Raystown/HBT Greenway Initiative

Greenways are linear, natural corridors within which historical, recreational and natural resources are conserved and may be utilized by the public.

Greenways may include land or river trails for recreational use and for educational interpretation of resources.

Unique habitats
Wetlands
Migration routes for wildlife
Riparian forest buffers — areas of stream bank vegetation that shield rivers from soil erosion and sedimentation that originates from agriculture or industry
View sheds — large, easily visible areas of significant scenic and aesthetic value

· River trails — sections of river that have public access points and can be used for fishing, canoeing, boating, rafting and kayaking
· Land trails — can be used for hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and motorized vehicle transportation

· Remnants of old transportation features, abandoned railroads, bridges, tunnels, and canals
· Significant historical buildings

Recently, a number of positive changes have been occurring along the Raystown Branch. Historical buildings are being preserved and water quality enhancements are being made. The Raystown Branch Juniata River Water Trail has been developed and promoted. In addition to these many projects, the Juniata Clean Water Partnership (JCWP) conducted a PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Greenway Plan for the Raystown Branch which has been completed in December, 2001. Greenways are “linear, natural corridors within which natural, historical, and recreational resources are conserved and often utilized by the public”. Therefore, this plan outlines existing resources, as well as specific projects that could enhance these resources within Raystown Branch communities.

Some of the examples of greenway-related resources include: locally or regionally significant historical buildings or landmarks; biologically important areas; nature or rail-trails; and municipal or community parks. Some specific examples of greenway-related projects are: stream bank conservation; sound land use; water quality improvements; historical building preservation; land or water trail development; and recreational park development.

Please join in and get involved in all of the positive changes occurring along this significant corridor of land and water. To do so, contact the JCWP at (814) 506-1190 or at [email protected] or attend one of the Raystown/Huntingdon & Broad Top Greenway Partnership meetings listed on our Calendar of Events page.

Following is a list of components that will be included within the plan.

Juniata Woolen Mill

Greenway Feasibility Study/Plan Components

Ø      Natural Areas (such as state parks and game lands)
Ø      Topography
Ø      Geology
Ø      Soils
Ø      Land Use
Ø      Environmentally Impacted Streams and Land

Ø      State Heritage Parks
Ø      Historic Sites and Districts
Ø      Historic Engineering and Industrial Sites
Ø      Other Locally Significant Resources

Ø      All Publicly Accessible Lands (federal, state, or local)
Ø      Land Trails and Trailheads
Ø      River Trails and Points of River Access

Ø      Researching Land Ownership
Ø      Ethical Land Management Partnerships
Ø      Conservation Easements

Ø      Ecological Impacts
Ø      Social Impacts
Ø      Economic Impacts
Ø      Demand and Use
Ø      Costs
Ø      Benefit vs. Cost Analysis

Ø      Land Conservation
Ø      Riparian Forest Buffer Establishment
Ø      Development of River Trails and Points of Access
Ø      Completion of County Natural Heritage Inventories
Ø      Formation/Further Development of Corridor’s Greenway Alliance

Ø      Options
Ø      Measures and Approaches
Ø      Potential Partners
Ø      Funding Options
Ø      Timetables