Riparian Buffer Trail Guidelines
Introduction
Riparian buffers are used as non-structural best management practices (BMPs) for protecting and enhancing water quality. Depending on their size, location and design, riparian buffers often supply additional environmental, economic, aesthetic and recreational value. Passive recreational trails can be a compatible use within riparian buffers if the trails are sized and placed appropriately. The trail guidelines below are meant to supplement § 1043.17, Water Quality Requirements, and do not alter or modify the regulations set forth in § 1043.12, General Requirements. All other applicable rules and requirements should be followed, including all federal, state, permitting, and local stormwater and floodplain ordinances.
Installing a trail does not relieve a developer or municipality of the minimum buffer and vegetation requirements described in § 1043.17(c), or infiltration and peak rate controls in §§ 1043.16 and 1043.19. Effort shall be made to mitigate water quality and peak rate adjacent the trail structure to avoid collecting runoff in a large facility and creating a point discharge. This can be accomplished by trail-side stone filtration trenches, vegetative filter strips, small bio-retention facilities and other mechanisms subject to site constraints and Municipal Engineer approval. See Figure G-1. In situations where site constraints negate the feasibility of trail-side mitigation methods, effort shall be made to collect runoff in multiple stormwater facilities for segmented portions of the trail, in place of detaining stormwater in one large facility. Level spreaders shall be constructed at facility outlets to decrease point-source discharges.
As with all trails, adequate land acquisition, easements and/or landowner permission should be obtained in advance of any trail placement. Care should be given when designing and installing trails so as not to compromise the buffer’s ability to protect water quality. Many factors such as slope, vegetation and soil type will determine the type, size and placement of the trail within the riparian buffer. Heavily used trails and trails with wide impervious surfaces should be set back farther from the stream edge to help mitigate the effects of any associated increase in runoff. Note: failure to comply with these guidelines (installing a trail with inadequate setback from the stream bank) could result in increased stormwater runoff, decreased water quality, stream bank degradation and damage to the buffer or trail.
Trail Recommendations
Location, Size, and Orientation
All trails should be a reasonable width appropriate for the site conditions. It is not recommended that the width of any paved trail exceed 25% of the total buffer width. All trail designs and specifications are subject to approval by the municipality.
Natural vegetation must be present throughout the buffer as described in § 1043.17 of the chapter. Grassy areas should be managed as meadows or be reforested and should not be mowed as lawn in any part of the buffer. Where existing vegetation is insufficient to protect water quality, additional native species should be planted to enhance the buffer.
Paved trails, if appropriate to the site, are permitted and must be located at least 25 feet from the top of the stream bank. In limited instances, paved trails be placed closer to a stream due to topography, or in order to accommodate passive educational and recreational activities, but must always be at least ten feet from the top of the stream bank. Although this can be achieved by diverting the entire trail closer to the stream, more conservative methods should be considered, such as smaller spur trails or loop trails. These smaller trails provide access to the stream, but reduce the total traffic along the sensitive stream bank.
In rare instances where the buffer width is reduced due to zoning setback or geographical constraints, the municipality should strongly consider whether the benefits of a trail outweigh the benefits of a wider buffer.
Signage
The installation of interpretive and educational signage is strongly encouraged along the trail. Signs should point out local natural resources and educate the public on how riparian buffers protect the watershed. There should be minimum disturbance in the vegetated buffer between the trail and the stream. Therefore, all appurtenances (e.g., benches, educational signs, kiosks, fountains and the like). should be installed on the landward side of the trail, if possible. All appurtenances shall be installed in compliance with federal, state, local, stormwater, floodplain and other regulations and permitting requirements (e.g., anchoring and the like).
Parking Areas
New trailheads and trail parking areas shall meet all the infiltration, rate control and minimum setback requirements of this chapter. Every effort should be made to coordinate trail access with existing parking areas. Any new parking areas and trailhead clearings should not encroach on the riparian buffer in any way.
Trail Maintenance
The installation and maintenance of all trails should be performed in a manner that minimizes site disturbance and prevents runoff and erosion. Soil disturbance should be avoided if possible. The removal of native trees and other native vegetation should also be kept to a minimum. If large or heavy equipment is required for trail installation, special care should be given not to damage existing trees and tree roots.
(Ord. 928, passed 6-18-2014)