comes, if it is not included now. This would delay the project--
possibly at an awkward time for you.
I would like to suggest that the City be included and a vote on the
EAF be delayed until this has happened. This will give people in the City
an opportunity to state any concerns, and also avoid later delays.
II. In the event that you decide to go ahead without comments from the
City, I would like to make a few now, although I have not yet had time
•
to study the document carefully.
1. Trail width: Few people seem to favor a width of 8 feet. There are
narrow maintenance vehicles designed for use on narrow trails, and access
for trucks is the only reason I've heard for having the trail so wide.
(For removing fallen trees from the trail, the ecologically soundest procedure
would be to simply leave the trees in the woods.)
A number of users of the Honness Lane trail feel that is it far wider
than necessary or desirable. Along Six-Mile Creek, which is so much wilder
a place, the extra width would destroy the sense of being on a remote,
isolated trail through the woods. If the trail is narrower--4 or 5 feet
out the bumps, putting bark chips or cinders in especially muddy places,
and trimming brush where it is threatening to overrun the trail?
I believe that many people would support the trail if 1) the trail were
narrower and less manicured or "suburban" in character; 2) if a commitment
were made--ensured in part with the easement conditions--not to ever extend
the sewer line along it, and not to ever put in a road; and 3) if the
cost were reduced. I think many people like the idea of having the trail
maintained and monitored to some degree. They just don't like the extent
of the proposed changes nor of the future impacts that such things as
a sewer line would have. Trails can be beautiful, and this one already
is. Let's not do so much to it that we ruin it! If it's done right, I
think the project will enjoy widespread support.
Thanks for your attention!
1Tit
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/*c�ApORATEO 00;
CITY OF ITHACA
1OB EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL CODE 607
March 6, 1989
Mr. Richard 3. Cook
CNG Transmission Corp.
445 W. Main St.
• Clarksburg, W. V A
26302-2450
Dear Mr. Cook:
I read in the legal notices on February 28th that your
company is planning to construct a natural gas pipeline across
Six-Mile Creek just east of the Ithaca Reservoir. As I understand
the notice, much of the pipeline will run along the current
NYSEG powerline. Are you aware that this powerline crosses
City land, near Coddington Rd. as far as the old railroad bed,
and again in the City watershed holdings?
In addition to concerns with siltation and other pollution
of the water supply, the Six-Mile Creek area is designated
by the County Environmental Management Council as a "unique
natural area" because of its many rare or scarce plants, animals,
and ecological communities, its spectacular scenery, and its
interesting geological features. The area is characterized
by deep gorges with highly erodible banks, leading down to the
main creek.
What measures will your company be taking to:
a. Minimize disturbance to the plants and wildlife;
b. Minimize problems of runoff, erosion, and sedimentation
during construction;
c. Minimize construction damage;
d. Minimize pollution (including trash) by your construction
crews and their machinery?
Also, what will you be doing to involve the City in review
and oversight of the project?
Thank you for your attention.
•
Sincerely,
Betsy Darlington, Conservation
Advisory Council Chair
Cc: NYS DEC —
Public Service Commission
NYSEG
Mayor Gutenft e•c'Eridureet istyeitiviteyd hive Action Program"
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CITY OF ITHACA
1 08 EAST GREEN STREET
T ITHACA, NEW YORK 14950
/'�'� I X\ I TELEPHONE: 272-1713
/ 1° � CODE 607
—1;)
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SIX MILE CREEK GORGE COMMITTEE , 1991 .
In March the Six Mile Creek Overseer Committee Chairperson re-
quested dissolution of the Committee. Committee members felt
strongly that the Committee still had many concerns about the
Gorge ; they met with Councilman John Johnson and unanimously
decided to re-vitalize the Committee.
This was done by 1 ) inviting new people with an interest in
Six Mile to join the Committee , 2 ) writing a formal Constitution
and By-laws , appointing officers , starting regular meetings , and
adopting a new name : The Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee .
Liaison with the Parks Commission was established so that City
natural areas will be represented in discussion about the roll
of such areas in the Parks system : shall the new Parks Commission
include natural areas ( perhaps as a committee ) , or should a
Natural Areas Commission be formed (to include the Six Mile Creek
Gorge Committee and other committees that may be formed to address
new concerns about natural open space ) ?
The Committee inspected the VanNatta Pond area , it was suggested
that certain path changes and judicious woods clearing would make
it possible for persons variously handicapped to enjoy the open
space and woodland just beyond the parking lot . ( Circle Greenway
is working with the Finger Lakes Independence Center to accom-
plish this . )
A good "Violations Report" from the Gorge Ranger was reviewed by
the Committee . We were pleased with his job performance .
A budget request for $400 .00 was submitted to the Department of
Public Works to be used for signage , maps , and mailing .
John Johnson , Chair
Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee .
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14E150
CIRCLE GREENWAY TELEPHONE: 272-1713
CODE 607
SIX MILE CREEK GORGE COMMITTEE
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1992
The Committee , at the request of Dan Hoffman , our liaison with
Common Council , developed a Resolution "Preservation of the Six
Mile Creek Natural Area" which further develops ideas in the 1984
"Preservation and People" . It is now before.Planning and Develop-
ment Committee.
A set of By-laws was drawn up ; it was approved by Attorney Guttman .
In cooperation with the Conservation Advisory Commission the Com-
mittee sent to Mr. Guttman our recommendation to purchase a 350 foot
strip of Baker property along the Gorge rim , including also the slope
below.
Two on-site meetings in the Gorge were held with Department of Public
Works staff to see at first hand the Gorge problems .
Participated in meetings and field trips concerning the beaver pro-
blem. Sent to the Board of Public WoPks our compromise suggestion : •
allow beaver to remain in Gorge during 1992- 1993 winter but both
DPW and SMCGC monitor the damage .
Sponsored the Gorge Ranger and worked with him on Gorge problems .
See attached Report .
Participated with DPW and Circle Greenway in seeking solutions to
Gorge bike problems , and posting new signs .
Participated in Earth Day celebration with display of Gorge map and
circulation of "Gorge Usage" brochures .
Discussed with Circle Greenway the formation of a volunteer group ,
Friends of Six Mile Creek , which could assist the DPW with light
maintenance off'paths and trees .
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
liP
Memo to: John Schroeder, Chair, Planning Committee
Cc: Common Council and Mayor
CAC
BPW, DPW
Planning Bd.
Six-Mile Creek Committee
From: Betsy Darlington, CAC Chair ` -k,,,
Date: Feb. 11/92
Re: DPW activities along Six-Mile Creek
At last night's meeting, the CAC asked me to write to you, requesting
that your committee, and then Common Council as a whole, take a look at
various maintenance projects along Six-Mile Creek. Our hope is that, by
keeping in close touch with DPW and BPW, and planning ahead with them,
emergencies can be prevented, and costly (environmentally as well as fiscally)
remedial measures can be avoided.
Reports from the Six-Mile Creek Committee and the Board of Public
Works indicate that projects are currently in the talking stages
(e.g. state-mandated repairs to 30' and 60' dams, possible new access road
from Burns Rd. to 60' dam, and improvement of access road from Giles St.),
and the CAC is hoping that Common Council will take an active role in these.
The Six-Mile Creek corridor is one of our most significant natural
assets, and as such, is of considerable concern to large numbers of people.
Public knowledge (in advance) of what projects might have to be undertaken,
and the reasons for them, would help allay fears and reduce controversy.
i1rfli7�L1 t'i 1- �V
/`2 V41
.-"NT°
CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
TO: THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
FROM: THE SIX MILE CREEK GORGE COMMITTEE
The Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee has studied Dave Nutter's letter expressing
dismay at the City posting "NO BIKES" signs at the Hudson Street entrance to
the Wildflower Preserve. In view of the enormous damage caused at the several
drainage problem spots on the trail, and too, in view of the South Hill neighbors
expressed concern that bikers have driven pedestrians from the trail, the Six
Mile Creek Gorge Committee takes the position that "NO BIKES" signs be retained
until the Town of Ithaca has completed the South Hill Recreationway surface.
At that point, of course, it becomes a dual bike-pedestrian way.
We wish to reiterate that this Committee supports the Recreationway project, and
we also support the Bicycle Advisory Council's considerable efforts to make
biking places available, safe, and compatible with pedestrian use; we recognize
too, their difficulty with irresponsible bikers -- we, also, have those problems!
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
MEMORANDUM
TO: Dan Schmohe, City Forester
Charles H. Baker, Chief Operator, WTP
Betsy Darlington, Conservation Advisory Council
Elizabeth Mulholland, Circle Greenway
FROM: Carol C. Reeves, Vice Chair, Board of Public Work
SUBJECT: Beaver damage in Six Mile Creek Gorge
DATE: December 2, 1992
This memo is to bring you up to date on the progress of
the BPW toward making a decision on the beaver in the
watershed.
After our walk along Six Mile Creek on Friday, November
13 with DEC' s wildlife specialist Roger Miner, I made a
request to have all parties participating in the walk
express their concerns to the BPW in writing. To date I
have not heard from Roger, but that was to be expected. He
informed us at the beginning that he would be extremely busy
through deer hunting season and would get his report to us
as soon as he was able after the season ended.
The only other report I do not have is from John
Johnson, Chair of the Six Mile Creek Committee. I did,
however, talk with John recently, and he informed me that
the Six Mile Creek Committee would get a recommendation to
the BPW after their December 14 meeting.
As soon as the reports come in from Roger Miner and
John Johnson, I will see that all the reports are
distributed before the BPW takes the matter up again for
discussion and a decision. You will all be notified of the
date of the meeting.
CC: Ben Nichols, Mayor, City of Ithaca
Bill Gray, Superintendent of Public Works
John Johnson, Chair, Six Mile Creek Committee
Board of Public Works Members
ccr 12/2/92
204 Fairmount Ave.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Nov. 17, 1992
Mayor Ben Nichols
City Hall, Ithaca
Dear Ben:
Beavers! Scourge of the earth! Destroyer of forests, threat to humanity!
I was sorry you couldn't make it to last Friday's beaver walk with Roger Miner, the DEC's
wildlife specialist (he also happens to be a trapper, including of beavers). His assessment was the
same as it was last spring:
a. The stretch of Six-Mile Creek from Van Atta's Dam to 30-foot Dam is very poor beaver
habitat.
b. There is very little beaver damage and it is highly unlikely that there are any more than two-
possibly three—beavers in that area.
c. They have just one active lodge, at the last bend before 30-foot Dam. The two lodges near
the Giles St. Bridge have not been mudded over, indicating that they're inactive.
d. The pair at the lodge upstream will visit these old lodges to get food—hence the activity
people observe there.
e. When habitat is poor, their reproductive rate is low. Also, two-year-olds are kicked out,
and since the habitat is so poor, undoubtedly they are moving out of the area. Beavers will travel
long distances, overland as well as along stream corridors.
f. The creek is unsuitable for a dam; if they ever make one, during some low-water stage, it
will wash out when the water level and speed of flow return to normal.
These were things he said to all of us.
g. In addition, I asked him if he thought the DPW's fear of branches cut by the beavers
washing downstream to Van Atta's Dam and causing the City a big removal expense was a realistic
. fear. He told me he doubted it very much. (Others were not within earshot at the time we had that
brief conversation.)
Now, for some of my thoughts on all this:
1. Beavers have been along that stretch on and off for thousands of years.
2. They have not to my knowledge caused major maintenance problems for the City
although that has been watershed territory for most of this century.
3. Beavers cut trees to eat them (or the bark) or to use them in their lodges. Trees that
are falling from natural bank erosion are far more likely to drift downstream. Any increase in this
that might be caused by beavers, given their small numbers there, would be negligible.
4. Actually, the beavers in that area have cut very few trees anywhere, let alone along
the bank. Unfortunately, some people see one large cut tree (or worse, several) and they think the
end has come! I've been watching beavers on CT Hill and at Michigan Hollow for about 28 years,
and the amount of cutting going on along Six-Mile is miniscule.
5. Many of my students at Belle Sherman are from downtown. Many kids these days,
but especially those kids have little opportunity to really experience nature. I wish you could see
their excitement when they come to school and tell me about seeing a beaver at Van Atta's Dam.
From their reaction (and the reaction of adults who have called me or stopped me on the street),
this is one of the high points of their lives. Are we going to take this joy away from so many
because of some imagined, hypothetical, only remotely possible problems? We have managed
nature almost out of existence. Will this be just one more victim of our penchant for making
everything after our own image of how the world should be?
ti
M•'' -L'7 11
,,y,-,rru rill m1n
q
CITY OF ITHACA
1 OB EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
CIRCLE GREENWAY TELEPHONE: 272-1713
CODE 607
MEMORANDUM
TO: Carol Reeves , Board of Public Works
FROM: Circle Greenway tdff
CONCERNING: Beaver Damage in Six Mile Creek Gorge
Six Mile Creek Gorge has three designated uses :
City of Ithaca.Water Supply ( 1908)
Wildflower Preserve ( 1970)
Public Passive Recreation ( 1984, 1992 )
Each of these uses is negatively affected by Gorge beavers :
Water Supply (Addressed by Water and Sewer Division )
Wildflower Preserve :
- loss of large , handsome trees , thereby destroying
the visual quality of a beautiful woodland .
- felled trees open tree canopy to more sunlight ,
thereby inviting invasion of alien "weed" plants .
Public Recreation :
- several large trees girdled by beaver fell directly
onto the the well -used "Wildflower Walk" , thereby
incurrinaDPW labor costs , plus the real possibility
ofCity liability for personal injury.
- news of beaver activity caused many people to come
into the Gorge to see the dramatic damage , i .e. an
rattractive nuisance :\
There is no doubt that many of us like the idea of a beaver
family in the Gorge. However, according to D. E. C. ' s Mr. Minor,
the Gorge is not an ideal ecosystem for them which may account
4, for their pervasive damage; we , therefor , reluctantly y
luctantlyjoin in
calling for their elimination in order to preserve the Gorge
woodland character and to secure public safety.
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
f
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ak
Division of Fish and Wildlife
Box 5170, Fisher ave
Cortland, N. Y. 13045
November 25, 1992
Thomas=Jading
Mr Rick Ferrel Caaavgassramer
City of Ithaca, DPW
245 Pier Rd
Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
Dear Rick,
After our meeting on site (11/13/92) , my original observ-=------mom
and recommendations made in May 1992 still stand. There are =lily
two to three beaver in this stretch of six mile creek anye
amount of tree damage they are causing here is minimal. Thera- S .e,
there is insufficient justification to issue a permit to r- sizave
them now, which is outside of the regular fur trapping seawrm .
After discussing your problem with my supervisor, he concurs -v -th
this conclusion.
Since the beaver are on property you are responsible for_- -R d
you may still feel the amount or fear of future damage jug-=±i=
removal of these beaver, then we recommend you allow a fur t—c' a -
in during the regular season. In this area the season opeass on
12/12/92 and closes on 1/17/93 . Attached is a list of fur tr s
that might be interested in helping you out. The decision to zxmen
this property to a trapper is entirely yours.
I hope I have been of some assistance. If I can help tr.- =he
future, please feel free to contact me.
r-
Sincerely,
1-
' rMV4V
Roca Miner
Fis and Wildlife Technician
Region 7
cc:Guy Gerard
To: Board of Public Works Members
Mayor Nichols
Conservation Advisory Council
From: John Johnson, Chair, Six Mile Creek Gorge Comm. ,
Council Liaison to Conservation Advisory Council
WHEREAS, according to the DEC' s wildlife specialist, Roger Miner,
the two (possibly 3) beavers in Six Mile Creek between Van Atta' s
Dam and the 30 foot dam, are causing only minimal damage, and the
DEC will therefore not issue a permit for the out-of-season
trapping (i.e. killing) of the beavers; and
WHEREAS, beavers have been in that area on and off for many years;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee recommends that
the Board of Public Works allow the beavers to remain in the gorge
and not kill them, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the scheduled monitoring of any tree damage between
Van Atta' s Falls and the 30 foot dam be done by a Public Works tree
expert and duly qualified member of the Six Mile Creek Gorge
Committee.
cc: Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee
The tax benefits of donating an easement naturally depend on how much
has been given up. If all development rights are donated, the tax benefits
will be greater than if certain areas are designated as ones on which
development can take place.
An easement does not open the land to the public, unless the owner
says so in the easement.
5. Deed restrictions. Although restrictions can be put into the deeds
on any piece of property, this usually happens only at the time the
land changes hands, and especially when it is proposed for development.
A municipality can require deed restrictions as a condition for approval
for a development. Municipalities should be urged to use this tool.
Deed restrictions are much easier to break (legally) than conservation
easements.
6. Runoff management. Controls should be required as part of the normal
development approval process in a municipality. Erosion and sedimentation cv7.11.-01
ordinances are especially helpful in this. Betsy is going to call Stuart
Stein (on the County Bd. of Reps.) and ask him to to have his committee
ask the County Planning staff to prepare some sample ordinances and
to circulate these to the various municipalities in the County, urging
their adoption.
7. Critical Environmental Areas (CEA's) and unique natural areas. Useful
to have these designations, but not a whole lot of teeth in them. The
second has no teeth at all, except as a warning to reviewers of proposals
to proceed with caution. An action that takes place in a CEA automatically
becomes a Type I action, thus requiring environmental review. John
Johnson is going to ask Paul Mazzarella what the status is for 6-Mile: is
it already a CEA? If not, we should start the process'of getting it
• designated.
8. Mapping - potential streets, etc. An official document. Probably
not a lot to be done on this now, but we should be involved in decisions
regarding roads and other map changes in the 6-Mile Cr. area. Question
• for Susan or George: what does the Comprehensive Plan propose?
9. Wild, scenic, and recreational river designation. This would be
useful and should be pursued.
10. Outright acquisition of land, either from willing donors or sellers
or by condemnation. This naturally affords the greatest protection.
We agreed that there is a need for a plan:
a. what to purchase (whether easements or outright acquisition), and
b. what the priorities are - highest would be lands the City should
acquire, either through donation or purchase;
next would be land that is only valuable enough to get some cheaper
way than through purchase; and
lowest priority would be land that needed protection but not as desperately
as the others, and for which deed restrictions should be sufficient.
Michael Jones has done a lot of work for the Town on 6-Mile and should
•
be included in figuring out which lands to put into which categories.
CAL
Tools for Protection of Six-Mile Creek �Z1�
March 22, 1989 0
Buzz Lavine, Margaret Fabrizio, John Johnson, and Betsy Darlington
met on March 20 to consider various ways to enhance protection of the
watershed and the unique natural area along the Six-Mile Creek corridor.
We went through the list sent out several months ago by Thys Van Cat,
and discussed each idea (Buzz's expertise was invaluable!):
1. New watershed rules and regulations. This could be a powerful tool
for protecting water quality. The regs proposed by Steve Baker before
he moved away last June would protect not just the creek but all tributaries
as well. Buzz is going to talk to John Andersson at the County Health
Dept. and Ill talk to City Engineer, Bill Gray, and tell them a letter
may come from our joint committee, asking for some action.
ntl.ej 4 CA C
2. Conservation Overlay Zones. The Comprehensive Plan that the Town
of Ithaca is working on apparently includes COZ's for 6-Mile. Buzz is
going to ask Susan Beeners what the plan recommends.
3. TDR's (Transfer of development rights). A complicated tool that requires
a lot of planning. Unlikely in Dryden for many years; even more unlikely
in-Caroline. But possible in Town of Ithaca. The Town Board members
need encouragement to adopt this tool.
The basic principle is that everyone shares equally in development
rights. Let's say Mr. Newt owns 10 acres below the rr bed that the
Town has decided may not be developed. Ms. Toad owns 10 acres in a
part of town that can be developed. She may indeed go ahead and develop
that 10 acres, but only after paying Mr. Newt for the development rights
on some (all?) of his ten acres. That is, she compensates Mr. Newt
for not being able to develop his land, in order to gain the right to
develop her own land. (At least, I think that's how Buzz explained it.)
4. Conservation easements. A landowner retains ownership of his land
and all the rights that this implies, EXCEPT for rights that are spelled
out in the easement--usually development rights. All cr part of the
land can be covered by the easement. Easements are sold or donated.
If donated, there can be considerable tax benefits to the owner:
a. charitable deduction on state and federal income tax (for the difference
in value between the land before the donation and after);
b. possible reduction in property taxes (assessors are not required
to lower the taxes, but they should, and they should be urged to do
so);
c. reduction in estate taxes. Let's say a couple has 200 acres of
valuable, developable property but their income and assets are rather
low. They might think they can protect their land by leaving it to
their conservation-minded children. They die. The kids get it--and
quickly discover that the estate taxes are so high they must sell the
land to pay the taxes. Since an easement would greatly reduce the value
of the land, the estate taxes would be much lower. 't5., 2vQ�'►�' - kx�s
Se.\\ Ut1,E, ta- too. Tw4.4.4 b -at.,
pve✓—>
e
poi '
a
1.10771717 Ill
CITY OF ITHACA
1OE EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14830
OFFICE OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS TELEPHONE: (607)274-6527
SUPERINTENDENT FAX: (607)272-7348
MEMORANDUM
TO: Charles H. Baker , Chief Operator, WTP
Adam Carman, Acting City Forester
John Johnson, Chair , Six Mile Creek Committee
Elizabeth Mulholland, Circle Greenway & Wildflower
Preserve
Betsy Darlington, Conservation Advisory Council
FROM: Carol C. eves, ice Chair , Board of Public Works
SUBJECT: Six Mile Creek Beaver Issue
DATE: January 13, 1993
Attached you will find the RESOLUTION passed by the Board
of Public Works on December 23, 1992 regarding the beaver.
In my memo of December 2, I stated that copies of the
various reports would be sent to all interested parties. In
addition to the reports, letters were received from school
children as well as other groups and individuals. Rather than
copy and send out the information, it has all been placed in a
notebook and is in the Superintendent ' s Office in City Hall
___. should you wish to review the material . _ _
cc : Ben Nichols, Mayor , City of Ithaca
Bill Gray, Superintendent of Public Works
JoAnn Cornish , Chair , Parks Commission
•
'An Equal Ooportunay Employer with an Affirmative Action Program' Cot Recycled Paper
Beavers in Six Mile Creek.
There has been much concern about the presence of beavers in the
Six Mile Creek area. The Board requested that a representative
from DEC tour the gorge and make recommendations concerning
possible removal of the beavers.
WHEREAS, Mr. Roger Miner from the DEC toured the area with City
staff and assessed the population of beavers as two or three
individuals with poor growth potential, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Miner determined their impact as minimal and not
justifying their removal, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Miner acknowledged that the decision of removal
remains with the City during the regular trapping season; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works thanks Mr. Miner for
his time and effort, and, be it, further
RESOLVED, That the Board will not take any action to remove the
beavers from the Six Mile Creek area between Van Atta's dam and
the lower reservoir at thie time, and, be it, further
RESOLVED, That the Board welcomes a joint monitoring of the
situation by staff and Six Mile Creek Committee; and requests to
be kept informed and consulted in any further findings thereof.
WATER TREATMENT PLANT
202 WATER ST.
ITHACA, NY 14850
273-4680
July 12, 1993
TO: John Johnson, Chair, Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee
RE: Comments on July 12, agenda, & on June 14, minutes
Due to circumstances concerning an upcoming wedding, I cannot make
the July 12 meeting. I do however have some comments concerning the
June 14th minutes, and the Agenda items for the July 12th meeting.
(1a)Gorge Ranger (June 14 min. ): There was no report due to problems
with the computer at the treatment plant. The disc on which the
information was stored went bad, and we could not retrieve the data.
Andy had to redo his information. I will take the blame for him not
showing, as I may not have informed him in time.
(b) (June 14 min. & July agenda) Concerning the "log", please note that
the Gorge Committee is only an advisory body, it will not direct Dept.
employees on how they will do their job. I am against any sort of log
book of this nature, as it seems to me that the committee is more
concerned with keeping tabs on the ranger, rather than the gorge itself
(and more pertinent issues). I am getting tired of having to restate
this at least annually. If you want the ranger in the gorge at certain
hours then we (the Dept. ) can look at giving the person (ranger) set
hours and days to work. The committee helped set up and agreed to the
"flexible hours". We are not going to play politics here: so please
stop stepping from one side of the fence to the other.
(2)Signage (June 14 min. ) There are costs involved with signage. You
cannot keep changing the signage year to year, when their are still some
of the old in stock. The size of the present signs is adequate. Any
information on how bikers affect the environment is an educational item.
This should be done through the media, on handouts for Earth Day, or as
part of the educational tours through the gorge. Signage to the effect
you are mentioning will not change much. Also I am still checking on
the legality of the present signs on the railroad bed right-of-way.
Beyond the sewer monitoring station(outside of City property & way
before the 30' dam) we cannot enforce the no bikes ruling. At the
moment we may not be able to enforce no bikes into the City from the
monitoring station to Rensetti Place, depending on the agreements with
the railroad bed right-of-way concerning the Town.
I would advise that the committee look at ways to accommodate bikes
in places (the railroad bed would be a good spot). You have people in
the City pushing for the use of bikes instead of cars, and bikes are not
only for kids anymore, they are a form of recreation. There is an
abundant population of students in this area (and adults that bike) whom
use bikes a lot. The gorge are is not there for the private uses and
ideals of certain individuals. Beyond the main use for the water supply
and secondly for maintaining some habitats (although I do question the
uniqueness of this gorge alone with the exception of it's proximity to
the City) the area could and should be managed to accommodate various
forms of recreation.
(3)Parks (June 14, min. ) Please note that any requests for using the
gorge for weddings, etc. must be approved by the Dept. , and through the
BPW. The requests must be in writing. There are no exceptions to this
that I am aware of.
Sincerely,
Chuck Baker
Chief Operator - WTP
ke,A 6- h.Lz. Cr-eJ. • lc h e,., • (.1.(,,;,13 ....713v •
Tools for Protection of Six-Mile Creek aujel-
March 22, 1989
Buzz Lavine, Margaret Fabrizio, John Johnson, and Betsy Darlington
met on March 20 to consider various ways to enhance protection of the
watershed and the unique natural area along the Six-Mile Creek corridor.
We went through the list sent out several months ago by Thys Van Cat,
and discussed each idea (Buzz's expertise was invaluable!):
1. New watershed rules and regulations. This could be a powerful tool
for protecting water quality. The regs proposed by Steve Baker before
he moved away last June would protect not just the creek but all tributaries
as well. Buzz is going to talk to John Andersson at the County Health
Dept. and Ill talk to City Engineer, Bill Gray, and tell them a letter
may come from our joint committee, asking for some action.
<4_r4..1-e1 C &et.,...1.4 a C p c.
2. Conservation Overlay Zones. The Comprehensive Plan that the Town
of Ithaca is working on apparently includes COZ's for 6-Mile. Buzz is
going to ask Susan Beeners what the plan recommends.
3. TDR's (Transfer of development rights). A complicated tool that requires
a lot of planning. Unlikely in Dryden for many years; even more unlikely
in Caroline. But possible in Town of Ithaca. The Town Board members
need encouragement to adopt this tool.
The basic principle is that everyone shares equally in development
rights. Let's say Mr. Newt owns 10 acres below the rr bed that the
Town has decided may not be developed. Ms. Toad owns 10 acres in a
part of town that can be developed. She may indeed go ahead and develop
that 10 acres, but only after paying Mr. Newt for the development rights
on some (all?) of his ten acres. That is, she compensates Mr. Newt
for not being able to develop his land, in order to gain the right to
develop her own land. (At least, I think that's how Buzz explained it.)
4. Conservation easements. A landowner retains ownership of his land
and all the rights that this implies, EXCEPT for rights that are spelled
out in the easement--usually development rights. All cr part of the
land can be covered by the easement. Easements are sold or donated.
If donated, there can be considerable tax benefits to the owner:
a. charitable deduction on state and federal income tax (for the difference
in value between the land before the donation and after);
b. possible reduction in property taxes (assessors are not required
to lower the taxes, but they should, and they should be urged to do
so);
c. reduction in estate taxes. Let's say a couple has 200 acres of
valuable, developable property but their income and assets are rather
law. They might think they can protect their land by leaving it to
their conservation-minded children. They die. The kids get it--and
quickly discover that the estate taxes are so high they must sell the
land to pay the taxes. Since an easement would greatly reduce the value
of the land, the estate taxes would be much lower. 15 4l,,, 1 h5
s 11 1, Se.\ acr.S�, � wokubl lag Tv4- 6.1 . ease-►ti
r.
_
-
The tax benefits of donating an easement naturally depend on how much
has been given up. If all development rights are donated, the tax benefits
will be greater than if certain areas are designated as ones on which
development can take place.
An easement does not open the land to the public, unless the owner
says so in the easement.
5. Deed restrictions. Although restrictions can be put into the deeds
on any piece of property, this usually happens only at the time the
land changes hands, and especially when it is proposed for development.
A municipality can require deed restrictions as a condition for approval
for a development. Municipalities should be urged to use this tool.
Deed restrictions are much easier to break (legally) than conservation
easements.
6. Runoff management. Controls should be required as part of the normal
development approval process in a municipality. Erosion and sedimentation ccr. .o1
ordinances are especially helpful in this. Betsy is going to call Stuart
Stein (on the County Bd. of Reps.) and ask him to to have his committee
ask the County Planning staff to prepare some sample ordinances and
to circulate these to the various municipalities in the County, urging
their adoption.
7. Critical Environmental Areas (CEA s) and unique natural areas. Useful
to have these designations, but not a whole lot of teeth in them. The
second has no teeth at all, except as a warning to reviewers of proposals
to proceed with caution. An action that takes place in a CEA automatically
becomes a Type I action, thus requiring environmental review. John
Johnson is going to ask Paul Mazzarella what the status is for 6-Mile: is
it already a CEA? If not, we should start the process•of getting it
designated.
8. Mapping - potential streets, etc. An official document. Probably
not a lot to be done on this now, but we should be involved in decisions
regarding roads and other map changes in the 6-Mile Cr. area. Question
• for Susan or George: what does the Comprehensive Plan propose?
9. Wild, scenic, and recreational river designation. This would be
useful and should be pursued.
10. Outright acquisition of land, either from willing donors or sellers
or by condemnation. This naturally affords the greatest protection.
We agreed that there is a need for a plan:
a. what to purchase (whether easements or outright acquisition), and
b. what the priorities are - highest would be lands the City should
acquire, either through donation or purchase;
next would be land that is only valuable enough to get some cheaper
way than through purchase; and
• lowest priority would be land that needed protection but not as desperately
as the others, and for which deed restrictions should be sufficient.
Michael Jones has done a lot of work for the Town on 6-Mile and should
be included in figuring out which lands to put into which categories.
Six Mile Creek Gorge Area
Comparisons of Total Violations
60'Dam
May/June July August September
1993 117
1992 81 87 30 4
1991 77 90 9 19 Tot Viol.
1990 116 33 41 6 60'Dam
Total 391 210 80 29 710
30'Dam
May/June July August September
1993 239
1992 71 57 34 20
1991 41 141 30 6 Tot Viol.
1990 69 31 28 3 30'Dam
Total 420 229 92 29 770
Van Natta
May/June July August September
1993 111
1992 88 82 31 14
1991 22 113 45 0 Tot Viol.
1990 79 75 27 2 VN Dam
Total 300 270 103 16 689
Other
May/June July August September
1993 12
1992 21 33 12 11
1991 18 22 6 4 Tot Viol.
1990 13 4 29 0 Other
Total 64 59 47 15 185
Note: 1990 data for May/June is for June only.
Gorge Violation Comparison
Total Violations:1990-93
500-
#
400-
0
f 300_
o "
100-
May/June July August September
Months
0 60' 30'
VN ® Oth.
SD(MILE CREEK GORGE AREA
Ranger Report Data 1993
60'Dam
May/June July August September Total
Trespass 77 0 0 0 77
Swimming 22 0 0 0 22
Fishing 4 0 0 0 4
Bikes 14 0 0 0 14
Boats 0 0 0 0 0
Dogs 0 0 0 0 0
30'Dam
May/June July August September Total
Trespass 0 0 0 0 0
Swimming 147 0 0 0 147
Jumpers 25 0 0 0 25
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0
Bikes 66 0 0 0 66
Boats 0 0 0 0 0
Dogs 1 0 0 0 1
Van Natta's
May/June July August September Total
Trespass 25 0 0 0 25
Swimming 72 0 0 0 72
Jumpers 9 0 0 0 9
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0
Bikes • 3 0 0 0 3
Boats 0 0 0 0 0
Dogs 2 0 0 0 2
Other
May/June July August September Total
Alcohol 3 0 0 0 3
Camping 2 0 0 0 2
Biking 5 0 0 0 5
' Fires 2 0 0 0 2
/4''t
PRIM l l
/to
q.. ..4_!
CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF TELEPHONE
CITY CLERK
(607)274-6570
January 13, 1994
To: Six Mile Creek Committee Members
From: John Johnson, Chair
Subj: Resume forms
Attached, please find a copy of a resume formwhich needs to be completed and
returned to the City Clerk's Office by Wednesday, January 19, 1994 for
Council consideration. I have enclosed a self-addressed, postage paid, envelope
for your convenience.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" CI.1 Recycled Paper
20 December 93
TO: Charles Guttman, City of Ithaca Attorney
FROM: The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee 1-7�'�
RE: Phase 1 of the rehabilitation of the area impacted by the Therm spill
City Forester John Friedeborn is about to execute an effective, low-tech
solution for the erosion of the Bolton Point right-of-way. As well, Mr.
Friedeborn will ascertain that the stream which crosses the impacted area
is open and flowing. The Advisory Committee regards these two simple
steps as Phase 1 of the rehabilitation; we will provide ideas for Phase 2
and Phase 3 in 1994.
Memo to: John Friedeborn, Beth Mulholland, City Atty. Chuck Guttman
Cc: 6-Mile Creek Committee
CAC
Board of Public Works
From: Betsy Darlington, Conservation Advisory Council Chair
Re: Comments on rehab. of Therm spill site
At our Dec. 13th meeting, the CAC discussed Therm's restoration plan for a portion
of the watercourse, and rehabilitation of the entire area that was damaged during the spill
clean-up. It was decided that CAC member, Paul Salon, should visit the site with me and
evaluate the Therm proposal as well as what might be needed in the larger damaged area.
Paul's report is attached. He works for Soil Conservation Service in Big Flats, but wants it
to be clear that he is making his recommendations as a CAC member, not an SCS employee;
Tompkins County has an SCS employee who could be brought in to advise Therm and the
City.
The CAC agreed that next spring, the entire damaged area should be rehabilitated to
as naturalistic and aesthetic a condition as possible. While erosion is one problem that must
be dealt with, and some engineering measures are needed for this, the problems left by the
spill clean-up demand more than an engineer's expertise. Someone with that additional
knowledge should oversee the work. The community was assured last spring that the area
would be returned to the natural beauty that existed there before-the clean-up. By making
this area once again a lovely place for people to walk, Therm can do much to restore its
image in the community, and we are confident that Therm will seize this opportunity.
Therm's plan addresses erosion control measures in a small section of the problem
area, while Paul's looks at the whole area below the bike path. But, like Therm's plan, the
measures Paul recommends address erosion problems only, not rehab. of the entire damaged
area. His suggestions should be inexpensive but effective.
For aesthetic reasons, only native stone should be used for any work, and plenty is
available on-site. He also felt that much of the work could (and should) be done by hand,
thus avoiding further damage from heavy equipment.
After he had written up his suggestions, I asked him about John F.'s idea of using
straw bales to divert the water from the roadway into the woods. He said this should work
fine, temporarily, as long as it is still possible to stake them into place properly. Next
spring, berms or diversion channels should be made. Straw rather than hay should be used
because of the large number of invasive alien species that could be introduced in hay.
If there are any questions about where each measure would be taken, I would be
happy to meet at the site and show you what Paul showed me. Because of his long commute
to work, he is only available on weekends.
We hope these recommendations are helpful.
j ww CAC iumr„A4uj P2.4.0 . •
1 Z-( ZO(4)
0.e mi,errk S)
TheAwatercourse restoration plan adresses that portion
of the problem wel l . It would be good if some handwork was
done as soon as possible to maintain the center line of the
stream over the existing steep stone lined section . The
silt should be raked out of the center of the stream and
stone laid to maintain the centerline . This may prevent
the possibility of the stream channeling its way around the
existing stone lined center during spring runoff . We agree
with the idea of using the existing stone and if more is
needed using stone wich is similar , to maintain the
naturalistic condition , as was mentioned in the plan . Any
erosion control fabric used should be made of biodegradable
material , We would recommend straw in preference to hay due
to there being less weed seeds in the straw . Seed mixtures
used .for erosion control and waterways based on soil
drainage classes are available from the soil conservation
service .
Two other -areas concern the conservation advisory
committee : the roadway leading down to the stream and the
eroding waterway flowing from the culvert . In an effort to
minimize additional disturbance to the site by cutting and
filling we recommend the careful placement of additional
fi l l be used to divert water and to stabilize the site .
The road and road ditch has started to erode . One or two
berms across the road , could divert water off the road to
be spread out in the woods . The vertical cut bank on the
lower portion of the road ditch will need soil material to
create a 2 :- 1 slope to allow for a seeding to stabilize the
slope . As a result the centerline of the road ditch would be
' moved toward the road . Some revegetation adjacent to the
bike trail would be appropriate ; due to the stoneyness of
the site some topsoil may be needed .
The waterway leading down from the culvert i s eroding .
It appears that the channel has split and some of the water
is bypassing the ' erosion control structure ' . This could be
fixed with a little hand work , There will be erosion over
this winter and spring with sediment being deposited in the
stream. The remediation of this situation should consider
alternatives which would have a minimal disturbance to the
site . At_ a point about 150 ft from where the waterway
presently enters the stream , a small amount of fill could
be brought in to divert the waterway along the contour to
meet the existing stream at a point upstream . This would
avoid some erosion and allow for some sediment to settle
out before reaching the stream Due to the continual low
flow of the water flowing from the culvert it will not be
possible to establish vegetation in the center of the
waterway . T o handle t h i s flow , a t i l e l i n e with a low flow
structure could be designed or rock lining the center of
the waterway will be needed . t;t-, this late date nothing major
can be done ; leterrni ni ng the drainage area above this site —,
as well as o serving the condition of the site in the
spring will give us an idea as to further action . . • 'J
Drafts of wording for signs in Gorge area:
G'
Riding in Six Mile Gorge
is legal only on
the Recreation Way
Please exercise care for
our wildflowers, animals
and pedestrians
*****
Bicyclists:
Six Mile Gorge ecosystem is fragile
Ride only on designated trails
Exercise care for pedestrians
*****
Bicyclists:
Six Mile Gorge is a fragile ecosystem
The RecWay is a maintained surface
Do not ride on any other trails
*****
Six Mile Gorge is a fragile ecosystem
Please do your part to protect it
Bicycling is legal only on the RecWay
Exercise care for pedestrians
*****
Draft of Resolution to be proposed to the Board of Public Works:
The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee recommends the creation
and placement of twelve permanent signs to inform the public of
the necessity for care in the use of the area [Proposed location
and wording of the signs to be attached]
Estimate of cost available from Rick Farrell
Our budget limitations?
SIX MILE CREEK GORGE AREA
Ranger Report Data 1993
60'Dam
May/June July August September Total
Trespass 77 92 31 6 206
Swimming 22 37 0 2 61
Fishing 4 0 2 1 7
Bikes 14 0 0 0 14
Boats 0 3 0 0 3
Dogs 0 0 0 0 0
30'Dam
May/June July August September Total
Trespass 0 0 0 0 0
Swimming 147 188 54 12 401
Jumpers 25 30 2 1 58
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0
Bikes 66 43 32 7 148
Boats 0 0 0 0 0
Dogs 1 1 0 1 0
Van Natta's
May/June July August September Total
Trespass 25 59 36 10 130
Swimming 72 95 20 3 190
Jumpers. 9 4 0 1 0
Fishing 0 0 0 0 0
Bikes 3 15 5 1 24
Boats 0 0 0 0 0
Dogs 2 3 2 0 7
Other
May/June July August September Total
Alcohol 3 6 0 0 9
Camping 2 0 0 0 2
Biking 5 9 12 2 28
Fires 2 0 0 0 2
Dogs 0 1 0 0 1
1993 Totals
Trespass 336
Swimming 652
Jumpers 58
Fishing 7
Bikes 186
Boats 3
Dogs 8
Fires 2
Alcohol 9
Gorge Violation Comparison
Total Violations: 1990-93
500-
400-
0
f 300- y.
i 200-
0
DitA
1 100-
"4,14.,,.......
" ;::
1 1 1 >v.na"x' 1
May/June July August September
Months
0 60' Mil 30'
VN ® Oth.
TO: Members/Affiliates of the Six Mile Creek (Gorge) Committee
FROM: Dan Hoffman
DATE: September 13, 1993
RE: Bylaws Revision
At its June 14, 1993 meeting, the Six Mile Creek Committee
approved the language of a proposal to revise the City Code
sections pertinent to the Six Mile Creek natural area.
The Charter & Ordinance Committee of Common Council
unanimously approved the revised language on July 15, 1993, and
will be recommending the changes to the full Council (as soon as
an accompanying map is completed by the Planning Department) . At
the same time, the Council's Planning & Development Committee
will be recommending a new City policy on preservation and use of
the Natural Area (originally proposed by the Six Mile Creek
Committee) .
The intent of both of these recommendations is to strengthen
the City's commitment to preservation of the natural character of
the Six Mile Creek area, and to set out the structure and mission
of the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee in a manner more similar
to that used for the City's other major standing committees.
If the changes are approved, the Bylaws of the Six Mile Creek
Advisory Committee will need to be systematically revised to
reflect the changes in structure and definition required by the
Code's new description of the committee.
Enclosed is my suggestion for a revised set of bylaws. Under
current bylaws, such changes require approval by the committee, at
a special meeting, and by a vote of at least two-thirds of the
committee members.
In addition to reconciling those provisions of the Bylaws
which would otherwise be contrary to the language of the revised
City Code, I have suggested a few other changes which I believe
should be made at this time:
1. That officers be elected each January (see §12) .
2. That the Executive Board and its role be more clearly
defined (see §13) .
3. That the procedure for amending the Bylaws be clarified
(see §14) .
4. That the Committee's Annual Report be submitted in
February rather than December (see §17) .
I would suggest that we have revised Bylaws in place as soon
as possible after the Council acts on the Code changes. Of course,
the Council action itself will actually implement certain changes
to the Committee, regardless of when the Committee subsequently
incorporates the changes into its own bylaws.
These changes should help clear up for the Committee any
confusion that exists about who its members are, how they are
chosen, and the length of their terms, as well as the name of the
committee and its official responsibilties.
cc: Chuck Guttman, City Attorney
Six Mile Creek Committee - Proposed Revised Bylaws p. 1
1. The name of this committee shall be "The Six Mile Creek Advisory
Committee. "
2. The purpose of this committee shall be to support the conservation
of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, in accord with the commitment to
preservation and policy on use contained in Article 1, §320-1 of
Chapter 320 (Watershed" ) of the City of Ithaca Code.
In addition, the committee shall advise various entities within
the City government in regard to public concerns about the Natural Area
and threats to the ecosystems contained therein; monitor public use of
the Natural Area; assist in efforts to educate the public about the
importance and the fragility of the Natural Area; gather and present
expert environmental information about preservation and proper use of
the Natural Area; and make recommendations about the Natural Area, as
appropriate.
3. Membership qualifications are a scientific, environmental and/or
civic interest in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area.
4. The commitee shall consist of nine (9) voting members, including one
from each of the following entities: the Common Council, the Board of
Public Works, the City Conservation Advisory Council, Circle Greenway,
and the Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Board. In addition the
committee shall include four members of the public at large, all of
whom shall have a scientific, environmental and/or civic interest in
the Six Mile Creek Natural Area.
5. The Mayor, subject to the approval of Common Council, shall appoint
the members of the committee.
6. At least six members of the committee shall be City residents.
7. In addition, the Assistant Superintendent for Water and Sewer, the
Chief Operator of the City Water Filtration Plant, the City Forester,
the Gorge Ranger, and the Director of Planning and Development (or
his/her designee) shall serve as non-voting ex officio members of the
Committee.
8. All terms shall be for a maximum period of three years (although
reappointment is allowed) . Members representing City or Town boards or
committees shall initially be appointed for a term ending December 31,
1994, but shall be replaced if their service on said board or committee
ends. Of the four initial representatives from the public, two shall
be appointed for a term ending December 31, 1993, one for a term ending
December 31, 1994, and one for a term ending December 31, 1995.
Subsequently, each seat shall be filled for a three year term.
9. The officers of the Committee shall be a chairperson, a vice
chairperson and a secretary, all of whom shall be elected by the
Committee at its first meeting of the year.
The Chairperson shall call meetings together and preside
over them.
The Vice Chairperson shall lead the meetings in the
absence of the Chairperson, and shall assist the Chairperson as
required.
The Secretary shall take meeting notes and prepare
minutes; shall provide notice of meetings; and shall oversee
preparation of reports and other documents.
Six Mile Creek Committee - Proposed Revised Bylaws p. 2
10. The Committee shall not act on substantive matters without the
presence of a quorum, which shall be five (5) voting members.
11. Meetings shall be called at least once a month.
12. The Committee shall conduct all meetings according to Roberts Rules
of Order.
13. The Executive Board shall consist of the officers of the committee
plus one additional committee member named by the Chairperson. The
Executive Board may meet when a decision is required prior to the next
regular meeting of the committee. In that situation the Board shall
have all the authority that has been granted to the full committee.
The Executive Board shall have a quorum of three members, and shall
take and publish minutes of all its meetings and actions.
14. The committee shall adopt Bylaws that are consistent with the
relevant provisions of the Code of the City of Ithaca. The Bylaws may
be amended or repealed by a concurring vote of at least two-thirds of
the committee members present at a special meeting of the committee
which has been called for that purpose, and for which written notice
has been mailed to all members, at least two weeks in advance of the
meeting. The wording of the proposed changes must be included with the
notice.
15. The Committee shall assist the Superintendent of Public Works and
the Personnel Office in selection of a Gorge Ranger, by reviewing
applications and interviewing candidates; and shall support his or her
work by reviewing and commenting on the Ranger's monthly reports and
advising the Ranger on problems in the Natural Area.
16. The committee may submit a proposed budget for its activities to
the Department of Public Works and the Board of Public Works for
comment, and then to the Mayor, by August 15th of each year.
17. The committee shall produce an Annual Report of its activities and
suggestions, and shall submit said report to the Mayor, Common Council,
the Board of Public Works and the Superintendent of Public Works by
February of the following year.
18. The committee shall endeavor to communicate and coordinate its
efforts with all the agencies and groups involved in planning for the
Six Mile Creek Natural Area.
19. The committee shall report to the Board of Public Works and to the
Planning and Development Committee of Common Council, through its
liaisons from those entities.
20. The committee shall act in the public interest by:
- undertaking, in concert with the Department of Public Works,
suitable public relations about the Natural Area;
- supporting the on-site maintenance and education work of Circle
Greenway as it pertains to the Six Mile Creek Natural Area;
- acting as a conduit for public questions, concerns and
suggestions about the Six Mile Creek Natural Area; and
- sponsoring a "Friends of Six Mile Creek" volunteer group for
light maintenance of the Natural Area.
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Bylaws
1. The name of this committee shall be "The Six Mile Creek
Advisory Committee. "
2. The purpose of this committee shall be to support the
conservation of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, in accord with
the commitment to preservation and policy on use contained in
Article 1, §320-1 of Chapter 320 (Watershed" ) of the City of
Ithaca Code.
In addition, the committee shall advise various entities
within the City government in regard to public concerns about the
Natural Area and threats to the ecosystems contained therein;
monitor public use of the Natural Area; assist in efforts to
educate the public about the importance and the fragility of the
Natural Area; gather and present expert environmental information
about preservation and proper use of the Natural Area; and make
recommendations about the Natural Area, as appropriate.
3. Membership qualifications are a scientific, environmental
and/or civic interest in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area.
4. The commitee shall consist of nine (9) voting members,
including one from each of the following entities: the Common
Council, the Board of Public Works, the City Conservation
Adviosry Council, Circle Greenway, and the Town of Ithaca
Conservation Advisory Board. In addition the committee shall
include four members of the public at large, all of whom shall
have a scientific, environmental and/or civic interest in the Six
Mile Creek Natural Area.
5. The Mayor, subject to the approval of Common Council, shall
appoint the members of the committee.
6. At least six members of the committee shall be City residents.
7. In addition, the Assistant Superintendent for Water and
Sewer, the Chief Operator of the City Water Filtration Plant,
the City Forester, the Gorge Ranger, and the Director of
Planning and Development (or his/her designee) shall serve as
non-voting ex officio members of the Committee.
8. All terms shall be for a maximum period of three years
(although reappointment is allowed) . Members representing City
or Town boards or committees shall initially be appointed for a
term ending December 31, 1994, but shall be replaced if their
service on said board or committee ends. Of the four initial
representatives from the public, two shall be appointed for a
term ending December 31, 1993, one for a term ending
December 31, 1994, and one for a term ending December 31, 1995.
Subsequently, each seat shall be filled for a three year term.
9. The Committee shall not act on substantive matters without
the presence of a quorum, which shall be five (5) voting
members.
10. Meetings shall be called at least once a month.
11. The officers of the Committee shall be a chairperson, a vice
chairperson and a secretary, all of whom shall be elected by
the Committee.
The Chairperson shall call meetings together and
preside over them.
The Vice Chairperson shall lead the meetings in the
absence of the Chairperson, and shall assist the Chairperson
as required.
The Secretary shall take meeting notes and prepare
minutes; shall provide notice of meetings; and shall oversee
preparation of reports and other documents.
12. The Executive Board shall consist of the officers of the
committee plus one additional committee member named by the
Chairperson. The Executive Board may meet when a decision is
required prior to the next regular meeting of the committee. In
that situation the Board shall have all the authority that has
been granted to the full committee. The Executive Board shall
have a quorum of three members, and shall take and publish
minutes of all its meetings and actions.
13. All meetings shall be conducted according to Roberts Rules of
Order.
14. The committee shall adopt Bylaws that are consistent with the
relevant provisions of the Code of the City of Ithaca. The
Bylaws may be amended or repealed by a concurring vote of at
least two-thirds of the committee members present at a special
meeting of the committee which has been called for that purpose,
and for which written notice has been mailed to all members, at
least two weeks in advance of the meeting. The wording of the
proposed changes must be included with the notice.
15. The Committee shall assist the Superintendent of Public Works
and the Personnel Office in the selection of a Gorge Ranger, by
reviewing applications and interviewing candidates; it shall also
support his or her work by reviewing and commenting on the
Ranger's monthly reports and advising the Ranger on problems in
the Natural Area.
16. The committee may submit a proposed budget for its activities
to the Department of Public Works and the Board of Public Works
for comment, and then to the Mayor, by September of each year.
17. The committee shall produce an Annual Report of its
activities and suggestions, and shall submit said report to the
Mayor, Common Council, the Board of Public Works and the
Superintendent of Public Works by February of the following year.
18. The committee shall endeavor to communicate and coordinate
its efforts with all the agencies and groups involved in planning
for the Six Mile Creek Natural Area.
19. The committee reports to the Board of Public Works and the
Planning and Development Committee of Common Council, through its
liaisons from those entities.
20. The committee shall act in the public interest by:
- undertaking, in concert with the Department of Public
Works, suitable public relations about the Natural Area;
- supporting the on-site maintenance and education work of
Circle Greenway as it pertains to the Six Mile Creek Natural
Area. People
- acting as a conduit for public questions, concerns and
suggestions about the Six Mile Creek Natural Area.
- sponsoring a "Friends of Six Mile Creek" volunteer group
for light maintenance of the Natural Area.
6/3/94
To: Members of the Six Mile reek Advisory Committee
From: Peter Fortunato
Re: Signage in the gorg area
This memo provides my input into our discussion about appropriate
signage wording and placement, and focuses on the south side of the gorge.
On the south side, D.A.W. (apparently) has posted on steel posts, mounted
on wood placards and laminated with plastic two of the yellow and black
no bicycle" signs. One is at Giles Street, below the silt collection lagoons at
the head of the footpath west of the lagoons; the other is along the Bolton
Point right-of-way below Pearsall Place. I propose one more of these
signs and mountings be posted at the spot above the lagoons (near the
spill clean-up staging area) where a trail leads up an embankment into the
woods.
Furthermore, for the south side, I propose we have fabricated three large,
attractive , painted, metal signs that read as follows:
(option #1)
Six Mile Gorge is a fragile ecozone
Please do your share to protect it
Bicycle only on the Recreation Way
(option #2)
Six Mile Gorge is a fragile ecozone
Bicycle only on the maintained surface
of the Recreation Way
I propose that one be posted along the north side of the Rec-way at the
border of City land; that a second be posted on the north side of the
Rec-way near the base of the newly constructed hill and turn where the
Rec-way veers away from the footpath leading to the lower reservoir
overlook; that the third sign be posted on the north side of the Rec-way
near the border of City owned land south of the upper reservoir. (Please
see the indications on the map that accompanies copies of this memo.)
These signs ought to be posted high enough on stout trees so that they
cannot be tampered with but are still plainly visible.
Similar signs, of course, can be posted in appropriate places on the north
side of the gorge.
SIX MILE CREEK COMMITTEE
ACQUISITION OF BAKER AND PAKALA PROPERTIES
WHEREAS, Common Council passed a resolution that provided $200,000 for the
year 1989 and intended to include additional amounts during subsequent years to
acquire property in order to preserve the Six Mile Creek Gorge natural area, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 6-C of the General Municipal Law of the State of
New York, Capitol Reserve Fund No. 26 was established for the purpose of land
acquisition in Six Mile Creek Watershed, and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that the city acquire rim and buffer property to
protect the gorge ecosystem, and
WHEREAS, several of the gorge properties are for sale, and
WHEREAS, the Baker Property, bordering Route 79 on East Hill and next
Commonland is strategically important, and
WHEREAS the Pakala Property, located on South Hill with steep slops and
exceptional landscaping, is threatened by encroaching development from Hudson
Street and is used by mountain bikers from the Recreation Way, and
WHEREAS, The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee, The Conservation
Advisory Committee, and Circle Greenway, identified the Baker and Pakala
Properties as two of the highest priority properties for the city to acquire, and
WHEREAS, the city has received current appraisal of these properties, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the city proceed with immediate acquisition of the Baker and
Pakala Properties
J S
Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee recommends that Therm be requested
to rehabilitate the "1993 Varsol Spill Area" indicated on the attached map, to the
"pre-spill condition."
We recommend that the following be done:
Cleanup of any remaining spill debris
Correction of area drainage pattern
Stabilization of stream
Scarifying and grading of disturbed area to natural contours
Seeding and mulching of open space with grasses occurring in the area
We request that a plan for the rehabilitation, including a map and work schedule,
be submitted to the city attorney as well as the Six Mile Creek Advisory and
Conservation Advisory Committees by March 1, 1994. Comments on the plan by
the above mentioned, will be sent to Therm by April 1, 1994. We also request
that the rehabilitation work be completed by June 15, 1994.
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CITY OF ITHACA
1O8 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 _
TELEPHONE: 272-1713
CODE 607
SIX MILE CREEE GORGE COMMITTEE
BY-LAWS
1 . The name of this Committee shall be "The Six MILE CreekGorge
Committee" .
2. Its purpose shall be to support the conservation of Six Mile
Creek Gorge for the uses listed in "People and Preservation" ,
a1984 report of the Six Mile Creek Study Committee :
- City of Ithaca water supply
- Six Mile Creek Wildflower Preserve
- Public passive recreation k(' Only to Potter ' s Falls ) .
A further purpose is to advise the Board of Public Works , the
Department of Public Works and the Conservation AdvisoryCouncil
in regard to public concerns about the Gorge , the threats to
its ecosystem , to monitor public usage , and to assist in efforts
to educate the public about the importance of the Gorge to the
City of Ithaca .
It is not the purpose of this Committee to tell the City ' s pro-
fessional staff how to do their jobs , but rather to inform them
of public concerns about problems and projects within the Gorge
area ; and , if appropriate , to offer expert environmental infor-
mation about wildlife preservation and proper public use.
3. Membership qualifications are an interest in Six Mile Creek Gorge
and/or special environmental expertise.
4. The Mayor shall appoint members to this Committee upon suggestions
from the Committee itself and from persons expressing an interest
in the Committee .
5. The officers shall be : a Chair , a Vice Chair , and a Secretary , all
to be elected by the Committee .
6 . Meetings shall be held at least once a month .
•
7 . The Officers and their duties . -
The Chair shall call meetings together , and preside over them .
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"
4 .
♦� - Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee , By-laws . Page 2
The Vice Chair shall lead the meetings in the absent of the
Chair , and shall assist the Chair as required .
The Secretary shall take meeting notes and prepare Minutes ;
shall announce meetings , and shall oversee preparation of
reports and other documents .
8. The Executive Board shall consist of the officers plus a mem-
ber or members knowledgeable about specific problems .or
possibilities before the Board .
9. The Committee shall consist of representatives of :
Board of Public Works , 1
Water and Sewer Division , 2
Common Council , 1
Circle Greenway , 1
Conservation Advisory Council , 1
Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory COuncil , 1
Ecologists , 3
At least 6 of these persons shall be City residents . A quorum
shall be 6 .
10 . Robert ' s "Rules of Order" shall guide meeting proceedures .
11 . These By-laws may be changed by 2 weeks prior notice of a spe-
cial meeting , and a 2/3rds vote of the membership ; absent mem-
bers may vote by proxy.
12 . The Committee shall assist the Superintendent of Public Works
and the Personnel Office in the selection of a Gorge Ranger by
reviewing applications and interviewing candidates ; it shall
al so support his her work by reviewing and commenting on the
Gorge monthly reports and advising on site problems .
13 . A proposed budget shall be submitted to the Department of
Public Works and the Board of Public Works for comments , then
to the Mayor and Common Council by August 15th of each year.
14. An Annual Report shall be submitted to the Department of Public
Works and the Board of Public Works for comment , then to the
Mayor and Common Council by the first Council meeting in December.
15 . Liaison with other agencies . There shall be an effort to network
with all agencies and individuals involved in the Six Mile Creek
Gorge area ( Example : Joint City and Town Committee for Preser-
vation of Six Mile Creek ) .
16 . The Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee is responsible to the Board
of Public Works and reports to it by the Board ' s liaison member.
Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee , By-laws . Page 3
17. The Six Mile Creek Gorge Committee shall act in the public
interest by :
- undertaking , in concert with the Department of Public
Works , suitable public relations about the Gorge area .
- supporting the on-site maintenance and education work
of Circle Greenway as laid out in "Preservation and
People : .
- acting as a conduit for public questions , concerns , and
suggestions about Six Mile Creek and its Gorge.
- sponsoring a "Friends of Six Mile Creek Gorge" volunteer
group for light maintenance of the Gorge.
•
f . _
�yOFi �
� TOWN OF ITHACA
d , 126 EAST SENECA STREET, ITHACA, N.Y. 14850
��! /01.
TOWN CLERK 273-1721 HIGHWAY 273-1656 PARKS 273-8035 ENGINEERING 273-1747 PLANNING 273-1747 ZONING 273-1783
FAX(607)273-1704
PROPOSED CONSERVATION DISTRICT
FOR THE
SIX MILE CREEK VALLEY
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
DATE: Monday, June 19, 1995
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: South Hill Elementary School Cafeteria
Hudson Street and Hillview Place
Ithaca, N.Y.
The Town of Ithaca Planning Committee has been working on a proposed
Conservation District for the Six Mile Creek Valley. The purpose of the Conservation
District would be to preserve the outstanding natural values of the Six Mile Creek
Valley, and to provide a framework in the Zoning Ordinance through which
development can occur with minimal environmental impact. The Town of Ithaca
Comprehensive Plan identifies the Six Mile Creek area as "Conservation/Open
Space," with significant natural values that should be protected from inappropriate
development. Much of the area has also been designated by Tompkins County as a
Unique Natural Area.
The Planning Committee invites you to attend a public information meeting (see
above for date, time and location) to obtain your comments and suggestions on the
proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance before the proposal goes through a
more formal approval process. A copy of the proposal and proposed boundary map
are attached for your convenience.
Please let us know if you plan to attend the meeting, or if you have any questions,
by calling the Town of Ithaca Planning Department at 273-1747.
DRAFT
PROPOSED CONSERVATION DISTRICT
SIX MILE CREEK VALLEY
Draft for Discussion
May 16, 1995
Purpose
It is the purpose of the Six Mile Creek Conservation District (CD) to preserve the
outstanding natural features of the Six Mile Creek Valley, as described in the report,
"Six Mile Creek Valley: A Heritage to Preserve" (November 13, 1990), and in the
Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan (September 21, 1993), and to provide a
regulatory framework through which development can occur with minimal
environmental impact. Foremost among its natural values and ecological importance
are its diversity as a plant and wildlife habitat, its scenic views and rural character,
and as an educational and recreational resource. In addition, the Six Mile Creek
Valley contains large areas of steep slopes, wetlands, highly erodable soils and the
City of Ithaca water supply, which must be taken into consideration in planning for
future development.
It is a further purpose of the Six Mile Creek Conservation District to preserve existing
areas of contiguous open space, prevent unneccesary destruction of woodland areas,
preserve existing and potential agricultural land and promote appropriate
development densities and flexibility of design and development of land.
In recognition of its natural and ecological significance, much of the Six Mile Creek
Valley has been designated by the Tompkins County Environmental Management
Council as a Unique Natural Area. It is a further purpose of this Conservation
District to preserve the natural resources and scenic beauty of the area to promote
tourism as an important economic benefit to the Town of Ithaca.
Permitted Uses
In the Six Mile Creek Valley Conservation District, no building shall be erected or
extended and no land or building or part thereof shall be used for other than any of
the following purposes:
1. A One-Family Dwelling. A one-family dwelling occupied by not more than
(a) One family, or
(b) One family plus no more than one boarder, roomer, lodger or other
occupant.
2. A two-family dwelling, but only in the following circumstances and subject to
WORKING COPY
DRAFT
the following restrictions:
(a) In single-family dwellings existing at the time of the enactment of this
local law, a second dwelling unit may be added, provided that such unit
shall not exceed 50% of the floor area excluding the basement of the
primary dwelling unit except where the second dwelling unit is
constructed entirely within the basement area, it may exceed 50%.
(b) On vacant lots without further subdivision potential, existing at the time
of the enactment of this local law, a two-family dwelling may be
constructed, provided that the second unit shall not exceed 50% of the
floor area excluding the basement of the primary dwelling unit except
where the second dwelling unit is constructed entirely within the
basement area, it may exceed 50%.
(c) In the above circumstances, a two-family dwelling shall be occupied by
no more than two families and each dwelling unit in a two-family
dwelling shall be occupied by not more than one family.
3. Garden, nursery or farm, including a roadside stand or other structure for the
display and sale of farm or nursery products incidental to farming and as a
seasonal convenience to the owner or owners of the land. Any such stand
shall be located a minimum of 25 feet from the street line, in such a manner as
to permit safe access and egress for automobiles, and parking off the highway
right-of-way.
4. Forest Management and other forest resource uses, including the harvesting of
timber in conformance with environmentally sound forestry practices,
provided that logging of more than one acre of contiguous land shall require
the submission of a forest management plan to and approval by the Planning
Board. Such a plan shall include, but not be limited to, a description of the
area to be logged, what percentage of trees will be cut, the method of cutting
and removing trees, and how the land will be restored (e.g., through
reforestation, agriculture or otherwise).
5. The following uses, but only upon receipt of special approval for same by the
Planning Board notwithstanding the provisions set forth in Section 46 of the
Zoning Ordinance:
(a) Church or other places of worship.
(b) Public, parochial and private schools, daycare center and nursery school.
(c) Golf course, except a driving range or miniature golf course.
(d) Publicly owned park or playground, including accessory buildings and
2 WORKING COPY
DRAFT
improvements.
Special approval for the above uses shall only be granted if it can be
demonstrated that:
the proposal is consistent with the goals and objectives of the
Conservation District, as enumerated in Section 1 of this local law;
the proposal provides adequate measures to control stormwater runoff
and minimize erosion and sedimentation;
the project shall include adequate measures to protect surface and
groundwaters from direct or indirect pollution;
where public sewer and/or water systems are not available, adequate
on-site sewage disposal and/or water supply systems can be provided
that will not adversely impact the water quality of nearby waterbodies,
streams or wetlands, and will be adequate to serve the proposed use
and any reasonably anticipated expansion thereof;
the traffic load resulting from the proposed use is not detrimental to the
health, safety and general welfare of the community and in keeping
with the goals and objectives of the Conservation District; and
parking facilities will be sufficient to serve the proposed use, are
adequately buffered to minimize visual and noise impacts on
surrounding areas, and are designed to minimize the increase in
impervious surfaces on the site.
6. In the Conservation District, no non-agricultural building shall exceed thirty-
four feet in height from the lowest interior grade nor thirty feet in height from
the lowest exterior grade, and no structure other than a building shall be
erected or extended to exceed thirty feet in height.
Permitted Accessory Uses
Permitted accessory uses in the Six Mile Creek Valley Conservation District shall
include the following:
1. Accessory buildings customarily incidental to the above permitted uses.
•
2. Office of resident musician, engineer, teacher, lawyer, architect, accountant,
computer professional, or member of other recognized profession (as in R-30).
3. Customary home occupation, such as home cooking, dressmaking, carpentry,
(etc., as in R-30).
3 WORKING COPY
DRAFT
4. Wildlife rehabilitation operation as defined and regulated under 6 NYCRR Part
184, provided that no noise, dust, disorder, or objectionable odor is
experienced (as a result of that use) beyond the immediate property where
such use is conducted, and that no more than 3 additional persons not residing
on the premises may be employed.
5. Day care homes and group day care facilities.
Accessory Buildings
In the Conservation District, any non-agricultural accessory buildings other than
garages may not occupy any space other than the rear yard. The total lot area
covered by non-agricultural accessory buildings may not occupy more than 1,000
square feet of any required rear yard and shall be not less than 50 feet from any side
or rear lot line. Non-agricultural accessory buildings shall in no case exceed 15 feet
in height.
Yard Regulations
In the Conservation District, yards of at least the following dimensions are required,
unless otherwise specified:
Front Yard - Not less than the average depth of the front yards of buildings
immediately adjacent. However, the front yard shall not be less than 50 feet or need
it be greater than 75 feet.
Rear Yard - Not less than 200 feet in depth.
Side Yard - Each not less than 50 feet.
Perimeter Buffer/Setback Areas - Notwithstanding the above minimum yard
requirements, during the subdivision approval process, the Planning Board may
require increased setbacks around the perimeter of the original parcel(s) proposed to
be subdivided beyond the above minimums wherever said Board determines that
such increased setbacks are warranted by topography, the nature of existing
vegetation, the relation to neighboring properties and land uses, preservation of rural
character, and other such similar factors. The Planning Board may prohibit the
location of roadways, driveways, parking lots, recreational facilities, buildings and
other structures or improvements within the above required buffer areas, and may
require the installation of such landscaping, fencing, berming, or other features as the
Planning Board may determine appropriate for buffer screening purposes. Such
perimeter buffer/setback area, if required, shall be delineated on the final subdivision
plat, along with a notation of any restrictions or conditions that have been established
by the Planning Board.
4 WORKING COPY
DRAFT
Lot Coverage
No nonagricultural building or buildings on a lot, including accessory buildings,
roads, driveways, parking areas, or other paved areas shall be erected, altered, or
extended to cover more than fifteen percent of the total lot area.
Projections described in Section 66 are not to be included in computing the
percentage of lot coverage.
Size of Lot and Density of Development
Lots in the Conservation District shall meet the following minimum requirements:
1. The minimum lot area shall be 7 acres; and
2. In a new conventional subdivision (i.e., any proposed conventional subdivision
which has not received final approval as of the date of enactment of this local
law), the maximum gross residential density shall be 0.143 dwelling units per
acre (1 dwelling unit per 7 acres). In order to calculate the maximum
permissible number of lots or dwelling units, the total gross site acreage is
multiplied by 0.143; and
3. In a new cluster subdivision (i.e., any proposed cluster subdivision which has
not received final approval as of the date of enactment of this local law), the
maximum gross residential density shall be 0.171 dwelling units per acre (1.2
dwelling units per 7 acres). In order to calculate the maximum permissable
number of lots or dwelling units, the total gross site acreage is multiplied by
0.171. This represents a 20% density increase over that permitted for
conventional subdivisions.
4. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2 of this local law, "Permitted Uses," the
above density limitations do not apply to single-family dwellings existing at
the time of the enactment of this local law in which a second dwelling unit is
to be added, or on vacant lots without further subdivision potential existing at
the time of the enactment of this local law, where a two-family dwelling is to
be constructed.
5. The minimum lot width at the street line shall be 300 feet; and
6. The minimum lot width at the maximum required front yard setback line (75
•
feet) shall be 300 feet; and
7. The minimum lot depth from the highway right-of-way shall be 450 feet.
5 ' '!ORXING COPY
DRAFT-
Clustering
The Planning Board is hereby authorized by the Town Board of the Town of Ithaca to
require clustering of residential units as outlined in the Town's Subdivision
Regulations, where clustering will further the purposes of the Conservation District,
subject to the following additional requirements:
1. Dwelling units in a clustered development may be, at the discretion of the
planning board, in detached, semi-detached, or attached buildings.
2. No more than four semi-detached or attached units shall be permitted to be
clustered in any one structure, nor shall that structure be more than three
stories high, including the basement or cellar. In any event, no building shall
be more than thirty-four feet in height.
3. Where feasible, on the southwestern side of Six Mile Creek (i.e., on the
Coddington Road side of the Conservation District), dwelling units shall be
clustered between the former railroad grade and Coddington Road, in order to
preserve the natural characteristics of the lands adjacent to Six Mile Creek and
the City Watershed properties. In such cases, the same number of dwelling
units that could have been built on that portion of the parcel between the
former railroad grade and Six Mile Creek under the above density
requirements shall be transfered to the portion of the parcel between the
former railroad grade and Coddington Road. This provision shall not apply to
parcels which are situated entirely between the former railroad grade and Six
Mile Creek.
Additional Requirements and Restrictions
1. The following activities are specifically prohibited in the Conservation District:
a. The discharge, or disposal of, or any form of underground injection of, any
hazardous material, toxic substance, or radioactive material.
b. The disposal of toxic substances or hazardous materials by means of
discharge into a septic system.
c. The open storage of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, artificial fertilizers, or
manure.
d. The use of septic system cleaners which contain toxic substances or
hazardous materials.
e. The importation for dumping or disposal of snow or ice collected from
roadways or parking lots into or within one hundred (100) feet linear distance
WORKING COPY
6
DRAFT
of any wetland or watercourse carrying water six (6) months out of the year.
f. The open storage of chloride salts, nitrate salts or other highway de-icing
chemicals within one hundred (100) feet linear distance of any wetland or
watercourse carrying water six months out of the year.
g. The location of buildings or structures on slopes of 25 percent or greater,
with a minimum horizontal slope length of 25 feet, or on highly or severely
erodable soils.
h. Filling or dredging of wetlands. Wetlands, for the purposes of this local
law, are those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater
at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life
in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes,
bogs and similar areas.
2. No buildings, structures, paved areas, grading, excavation, or other such
disturbance or storage of construction equipment or machinery shall be located
within 50 feet of the centerline of any watercourse carrying water six (6)
months out of the year, or within two hundred (200) feet of the 100-Year Flood
Boundary of Six Mile Creek and Reservoir, identified as "Zone A" on the Flood
Insurance Rate Map for the Town of Ithaca, N.Y., Panel 25, prepared by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, within the Conservation District.
In the case of residential subdivisions, whether conventional or cluster, the no
disturbance zone as defined above shall be increased if the Planning Board
determines that such an increase is necessary to protect water quality or to
minimize the impacts of erosion and sedimentation.
No disturbance as listed above shall be located within one hundred (100) feet
linear distance of any wetland. During the subdivision or site plan approval
process, where there is evidence of a wetland, the Planning Board may require
a wetland delineation study to determine the potential impacts of development
or disturbance on said wetland.
3. The storage and land application of manure shall follow established U.S.
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service management standards.
Minimum conditions for storage of solid manure are a pad of concrete and a
leachate collecting system. The manure storage system should be designed to
prevent animal waste from entering any stream or water body.
4. Vegetation and Landscaping
a. Preserve existing natural vegetation to the extent practicable.
' r) n!NG COPY
7
DRAFT
b. When landscaping is required by the Planning Board to enhance buffer
areas, to replace existing vegetation, or otherwise, native plant materials
should be used to the extent practicable.
5. Scenic views, in particular those with viewing points from adjacent roads and
from Six Mile Creek and the Gorge, should be preserved using practices such
as the following:
a. Avoid the siting of buildings or structures on ridgelines or hilltops.
Buildings should be sited below the crest or ridgeline of hills to preserve a
natural topographic and vegetative profile.
b. Retain existing vegetation to the extent practicable.
c. Retain existing stone walls, fences and other features in open meadows.
d. Regrading should blend in with the natural contours and undulations of the
land.
e. Buildings proposed to be located within significant viewing areas should be
screened and landscaped to minimize their intrusion on the character of the
area. Building materials and color scemes should harmonize with their setting
and be compatible with neighboring land uses.
f. Where possible, buildings and structures should be located on the edges of
open fields and in wooded areas to minimize visual impacts.
g. In particular, consider visibility of proposed buildings or structures from
public trails within the Six Mile Creek valley. Minimize visual intrusion on
views from those areas.
6. Wildlife habitats and biological corridors should be preserved. Open space
linkages should be encouraged to accomplish the above. Open space and
conservation easement areas shall be designed with massing and linking as
guiding principles. Open space and conservation areas should be contiguous
both on site and off tract.
7. Common open space areas should be permanently preserved through
conservation easements, deed restrictions, dedication to the Town, State or
conservation organization, or such other means as determined to be
appropriate by the Planning Board.
8. Roads and driveways
a. Roadways shall follow existing contours to the extent practicable to
minimize the impact of cuts and fills.
WORKING COPY
8
DRAFT
b. The number of driveways accessing public streets shall be kept to a
minimum. The appropriate use of common driveways is encouraged. The
maximum number of dwelling units served by a common driveway shall be
four.
9. Drainage
a. The Planning Board may require the preparation and submittal of a
stormwater management plan, to be approved by the Town Engineer, for
proposed special approval uses and for proposed subdivisions.
b. Retain existing natural drainageways where possible.
c. In cases where a retention basin will be required, a landscaping plan shall be
prepared and submitted for the Planning Board's approval. Basin landscaping
materials that enhance wildlife habitat shall be used to the extent practicable.
10. Lighting
a. Street lighting shall be provided only where site-specific safety conditions
warrant.
b. Where street lighting is required, its location, type, and intensity shall be
subject to the Planning Board's review and recommendation to the Town
Board for approval.
11. Whenever a subdivision of land is proposed in the Conservation District, the
Planning Board may require that the non-buildable areas listed above,
including wetlands, slopes 25 percent or greater, highly or severely erodable
soils and streams/watercourses and setbacks, be shown on the preliminary
and final subdivision plats.
Park and Recreation Set-Asides and Fees in Lieu Thereof
The provisions relating to the reservation of parks and recreation land, or fees in lieu
thereof, in Section 22 of the Town of Ithaca Subdivision Regulations shall be waived
in the Six Mile Creek Conservation District, since the purpose of the Conservation
District is to preserve the open space and passive recreational opportunities in the Six
Mile Creek valley.
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9 WORKING COPY
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Scale: 126 E. SEN ECA ST. Sheet: 1
ITHACA, N.Y. 14850 _OF /