Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report

Transcription

1 Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report December 2017 Report for PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Project # BRC-TAG Completed by Pennsylvania Environmental Council with Support from Bensalem Greenway Ecological Restoration Advisory Committee Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 1

2 Table of Contents Executive Summary Introduction Grant Tasks Task 1. Ecological Restoration Assessment and Prioritization Task 1.1 Stakeholder Outreach Task 1.2 Data Collection and Site Visits Task 1.3 Confirmation of Prioritization Factors and Site Ranking Task 1.4 Wetland Delineation and Ecological Analysis Task 1.5 Identification of Ecological Restoration Priorities Task 2. Landowner Outreach and Engagement Steps to Finalize Preliminary Draft Report List of Tables, Appendices & Figures References Appendices Appendix A. Bensalem Greenway Ecological Restoration Advisory Committee Appendix B. Neshaminy State Park Ecological Enhancement Design Concepts Appendix C. Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PINDI) Receipts & Agency Review Letters Appendix D. Philadelphia Water Assessment of Shoreline Ecological Restoration Appendix E. Wetland Delineation Maps Appendix F. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Jurisdictional Determination Appendix G. AD Marble Bog Turtle Report Appendix H. Detailed Score Sheet Appendix I. Stakeholder and Public Meeting Notes 83 This project was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Pennsylvania Environmental Council

3 Executive Summary Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) prepared this draft Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report under Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant # BRC- TAG Ecological restoration opportunities along the Bensalem Greenway were assessed and prioritized including areas along and nearby the Delaware River. The goal of this assessment is to identify and promote ecological restoration opportunities as the greenway trail is planned and developed. The conservation and restoration of Delaware Riverfront and nearby upland habitats will enable trail users to see and experience aquatic and terrestrial natural resources as they bike, walk, and/or otherwise enjoy the greenway. The greenway study area consists of Bensalem Township between Neshaminy and Poquessing Creeks, from the Delaware River back to the Amtrak rail corridor. Unique habitats in the study area include Atlantic Coastal Plain forests and wetlands. This includes pockets of imperiled sweet gum-oak forests and rare freshwater tidal wetlands. To complete this work, PEC assessed ecological resources and related site conditions in the study area using existing studies and collecting additional information through site visits, a river s edge paddle survey, and Google Earth reviews. PEC correlated this resource inventory with parcel ownership to identify ecological restoration and enhancement opportunities. To do this PEC applied habitat, site-wide, and recreational scoring criteria to assess current conditions and estimate the potential ecological uplift that could follow restoration activities. PEC calculated current condition and potential ecological uplift scores for 37 riverfront parcels and 57 upland parcels. PEC reviewed these scores to identify higher priority ecological restoration opportunities. The higher priority restoration opportunities include: Sites along the banks of the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek with forested and wetland habitats that are currently state and county parklands, as well as larger private land holdings such as the Waterside Development that have riverfront intertidal wetlands. Examples of ecological restoration opportunities include enhancement and expansion of intertidal wetlands, and enhancement of forest understory; Upland areas including public and private lands with coastal plain forests and wetlands could receive similar restoration treatments. Sections of small tributary streams within these reaches that currently flow through concrete channels could also be graded and planted to restore more natural pools and riffles; Wetland areas interspersed within commercial areas could also be enhanced and restored; Connections within and between waterfront and forested habitat corridors could also be better connected to improve habitat corridors. PEC conducted a more focused evaluation of the greenway trail alignment through Bucks County Park and Andalusia Foundation lands in the center of the greenway. These parcels are mostly undeveloped and contain wetlands and coastal plain forests. PEC contracted with AD Marble to complete a wetland delineation, bog turtle habitat assessment, and other species of special concern review in order to locate an alignment on these two properties that avoids and minimizes trail construction impacts. Based on the results of these assessments a 50 foot wide trail alignment area was identified through which a 10 to 12 foot wide trail will be located. PEC initiated and is continuing to conduct landowner outreach and engagement efforts to promote restoration projects. PEC issued a preliminary draft report for review and comment among advisory committee stakeholders, landowners in the study area, and other public and private stakeholders. PEC notified landowners with higher priority restoration sites about the study and inquired about their interest in pursuing restoration opportunities. Three public meetings were held to present report findings. PEC incorporated comments recieved from Advisory Committee members and other stakeholders. This draft final report is being submitted to PA DCNR for final review and approval. Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 3

4 Introduction Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) initiated work on this Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report project in May of 2014 under a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant (Project # BRC- TAG ). One goal of the DCNR grant is to assess and prioritize ecological restoration opportunities along the Bensalem Greenway including sites on and adjacent to the Delaware River. PEC s William Penn Foundation Trails and Greenway grant also supports this ecological restoration work. The Bensalem Greenway is a part of the East Coast Greenway, an initiative to create a multiuse trail system that links cities and towns along the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida. PEC is working with Bensalem Township and other partners on East Coast Greenway trail development in Pennsylvania between Morrisville and Marcus Hook. The Bensalem Greenway portion of the trail follows the State Road corridor for approximately four miles; this corridor is parallel to and a short distance from the Delaware River. As the greenway trail is planned and developed, trail developers are pursuing opportunities to link trail users to adjacent and nearby cultural, historical, recreational, and natural resource points of interest. This report documents activities performed by PEC and partners to assess natural resource features and identify ecological restoration opportunities along the Bensalem Greenway alignment, focusing on the Delaware River shoreline and nearby uplands. PEC considered the study area to be Bensalem Township land between Neshaminy and Poquessing Creeks, from the Delaware River back to the Amtrak rail corridor (Figure 1). To complete this work, PEC assessed ecological resources and related site conditions along the Bensalem Greenway corridor using existing information and collecting additional information via site visits and a shoreline survey. PEC correlated this resource inventory with parcel ownership to identify ecological restoration and enhancement opportunities. PEC has and will continue to integrate the findings of this work into regional and local initiatives focused on land revitalization, recreation, and ecological restoration. This work complements work completed by PEC just down river in Philadelphia (see Philadelphia North Delaware River Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report, November 2009). PEC and partners have initiated ecological restoration projects following recommendations made in that 2009 report (e.g. Glen Foerd stream bank restoration and Bridesburg Riverfront Park). Likewise, efforts to initiate ecological restoration projects along the Bensalem reach are also underway. Neshaminy State Park Delaware River Shoreline 4 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

5 Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 5

6 Grant Tasks This report aligns with DCNR Project # BRC- TAG scope of work Tasks 1 and 2 as follows: Task 1 Ecological Restoration Assessment and Prioritization Task 1.1 Stakeholder Outreach: Summary of outreach effort that focused on stakeholders who own and manage land, and on organizations and agencies that collect or who have access to natural resource data. This included the formation of an Advisory Committee. Task 1.2 Data Collection and Site Visits: Summary of available natural resource reports, GIS layers, and other information. Identification and collection of additional data needed for site prioritization and ranking. Task 1.3 Confirmation of Prioritization Factors and Site Ranking: PEC adapted prioritization factors used to evaluate tidal, riverbank, and adjacent upland areas along the Philadelphia North Delaware River Greenway. PEC updated these factors to reflect data available for the Bensalem Greenway area, and to address the wider upland footprint considered for the Bensalem riverfront. Habitat, site-wide and recreational prioritization factors and scoring criteria were used to rank ecological restoration opportunities. Task 1.4 Wetland Delineation and Ecological Analysis: PEC and the project team including subcontractor AD Marble conducted a more 6 Pennsylvania Environmental Council focused investigation of wetlands, bog turtle habitat, and species of concern on Bucks County and Andalusia Foundation lands that are on the proposed greenway trail alignment. This includes the Bucks County-owned park land on the south side of State Road between Station Avenue and Gravel Pike, contiguous Bucks County park land on the north side of State Road from Gravel Pike to Kings Lane, and Andalusia Foundation property on the north side of State Road. This delineation and assessment work was conducted to determine the best route for the greenway trail through these open space properties. Task 1.5 Identification of Ecological Restoration Priorities: Drawing from Task 1 data collection activities, the habitat, site-wide and recreational prioritization factors were applied to individual parcels in the study area to identify ecological restoration opportunities. Task 2 Landowner Outreach and Engagement Landowners for some of the larger parcels in the Bensalem Greenway area were included on the Advisory Committee. Additional landowner outreach is underway based on the preliminary findings of the ecological assessment and prioritization report. Landowner outreach and engagement is focusing on two goals: The first goal is to gain landowner approval for decisions made regarding the alignment of the greenway trail on their properties; The second goal is to identify landowners interested in pursuing ecological restoration and stewardship projects on their property, focusing on those with higher priority ecological restoration opportunities. Bucks County Park Shoreline Trail

7 Task 1. Ecological Restoration Assessment and Prioritization Task 1.1 Stakeholder Outreach PEC formed an Advisory Committee for the ecological assessment and prioritization work (see list of members in Appendix A). The Advisory Committee includes representatives from agencies, local governments, non-profits, and landowners. Landowners such as Bucks County Parks and the Andalusia Foundation were also periodically updated on the status of project activities. Task 1.2 Data Collection and Site Visits PEC surveyed the Advisory Committee and conducted internet searches to identify and compile available reports, GIS layers, and other information containing information on site conditions, ecological and natural resource features, land use, and parcel ownership. Site visits were also conducted to gather additional information. These data were compiled and applied to the ecological restoration site assessment and prioritization protocol defined in Task 1.3. PEC has coordinated with the Committee via s, phone calls, site visits, and teleconferences/meetings. Committee members have provided information on available resource documents and GIS layers, and commented on ecological restoration assessment and prioritization criteria. PEC continues to work with Committee members to prepare this report and to access individual parcels for assessment and project promotion activities. PEC also contacted landowners in the study area by letter, focusing on those with higher priority ecological restoration opportunities. Landowners were invited to review the study s findings, receive a site visit to evaluate ecological restoration opportunities on or near their property, and attend a public meeting. Specific landowner engagement activities are summarized under the Task 2 Landowner Outreach and Engagement section of this report. Neshaminay State Park Delaware River Shoreline Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 7

8 Resource Documents Resource documents identified by the Advisory Committee and/or through internet searches are listed in the Reference Section. A summary of the documents and preliminary findings are as follows: PA Natural Heritage Program Interactive Map accessed March 2015 and April 2016 The Program identifies seven Natural Heritage Areas (NHA) in the study area including those listed below with their locations shown on Figure 2: 1. Neshaminy State Park: Tidal marsh and mature coastal plain forest; 2. Neshaminy Creek fresh water tidal marsh and river bank just above State Road Bridge; 3. Columbus Country Club: Small riverfront wetland and disturbed riparian forest; 4. Pen Ryn and Bucks County Parks River Access: Sweet gum-oak coastal plain forest, freshwater intertidal mudflat; 5. Pen Ryn Woods: Low, wet coastal plain woods, sweet gum-oak coastal plain and three plant species of concern; 6. Mud Island: Fresh water tidal marsh community; 7. Delaware River Shoreline around and downriver from Mud Island: Freshwater tidal habitat with species of concern such as saltmarsh water-hemp and subulate arrowhead. The Natural Heritage Area web site also provides a description of the Sweet Gum Oak Coastal 8 Pennsylvania Environmental Council Plain Forest, noting that this type of forest is restricted to the level, sandy soils of the Coastal Plain. Characteristic species include Liquidambar styraciflua (sweet gum), Quercus falcate (southern red oak), Quercus phellos (willow oak), Quercus alba (white oak), Fagus grandifolia (American beech), Acer racemosa (fetter-bush), Lyonia mariana (stagger-bush), Clethra alnifolia (sweet pepper bush), Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel), and sometimes Ilex opaca (American holly) (Terrestrial & Palustrine Plant Communities of Pennsylvania, by Jean Fike). Bucks County, Pennsylvania Natural Areas Inventory Update, March 2011 The Bucks County Natural Areas Inventory lists the study area as being in the Atlantic Coastal Plain Conservation Landscape. This physiographic province falls in a narrow band along the Delaware River in southeastern Pennsylvania. This area is located in the upper reaches of the Delaware Estuary. While it has a tidal gradient (high to low tide) of nearly 2 meters, the water is considered fresh with chloride levels below 250 ppm. The Natural Areas Inventory documents that remaining pockets of coastal plain forests are found in the study area at Neshaminy State Park and Pen Ryn Woods, including critically imperiled sweetgum oak coastal plain forests. The Inventory also lists critically imperiled freshwater intertidal marsh, with expanses of tidal marsh located along the lower section of Neshaminy Creek and in Neshaminy State Park. Core areas identified for protection in the Inventory include: Neshaminy State Park including the freshwater tidal marshes that border Neshaminy Creek and the Delaware River (Natural Heritage Area 1 on Figure 2); The eight acre parcel along Neshaminy Creek just to the Northwest (upstream) of the State Road Bridge is described as an excellent example of high marsh featuring a large stand of wild rice, a Pennsylvania rare species, plus other state endangered plants (Natural Heritage Area 2 on Figure 2); Pen Ryn Woods and Station Avenue River Access, which includes 75 acres of mature forests including mature sweet gum oak coastal plain forests, sand barrens on old dredge soil deposits, and small wetland areas. While bulk heads have eliminated tidal marsh, the Inventory recommends that now deteriorating walls be removed in places to allow for the restoration of tidal marsh (Natural Heritage Area 4 on Figure 2). Bucks County Open Space and Greenways Plan (2011) The Bucks County Open Space and Greenway Plan lists the East Coast Greenway, which includes the Bensalem Greenway where it traverses Bensalem Township along State Road. The Plan also includes the Neshaminy Main Stem-Lower Bucks County Greenway, with its third segment entering the study area along Haunted Lane and ending at Neshaminy State Park.

9 Neshaminy Creek Tributary of Neshaminy Creek Marshall Ln Winks Ln Haunted Ln/Totem Rd 2. Neshaminy Creek Street Rd Deleware Expressway (95) 3. Columbus County Club State Rd 1. Neshaminy State Park Station Ave Poquessing Creek Tennis Ave State Rd 5. Pen Ryn Woods 4. Pen Ryn & River Access Boat Access Area Deleware River 7. Deleware River Shoreline 6. Mud Island Pennsylvania New Jersey Image Source: NAID2015 Dept of Agriculture STUDY AREA Natural Heritage Areas N Figure 2. Bensalem Greenway Natural Heritage Areas Bensalem Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania Data Source: PA Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 9

10 The Plan further includes the Tidal Delaware River Water Trail. Tidal Delaware River Water Trail maps and web site( show the locations of boating access and points of interest in the study area. Tidal Delaware River Water Trail Map and Guide The Tidal Delaware River Water Trail runs through the study area (From river mile 111 at Poquessing Creek to river mile 116 at Neshaminy State Park. This reach of the water trail is shown on the Philadelphia Section Map (River Miles ) and the Trenton-to- Philadelphia Section Map (River Miles ). The water trail maps show boat ramps, kayak launch sites, and points of interest such as parks and historical sites. See tidaltrail.org/trail-map for Tidal Delaware River Water Trail maps. Bensalem Greenway Master Plan, September 2012 This document details a preferred alignment for the Bensalem Greenway Trail along the State Road Corridor. The document recognizes that the future trail may bring the public into close proximity to sensitive natural areas, offering opportunities for educational and interpretive engagement. The document also notes that the protection and conservation of sensitive natural resources should remain a priority of the trail plan. Figure 3 shows Bensalem Greenway and Neshaminy Creek Greenway trail alignments. 10 Pennsylvania Environmental Council Lower Delware River Conservation Plan, September 1999 The Conservation Plan includes management options for municipal and regional implementation. The Plan identifies Bensalem Township key projects and implementation strategies that relate to Delaware River restoration, including the following: Study need for riparian restoration and erosion/sediment controls and implement a demonstration project on a selected municipal site; Update Township Comprehensive plan and zoning/subdivision ordinance to address preservation and conservation of existing significant and sensitive natural features; Acquire properties and access easements to complete greenway protection efforts and develop a recreational trail network. Bucks County Waterfront Revitalization Plan, February 2005 This Waterfront Revitalization Plan seeks to improve access to the riverfront and promote targeted economic development. It envisions a vibrant and accessible waterfront with a public riverwalk flanked by natural areas, stable existing communities complemented by vibrant new businesses and residential uses. The plan calls for increasing and improving public access to the Delaware River, and fostering environmental sustainability by restoring riverbanks and floodplains to more natural conditions. The plan calls for restoration of the Delaware River throughout the study area; restoration guidelines include: Preserve existing intact floodplain and natural stream banks; Reduce impervious material with the 100- year flood plain; Develop stream bank restoration projects; Promote native plant usage for stabilization of river banks; Remove human-made impediments or impoundments and then re-plant native species; For all new development and redevelopment, mandate a 100-foot riparian buffer along the Delaware River and its tributaries, populated with native plant species. The Plan shows public park and open space lands at Salem Harbour, Pen Ryn Manor, and Neshaminy State Park. Bensalem Township Open Space Plan (2002) (with 2010 updates). The Open space plan includes designated open space at Neshaminy State Park and Pen Ryn (currently state and county parks, respectively). The plan has three goals: Create linkages between people and parks (including creating Delaware River Trail and the purchase of key properties to safely access the Delaware River); Implement a natural resource protection strategy (including the establishment of a minimum riparian buffer overlay district, and a grant funding program for voluntary restoration of stream banks and habitat); Establish safe access to the waterfront.

11 Tributary of Neshaminy Creek Haunted Ln/Totem Rd Street Rd Marshall Ln Winks Ln State Rd Neshaminy Creek Deleware Expressway (95) (95) Nashaminy State Park Cornwells Heights Station Station Ave State Rd Poquessing Creek State Rd Salem Salem Harbor Harbor Tennis Ave Pennsylvania State Rd Pen Ryn Mansion Boat Access Area Deleware River New Jersey Deleware River STUDY AREA Proposed Trails Bensalem East Coast Greenway Neshaminy Creek Greenway Other East Coast Greenway Trail Segments Figure 3. Bensalem Greenway Proposed Trails Bensalem Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania Image Source: NAID2015 Dept of Agriculture Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 11

12 Bucks County Comprehensive Plan, 2011 The Bucks County Comprehensive Plan seeks to set forth a common vision of the future of Bucks County and to coordinate, educate, and guide development and preservation in appropriate areas of the county. Map 6 in the Plan places the study area in the Atlantic Coastal Plain Conservation Landscape. Map 8 in the Plan identifies Water Quality Classifications for Streams, showing the Delaware River, Poquessing Creek, and Neshaminy Creek as warm water fisheries and with Migratory Fishes. Map 5 (not to scale) in the Plan envisions Future Land Uses including a Natural Resource/Conservation Area along the Delaware River, Neshaminy Creek, and Poquessing Creek in the Bensalem Township area (see Figure 4). The Future Land Use map also shows Employment Areas further inland in the Township, and Mature Suburban Areas along the southern reach of the Delaware River shoreline in Bensalem and further inland. The Comprehensive plan also maps current land use, showing a diverse mix of residential, commercial, manufacturing, undeveloped, and publically owned uses. Bensalem Township designated land uses are shown on Figure Pennsylvania Environmental Council

13 Image Source: NAID2015 Dept of Agriculture STUDY AREA PARCELS Land Use Categories RURAL RESIDENTIAL SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL MINING & MANUFACTURING CIVIC & INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPORTATION AGRICULTURAL PARKS, REC, & PROTECTED OPEN SPACE VACANT Data Source: PASDA, Bensalem GIS Figure 5. Bensalem Greenway Land Use Bensalem Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 13

14 Neshaminy Creek Crossing Project East Coast Greenway (ECG) Feasibility Study & Ecological Assessment, December 2013 This document assesses the feasibility of potential Bensalem Greenway Trail routes where the trail crosses Neshaminy Creek between Bristol Township and Bensalem Township. The document also identifies ecological restoration opportunities in Neshaminy Creek Park near the trail alignments. Four ecological enhancement opportunities are listed below; design concepts for the enhancements provided in Section 6 of the Neshaminy Creek Crossing report are included in Appendix B. Area 1 Wetland Creation Area 2 Vernal Pool Creation Area 3 Reforestation Area 4 Delaware River Erosion Control Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) Project Environmental Review Receipts for Bensalem Greenway Corridor PEC first ran a PNDI search for the Bensalem Greenway study area on April 9, 2013, considering the broader footprint of land from the Delaware River s edge inland to the Amtrak right of way (1,365.5 acres). The PNDI Project Environmental Review Receipt required further review from the PA Game Commission, the PA Fish and Boat Commission, and the PA Bureau of Forestry. The Receipt included a list of DCNR botanical species with a current status of Special Concern, Threatened, or Endangered. PEC ran a second PNDI search on January 23, 2014, that focused more narrowly on the trail alignment along State Road (253.4 acres). The Receipt included a similar conclusion as that noted above for the broader study area PNDI search. A third PNDI search was conducted by AD Marble on November 6, 2015, focusing just on The Bensalem Greenway trail alignment, Section B, Segments 10 & 11. This area includes Bucks County park land and Andalusia property along State Road 9 (72.4 acres). The Receipt required further review by the PA Fish and Boat Commission and DCNR. AD Marble contacted the PA Fish and Boat Commission, who responded that given the nature of the proposed project, the immediate location, or the current status of the nearby element occurrence(s), no adverse impacts are expected to the species of special concern. A similar letter submitted to DCNR indicated species or resources of concern are located in the project vicinity, including Quercus phellos (willow oak), Quercus falcata (southern red oak), Woodwardia areolata (netted chainfern), and Leucothoe racemosa (swamp dog-hobble). Copies of the PNDI Receipts and PA Fish and Boat Commission and DCNR review letters are included in Appendix C. Bensalem Waterfront Master Plan (Bensalem 2018 Regulating Code for River Renaissance in New Bensalem; electronic version provided by Matt Takita of Bensalem Township) PEC reviewed the draft version of the Bensalem 2018 Regulating Code for River Renaissance in New Bensalem. This Code was developed for a waterfront redevelopment master plan; see Figure 6 Master Plan). The Plan includes a T-1 Natural Transect Zone and associated reserved open space. Recommendations for ecological restoration within the Natural Transect Zone are provided in the Task 1.5 section, including recommendation that the Natural Resource Transect and reserved open space areas establish and/or maintain continuity and connections between adjacent natural resource areas such as open space lands, the Delaware Riverfront, and stream corridors. Salem Harbour Delaware River Shoreline 14 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

15 Pen Ryn Woods Neshaminy State Park Figure 6. Bensalem 2018 Master Plan Figure 6. Bensalem 2018 Waterfront Master Plan Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 15

16 GIS Layers PEC searched for GIS layers that show resources, land uses, and other features in the study area. PEC used the GIS information to support the ecological restoration assessment and prioritization work. PEC obtained GIS layers from the Pennsylvania Spatial Data Clearing House (PASDA), Bensalem Township, and AD Marble (via grant subcontract). The GIS layers and other map resources compiled and consulted for the assessment/prioritization work are listed in Table 1. Table 1. GIS & Map Resources Description Source National Wetland Inventory U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (US FWS) (2009) Flood Plains Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (2012) Land Use Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) (2015) Streams/Water features PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) (2015) Aquatic Resources AD Marble Map drawing from USFWS NWI 2015, FEMA 2013, & PASDA data layers Topography (2ft intervals) DVRPC (2005) Parks PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (2015) Cultural Resources Cultural Resources Geographic Information System (CRGIS); PA Department of Transportation; and PA Historical & Museum Commission (2012) Aerial Photography U.S. Department of Agriculture NAID (2015) Riparian Buffer Assessment Heritage Conservancy (2012) Soils U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service (2012) Bensalem Boundary Road Centerlines Right of Ways Bensalem Township (April 29, 2015 except May 18, 2015 for Parcels) Hydrology Parcels Bucks County Bucksviewer parcels map at Parcel Boundaries & Landowners gisweb.co.bucks.pa.us/apps/bucksviewer/ Potential Hazardous Waste Sites PA DEP emappa (February 2017) Navigation map National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) (2015) 16 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

17 Site Visits In addition to the above data collection effort, PEC conducted the following site visits to collect additional information for the ecological prioritization and assessment work (see Table 2): Table 2. Site Visits June 16th Wetland delineation request for proposal (RFP) tour of Bucks County and Andalusia properties Field view with Heritage Conservancy Staff (Kris Kern) to review November 4th Neshaminy Creek and Bensalem Creek collaboration opportunities and view proposed trail linkages within Lower Bucks County. March 16th Field visit with DCNR state and regional officials to review and prioritize ecological restoration opportunities in Neshaminy State Park. April 28th Site tour with AD Marble to assess Bucks County and Andalusia wetlands June 10th Site visit (PEC and AD Marble) to walk trail alignment through Bucks County and Andalusia properties. August 20th Waterside Property and Salem Harbour site visits. September Waterfront kayak tour of study reach between Neshaminy State Park/ 29th Neshaminy Creek and Salem Harbour/Poquessing Creek. October 30th Site walk on Pen Ryn and Andalusia properties. March 16th Driving tour of entire study area Driving tour of trail alignment for review of green infrastructure May 26th opportunities associated with trail right of way. Bensalem Greenway Parcels Included in Ecological Prioritization Study PEC considered a subset of the total parcels present in the Bensalem Greenway study area. PEC accessed Bensalem Township s GIS parcel layer to view the ownership patterns associated with the study area. As shown in Figure 1, the study area includes Bensalem Township land between Neshaminy and Poquessing Creeks, from the Delaware River back to the Amtrak rail corridor. PEC included riverfront and upland parcels in prioritization assessment with the exceptions of commercial and smaller residential parcels that are mostly covered with impervious surfaces in the form of buildings, roads, parking lots, and other structures. Figure 7 shows the parcels included in the prioritization assessment; they include riverfront parcels numbered R-1 to R-37, and upland parcels numbered U-1 to U-57. In addition to the site visits, PEC conducted site analyses using Google Earth. The following categories of data were collected during the field visits and Google Earth analyses and incorporated into the prioritization/assessment work. Photographs (including photo logs); Presence of shoreline structures such as bulkheads and riprap; General types of shoreline vegetation such as mowed grass, meadows, or riverbank forests. Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 17

18 U-29 Street Rd Tributary of Neshaminy Creek U-35 U-34 U-33 U-36 U-53 Marshall Ln U-32 U-46 U-49 U-50 U-48 Winks Ln Haunted Ln/Totem Rd U-47 U-37 U-38 U-45 U-39 U-51 U-40 U-41 U-52 U-44 U-42 U-43 R-35 R-36 Neshaminy Creek U-23 U-22 U-21 U-19 U-18 U-17 U-20 Deleware Expressway (95) U-26 U-25 U-24 U-54 U-27 R-25 R-24 U-55 R-26 U-28 U-56 State Rd R-30 R-29 R-28 R-27 U-31 U-30 R-32 R-33 R-31 R-34 U-2 U-1 Poquessing Creek U-6 U-3 U-4 U-5 R-1 U-7 R-2 R-3 Tennis Ave State Rd R-4 U-57 U-8 R-8 R-7 R-6 U-9 R-5 R-37 U-11 U-10 R9 U-15 U-14 U-13 U-12 R-13 U-16 R-14 R-12 R-11 R10 Station Ave R-15 R-16 Deleware River R-20 R-19 R-18 R-17 R-23 R-22 R-21 Image Source: NAID2015 Dept of Agriculture Parcels Land Included Use Categories In Study STUDY STUDY AREA AREA UPLAND RURAL PARCELS RESIDENTIAL (U) PARCELS PARCELS RIVER-FRONT SINGLE-FAMILY PARCELS RESIDENTIAL (R) MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL MINING & MANUFACTURING CIVIC & INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPORTATION AGRICULTURAL PARKS, REC, & PROTECTED OPEN SPACE VACANT Data Source: PASDA, Bensalem GIS Figure Bensalem Greenway Parcels Land Included Usein Study Bensalem Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania 18 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

19 Summary of Resource Documents, GIS Layers, and Site Visits Past planning and natural resource assessment documents have identified unique habitats in the study area such as Atlantic Coastal Plain forests and freshwater intertidal wetlands. These include pockets of imperiled sweetgum-oak coastal plain forests. Likewise, Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) Reviews report a suite of threatened, endangered, and special concern plants including aquatic, terrestrial, and wetland species. Because of the uniqueness and rareness of these habitats, the planning documents call for conservation and restoration measures (e.g. Coastal Plain Conservation Landscape called for in the Bucks County Comprehensive Plan, including a Natural Resource/Conservation Area along the Delaware River and tributaries). Likewise, the Bucks County Waterfront Revitalization Plan recommends increasing and improving public access to the Delaware River, and restoring riverbanks and floodplains. Bensalem Township s Open Space Plan seconds these recommendations, calling for linkages between people and parks, and natural resource protection including a riparian buffer overlay district. GIS layers highlight the locations of key natural resource features such as wetlands, floodplains, and forest cover. Site visits and aerial (Google Earth) views provide a general overview of the current land use in the study area, including: Sections of riverfront and uplands that include larger (multi-acre) residential and State/County park parcels with open space and natural resource features; Much of the shoreline along the downriver reach of the study area has steeper slopes and bulkheads/walls that limit opportunities to expand intertidal wetlands; Sections of riverfront and uplands that are developed with small, more densely developed residential lots and commercial/ industrial enterprises, limiting restoration opportunities; Wetland areas interspersed within the centrally located commercial industrial area just south of State Road. Planned redevelopment in this area may offer opportunities to restore and enhance habitat areas and corridors within these upland and riverfront areas. Task 1.3 Confirmation of Prioritization Factors and Site Ranking PEC adapted prioritization factors used to evaluate tidal, riverbank, and adjacent upland areas along the Philadelphia North Delaware River Greenway (2009). Stakeholder outreach during the North Delaware River Greenway assessment resulted in the identification of 11 general ecological restoration site-screening criteria (see Table 3). These general criteria were further developed into habitat, site-wide, and recreational assessment and prioritization factors. PEC updated the factors used for the adjacent North Delaware River Greenway reach to reflect data available for the Bensalem Greenway area, and to address the wider upland footprint considered for the Bensalem riverfront. High, medium, and low scores were assigned to each factor. The updated habitat, site-wide, and recreational prioritization categories and scoring criteria are included in Tables 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Table 3. Ecological Restoration Site Screening Criteria 1. Bathymetry and benthic classification 2. Shoreline type (engineered/natural) 3. Wetlands (freshwater tidal) 4. Species and habitat (fish, birds, other) 5. Vegetation 6. Site access (for restoration and public) 7. Contaminant proximity (CSO s, hazmat, invasive) 8. Disturbance from wakes and currents 9. Operation/maintenance issues 10. Presence of cultural resources 11. Willing land-owners Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 19

20 Table 4: Habitat Scoring Factors Location on Riverfront Gradient Upland Riparian Intertidal Habitat Features Forested, scrubshrub, meadow, mowed turf Forested, scrubshrub, meadow, mowed turf High marsh vascular plants, low marsh succulent plants Hard or soft bottom, submerged aquatic vegetation 20 Pennsylvania Environmental Council Scoring Criteria Score High = 3 Medium = 2 Low = 1 Size of parcel Greater than 5 acres 1 to 5 acres Less than 1 acre Diversity of vegetation Natural resource features Connectivity to adjacent natural lands/habitats (e.g. forests, native meadow, buffered riparian corridors); Length and characteristics of edge (developed, invasive species entry point) Vegetated riparian buffer Bank stability Excavation to achieve 5 to 1 slope or lesser slope (goal is to restore living shorelines/ tidal wetlands) Diverse, mixed aged, native species, limited development (e.g. single residence, less than 10 percent cover) High value, rare resources (e.g. vernal pool, wetlands, mature trees) Connected to surrounding habitat/ wildlife corridor with minimial edge (forest, wetland, river/stream corridor) Extensive shoreline cover (>90 %), width over 100 feet, forested Stable, evidence of erosion or bank failure absent or minimal (considering either natural or hardened shorelines) Currently slope is less than 5 (run) to 1 (rise) Patchy, mix of native and ornamental/invasive species, moderate development (10 to 40 percent) Present (e.g. mixture of native plants and non-native/invasive species) Connected to adjacent habitat (but with over 50 % edge with development/cleared land/high invasive species potential) Moderate shoreline cover (>50%) and/or single row of trees (>90%) Moderate stability, areas of erosion noted Currently slope is 5 (run) to 1 (rise) Monoculture, ornamental (e.g. turf grass) or invasive species, or more than 40% covered by building/road None Habitat island (isolated parcel) Spotty or no trees/shrubs Presence of intertidal wetlands Wetland along full shoreline Wetland on part of shoreline None on site Shoreline armoring (e.g. bulkhead, rip rap, natural) Protection from currents/ wakes Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) Substrate type Lower armoring (0 to 25%) Well protected in cove, side channel, or by on-site structures Thriving (SAV prefers 3-5 foot depth range) Complex habitat, can support multiple communities with high diversity and resiliency; contains multiple substrate types; devoid of trash, litter, other debris Moderate armoring (25 to 75% armoring; smaller riprap that allows connection between upland and intertidal) Moderate protection (e.g. wave deflection by nearby structures) Small pockets More uniform habitat of one or two substrate types, likely supports lower community diversity; devoid of trash, litter, other debris. Unstable, many eroded areas Areas with greater than 5 (run) to 1 (rise) slope Heavy armoring (75 to 100 % armoring with bulkhead or large riprap) Exposed Minimal Primarily trash and litter or old infrastructure/fill/sea wall; looks resistant to community development; would need larger remediation effort.

21 Explanation of Habitat Scoring Factors Each of the Figure 7 parcels in the study area were evaluated and assigned scores for the habitat factors. For selected habitat factors shown in Figure 4 (that is, size of parcel, protection from wakes, submerged aquatic vegetation, and substrate), the same score was assigned for both pre- and post-restoration conditions. For the remaining criteria, separate scores were assigned for pre- and postrestoration conditions, under the assumption that these variables are more subject to change through restoration (e.g., you can excavate, you can remove riprap, and you can plant a wider riparian buffer). By making these changes, your goal will be to increase the ecological value of the shoreline or upland parcel. The following considerations were made for selected scoring criteria (as shown in Table 4): For diversity of vegetation, higher post restoration scores were assigned for parcels that currently have unpaved areas of marginal habitat such as turf grass, fields, or forests with limited understory. Planting native species in these areas would increase diversity. For natural resource features, as the key natural resource features reported in the area are wetlands, higher post restoration scores were assigned for parcels that have the potential to expand/enhance existing wetlands located within the upland matrix. For connectivity to adjacent natural lands/ habitats, higher post restoration scores were assigned for parcels that have the potential to connect restored habitat areas with adjacent habitat corridors. For vegetated riparian buffer, higher post restoration scores were assigned if the potential exists to create, extend or widen a vegetated riverfront buffer on the parcel. Parcels with tributary streams were also assessed for current and future riparian buffer habitat scores. For bank stability, higher post restoration scores were assigned for parcels with eroded areas that can be stabilized through grading and replanting efforts. For the excavation to restore living shorelines requirement, PEC considered a 5 (run) to 1 (rise) or lesser slope as more preferable for bank restoration (i.e. would not require extensive grading to expand riverfront wetlands). Higher post restoration scores were assigned if the parcel had 5 to 1 or lesser slopes, and if there are no structures (e.g. sea walls), land uses (e.g. development right up to shoreline edge), or existing riparian buffers (e.g. that we would not want to disturb) that would discourage bank restoration. For presence of tidal and non-tidal wetlands, the same score was assigned for both pre- and post-restoration conditions. The potential for future expansion of wetlands is addressed under other criteria (i.e. potential to excavate and protection from currents/ wakes). For shoreline armoring, scores were estimated from aerial photos and field observations; no linear measurements of shoreline armoring were made. Higher post restoration scores were assigned for parcels that have the potential to reduce armoring (for example, if they are not developed right up to the armored areas and do not have steeper slopes). For protection from currents/wakes, scores were estimated from field observations, with some confirmation provided by presence of existing wetlands that are buffered from high-energy environment. Higher postrestoration scores were assigned where the construction of a marsh sill or other structure might be feasible, increasing shoreline protection. For submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), higher post-restoration scores were assigned if shoreline protection might be feasible, thereby increasing habitat complexity including improvements in SAV. For substrate type, higher post-restoration scores were assigned if shoreline protection might be feasible, leading to increased substrate complexity via active restoration or natural processes. Bucks County Park Tributary Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 21

22 Explanation of Site-Wide Scoring Factors Each of the Figure 7 parcels in the study area were evaluated and assigned scores for the sitewide factors, as shown in Table 5. Before and after restoration scores were not estimated for the site-wide factors, as for the most part these factors are more static (though we do hope that factors such as landowner willingness can change through education and outreach). The following considerations were made for scoring criteria (as shown in Table 5): The willingness of landowner score was estimated based on PEC s current limited knowledge of landowner interest. The scores will be revised as landowner outreach is expanded. The proximity to contamination factor score was estimated based on proximity to potential hazardous waste concerns. PA Department of Environmental Protection emap PA information was reviewed, showing the presence of Toxic Release Inventory sites, Brownfields, and Storage Tanks. Google Map information was also reviewed to identify facilities that manage vehicle fleets. Scores of 3 or 2 were assigned. No scores of 1 were assigned, as the available information could not be used to confirm contamination. The availability of follow-up for O/M/ Stewardship score was assumed based on whether the site is a public/private institution with land management staff (score 2 to 3), or a private site (assumed score of 1). Linear feet of shoreline is viewed as a physical factor, with longer and thus potentially larger habitat areas scoring higher. The scoring criteria (<1,500, 500 to 1,500, >500) were derived from a Philadelphia Water assessment of ecological restoration sites along the City s shoreline (see Appendix D). The presence of listed species score was estimated based on the results of the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory Table 5: Site-Wide Scoring Factors Scoring Criteria 1. Landowner interested in restoration 2. Proximity to Contaminants (including CSO s, brownfields, chemical point sources, trash collection points, outfalls and intakes, and/or invasive plants). 3. Availability of follow-up for O/M and stewardship. 4. Linear feet of shoreline (based scoring on Philadelphia Water assessment of ecological restoration sites) 5. Presence of threatened/ endangered/ listed species Score High = 3 Medium = 2 Low = 1 High interest Medium interest Low interest or level of interest unknown None present on or adjacent to site Public site with O/M staff or Friends Group Greater than 1,500 feet (PNDI) reports for the study area. A total of 27 plant species were listed in the PNDI reports as DCNR species, threatened species, and endangered species (see Appendix C). These include aquatic, wetland, and terrestrial plant species, with the majority being plants that occur in wetter habitats such as marshes, swamps, mud flats, shorelines, wetlands, and ditches. Others include plants such as southern red Moderate potential for contaminant impacts (e.g. adjacent brownfields or stormwater runoff pathway) Private site with O/M staff Present with adverse impacts occurring or likely to occur (e.g. documented contamination above adverse effect levels) Isolated site, little O/M resources 1,500 to 500 feet Less than 500 feet Known to be present Potentially present No documentation of presence 22 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

23 oak, willow oak, and American holly that occur in the sweet gum-oak coastal plain forest, which is itself a plant community identified in the PNDI reports as a Special Concern Resource. Based on the potential for listed species, scores of at least 2 were assigned, and scores of 3 were assigned when the parcel is located in a designated Natural Heritage Area. Table 6: Recreation Scoring Factors Scoring Criteria 1. Potential for Public access to see/experience restored resources 2. Resources that have or require buffer/separation from public access (e.g. threatened species) Score High = 3 Medium = 2 Low = 1 High current and/ or future use (e.g. park with multiple passive and active uses including fixed facilities such as boat launch or interpretative trails) Buffer present that protects species (e.g. inaccessible, protected land) Moderate current and/ or future use (e.g. public access for passive/active uses such as observation area or trail access) Some buffer/protection Limited/no current use or future recreational opportunities No protection Explanation of Recreation Scoring Factors Human recreational use along the Delaware River waterfront area is a significant factor to consider when identifying ecological restoration opportunities. The Bensalem Greenway section of the East Coast Greenway trail will traverse the area, using mostly the State Road alignment but offering connections to public access points along the river. PEC views human use of the riverfront as a driving factor in this ecological restoration initiative. In additional to improving fish and wildlife habitat, ecological restoration will improve recreational opportunities for a sizable urban population in the area. Examples of recreation include fishing, bird watching, hiking/biking, and nature study, along with more passive uses/enjoyment of natural river views. 3. Opportunity for green infrastructure with habitat elements to be incorporated into East Coast Greenway Trail alignment. Parcel includes or is directly adjacent to trail right-ofway (ROW) and has space readily available for green infrastructure The following considerations were made for the Table 6 scoring factors; before and after restoration scores were not estimated: The potential for public access score focused on public access points along the river including parks and other open space accessible to the public. The resources requiring buffering from public access score considered where there was upland (e.g. forest) or shoreline (e.g. wetland) habitat areas that were not accessible to the public, offering some Parcel includes or is directly adjacent to trail ROW and but would have constraints on installation of green infrastructure (e.g. based on land use, size of site) No potential for green infrastructure associated with trail ROW degree of buffer protection to species using the habitat. The opportunity for green infrastructure score focused on the proposed trail alignment, considering where the narrow (i.e. 10 feet) buffer along the trail could potentially incorporate green infrastructure such a vegetated bioswale or rain garden. Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 23

24 Task 1.4 Wetland Delineation and Ecological Analysis The Bensalem Greenway reach includes several parcels with extensive coastal plain forested wetlands. These properties fall within proposed Segments 10 and 11 of Section B and part of segment 12 from Section C of the Bensalem Greenway Master Plan (see Figure 8). They include the Bucks County-owned park land on the south side of State Road between Station Avenue and Gravel Pike, contiguous Bucks County park land on the north side of State Road from Gravel Pike to Kings Lane, and Andalusia Foundation property on the north side of State Road. These areas were identified early in the Greenway planning process as high priority habitat areas. As a result, the DCNR grant included wetland delineation and ecological analysis tasks focused on determining the best route for the greenway trail through these properties. These lands provide an opportunity for trail users to experience unique and rare coastal plain habitats. The wetlands also provide a challenge on how to best site the greenway trail as it passes sensitive resource features. Section C Tennis Ave Segment 12 State Rd Andalusia Foundation Section B Segment 11 Bucks County Property Proposed Crossing at Gravel Pike Segment 10 Bucks County Property Station Ave Deleware Expressway (95) State Rd Deleware River Following a competitive bidding process, PEC tasked subcontractor AD Marble to evaluate potential trail right of ways through the Bucks County and Andalusia properties. AD Marble delineated wetlands, assessed for the presence of bog turtle habitat, and assessed for the presence of threatened and endangered STUDY AREA WETLAND & SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN FOCUS AREA Image Source: NAID2015 Dept of Agriculture Figure 8. Bensalem Greenway Wetland & Ecological Analysis Bensalem Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania 24 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

25 species. The effort focused on determining the best location to site a foot trail right of way through Segments 10 and 11 of the Bensalem Greenway alignment. The goal of the assessment is to determine an alignment that avoids and/or minimizes resource impacts. Wetlands was forwarded to the ACOE on December 21, 2016, for the purpose of preparing a Jurisdictional Determination report. The Army Corps of Engineers formulated the jusidictional determination report on March 1, 2017 (see Appendix F). Bog Turtle Habitat threatened, or endangered species under their jurisdiction is known from the vicinity of the proposed project. However, given the nature of the proposed project, the immediate location, or the current status of the nearby element occurrence(s), no adverse impacts are expected to the species of special concern (see Appendix C Agency Review Letters). AD Marble conducted an initial review of the properties and confirmed the presence of wetlands. For the Bucks County-owned park land on the south side of State Road, AD Marble delineated a wetland on low lying land on the interior of the parcel (wetland 1). They located a potential trail route that follows an existing social trail that avoids this wetland. For the Bucks County park land and Andalusia Foundation property on the north side of State Road, AD Marble identified more extensive wetlands. They observed that the strip of land directly parallel to State Road is a mix of upland and wetland areas, and offers the best location for a trail. They identified and delineated four wetland areas within the 50-foot wide strip of land. These wetlands that continue into the interiors of the properties (wetland areas 2, 2A, 2B, and 2C) (see Appendix E wetland maps). AD Marble requested that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) conduct a Jurisdictional Determination for these delineated wetlands. An ACOE representative visited the site on August 5, 2016, and concurred with the wetland delineation boundaries reported by AD Marble. The wetland delineation boundary flags were then surveyed and this information AD Marble surveyed the five wetland sites (1, 2, 2A, 2B, and 2C) for the presence of bog turtle habitat (see Appendix G report). They reported the Wetland 1 did contain bog turtle habitat but that no bog turtles were observed. They reported that the other 4 wetlands were not bog turtle habitat. They forwarded the bog turtle report along with a Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) Environmental Review on August 11, 2016, to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Fish and Wildlife responded on September 12, 2016, that no federally listed species under their jurisdiction are known or likely to occur in the project area. Other Threatened and Endangered and/or Special Concern Species and Resources AD Marble conducted a Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) Environmental Review of the project site and submitted the review to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) (see Appendix C PNDI Receipts). PFBC reported on February 16, 2016, that an element occurrence of a rare, candidate, PA DCNR, Department of Forestry responded on February 5, 2016 (see Appendix C), noting that species or resources of concern are located in the project vicinity, and requested that botanical surveys be conducted in the project vicinity for the following species: Quercus phellos (willow oak) Quercus falcata (southern red oak) Woodwardia areolata (netted chainfern) Leucothoe racemosa (swamp dog-hobble) Summary Based on the presence of wetlands on the two properties, AD Marble and PEC proposed a trail alignment that minimizes trail construction impacts on wetlands and bog turtle habitat. The Appendix E maps show the 50 foot wide corridor through which the approximately foot wide greenway trail will be located. The additional botanical surveys requested by PA DCNR should be conducted to determine if any of these species are located in the proposed trail right of way. Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 25

26 Task 1.5 Identification of Ecological Restoration Priorities Drawing from the Task 1.2 data collection activities, the habitat, site-wide, and recreational prioritization factors defined under Task 1.3 were applied to the individual parcels in the study area to identify ecological restoration opportunities. Before and after restoration scores were calculated to estimate where the greatest ecological lifts in habitat improvements are possible. A suite of ecological restoration techniques can be considered to achieve these habitat improvements. Potential restoration techniques based on their location on the riverfront gradient are listed in Table 7. Ecological restoration opportunities can be identified and prioritized by considering the overall site score, or by considering the difference between current and post-restoration conditions. Sites that scored higher than others regardless of pre and post scores were prioritized first. Sites with the highest potential for restoration uplift were also considered in order to understand what factors drive the potential for restoration uplift. Site Assessment and Prioritization Results The site assessment and prioritization scoring results are interpreted in several ways, considering both current condition and the potential ecological uplift following restoration activities. Scoring for riverfront versus upland parcels is also considered. The following figures present parcel site scores for the following criteria: Figure 9: Total parcel scores based on current conditions (combined habitat, sitewide, and recreation scores) Figure 10: Scores based on habitat only (current condition) Figure 11: Scores based on site-wide factors only (current condition) Figure 12: Scores based on recreational scores only (current conditions) Figure 13: Total parcel scores for upland parcels based on current conditions Figure 14: Total parcel scores based on potential habitat restoration uplift The specific scores for each factor on each parcel are included in the Appendix H Detailed Spread Sheets. Table 7: Ecological Restoration Techniques Location on Riverfront Gradient Upland and river bank Off channel aquatic Intertidal shoreline Subtidal Type of restoration Upland and river bank planting Regrade and/or replace/supplement river bank armoring with living shoreline Wetlands in upland matrix Floodplain restoration Backchannels and associated wetlands Excavate (e.g. wetland coves) Enhance tidal wetlands (low to high marsh) Create marsh sill or breakwater to protect wetlands from higher energy wakes and currents. Enhance structure and diversity 26 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

27 R-3 R-14 R-4 R-13 R-15 R-19 R-20 R-33 R-34 R-35 R-36 Current Score Total site score based on current conditions (Figure 9): Sites that received the highest ranking scores based on current conditions are, as expected, those that are along the banks of the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek that are currently parklands. These sites score the highest because they contain a mix of upland, river bank, and intertidal habitats that contain fish and wildlife habitat and associated ecological benefits. One of the parcels (R-14, Bucks County Parkland along Delaware River) also has a small tributary stream that in some locations could be restored (e.g. by removing the concrete flow channel and planting streamside native plants). Many of the parcels also offer public access. Overall, riverfront properties received scores that ranged from 30 to 52, compared to upland parcels that had scores ranging from 16 to 29. The ten highest scoring sites had scores ranging from 40 to 52; these include: Score of 52 for R-34, Neshaminy State Park (main part of park along Delaware River) Score of 49 for R-4, Mud Island (Delaware River marshland) Score of 48 for R-35, Neshaminy State Park (interior and short frontage on Neshaminy Creek) Score of 48 for R-36, Neshaminy State Park (frontage on Neshaminy Creek) Score of 46 for R-33, Neshaminy State Park (frontage along Delaware River) Score of 43 for R-14, Bucks County Parkland along Delaware River Score of 41 for R-19, Waterside Phase 1 LLC (riverfront intertidal wetlands) Score of 40 for R-15, Bucks County Station Ave. boat launch Score of 40 for R-3, Bucks County Economic Development Corporation (for riverfront intertidal wetlands) Score of 40 for R-20, Redevelopment Authority Bucks County at Waterside (riverfront intertidal wetlands) Score of 40 for R-13, James Biddle property on Delaware River shoreline Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 27

28 R-37 R-3 R-4 R-14 R-20 R-26 R-13 R-19 R-27 R-33 R-34 R-35 R-36 Habitat Score Habitat higher-ranking sites (Figure 10): When considering the habitat scoring factors only, the scores ranged from 5 to 33. Once again, the highest scoring sites are on the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek shorelines where a mixture of upland, riverbank, tributary stream, and intertidal areas provide diverse habitats. The ten highest scoring habitat sites are listed below; eight of them are also in the top ten overall score list. The other two top scoring habitat sites are the Columbus Country Club and the James Biddle property where a mix of upland, tributary stream, wetland, and river s edge habitat areas are present. Score of 33 for R-4, Mud Island (Delaware River marshland) Score of 29 for R-34, Neshaminy State Park (main part of park along Delaware 28 Pennsylvania Environmental Council River) Score of 28 for R-36, Neshaminy State Park (frontage on Neshaminy Creek) Score of 27 for R-35, Neshaminy State Park (interior and short frontage on Neshaminy Creek) Score of 27 for R-3, Bucks County Economic Development Corporation based on Delaware River s edge intertidal wetlands. Score of 27 for R-13, James Biddle property on Delaware River shoreline Score of 26 for R-26, Columbus Country Club Score of 26 for R-33, Neshaminy State Park (frontage along Delaware River) Score of 26 for R-19, Waterside Phase 1 LLC for Delaware River shoreline and wetlands. Score of 25 for R-20, Bucks County Redevelopment Authority Score of 24 for R-14, Bucks County Parkland along Delaware River Score of 24 for R-37, Torresdale Manor Improvement Association Score of 24 for R-27, SRI Landings Association LP

29 R-37 R-1 R-4 Site-Wide Score R-4 U-13 R-12 R-14 R-15 R-33 R-34 R-35 U-43 R Site wide higher ranking sites (Figure 11) When considering site wide scoring factors only, the scores ranged from 6 to 16. Riverfront parcels dominate the top ten ranking parcels (top scoring sites 1 through 8 in part due to the linear feet of shoreline scoring category which provides riverfront sites with extra points). The Torresdale Manor Improvement Association river s edge parcel, Neshaminy State Parkland along Neshaminy Creek, and the upland Bucks County parkland north of State Road fell into the top ten sites based on factors such as availability of operation and maintenance personnel and being located in Natural Heritage areas. The top ten ranking sites are as follows: Score of 15 for R-34, Neshaminy State Park (main part of park along Delaware River) Score of 14 for R-36, Neshaminy State Park (frontage on Neshaminy Creek) Score of 14 for R-33, Neshaminy State Park (frontage of park along Delaware River) Score of 13 for R-35, Neshaminy State Park (interior and short frontage on Neshaminy Creek) Score of 12 for R-15, Bucks County Station Ave boat launch Score of 11 for R-14, Bucks County Parkland along Delaware River Score of 11 for R-4, Mud Island (Delaware River marshland) Score of 11 for R-37, Torresdale Manor Improvement Association (vegetated shoreline and intertidal wetland area fronting river) Score of 10 for U-43, Neshaminy State Park (mix of forest and intertidal wetland along Neshaminy Creek above State Road) Score of 10 for U-13, Bucks County Parkland (forested wetland area north of State Road Score of 10 for R-1, Salem Harbor Score of 10 for R-12, Andalusia Foundation Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 29

30 R-3 R-4 U-57 U-10 U-11 U-13 U-14 R-14 R-19 R-18 R-20 R-26 U-31 R-33 R-34 R-35 U-43 U-51 R-36 Recreation Recreational higher ranking sites (Figure 12) The top scoring recreational parcel scores ranged from 6 to 8 (all fifteen are listed below), with the highest scores driven by public access and potential for green infrastructure along the trail. The publicly owned parcels within Neshaminy State Park and Bucks County Parkland scored the highest, as expected. Andalusia also scored in the higher category based on the potential for green infrastructure to be deployed along the trail right of way. Score of 8 for R-34, Neshaminy State Park (main part of park along Delaware River) Score of 8 for R-35, Neshaminy State Park (interior and short frontage on Neshaminy Creek) Score of 8 for R-14, Bucks County Parkland along Delaware River Score of 7 for U-13, Bucks County Parkland (forested wetland area north of State Road) Score of 7 for U-14, Bucks County Parkland (forested wetland area north of State Road) Score of 6 for R-36, Neshaminy State Park (frontage on Neshaminy Creek) Score of 6 for R-33, Neshaminy State Park (frontage of park along Delaware River) Score of 6 for R-19, Waterside Phase 1 LLC (publicly accessible) Score of 6 for R-20, Redevelopment Authority Bucks County at Waterside Score of 6 for R-18, Waterside Phase 1 LLC (publicly accessible) Score of 6 for U-10, Andalusia Foundation north of State Road (planned right of way for Bensalem Greenway) Score of 6 for U-11, Andalusia Foundation north of State Road (planned right of way for Bensalem Greenway) Score of 6 for U-43, Neshaminy State Park (mix of forest and intertidal wetland along Neshaminy Creek above State Road) Score of 6 for U-31, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Dept. of Forests Score of 6 for U-51, Forested property along Haunted Land that fronts Neshaminy Trail, Bensalem Greenway trail, and adjacent wetlands Score of 6 for U-57, Andalusia Foundation north of State Road (planned right of way for Bensalem Greenway) 30 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

31 U-57 U-10 U-11 U-13 U-14 U-12 U-43 Current Score for Upland Parcels Total site scores for upland parcels based on current conditions (Figure 13) Riverfront parcels overall score higher than upland parcels based on the greater number of scoring criteria applied to the waterfront. While the highest scoring upland parcels (scores of 29 and 31) are about 10 points below the riverfront parcel scores, there still are valuable ecological restoration opportunities within the upland matrix. Higher scores for upland parcels (see top ten with scores ranging from 22 to 31 below) are driven by the presence of wetlands, tributary streams, and coastal plain forests along with such factors as public accessibility and availability of operation/maintenance staff. Restoration opportunities include increasing the diversity of native forest vegetation (e.g. on the Bucks County Parkland and Andalusia parcels (U11, U13, and U14) north of State Road. Portions of tributary streams could also be restored. For example, the stream currently flowing in a relatively straight line across parcels U-11 and U-13s appears to have been channelized. Stream meanders with pools and riffles could be restored and more diverse stream bank vegetation planted. Score of 29 for U-13, Bucks County Parkland (forested wetland area north of State Road) Score of 29 for U-10, Andalusia Foundation (forested parcel south of State Road) Score of 27 for U-11, Andalusia Foundation (forested wetland area north of State Road + on proposed Bensalem Greenway Trail) Score of 27 for U-43, Pennsylvania DCNR (mix of forest and intertidal wetland along Neshaminy Creek above State Road) Score of 24 for U-14, Bucks County Parkland (forested wetland area north of State Road) Score of 23 for U-57, Andalusia Foundation (forested wetland area north of State Road + on proposed Bensalem Greenway Trail) Score of 22 for U-12, Andalusia Foundation (forested wetland parcel on south side on State Road) Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 31

32 R-1 R-14 R-20 R-26 R-37 R-12 R-29 R-34 Total Uplift Ecological restoration opportunities based on uplift scores (Figure 14): The scoring categories above reflect current site conditions. The habitat scoring criteria were reviewed to consider where there is the potential for ecological restoration. This could include the following types of shoreline and/or upland habitat enhancements: Convert turf grass areas to meadows or forests; Restore/expand forest/field areas by removing invasive plants and adding native plants; Plant trees and shrubs along Delaware River and tributary streams; Remove concrete structures from waterways and plant with native trees and shrubs; Restore/expand wetland areas including intertidal wetlands; Connect habitat corridors such as woodlands and forested stream banks; Create living shorelines that stabilize river bank and provide riparian and intertidal habitats. Potential ecological restoration opportunities were identified considering where these habitat enhancement efforts could be deployed. Habitat scoring criteria were increased accordingly to reflect these potential uplifts in habitat values. Sites with the highest potential uplift in habitat value include: Uplift of 7 for R-26, Columbus Country Club: Parcel is in planning stages for (Landing s) redevelopment. Restoration opportunities that can be considered for the site include enhancing forests/meadows, enhancing wetlands along State Road, enhancing/restoring Delaware shoreline wetlands and other native shoreline vegetation, reducing erosion, and maintaining habitat connectivity (e.g. wetlands/vegetated riverbank) along the Delaware River. Potential connections between the wetlands in the area across and south of Street Road and the Country Club s Delaware Riverfront could be explored (e.g. along the southern property line). Uplift of 6 for R-14, Bucks County Parkland along Delaware River: This large unit (72 acres) of Bucks County Parkland has forests, tributary stream, and wetland habitat. The property s frontage along the Delaware has a river wall, which in some locations is in disrepair and breached. A tributary stream crosses the property and enters the Delaware River along the Park s boundary with the downstream Biddle 32 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

33 property. Water ponding behind a Delaware River outlet structure has created a pond and wetland area between the two properties. Bucks County Parks is interested in restoring the integrity of the sea wall and outlet structure. In tandem with shoreline infrastructure repair, lower lying areas along the Park s shoreline could be restored to tidal wetlands. The 2011 Bucks County Natural Area Inventory recommended that the deteriorating river wall be removed in places to allow for the restoration of tidal marsh (Natural Heritage Area 4 on Figure 2). Another option would be to incorporate inlets during river wall repairs that allow tidal water into targeted wetland restoration areas (and preventing tidal intrusion where it is unwanted). Other reaches of the small tributary stream could be restored (e.g. by removing concrete flow channel and planting streamside native plants). Restoration of park upland woodlands is also an opportunity where invasive plants and deer browse has reduced the native plant understory. Uplift of 5 for R-34, Neshaminy State Park (main part of park along Delaware River): Neshaminy State Park includes a mosaic of forested, meadow, wetland, and shoreline habitat on both the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek. Restoration opportunities along the proposed Bensalem Greenway Trail in the Park have been identified (see ecological enhancement concepts in Appendix B Neshaminy Creek Crossing Project report). These restoration enhancement concepts include wetland and vernal pool creation, reforestation, and shoreline erosion control. State Park officials have prioritized shoreline erosion control with wetland restoration, and have pursued grant funding starting with the area of erosion on the upriver boundary of the Park. Uplift of 5 for R-20, Redevelopment Authority Bucks County at Waterside: Several parcels along the Delaware River are being developed (Waterside Development). Floodplain and intertidal wetlands along the river s edge have been preserved as a community park with public riverfront access. Opportunities exist to enhance and restore these intertidal wetlands and the adjacent shoreline vegetation. Uplift of 5 for R-1, Salem Harbour: This property includes shoreline where Poquessing Creek flows into the Delaware River. Opportunities exist to restore turf grass areas that are not in active use (e.g. allow for native meadows and expansion of river s edge forest). Areas of erosion along the riverbank could also be stabilized and restored with living shoreline (e.g. mix of vegetation and anchored logs). Uplift of 4 for R-37, Torresdale Manor Improvement Association: Stabilization of this sloped river edge area could be improved by planting native trees and shrubs that reduce erosion and provide shoreline habitat. An intertidal wetland is present in the shoreline area in front of the parcel, buffered by adjacent Mud Island. Uplift of 4 for R-12, Andalusia Foundation: This parcel has a restoration uplift score of 4 assuming revegetation of shoreline and upland field areas. However, such restoration opportunities may be limited by the parcel s status as a maintained historical estate. Uplift of 4 for R-29, Grupp Family LTD Part: This residential parcel s uplift score is based on the presence of a forested wetland; a site visit is required to confirm the uplift potential. Uplift of 3 for 23 additional parcels: Additional ecological restoration opportunities exist where enhancements to wetlands, tributary streams, and woodlands could be promoted. Examples include: A small tributary originating in Bucks County Park goes under State Road and flows across multiple parcels before discharging into the Delaware River near the Torresdale Manor Improvement Association. The stream is partially embedded in a concrete channel as it traverses riverfront properties along Tennis Avenue (e.g. parcels R-6 to R-8). The natural stream channel could be restored in this reach, along with enhancements to stream-side woodlands. Several emergent and forested wetland areas present in the study area include those associated with 1) Bucks County Parkland and Andalusia 2) west of Street Road in the industrial park complex (U- 25, U-26, and U-27), and 3) Delaware River frontage on existing and proposed Waterside Development parcels, and 4) along Neshaminy Creek (See Figure 15 AD Marble Aquatic Resource map). Ecological restoration potential exists where these wetlands can be enhanced, expanded, and connected. Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 33

34 Tributary of Neshaminy Creek Marshall Ln Winks Ln Haunted Ln/Totem Rd Neshaminy Creek Wetlands Street-State Road Parcels Street Rd State Rd Neshaminy Creek Bucks County Parkland & Andalusia Station Ave State Rd X:\Projects\P PEC\PEC-Greenway Mapping\MXD\AquaticResources.mxd May 17, 2016 mrodenberger 0 1,800 Feet Poquessing Creek State Rd Tennis Ave Project Study Area Tax Parcels Streams/Rivers State Rd NWI Categories Freshwater Emergent Wetland Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland Freshwater Pond Waterside Development FEMA 100-Year Floodplain Delaware River Data Source: USFWS NWI 2015, FEMA 2013, PASDA Figure Bensalem 15. Bensalem Greenway Greenway Aquatic Resources Map Aquatic Resources Map Bensalem Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania Bensalem Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania Imagery Source: Bensalem GIS Pennsylvania Environmental Council

35 Task 2. Landowner Outreach and Engagement Landowner outreach and engagement has been conducted, with the goal of identifying landowners interested in pursuing ecological restoration and stewardship projects. Where such interest is expressed, PEC is pursuing ecological restoration design and construction actions. This outreach work has focused on properties that have a higher potential for ecological restoration. Consideration is also given on land that is accessible to the public, with the goal of enhancing user experience with the greenway trail. PEC outreach to date has focused on the larger, public-owned lands along the greenway including Bucks County Parks and Neshaminy State Park. PEC has also kept the Andalusia Foundation informed of the potential alignment of the greenway on Andalusia lands, and opportunities for ecological restoration near the trail. PEC has also shared details of the ecological restoration screening process with Bensalem Township, which is actively engaged with both the greenway development and Bensalem Riverfront Master Plan. PEC has also sought to engage other private landowners through letters and invitations to public meetings. Landowner outreach highlights include: PEC met with Bucks County Parks Department to review the trail plans and discuss opportunities for ecological restoration on Park property, including uplands along State Road and on the river s edge. PEC presented to Bucks County Park the idea of preparing Coastal Zone Management or other grants for an ecological restoration plan for the upland forested wetlands near the proposed greenway trail, and/or for riverfront tidal wetlands. Bucks County Parks is interested in focusing first on the river s edge. PEC and Bucks County tentatively agreed to collaborate on a grant that addresses Delaware River shoreline stabilization and restoration work, one of the prioritized ecological restoration goals. Exploratory collaboration on a Coastal Zone Management grant has led to the Park investigating how a living shoreline restoration can complement their shoreline stabilization needs. PEC followed up with Neshaminy State Park on the previous ecological restoration assessment work done for the 2013 Neshaminy Creek Crossing Feasibility Study. PEC met with state and regional DCNR officials to prioritize the proposed restoration opportunities. The Park s first priority is to stabilize and restore eroded areas along the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek. PEC developed a 2015 Growing Greener grant proposal for a shoreline restoration project on the up-river section of the park that was not awarded funding. PEC is continuing to work with the park to pursue funding for a shoreline stabilization project around the Neshaminy State Park boat ramp. PEC met with Bensalem Township regarding its Riverfront Master Plan development process, and shared preliminary ecological assessment data with the Township. The Riverfront Master Plan calls for a T-1 Natural Transect Zone with reserved open space areas. These parcels contain wetlands that can be enhanced, restored, and connected with adjacent upland and river s edge resources. PEC continues to explore restoration opportunities that complement the Township s redevelopment plans. PEC has kept the Andalusia Foundation informed of wetland delineation work on their property and the proposed location of the greenway trail. In addition to multiple visits to upland Andalusia parcels north of State Road, PEC visited the Foundation s Delaware Riverfront property to assess restoration opportunities. We have suggested the pursuit of ecological restoration work aligned with the greenway trail development but have not initiated grant proposal activities. PEC met with Natural Lands Trust regarding a Master Planning effort just now being initiated for this area that will explore additional public access to natural and historical resources. PEC is seeking to incorporate the results of this ecological assessment study with the Natural Lands Master Plan with the goal of catalyzing restoration work on upland and shoreline areas. When meeting with the Andalusia Foundation, PEC also met with the owner of the adjacent Biddle property. This property in turn borders Bucks County Parkland, where a freshwater wetland has been created by water backing up behind a sea wall. The property owner expressed an interest in working with Bucks County Parks on more purposive living shoreline restoration efforts. PEC visited the Waterside development property early in the study, focusing on the river front park that is being incorporated into the development that includes intertidal wetlands. PEC provided the property owner with the study results and has offered to support waterfront restoration efforts as the development moves forward. Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 35

36 PEC was contacted by the Torresdale Manor Improvement Association based on our letter query. PEC discussed shoreline re-vegetation strategies with the Association s representative and send brochures and other information on native plant species adaptable to shoreline areas. A Salem Harbour maintenance staffer attending PEC s November 29, 2017, public meeting expressed an interest in the living shoreline concepts presented at the meeting. PEC will follow up with this representative and the Salem Harbour Regional Manager to further discuss restoration concepts such as living shorelines and native meadows. The above and other landowners with the higher priority restoration projects identified in this report were contacted by letter and invited to learn more about this initiative and the restoration opportunities present on their properties. PEC has offered to conduct additional site visits with interested landowners. This outreach will continue as the trail development process moves forward. A public outreach meeting in Bensalem Township was held at Neshaminy State Park on October 12, 2017, to present the draft report s findings and gather additional landowner/public comments. A meeting was held on October 19, 2017, with State Representative DiGirolamo and State Senator Tomlinson to present report findings. A second public meeting occurred at Glen Foerd on the Delaware on November 29, 2017, and a third public meeting was held at Silver Lake Nature Center on December 6, This draft final report was prepared based on input and comments received from the Committee and other stakeholders. Committee and public meeting notes are compiled in Appendix I. The report will be finalized after a final DCNR review. STEPS TO FINALIZE DRAFT FINAL REPORT This draft final report documents the work done under Tasks 1 and 2. Maps of ecological resources, land ownership, and other features relevant to ecological restoration are included. Priority restoration projects are proposed based on the ranking of habitat, site-wide, and recreational criteria. Initial actions to pursue ecological restoration projects are summarized. A preliminary version of this report was made available to members of the Advisory Committee, landowners, and other stakeholders. 36 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

37 Attachments/Appendices Appendix A. Bensalem Greenway Ecological Restoration Advisority Committee Appendix B. Neshaminy State Park Ecological Enhancement Design Concepts Appendix C. Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Invetory (PINDI) Receipts & Agency Review Letters Appendix D. Philadelphia Water Assessment of Shoreline Ecological Restoration Appendix E. Wetland Deliniation Maps Appendix F. Army Corps of Engineers WetlandJurisdictional Determination Appendix G. AD Marble Bog Turtle Report Appendix H. Detailed Score Sheet Appendix I. Stakeholder and Public Meeting Notes Tables Figures Figure 1. Bensalem Greenway Study Area Figure 2. Bensalem Greenway Natural Heritage Areas Figure 3. Bensalem Greenway Proposed Trails Figure 4. Bucks County Future Land Use Figure 5. Bensalem Greenway Land Use Figure 6. Bensalem 2018 Waterfront Master Plan Figure 7. Bensalem Greenway Parcels Included in Study Figure 8. Bensalem Greenway Wetland & Ecological Analysis Figure 9. Total site scores based on current conditions Figure 10. Habitat higher-ranking sites Figure 11. Site wide higher ranking sites Figure 12. Recreational higher ranking sites Figure 13. Total site scores for upland parcels based on current conditions Figure 14. Ecological restoration opportunities based on uplift scores Figure 15. Bensalem Greenway Aquatic Resources Map Table 1. GIS & Map Resources Table 2. Site Visits Table 3. Ecological Restoration Site Screening Criteria Table 4: Habitat Scoring Factors Table 5: Site-Wide Scoring Factors Table 6: Recreation Scoring Factors Table 7: Ecological Restoration Techniques Bensalem Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report 37

38 References Philadelphia North Delaware River Greenway Ecological Assessment and Prioritization Report, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, November 2009 Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program Interactive Map accessed March 2015 and April 2016 Bucks County, Pennsylvania Natural Areas Inventory Update, Report prepared for the Bucks County Commissioners, by Ann F. Rhoads and Timonthy A. Block, Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, March 2011 Bucks County Open Space and Greenways Plan, Bucks County Planning Commission, 2011 Tidal Delaware River Water Trail Map and Guide, Trenton-to-Philadelphia Section (River Miles ) and Philadelphia Section (River Miles ). Bensalem Greenway Master Plan, Prepared for Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Bensalem Township, by Pennoni Associates, Inc., September 2012 Lower Delaware River Conservation Plan, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, September 1999 Bucks County Waterfront Revitalization Plan, Prepared for Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County, Bucks County, and the six Bucks County Delaware Riverfront Boroughs and Townships, by HNTB Corporation, February 2005 Bensalem Township Open Space Plan, for Bensalem Township, by Schoor Depalma, Inc., (2002 with 2010 updates). Bucks County Comprehensive Plan, Bucks County Planning Commission, 2011 Neshaminy Creek Crossing Project East Coast Greenway (ECG) Feasibility Study & Ecological Assessment, for Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Redevelopment Authority of the County of Bucks, by Urban Engineers, Inc. and Conestoga-Rovers and Associates, December 2013 Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) Project Environmental Review Receipts: o For Bensalem Greenway study area, April 9, 2013 o For State Road alignment, January 23, 2014 o For Bensalem Greenway Trail Alignment, Section B, Segment 10 & 11, November 6, 2015 Bensalem Waterfront Master Plan (Bensalem 2018 Regulating Code for River Renaissance in New Bensalem), electronic version provided by Matt Takita of Bensalem Township 38 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

39 Appendix A. Bensalem Greenway Ecological Restoration Advisory Committee Advisory Committee Matt Takita, Director of Building and Planning Bensalem Township Municipal Building Meghan Rogalus, Watershed Specialist Bucks County Conservation District Rea Monaghan, Environmental Planner Bucks County Planning Commission Jeff Darwak, Deputy Director Redevelopment Authority of the County of Bucks Drew Gilchrist, SE PA Regional Adviser Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources Replaced by Jessica Lynch in 2017 Cindy Ferguson, Director of Development Pennsylvania Environmental Council (Bensalem resident and Poquessing Stream Keeper) Kept informed of Advisory Committee Activities William Mitchell, Executive Director Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation Bill Haas The Pen Ryn Estate James Biddle, Executive Director Andalusia Foundation Andy Hamilton, Mid Atlantic Trail Coordinator East Coast Greenway Josh Moody, Restoration Coordinator Partnership for the Delaware Estuary Lorraine Skala, Education Director Silver Lake Nature Center Josh Swartley, Manager Neshaminy State Park Replaced by Brian Health in 2017 Appendix A

40 Appendix B. Neshaminy State Park Ecological Enhancement Design Concepts 40 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

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42 42 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

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51 Appendix C. Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PINDI) Receipts & Agency Review Letters Appendix C

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55 PNDI Project Environmental Review Receipt Project Search ID: PROJECT INFORMATION Project Name: Bensalem Date of review: 1/23/2014 1:04:46 PM Project Category: Recreation,Trails & Trailheads (parking, etc.) Project Area: acres County: Bucks Township/Municipality: Bensalem Quadrangle Name: BEVERLY ~ ZIP Code: Decimal Degrees: N, W Degrees Minutes Seconds: 40 3' 53.1" N, ' 43.3" W 2. SEARCH RESULTS Agency Results Response PA Game Commission Potential Impact FURTHER REVIEW IS REQUIRED, See Agency Response PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Potential Impact FURTHER REVIEW IS REQUIRED, See Agency Response PA Fish and Boat Commission Potential Impact FURTHER REVIEW IS REQUIRED, See Agency Response U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service No Known Impact No Further Review Required As summarized above, Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) records indicate there may be potential impacts to threatened and endangered and/or special concern species and resources within the project area. If the response above indicates "No Further Review Required" no additional communication with the respective agency is required. If the response is "Further Review Required" or "See Agency Response," refer to the appropriate agency comments below. Please see the DEP Information Section of this receipt if a PA Department of Environmental Protection Permit is required. Page 1 of 7 Appendix C

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65 Appendix D. Philadelphia Water Assessment of Shoreline Ecological Restoration Appendix D

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67 Appendix E. Wetland Delineation Maps Appendix E

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70 Appendix F. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Jurisdictional Determination 70 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

71 Appendix F

72 72 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

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74 Appendix G. AD Marble Bog Turtle Report 74 Pennsylvania Environmental Council

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79 Appendix G