The following projects (quotations in italics) are listed as actions in the Patapsco Heritage Greenway, Inc. draft Management Plan. According to public testimony, these projects have already been approved by the Park Service with no public review. As part of the approved Management Plan, they could be funded and carried out as soon as the Certification of the Heritage Area is complete.
Construction projects:
These include constructing an overlook above the Thomas Viaduct, constructing riverfront parks, and constructing numerous trails, trailheads, and parking facilities.
- PHG is currently partnering with Patapsco Valley State Park (MD DNR) to create a viewing area from which visitors can see the viaduct and read about its history.
- Action 2.4.3d Collaborate with Patapsco Valley State Park (PVSP) (MD DNR) and CSX to develop a viewing platform for the Thomas Viaduct (page 201).
- Of particular interest will be exploring opportunities for additional riverfront parks along the Patapsco River (page 203).
- Action 4.4.1d Explore opportunities for riverfront parks within the heritage area; support efforts to fund, plan, and develop riverfront parks at identified locations.
- Action 4.2.1c Collaborate with heritage partners to develop a trail link to Ellicott City via the trestle bridge.
- Action 4.2.1a Collaborate with heritage partners to develop a trail link from Oella to Ellicott City.
- Linking Heritage Area Experiences
- Action 4.2.1b Collaborate with heritage partners to develop a trail link from Frederick Road (MD 144) to Illchester.
- Action 4.2.1d Collaborate with heritage partners to develop a sidewalk on Oella Avenue, linking Banneker Park to the No. 9 Trolley Trail.
- Action 4.2.1f Collaborate with Catonsville Rails to Trails to further develop hiking/biking trail enhancements in the greater Catonsville area.
- Action 4.2.1h Support efforts to provide a trail linking the heritage area with BWI Airport.
- Action 4.2.1i Collaborate with Patapsco Valley State Park (PVSP) (MD DNR) to develop a recreational trail link from Avalon to the Baltimore Harbor.
- Adequate Parking to Accommodate Visitors Seeking to Enjoy Heritage Recreation Experiences
- Action 4.2.1g Collaborate with the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, Patapsco Valley State Park (PVSP) (MD DNR), and Friends of PVSP to examine options for providing ecologically sensitive trail and biking links to Patapsco Valley State Park; explore options for funding projects; include high priority projects in annual work plans or in the five-year plan.
- Action 4.2.1e Collaborate with Patapsco Valley State Park (PVSP) (MD DNR) to develop an ecologically sensitive loop trail.
- Action 4.2.1j Inventory trailhead parking facilities on all trails; assess parking issues; establish priorities for addressing issues; and explore funding options to address issues.
- Management actions by heritage partners, and supported by PHG, will address chronic trail management issues where they currently exist and provide new trail links that will enhance connectivity and the general recreation experience throughout the valley. PHG will work with its partners to ensure that best management practices for trail design, construction, and maintenance are used; this will ensure that potential adverse impacts to the heritage area’s resources associated with trail development and use are mitigated.
Land Acquisition:
- supporting state funding for land acquisition by MD DNR in Patapsco Valley State Park with emphasis on properties that have historic significance
- PHG will also focus on working with partners to permanently protect lands of conservation interest, particularly lands that
can be added to existing parks for which public access is possible.