Rocky Brushy Creek Watershed Mgmt. Plan (2007) -- Part 2

EXISTING NATURAL SYSTEMS CONDITIONS8.6.3 Greenways and TrailsSubsection 260.012(1) (2) F.S. (The Florida Greenways and Trails Act) defines “greenways” aslinear open space established along either a natural corridor such as a riverfront, stream valley, orridgeline, or over land along a railroad right-of-way converted to recreational use, a canal, a scenicroad or other route; any natural or landscaped course for pedestrian of bicycle passage; an openspace connector linking parks, nature reserves, cultural features, or historic sites with each otherand populated areas; or a local strip or linear park designated as parkway or greenbelt. The samestatute defines “trails” as a linear corridor and any adjacent support parcel on land or waterproviding public access for recreation or authorized alternative modes of transportation.Greenways can be hard surfaced pathways that permit different recreational uses such as walking,jogging, skating, and biking, or they can be natural corridors with a simple path along a stream orriverbank. Many greenways connect destination points such as parks, libraries, schools, andshopping areas. A utility or drainage ROW, or an abandoned railroad corridor can be converted toa pedestrian bike or walkway. Conservation areas protecting a community’s natural resources suchas rivers, streams, wetlands, wildlife, and floodways are often included in greenways. Greenwaysbenefit the community in many ways by providing opportunities for recreation and alternativetransportation, improving environmental protection, providing places for environmental education,and stimulating economic development.In the Rocky/Brushy Creek Watershed, there are several existing and proposed trails, greenways,and preserves. Existing trails include: (1) the Upper Tampa Bay Trail that has been constructedalong Channel A north to Race Track Road and (2) the Town ‘N Country Greenway from SheldonRoad east along Channel G to Town ‘N Country Park, most of which is in the Lower SweetwaterCreek Watershed.Proposed trails and greenways include: (1) the Northdale – Lake Park Trail, (2) the NorthwestRegional Connector Trail; (3) the extension of the Upper Tampa Bay Trail north to the SuncoastTrail north of Lutz-Lake Fern Road; (4) greenway from the Dale Mabry Highway/Ehrlich Roadintersection north to Sheldon Road; (5) greenway from the Linebaugh Avenue/Gunn Highwayintersection west to the Upper Tampa Bay Trail, thence to Race Track Road; (6) greenway fromLake Park to Northdale.Proposed preserves include the riparian system associated with two reaches of Rocky Creek: (1)from Lake Armistead south to Channel A; and (2) from Lake Park south to Old Tampa Bay.Funding sources for the development of greenways and trails are available from:1. Recreational Trails Program - The Recreational Trails Program (RCT) is a federallycompetitive grant program that provides, renovates, or maintains recreational trails. TheIntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act ISTEA) of 1991 included the NationalRecreational Trails Fund Act (NRTFA) and established the National Recreational Trails8-46Rocky/Brushy Creek Watershed Management Plan