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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8 Arboretum and Lick Creek Park DesignLick Creek Parks Rules 1. Stay on Trails 2. Do not cross fences 3. Advertising is prohibited 4. Park closes at dark. 5. Dogs must be under voice control. 6. All wildlife is protected. 7. 1t is unlawful to litter 8. It is unlawful to cut or destroy vegetation. 9. All vehicles must park in designated areas. I 0. All fireanns, airguns, crossbows, bows & arrows are prohibited. l J. No campfires 12 . No Camping 13. No off-road vehicles LICK CREEK PARK TRAILS • • • • • Deer Run, Crushed Stone/Pedestrian, Equestrian/Bike Iron Bridge Trail , Natural/Pedestrian, Equestrian/Bi ke Post Oak Trail , Natural Stone/Pedestrian , Equestri an/Bike Raccoon Run , Natural/Pedestrian Yaupon Loop , Natural/Pedestrian 1.64 Miles 1.19 Miles .89Mile .83 Mile .40 Mile ~ Points of Interest: CD Homestead Site @ OldRoad @Old Field © West Prairie ®Old Field ® Tillandsia Oak <.J) Plandera Slough ® Mikania Swamp ® Bottomlands @ Homestead/East Prairie @Mesa @ Sedge Mcdow .•'·.•', ,·, ,•,•.•,·.· 't " .>' ''' A -Guide To The Plants of The Brazos County Arboretum Revised Karch 1991 A GUIDE TO THE PLANTS OF THE !3RAZOS COUIHY ARBORETUM By Ed McWi 11 i ams The arboretum was founded in 1976 as part of the U.S.A. Bicentennial celebration. Several sites were considered; but thisl7 ac:e.tract seemed to offer the greatest variety of plants, access- ability and long-term security. The College Station City Council designated that this area will be used as an arboretum, i.e., a place where trees and shrubs are cultivated for educational and scientific purposes. The arboretum emphasizes native Texas plants. Trails of the arboretum commonly follow old channels of Bee Creek. It is now confined to a recently deeply dredged channel that for:ns the south boundary of the arboretum . Water oak is probably the mostcono :'on tree, with post oak and elms in drier portions. Yaupon, an evergreen holly, is the dominant shrub. Rabbits and raccoons are common in the arboretum, and tracks can usually be seen in the mud near water. Several including cooperheads, have been seen in the area as well variety of birds and other animals have been obse~ved here dicated on the following page. raccoon snakes, as a as in- The following guide lists the more common woody plants of The Brazos County Arboret~m arid a few herbaceous species. Many recently-planted species are not included on this list as well as mo:e t~an 100 species of grasses, sedges, and wild flowers. This guide is written primarily for beginning students. For more detailed information on the plants, the reader is referred to the bibliography at the end of the list. Numbered markers along cleared trails relate to nu1:ib P r~d plant-~escriptio~s in this guide. A centerfold map shows location of trails. To view plants in the order of the guide (l-56) the rule is "take the right hand route at trail intersections".' A few exceptions are noted in the guide . 15 BIBLIOGRAPHY Gould, F. W. 1975. Texas Plants; A 1 Texas Agricultural Experiment Sti Hai s l et , John A. Ed . l 9 6 3 . Forest Ti Service . College Station, Texas . Correll, Donovan S. and Johnston, Mar~ Vascular Plants of Texas. Texas Rickett, Hilliam H. 1970. Wild FlowE Texas. McGraw-Hill. N.Y. Vines, Robert A. 1960. Trees, Shrubs University of Texas Press. Austin ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Many people have assisted in the Arboretum including the College Statio The Texas A&M University Departmentsof Range Science, Recreation & Parks as w1 Garden Clubs, and civic leaders. Orig supported by The Oaks Garden Club. Dr. John Haislett of the Texas Fo1 of illustrations from the Forest Trees Lynne Thompson provided several or brochure. Dr. E. J. Dyksterhuis contributed identifying plants of the arboretum and FOR MORE INFORMATI City of College St ··' 'rm, Dept. Par ........ ' .... :.; '-.... ; ,, . . . . .. . ... : .. ~ ..... •, . ; ; . .; .. 14 ~ leucotricha) (Dichanthelium oligosanthes) TO DEPRESSION (DECREASERS) arahnifera) loua curtipendula) Official STATE um anceps) bergia capillaris) zachyrium scoparium) Local ecotype orghastrum nutans) gon gerardi) palum floridanum) virgatum) ipsacum dactyloides) pogon glomeratus) ·i dens std ctu2) • ·:·· .• . '.·>> .· . .:.;.-•.. ; •.... ii Wildlife Observed at the Arboretum Birds Green Heron Black Vulture Turkey Vulture Bobwhite Killdeer Spotted Sandpiper Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo Barn Owl Barred Owl Ruby-throated Hummingbird Chimney Swift Belted Kingfisher Co1TJT1on Fl i eke r Red-headed Woodpecker Downy ~foodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Barn Swallow Purple Martin Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Blue Jay Common Crow Carolina Chickadee Caro 1 i na Wren Mockingl>ird Eastern M~adowlark Common Grackle Great-tailed Grackle Brown-headed Cowbirds Cardinal Mammals Eastern Cottontail Raccoon Fox Squi rre 1 Hispid Cotton Rat Oppossum Striped Skunk Reptiles & Amphibians Rough Green .Snake Texas Brown Snake Speckled Kingsnake Ribbon Snake Copperhead Red-eared Turtle Map Turtle Ornate Box Turtle Three-toed Box Turtle Mississippi Mud Turtle Common Snapping Turtle Ground Skink Broad-headed Skink Five-lined Ski ·nk Fence Swift Green Anole Leopard Frog Gulf Coast Toad Pond Life Bluegill Bull head White Crappie Largemouth Bass Shad Blackstripe Topminnow Gambusia Dragonfly nymphs Mayfly 1 arvae Crayfish i i i In addition to marked plants, the following unmarked plants may be found. Many were recently planted and may not survive. They are not described in this ARBORETUM GUIDE. After viewing a numbered plant, these species should appear adjacent to a numbered plant or along trail to next number. 3a COMMON SASSAFRAS. Sassafras alhidum. to left of bridge 3b HAZEL ALDER. Alnus serrulata. · to left of bridge 3c NORTHERN CATALPA. Catalpa speciosa. aearby on right 4a BUR OAK. Quercus macroca~~a. 30' to right 4b WILLOW OAK. Quercus phellos. 12' to right 4c FLORIDA MAPLE. /\cer barbatum. (2) 20 & 30' to right 4d EASTERN REDBUD. Cercis canadensis. 12' to right 4e ORIENTAL ARBORVITAE. Pl~tvcladus Orientalis 2' to right Sa WHITE OAK . Quercus alba. 3' to side Sb SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA (see v1ho le No. S4) to right 6a COMMON PERS IMt10N. Di ospyros vi rgi ni ana. to right 7a ANAQUA. Ehretia anacua. nearby lla QUIHOU PRIVET. Ligustrum guihoui. adjoins trail on Rt. l6a RUSTY BLACKHAW. Viburnum rufidulum. adjoins trail on Rt. l 7a DRUMMOND RED MAPLE. Acer rubrum drummondii. upslope NE l7b EASTERN REDBUD. Cerc..,.-SC-anadensis. downslope, nearby 17c CAROLINA BUCKTH6RN. Rhamnus caroliniana. downslope, SW ~9a . RIVER BIRCH. Betula nigr~. SW creek bank l 9b OVERCUP Oak. QuercuSTYrata. S~I creek bank 22a TULIPTREE. Liriodendron tuli~ifera. NOTE : 22a-22f 22b SHAGBARK HICKORY. Carya ovata. are not on the 22c DURAND OAK. Quercus durancfiT-:-trial des·cri bed 22d Unknown Hickory (C. texana or cordiformis) in the 22e BUR OAK. Quercus macrocarpa. TRAIL 22f LAUREL OAK. Quercus laurifolia. GUIDE 22g AMERICAN HORNBEAM. (blueb~ech). Carpinus caroliniana near 23 23a AMERICAN SYCAMORE. Platanus occidentalfs .. to Rt. toward creek 24a AMERICAN ELM. Ulmus americana. ~ -large, Nl·I, not close 25a CORKSCRE\(WILLOW . Salix matusdana tortuosa'. off bridge, left 30a GREEN HAWTHORN. Crataegus viridis. on trial at left bend 33a WOOLLYBUCKET BUMELIA . Bumelia lanuginosa. in grassy glade (3) 33b VIRGINIA CREEPER . Parthenocissus quinquefolia. Near 34 33c SEVENLEAF CREEPER. Parthenocissus heptaphylla. Nearer 34 Sla NORTHERN CATALPA. ~atalpa speciosa. 3, in line to Rt. Slb PECAN. Carya illinoinensis. To Rt., s ma ll S6a FL OWERING CRABAPPLE . Malus s pectabili s. N. to Rt . of s i gn . ··.;.·. :-:· 13 GRAMINETUM ( G Native Perennial G~ Climax Vegetation on Le This collection was established in noted North American range ecologist. These, with scattered squatty oaks, savannah rangeland of uplands, found her First are 10 species, spaced at fou in relative amount with close grazing an 1 (Increasers). · Next are 12 species, spaced at four depression, that decreased under these Sc These are the more valuable forage speciE here. Under ideal rangeland management the lost to the increasers; and, lost to wee~ (Invaders). This process of self-healing cession by ecologists . FIRST 10 IN ROH FROM TRAIL l. Purpletop (Tri dens f~avus) 2 . Broom se dge Bluestem (Andropogon ~ 3 . Silv er Blue s tem (Bothriochola sac 4. Thiri Pas palum (Paspalum setaceum) S. Br own s e e d Pa s palum (Paspalum Ql~ 6 . Gapin g Pa nicum (Punicum hians) 7 . Splitbeard Bluestem (Andropogon tE 8 . Re d Lovegr a ss (Eragrostis secundi1 -: !; ...... . -12- rlandulosa. Shrub or small ves. The creamy white flowers i i. Leaves 2 or 3 in a bundle ;cending in tight broomlike clusters. lative as far west as Louisiana; tation in Texas pinelands. trifoliata. Shrub or small tree ~n s. The tri fo 1io1 ate 1 eaves a re ts and white fl owe rs. This ted and is too young to flower. )es from cultivation . ia grandiflora. Although not , this species is one of the most il trees in the world. Native S., the shiny evergreen leaves, r ight red seeds make this large This small specimen will not r four years older. tissima. An oriental oak 50 ft. The oblong leaves have eth. Sawtooth oak is not t it appears to be well xas area. _,· .. -1- FROM SHELTER TAKE TRAIL WESlWARD: BRIDGE AND CREEK TO LEFT. 1. GOLDEN RAINTREE. Koelreuteria paniculata. This tree comes to us from China . The fruit pods suggest the name of Chinese Lantern Tree. Clusters of small yellow flowers in early summer. (Planted by "I Have A Dream" Garden Club of Bryan, TX 1980) 2. MEXICAN PLUM. Prunus mexicana. Several specimens of this native plum may be seen in the arboretum. Although the tree reaches 30 feet, most Mexican plums in the Brazos Valley are less than 20 feet. The leaves are ova 1, the upper surface dull green. Fl owe rs are white, 1 inch in dia- meter appear- ing before the 1 eaves in March. !~~o:~u~~u~~ ~~·~ -· and is dark purplish in August or September. 3. BLACK \HLLOW. Salix nigra .. & EASTERN COTTONWOOD (poplar) .. Po~ulus deltoides. See tops of tall trees in background; the wil ow to left with long narrow finely toothed leaves, and the cottonwood to right with broad triangular leaves. . .. 4. POISONIVY . Rhus toxicodendron. Learn! But, Don't Touch! Displayed on the trunks of two large trees is the fonn with aerial roots . Note the 3-parted leaves here, as well as on slender stems in the ground cover. Both fonns are common throughout the arboretum near the cleared trails. CATCLAW GREENBRIAR. Smilax bona-nox. A woody green-stemmed vine climbing by tendrils. Also common throughout. 5. AMERICAN ELDER (elderberry}. Sambucus canadensis. Shrub or rarely a small tree native throughout the eastern U.S .A. The white flowers appearing in mid-May are followed by black fruit . The fr uit is used in pies, wines, and jellies. Many species of bir ds use the elderberry for food through- out the summe r . ' I ----""""~ r h >n n P I . q o ar.e~ beyond 1a r ker #5 . -{.- AT FIRST BRIDGE. THREE NATIVE SPECIES OF ELMS. 6. WINGED ELM. Ulmus alata. A young tree with corky "wings" on branches. See drawing. Often a large tree locally. SLIPPERY ELM. U. rubra. A young tree just---Upstream with much longer leaves. CEDAR ELM. U. crassifolia. Just beyond bridge on left. With very small, blunt leaves. It blooms in the fall. The others bloom in spring before leaves appear. The first fruits are samaras. 7. CACTUS COLLECTION. A project of The Evening Garden Club. Many species of cacti occur in Texas. They all have colorful flowers. Noted for thickened green stems and variety of spines. TAKE TRAIL TO LEFT 8. WATER OAK. Quercus nigra. The most common large tree along streams in College Station and Bryan. The \·1ater oak has leaves that are lobed on young trees but they are generally spoon-shaped on older trees. The catkins of male flowers appear in March and acorns develop throughout the summer and early fa 11. Several specimens of this fast growing tree are labeled throughout the arboretum. 9. DECIDUOUS HOLLY. !lex decidua. Shrub or small tree to 30 feet. The bright red or orange berries make this a popular native ornamental plant. At least 9 species of birds feed on the fruit s during the fall and winter . The spoon-shaped leaves have fine teeth along the margin. Deciduous holly is frequently fr•1nr1 >long streams. l u. Ligustrum quihoui. An exotic woody pl a nt f rom China that i s escaping f rom cultivat i on. The plant was no t planted h e r e iH ld wa s probably s pread by birds. s~v p r ;, 1 other J.i P ·,1ct-..-•. ~ ---· ----- -11- 4 7. COt1fv()N BAL DCYP RESS. Taxodi um dis ti un 1 i ke true cypress, l t is not This tree is found along rivers and streams from cen- tra 1 Texas to the east coast . The light green, 2- ranked feathery leaves turn a reddish-brown in the fall. Bald cypress wood is very durable. TAKE TRAIL WESTWARD. IliNORE DIM TRAIL TO , 48. HONEY LOCUST. Gleditsia triacanthos . pinnate leaves and long pods (lE the fall. Wild trees are found alone land forests. A thomless cultivate( 49. BAGPOD SESBANIA. Sesbania vesicaria. annua 1 legume to about 6 feet ta flowers appear in late sunmer. The s wet places in late March. 50. SOUTHERN CRABAPPLE. Malus angustifol small tree may eventually grow ti The small, narrowly-elliptic leaves hi leaf margin. Flowers are white to pit (pomes) are yellowish-green. In wood! east Texas and the southern U.S. YOU HAVE A CHOICE HERE. TAKE ONE OR ALL THF Ahead toward interior is the GRAMINETL Back on outside trail is the PINE PLAN Continue along trail toward shelter, b .:.:· ... -10- a scandens. A vigorous 1posite heart-shaped leaves. The in July. You may never see :itae family. Con1110n along 1enerally infrequent. below trail and RATTLEBOX : into ponded area. 1vine). Berchemia scandens. ~ vine w1th smooth green stem has 1reen flowers open in Apri 1 fo 1- t that many birds feed upon. ~ used in making wickerware. ~ green ash was severely damaged ioining stump was al so the product son ivy on the tree. occidentalis. These shrubs, grow- 1 of· the pond, have opposite ovate 1ves. IS d · :ica. The marker faces a small .ack into ponded area. Note large on stalks about 2 inches long . ' 30 meters ta 11 , with a trunk 1se as in Bal dcypress. 0 RO. 47. -3- 11. St-DOTH SUMAC. Rhus glabra. A thicket-forming shrub or small · tree. Leaves pinnate with many leaflets . Sharp teeth occur along the margins of the leaflets. The numerous flowers are borne in dense clusters or panicles. The species may be identified by scarlet fruit which persists . throughout the winter. This is one of the few native species that provides good fall color . The Indians made a drink from the crushed acid fruits. 12. SOUTHERN WAXMYRTLE . Myrica cerifera. A native shrubby evergreen with fragrant leaves . It ·occurrs in moist to boggy sites. Seeds have been found in the stomachs of 41 bird species but leaves refused by captive marsh rabbits. 13 . SUGAR HACKBERRY. Celtis laevigata. A large tree with spreading branches and warty light gray bark. It blooms in March, but .the green flowers are small and inconspicuous. Leaves are oblong-lanceolate {broad-lance shaped) and the ~ inch orange fruit is a favorite food for birds. 14. SWEET GUM. native scarlet autumn color. {Planted by Men's Garden Club of Co 11 eqe Station 1980) 15. PECAN. 16. GREEN ASH. Fraxinus pensylvanica. This large tree has pinnate lustrous leaves and a distinctive elong- ate, winged .fruit. Common along streams as far west as the Guadalupe River. -4- ENTER MEt'ORIAL GROVE OPENING: BORDERED ON FAR SIDE (EAST) BY FIVE LARGE WATER OAKS. OBSERVE WOODY VINES ON LARGE TREE AT CURVE TO LEFT TOWARD BRIDGE. AMONG THEM IS: POISON I VY.. Rh us to xi codendron. Small shrub or vine with slender stems. The leaflets are 3 and they vary gre.:i tly in size and shape. lhe plant may or may not have aerial roots, flowers are in- conspicuous, and the white fruits remain on the plant through the winter. The plant is poisonous, and even fumes from burning plants can be toxic. 17. AMERICAN HOLLY. Ilex opaca. This tree holly grows naturally a few .. miles east of us and is found as far north as Pennsylvania. The evergreen leaves and red berries make it a favorite ornamental throughout the South. 18. SHUMARD OAK. Quercus shumardii. rhis native Texas oak was planted Jan. 16, 1981 on Texas Arbor day at the dedication of the Dunn Grove. Shumard Red Oak is an ex- cellent shade tree because of its qrowth form and fall leaf coloration. Nearby is another desirable shade tree but for selected lowland sites. It is Drummond Red Maole. -9- AT PONDED AREA, TAKE DEAD-EMO SPUR-TRAIL 37. CHINESE TALLOWTREL Sa pi um sebi fer weedy tree is a native of Asia red leaves in the fall and waxy whi Leaf stalks longer than leaves. MANY OF THE PLANTS IN THE ARB1 PERENNIAL PLANTS THAT DIE DOWN DUR : NON-WOODY PLANTS MAY OR MAY NOT BE WINTER MONTHS. 38. HAIRY HYDROLEA. Hydrolea ovata. A in or on the edqes of streams a flowers open in midsummer on spiny 38. RATllEBOX SESBANIA. Sesbania drummo 1 beyond Hydrolea is this tall pe 1 and pinnate leaves. The 4-winged pot all winter and seeds within rattle wl mo ti on. The seeds a re known to be pc 39. LYRELEAF SAGE. Salvia lyrata. In fr scattered plants of this perenni 1 i gh t b 1 ue fl owe rs • In wi n te r i t i s of green leaves at ground line, known PASS THROUGH DENSE WOODS AND TAKE TRAIL TO 40. ST. AN DREWS CROSS. As cyrum hype ri co i d1 shrub to about 3 feet. The sma 1 oblanceolate. The four yellow petals cross. The plant flowers from May th1 plant occurs from Honduras to Missouri 41. BROADLEAF WOODOATS. Chasmanthium lati back cover of this booklet. This woodlands resembles Sea-oats (Uniola p dune sands. - CONTINUE SOUTHWESTWARD PAST MARKERS 28 & 27 RIGHT /\ROUND HEAD OF PONDED AREA: Ai~D THEN I neglecta. A weedy shrub of areas. Common on eroded abandoned oduce the fluffy seed-heads. carolinus. This perennial vine ght red berries, each with a seed I ts leaves resemble those ·of are.no spines nor black fruits. vine to right of marker. ! japonica. A persistent e. Introduced from eastern Asia. native plants. The ovate ~a. This common 1und throughout the ?aves have a reddish ; they mature. The ~clumps of black -5- 19. MUSTANG GRAPE. Vitis mustangensis. Vigorous high climging vine of the eastern half of Texas. The lower surface of the large broadly ovate angular leaves are densely covered with white hairs. The fruit, which matures in August, is used in making wine and jelly. Here the leaves are conspicuous at the tor of this tall tree. It often submerges clumps of small trees. CONTINUE EASTWARD WITH CREEK TO LEFT. THEN FIRST TRAIL RIGHT. 20. YAUPON. !lex vomitoria. The most common large evergreen shrub or small tree in Brazos County. The dark green, alternate leaves and bright red berries make this plant a popular landscape plant. The small white flowers appear in late March. There are several horticultural variet i es or cultivars of Ilex vomitoria. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. -6- AME RI CAN HOP-HORNBEAM. Ostrya virg1n1ana. Tree with ovate-oblong leaves tapered to a point. A tree of the eastern U.S. but not native this far west. LIVE OAK. Quercus virainiana. this large sprea i ng tree as an ornamental. The bark is deeply furrowed in older specimens and the evergreen leaves range from oblong to oblanceolate (inversely l anceol ate). Like the other oaks, the male catkins appear in March. The ovoid acorns are shiny- brown. ·Many live oaks may be seen on the A&M Campus. Native to the southern U.S. is widely grown for shade and EASTERN. REDCEDAR. Juniperus virginiana. One of the few true conifers in the Arboretum. ·This large tree is often found around old home sites and there was, no doubt, a home near these old trees at one tim:!. The eastern red cedar has an erect solitary trunk, reddish-brown bark and pyramidal crown. The trees are Qften used as Christmas trees. The leaves are found on old foliage while awl-shaped, sharp pointed growth is found on new growth. The tr:-ee is found throughout the eastern U.S. and the wood is us .ed for posts and chests. BLACK-HAW. Viburnum rufidulum. Shrub or small tree to about 30 feet. Black-Haw has glossy green, obovate (inversely ovate) leaves. The lower surface of th<!le.avesis irregularly densely scurfy. The white flowers appear in late March or April. The fruit is blue-black. The plant occurs naturally near streams, as this specimen does. TRUMPET CREEPER. Campsis radicans. Woody vine, climbing tall trees by means of aerial rootlets. The pinnate leaves have 7-13 leaflets. The bright orange flowers make this plant a popular ornamental. Much visited by hummingbirds. -7- CROSS BRIDGE AND TAKE RIGHT HAND TRAIL 26. WILDBERGAMOT BEEBALM (horsemint). r A perennial wildflower with ode green in winter below stiffly uprigt TAKE TRAIL TO RIGHT, passing through a 11 b unidentified blackberry (Rubus so .) You 1i 11 croG& over the pond daa befl 27. POST OAK. Quercus stellata. The Ill) of upland soils in Bryan-Colleg, front cover for an i 11 ustration of 11 barked tree with 4-lobed leaves is o· area if the root system is damaged. on soils with an impermeable hard par be shallow and subject to damage. Tt tolerate as much flooding as the wate 28. HERCULESCLUB PRICKLYASH. Zanthoxyl urr A small tree commonly found alon curved prickles on trunk and branches names include "toothache tree" & "pep lattanvine l•l in tree. 29. SOUTHERN DEWBE.RRY. Rubus trivialis. trailing, or low arching, vines white flowers in spring and edible blc 30. BUTTONSNAKEROOT ERYNGO {rattlesnake-m< yuccifolium. The thick basal lee in length. Slender flower stalks aboL Conspicuous shiny forb to east is INDI 31. ANGLEPOD MILKVINE. Matelea gonocarpa. tree, .see this intricately twinin Only identifiable daring ~ar1 season.· 32. BLACKJACK OAK. Quercus mari-landica. Oak alTX)ng trees of the Cross Timb1 here on dry ridges. Leaf fall much la 33. CORALBERRY. Symphoricarpos orbiculatu~ shreddy bark and roundish leaves, red fruits. The fruits remain on the ~ Adaptable to rigorous conditions for er weedy in pastures. Fruits eaten by bir To right is VIRGINIA CREEPER (1Pa-rt The larqe leaves are palmately 5-parted s Nature At Its Best . Perennials Wildflowers Trees & Shrubs •Bur Oak •Salvia •Live Oak •Texas Sage • Redbud •Coral Honeysuckle •B a ld Cypress •Holly •Trumpet Vine ~•Ash •Pine • Water Oak • Coreopsis Pre se nt thi s booklet and receive a tEE full-color landscape catalog. A $2 value! and Garden by Nature "'" T~'r.'lfttm ~U~l:".l.Kil;J IVE ASSOCIATION f<:RSHIP REQUIRED 1800 N. Texas Ave . Located one bl ock nonh of Hwy 2 1 on Te xas Ave. Bryan ECO-NATIVE CONSULTANTS Helping You Design The LANDSCAPE OF THE FUTURE!! Innov utio n s in color , dr:ou<]ht - toler:ance, low-maintenance land scaping with NATIVE PLANTS. 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Lick Creek Park Prelbninary environmental assess1nent prepared for the City of College Station, Parks and Recreation Departlnent Scott Avis Bonnie Brantner Tracy Gwaltney Jennifer Hadley Wylie Harris Sara Hollan Scott Keating Neha Shah Glen Skinner Theresa Swihart April 16, 2001 1.0 INTRODU CTION T hi s preliminary e nv ironm e nta l assess men t has bee n prepared fo r Lick Cree k Park (LC P) a t th e requ est o f the C ity o[ Co ll ege Station De partm e nt of Pa rk s and Recr eati o n (CS PR). It has be e n prepared in conformance w ith th e requirements of the ational Environmental Pol icy Act ( EPA) and the sugges ted Env ironmental Assessment (EA) outline of the U.S. Army Corps of Eng ineers (USACE). This document analyzes the potential environmental effects of a CSPR proposal submitted to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The proposal was a request for a Texas Trails Grant, which would provide funds for bridg~ and trail construction in the park. Furthermore, preparation of an EA will place the City of College Station in compliance with NEPA as it seeks further funding from TPWD and other state and federal agencies . The components of the project funded to date include the construction of three bridges at stream crossings on existing footpaths . The potential impacts of the construction of these three bridges are assessed in this report. A preliminary survey dealing with potential impacts of additional proposed construction is also incl ud ed in the report; these have not yet been funded and li e outside the strict domain of the project assessment. The purpose of the project is to enhance and increase the public use of Lick Creek Park . The park serves as a natural area for hiking, birdwatching, nature study, and outdoor education for the College Station community; it is also used for field studies by a number of courses at Texas A&M University (TAMU). NEPA requires analysis , public comment, and reporting for environmental impacts of federal actions. There are three thresholds that can be crossed when examining these actions: first , a Categorical Exclusion, second, an Environmental Assessment resulting in either a Finding of no Significant lmpact (FONS I) or in a finding of some impact. The latter outcome would lead to the third threshold, an Environmental Impact Statement, which would analyze any significant impacts and suggest alternatives. CSPR Senior Planner, Pete Vanecek, identified that the proposed construction of brid ges and hiking trails on the 515 .54 acres of Lick Creek Park may have the potential to impact wetlands, endangered species, and cultural resources . These three areas constituted the main thrust of the preliminary survey carried out in this project. Wetlands in the Lick Creek area fall under USA CE jurisdiction per Section 404 of the C lean Water Act (CW A). A pre liminary survey revealed that the jurisdictional waters within th e park are small and dispersed. Therefore, the comprehensive approach will be bes t suited for estimati ng the total area of various waters of the U.S . within the park (USA CE 1987). USA CE approva l for construction of three trail bridges over Lick Creek will most likel y be secured via one of several nationwide general permits. Two of the three bridges can be constructed by renovation o f existing structures, with no additional discharge of fill into waters of the U.S . De pending on th e type of bridge selected, construction at the third site could entail such discharge . In any event, future bridges and trails should be constructed so as not to impact e ndan ge red s pec ies, wetland s, and other jurisdictional waters of th e U.S . in th e pa rk . 2 • To a d dress iss ues conce rnin g threate n e d a nd e ndange re d s pecies. CS PR reco mm e nded th a t a biolog ical s urvey be co ndu cted, and that clearanc e be ob tain ed from th e U nited S ta te s Fi s h a nd Wildlife Se rvice (USFWS) pri o r to co n s truc ti o n . TP\VO recommended that Co ll ege Station surv ey the Lick Creek trail area for Navasota la dies ' tr esses (Spiranth es park.sii) and Texas meadow ru e (Th alictrum texanum). Drainage and water quality are unlikely to be significantly impacte d by the proposed project These issues are briefly addressed in order to point out activities within and adjacent to Lick Creek Park which may influence future impacts in th ese areas . Extensive archaeological investigations have been conducted by Dr. Alston Thoms in th e Archeology Department at TAMU. Results indicate that the identified bridge sites are not likel y to contain significant archeological deposits. Resources consulted include 7.5 ' USGS topographic maps , a Digital Orthophoto Quadrang le (DOQ), NRCS soil series maps, USGS 7.5 ' wetlands overlay maps , TPWD 7 .5' endangered species survey maps, Texas Bureau of Economic Geolo gy geolog ic maps, CSPR si te development maps for trails and bridges, an archeological site map, and photographs . GIS layo uts developed from these resources are included in the a nached appendices. 2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION 2. l PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION 2.1.1 General Location Lick Creek Park is located in Brazos County, on th e southeastern edge of the city of College Station , Texas. The park lies in the southwestern quadrant of the angle formed by Greens Prairie Road and Rock Prairie Road , east of Texas Highway 6 (Figures l , 2, & 3). Local significant geographic features include Lick Creek and Alum Creek, which flow through the park with Alum Creek draining into Lick Creek near the western park boundary. The Pebble Creek residential division lies just west of the park. 2.1.2 Climate Climate data are from College Station's E asterwood Airport, Brazos County, Texas, for the pe riod 1951-1995 (Butte & Tuttle 2001 ). Mean annual temperature is 67 .5 ° F ( 19 . 7 ° C), with temperatures ranging from a mean monthly max imum high of 94.6 ° F (34 .8 ° C) in August to a m ean monthly minimum low of 38 .7 ° F (3.7 ° C) in J a nuary . Mean annual precipitation is 39.4" (999 .6 mm) w ith p eaks in May (4.8") and September (4.3"). 3 2.1 . .3 Geo logy The geo lo g ic mak e up of th e a rea con s ists prim a rily of Quaternary a llu v ium and Ouvatil e terrace deposits, assoc iated with floodp lains and stream terrace s re s pectively , and upper Eocene clay and sandstone of the Wellborn and Manning formations between major stream courses (Proctor et al. 1974). 2.1.4 Soils In th e upland areas and trans iti o na l s lop es to the north and of Lick Creek, soils belong predominantly to the Lufkin-Ed ge comp lex, with occasional areas of Tabor loamy fine sand; so uth of Lick Creek, Tabor loamy fine sand and fine sandy loam predominate. The Lufkin-Edge comp lex comprises a mixture of Lufkin fine sandy loam and Edge fine sand y loam, with infrequent inclusions of Lufkin clay and shallow layers of sandy loam over sandstone outcrops (SCS 1958). Profiles of the major components of the Lufkin-Edge complex, as well as Tabor loamy fine sand, have in common a claypan, which typically occurs within the first 30" of the profile . This impedes deep percolation of water and leads to a pattern of subsurface drainage which parallels that of the overlying topography. Thus both surface runoff and subsurface water tend to flow quickly off the uplands into the bottomlands nearer the creek channels , leaving the uplands a lmo st entirely devoid of wetland areas (see 2.2.2.2). In the floodplain area between and surrounding Lick Creek and Alum Creek, soils are Gowen clay lo am (SCS 1958). Preliminary surveys reveal that the hydric character of soils within these areas vary widely on meter to sub-meter scales (see 2 .2.2.2). 2.2 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 2.2. l Vegetation Lick C reek Park contains two major types of vegetation. Uplands on the north side of the park are dominated by the Post Oak Savanna vegetation type . Floodplains along the south side of the park are dominated by bottomland hardwood forest vegetation . Nomenclature follows Hatch el al. (1990). 2.2.1.1 Post Oak Savannah The vegetation in this area, which is outside of the area of proposed bridge construction, ranges from relatively open grass la nd with scattered clumps of woody plants to areas of closed canopy forest. Dominant woody species include post oak (Qu ercus stellat a), blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica), beauty berry (Callicapa americana), yaupon (!lex vomitoria), farkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum) and winged e lm (Ulmus alata). Greenbriar (Smi lax bona-nox) is a common vine. The herbaceous layer includes little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), splitbeard b luestem (Andropo go n ternarius), brownseed paspalum (Paspa lum plicatulum), crow poison (Nothoscordum bivalve), buttercups (Ranunculus spp . ), western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), croton (Croton cap itatus), partridge pea (Chamaecristafasciculata), yellow star grass (l-fypoxis hirsuta), and spiderwort (Tradescantia spp. ). 4 ~.2 .2.2 Bo tt o ml a nd Hard wood Fo res t Bottomland hardwood forest dominate s floodpl a in s along Lick C reek and Alum Creek . The woody overs tory is composed mainly of water oak (Q uercus nig ra), willow oak (Quercus phe flo s), green ash (Fraxinus p ennsy lvanica) and cedar elm ( Ulmus crassifo lia). Yaupon (fl ex i·omitoria) and possum haw(!. decidua) dominate the shrub layer. Trumpet Crec;per (Campsi s radican s), poison ivy (Toxicodendron sp.) and wild grapes (Vitis sp.) are common woody vine s . The herbaceous la yer contains Cherokee sedge (Carex ch erokeensis), inland sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), Canadian wildrye (Elymus canadensis), and bedstraw (Galium sp.). 2.2.2.3 Wetlands The laws that most often apply to wetland situations on a proposed project site, and the agencies that oversee them, are the Clean Water Act (USACE and EPA), the Rivers and Harb ors Act of 1899 (USACE), the Endangered Species Act (USFWS), and the National Environmental Po licy Act (EPA). When the CW A is applied to a wetland project, the pertinent sections are 401, which addresses water quality certification, and 404 , which deals with discharge of dredged or fill material into the nation 's waters and requirements for receiving permits. These two sections substantially affect development in wetland areas. This project will raise no issues dealt with under Section 401,(but see 2.3.2 for a brief summary of water quality issues in the park). However, the CW A will still apply under Section 404 , since the project may require some sort of discharge of dredged or fill material into the nation's waters (Clean Water Act Section 404 , http ://even.tamuk.edu/cwa/Sections/404.htm). The Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, Section 10, states that no obstruction not approved by Congress may be constructed_that will adversely affect the navigable capacity of any of the waters of the U.S. This law would apply to a project ifit required the construction of a pier, jetty, bulkhead. breakwater, etc., unless it had been recommended by the Chief of Engineers and authorized by the Secretary of War prior to project initiation . (U.S. Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program Headquarters , http://www.usace.armv.mil/inet/functions/cw/cecwo/reg/rhseclO.htm) For purposes of this project , it was impracticable to delineate the entire span of wetland s in Lick Creek Park. In order to demonstrate the delineation process, wetland areas within the park were identified in a preliminary reconnaissance. All wetlands occur in the southern portion of the park at lower elevations (Figure 4 ). These areas , along with the procedure that would be use d to delineate them , are described below. A full delineation of Lick Creek Park 's wetlands \Vould take approximately eight to ten days (Knowles 2001 ). The four major types of wetlands identified were oxbow ponds, isolated and adjacent depress ional wetlands , watercourses and tributaries , and a planer swamp. To be considered a wetland. a site mu s t po sses the appropriate hydrology , soils , and vegetation. If any one of these thre e parameters is missin g, the s ite cannot be labeled a we tland. Wetlands , along with navi gab le waters o r tributa ri es th e reof, are all under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers per th e CW A. The oxbow lake was identified as a water of the U.S. but not a wetland becau se , a lthou g h it contains th e hydrolo gy a nd so ils nec essary , it lacks the hydrophyti c vegetation to 5 qu a li fy as a wet land . Th e wate rco ur ses a nd tributa ri es a re a lso wa te rs o f th e U.S., but not we tl a nd s. Th e iso lat ed and a dj ace nt d e pre ss ional ar ea s as \\ell as th e plana r swamp c ont a in a ll thr ee pa ram e te rs necessary to be cons idere d wetland s . The USAC E has jurisdiction over all wate rs of the U .S . be low the ordina ry hi g h wate r mark . The ordinary high water mark is the area below a clea rl y di scernible vegetation or scour line along a river or stream bank . For Lick Creek Park, the total linear footage of stre ams and waterways is 50 ,665 '. Average width would be determined for each stream segment, and tho se widths would be multiplied by the corresponding stream section lengths (Figure 5) to determine the total area of waters of the U .S . An estimate of the total areal exten~ of oxbow lakes must be added this total. This estimate is calculated by running transects across the vegetationally homogenous area in which the oxbows occur, determining what percentage of transects hit oxbows, and multiplying that percentage by the size of the area (USA CE 1987). In order to measure the to tal area of wetlands it is necessary to delineate boundaries of each wetland in terms of hydrology, vegetation, and soils . The proper hydrology calls for standing water during five percent or more of the growing season (USACE 1987). The dominant vegetation found in wetland areas must be made up of 50 % or more obligate wetland (OBL), facultative wet land (F ACW), and facultative (F AC) species (USFWS 1996). Soils must be hydric , that is , saturated and having a chroma of one or two , with evidence of mottling. However, if numerous wetlands are scattered throughout the site , their total area is determined using a transect technique analogous to that described for oxbows , rather than delineating every individual wetland. In the case of Lick Creek Park, the transect approach would be used throughout the southern portion of the park (from the southern park boundary to the water treatQ?.ent plant ri g ht of way). This would encompass the numerous depressional wetlands as well as extensive inundated areas including the planer swamp at the southern edge of the park. The three proposed bridge sites are shown in Figure 6 . There is existing infrastructure currently in place at two of the bridge sites, while the third will require entirely new construction. The involvement of the USA CE in the proposed project will depend on the type of bridge constructed. If any part of the bridge (e.g. a piling) will extend below the ordinary high water line (thus coming under the jurisdiction of the USA CE), consultation will be necessary before construction. Any in-channel fill activities associated with construction will require USACE permits . For example, a simple rope bridge with both ends anchored high above the ordinary high water line would be out of the jurisdiction of the USA CE. However, any bridge design requiring in-channel support for the span could not be completed without USACE involvement. The USACE permitting process was scoped for this project under the conservative assumption that the type of bridge selected will require in-channel fill activities during construction. This project is similar to many others and , given the minimal disturbance to waters of the US as sociated with the proposed construction, it is likely that the project will cause "only minimal individual and cumulative environn1ental impacts." The project should thus meet the criteria for a nationwide general permit (USA CE 2001 ). One of several nationwide permits (NWP) would probabl y apply to the project. The most likel y options would be NWP 42 (Recreational Facilities), or NWP 14 (Linear Transportation Cros s in gs ). N WP 3 (Maintenance) might also be used ; however, this would probably introduce unnece ss ary co mplications since only two of the three proposed bridges (those with older e x istin g stru c tures already in place) could be covered by this permit (USACE 2000). Initial 6 con s u ltation with th e USAC E (Di strict Engin ee r, Fort Wo rth District ) s hould fo c us on det ermining whethe r N WP 42 will in fact be the appropri a te permit to pursue for thi s project. Conditions for NWP 42 (essentially identical to those for NWP 14) stipulate that the proposed project cannot cause the loss of greater than 0.5 acres of (non-tidal) waters of the United States or greater than 300 linear feet of streambed. For discharges causing the loss of greater than 0.1 acres of non-tidal waters of the U.S., the USACE District Engineer must be provided with a preconstruction notice (PCN). Any losses of waters of the U.S. entailed by the project must be offset by compensatory mitigation at a ratio of 1: 1, and a proposai for this mitig ation must accompany the PCN (USACE 2000). 2.2.2 Wildlife No significant impacts to wildlife species within Lick Creek Park are anticipated as a consequence of the proposed project. However, the presence of stray cattle from neighboring properties, as well as feral hog populations ranging into the park, may create maintenance costs for upkeep of the proposed trail network after completion of the project. 2.2.3 Threatened and Endangered Species One of the more important sections of the ESA is Section 12, which focuses on threatened or endangered plant species. This section in particular would apply if there were endangered plant species found on the proposed project site. (Endangered Species Act of 1973 , http://endangered.fws.gov/esa.html) An assessment of potential impacts to federally listed endangered species is essential before undertaking any development project. The first step in this assessment is the determination of whether endangered species or habitat are potentially present in the project area. USFWS Region Two maintains records of federally listed threatened and endangered species in each county at: http://ifw2es.fws.gov/EndangeredSpecies/. TPWD maintains a file of 7.5 ' topographic maps showing known populations of endangered species locations , including information about those populations. The state agency also has an online list of all state and federally listed species at: http ://www.tpwd .state.tx.us/nature/endang/endai12:.htm. A list of species potentially occurring at this site, and their status , is included in Appendix 1. When determining which endangered species might be present, it is useful to consult with biological experts in the geographic region of study. Universities and state and federal wildlife agencies employ individuals who specialize in the study and monitoring of endangered species , and the appropriate individuals should be contacted early in the impact assessment process. University and agency employees can also provide information about each species , and this information will be needed in order to conduct any necessary surveys for endangered species in the project area. Listed animal species that may occur in Brazos County include the Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis), the whooping crane (Grus americana) and the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). However, Lick Creek Park does not appear to contain habitat suitable for the Hous ton toad, and both bird species would only use the area in a transient manner. Since desirable habitat for these species is not present in the park, the proposed activities do not pose a risk to these endangered animals. After review of the above agency lists and consultation with experts from TAMU, it was determined that one federall y listed endangered plant species is 7 docum e nt ed to occ ur in Lick C reek Pa rk (S m e in s 200 I : \V i Iso n 200 I ). Thi s s peci es is th e Navaso ta ladie s· tr esses o rc hi d (Sp iranth es parks ii Co rr el l). T exas meadov,1 ru e (Tha li c trum texanum) is li s ted as a threa tened s p ec ies by TPWD (A pp e ndi x I ), b ut s in ce it is not federall y li s te d it s pre s ence in the park is not a factor in the a ssess m e nt of th e propo se d project. The Navasota ladies ' tresses is an erect, slender s te mmed perennial up to 30 cm tall with lin ea r basal le aves that are u s ually not present at flowering . The inflorescence is a s lender, so litary spike of sma ll flower s su rrounded by conspicuous white tipped bracts. Petals are rounded or ovate with a green central stripe and lateral petals are distinctly shorter than the petals. Lateral petals are short and wide , and the perianth is cream colored. The floral bracts have a tendency to be white-tipped . Flowers are typically present from' mid-October to mid- November, and outside of this period the presence of this species cannot be determined (Wilson and Ajilvsgi, 1984). Navasota ladies' tresses has been found at 24 sites in Brazos, Grimes, Burleson, and Robertson Counties, Texas. The plant inhabits lightly wooded upland stream banks of minor tributaries of the Navasota and Brazos rivers. It is clearly associated with the upland Post Oak Savanna vegetation type. Navasota ladies ' tresses is not known to inhabit alluvial floodplain si tes . About 20% of the land within Lick Creek Park provides upland habitat with soils and vege tation that indicate the presence of potential Navasota ladies ' tresses habitat. Two populations of Navaso ta ladies' tresses are known to exist within the park (Figure 6). These populations are considered to be part of the core distribution area for the species (Wi lson and Ajilvsgi, 1984). The endangered species map produced by TPWD shows that at least 70 individual plants have been recorded at one site, and the number of individuals at the other site is unknown. Due to the fact that L ick Creek Park has been the subject of numerous biological studies by T AMU for a number of years, it is unlikel y that any undiscovered populations of Navasota ladies ' tresses occur within the park. The bridge construction sites proposed by the city of College Station are located within a floodplain, which is not considered to be suitable habitat for Navasota ladies ' tresses. Therefore , these projects have no foreseeable impact on known populations of Navasota ladies' tresses or potential habitat. Impacts on federally liste d endangered species should not occur under the current construction proposal. ') .... _ . .) DRAINAGE AND WATER QUALITY The proposed project will have no significant in .pact on drainage or water quality in the watercourses in Lick Creek Park; information presented in this section is intended as backgro und for potential future extensions of the project. 2.3.1 Drainage Both Lick Creek and Alum Creek receive runoff from residential areas southeast of C ollege Station , including the Pebble Creek s ubdivisi on. Alum Creek flows into Lick Creek within Lick Creek Park . Lick Creek drains into the Navasota Ri ver. Water level s with in the creek va ry wid e ly during the year, with occasional intense floodin g during periods of co nc e ntrated precipitation , and fairly extensive dryin g during summer droughts . 8 Water qualitv No data are currently available on water quality in Lick Creek or Alum Creek. Potential influ e nces on water quality in these streams could come in the form of fertilizer and/or pesticid e input s from landscaping activities in the Pebble Creek subdivision. The City of College Station also operates a wastewater treatment plant, which discharges into Lick Creek immediately before it flows out of Lick Creek Park. Future actions involving any of these 'factors could potentially invoke Section 40 l and/or 404 of the Clean Water Act. 2.4 CULTURAL RESOURCES The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) is the legislation relevant to historical and archeological aspects of site assessment. When dealing with the NHPA, Sections 106 and 110 of the act must be considered. These sections deal v;ith actions required of federal agencie s when taking into account the effect of their undertakings on properties included in the National Regi ster of Historic Places (NRHP). This Act would affect a project if the proposed area for it were above an important site that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places , or that could possibly be listed in the Register. It is important that an archaeological examination be administered to determine if the proposed site does in fact contain historically important artifacts (National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as Amended Through 1992 , http ://www .cr.nps.gov/local-law/nhpal 966.htm). While conducting an environmental impact assessment. a situation may arise where artifacts of historical or archeological significance are found in the area under assessment. The first a nd main concern is to take all precautions to preserve the findings . When significant properties and sites are found , a determination should be made on how the project will impact those properties or sites. Coordination with regulatory agencies, such as the Texas Historical Commission, and governmental agencies. such as the Cultural Resources division of the Texas Department of Transportation, is used to develop a p lan for avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating any project impacts to historic or archeological propertie s. Input is often sought from the general public andlocal preservation groups. Archeological and historic property surveys are conducted to identify significant archeological sites , and historic structures, buildings, objects, sites and districts located in the path of environmental assessment, as required by federal and state law. For example, the Cultural Resources team conducts a field survey where a transportation project will be built or expanded to locate and evaluate historic properties and archeological sites. After a consensus has been reached as to how to deal with the historical findin gs, the proposed project may go on with construction, given that it is permitted. Assessment was conducted at Lick Creek Park by TAMU's Center for Ecological Archaeology. The purpose of the study was to determine if s ignificant cultural resources were present in the park . The following is a summary of an int eri m repo11 (T homs & Mason 2001 ). Field methods use d by the staff and students includ ed s urfac e survey, s hovel probes , and mapping. These methods we re impl e mented in February 2000. The su rface surveys y ielded ev idence of both Native American and hi s toric la nd use. Whe n s ur face s urv eys yie ld e d artifact s. the finding wa s noted , but the artifacts were not collected . Shov e l probes were dug by hand a nd 9 \ ar icd ill pl accmcnL clc pc lldi ng o il th e areas po te ntial lor : icld ill g a nil ~tct s . i\'la p s \Ve re m ade that s ho \vcd a reas o l's ur vcy a nd marked finding s of a ni l'act s . Ou t or a tota l 160 s h on~I probe s . Ollly 20 probe s : ic ld ed a rti fac ts . Th ese 20 probe s ,,ere us ed to de s ig na te fo u r pre hi s to ri c s ite s : 41BZ 14 1. 41B Z 1-+-+. -+I BZ45 . a nd 4 1B Z 146. T h re e h is toric s it es \Nere a ls o fo u nd . Thes e were 4 1BZ 142 , 41BZ143. a n d 4 1BZ 14 7 (Figur e 7). T h e findings in the three pre hi storic sites we re rat her similar. S h ove l probes a n d s u rfac e s urveys prod u ced a rti facts such as c hi p pe d s to n e , p rim a ry a nd seco n dary fl a k es , tested co b b le s, and co res. No too ls we re r ecovere d at the s it es. Each of th e hi s to ri c si tes was iden tifie d as a fa rm s tead . S ite 4 1B Z 14 7 co n s is te d of a s a nd sto ne fo u ndat io n , c ut nai ls, "p urpl e" g lass, w hiteware. a nd a s tock b o nd . Si te 4 1B Z 142 o n ce was t h e s ite of two large s tru ct u res th at are present o n 19 4 0 ae ri al p h o tographs. Evi d e n ce ind icatin g that th e s it e was a farmstea d incl ud es w hiteware, brown a nd clear g lass bo ttl es , pots, b r ic k s , a nd meta l obj ect s. A depress io n is ind icative tha t a c is tern o n ce ex is ted. Site 41 BZ 143 was p oss ibl y inha bi te d by tenant fa rm e r s . T hi s is s u ggested by the s m a ll s ize of t wo san dsto ne fo un dati o ns . Oth e r a rti facts in clude m e ta l p ipe fr agm e nts. w hiteware, a s m a ll g lass j a r , c u t n a il fragme nts , and '·p u rp le " g lass. Res ul ts and a n a lys is of the st ud y in d icate tha t th e seven id entifi e d s ites a r e no t li kely to co nt a in s ig ni fica n t c ultu ra l resources. T he a rti fac t s fo und o n the p r e h is to ric s ites a re ev id e n ce th a t earl y hunter-gathe re rs u sed t he a rea , but th e si tes d o no t contain s u f fi c ie n t infor m a ti o n to re qu ire futur e s t udi es. The h isto r ic s it es, du e to the lac k of re m a ining s truc tu res fro m fa rmsteads. w ill n o t a dd sign ificantl y t o the hi s to ry o f the a r ea. O vera ll low d e n s ity o f a rti fac ts ex cludes the a reas fo r li s t ing as a S ta te A rc h aeo logica l La ndmark or fo r inclus io n o n the Nat io n a l Registe r of H is to ri c Pl aces. Pro posed const ru c ti o n a t Lick Creek Park wi ll n ot s ignific a ntl y impact th e s ites det e rmined by th e s ur vey. The fi ndings in d icate tha t s uppl e m e nta ry arc haeo logical s tudi es a r e n ot n eed e d . 3.0 C O NC L USION S T h e proposed project is no t li ke ly to res ul t in s ig n ifica n t im pacts to geo logy, so il s, w il d life , threatened a nd e ndangered spec ies, wat e r qua lit y , o r c u lt u ra l reso ur ces in Lick Creek Pa rk. Co n s ul tatio n w ith th e USACE s h o uld b e ini tia te d ea rl y i n t h e p ro j ect , fo ll owing wetl a nd de lineati o n of th e s p e cifi c s it es to be p o te nti a ll y impac te d , in or-.:er to ascert a in w heth e r NWP 42 (Recreatio n al Fac ili t ies) is a d eq u a te. No impacts to a ny po pul atiO n of N avaso ta ladi es ' tr esses are a nti c ip a ted a s a co n seq uence of th e p roject. C ultu ra l reso urces w ithin Li ck C r eek P a rk h ave bee n assessed a n d it has been dete rmin e d th a t no furth e r co ns id eratio n o f thi s iss u e s h o uld b e req uire d . 10 -t.O REFERENCES Advi so rv Co uncil o n Hi s toric Pre se rv at ion. 19 March 200 1. <http://www.achp.gov/>. Butte and Tuttle WorldC lim ate . 26 March 2001. < http://www.worldclimate .com/cgi- bin/data.pl?ref=N30W096+2200+411889C> C lean Water Act Section 404. 19 March 2001. <http://even.tamuk.edu/cwa/Sections/404 .htm>. Endangered Species Act of 1973 . 18 March 2001. 20 March 2001. <http://endangered .fws.gov/esa.html >. Hatch , S.L., Ganhdi , K.N., and Brown, L.E. 1990. Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Texas . TAES MP-1655. Knowles , R. 2001. Personal communication. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as Amended Through 1992 . 20 March 200 l. <http://www.cr.nps .g ov/local-law/nhpal 966.htm>. Proctor C.V., Brown T.E., McGowne J.H ., and Waechter N.B. 197 4. Geologic Map of Texas , Austin Sheet. Bureau of Economic Geology , University of Texas at Austin. Smeins, F.E. 2001. Personal communication . Thoms. A. and Mason , BJ. 2001. Interim Report: Cultural Resources Survey and Assessment of Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas. 6 p . Attachment to CSPR grant application to TPWD, January 2001. United States. U.S. Army Corps of Engi neers. Regulatorv Program Overview. 26 March 2001. <http ://www.u sace.army.mil/ine t/functions /cw/cecwo/reg/press/overview.pdf> United States. US Army Corps of Engineers. Corps of Ernzineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Washington : GPO, 1987. United States. U .S . Army Corps of Engineers. Nationwide Permits -Texas. 10 April 2001. <http://www.spa.usace.army.mil/reg/nnwpsumTX.htm> United States. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatorv Program Headquart ers. 17 March 2001. <http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/cw/cecwo/reg/rhsec l O.htm >. United States. United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Serv ice. 1958 . Soil Survev. Brazos County. Texas. 11 U n ited S ta te s . .S. F ish a nd W ildli fe Se r v ice. 1996 l\at io na l L ist o f Vas c ul a r Pl a nt Spec ie s th at Occ ur in W e t la nd s. 12 A pril 20 01 . <http ://w e tl a nd s .fo s .gov/bha/li s t96 .html >. Wil s on , H.D . 2 001 . Personal c ommunication. Wilson, H.D . and G. Ajilvsgi. 1984. Recovery Plan for the Navasota Ladies ' Tresses (Spiranthes parksii Correll). U .S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque . 12 ·----· -··----·--- Figure 1. College Station \• 6 O 6 12 Miles --·-------------· --------·----·---------- /\/Creeks /\/Roads ------------· ·-·-·--------·-. N A 1 -----·------------------------------------· --·-· -----·---- Figure 2. Lick Creek Park 0 1 2 Miles Rock Prairie Road /\/Creeks ' /\/Roads [~ __ ] Lick Creek Park ----·--··· ----------- N A r Figure 3. Lick Creek Park Boundary 0.2 0 0.2 Miles ~C -~-~~~~~~~~~3 0 .2 Figure 4. Lick Cr ek Park Flood Plain 0 0.2 Miles Lick Creek Park Boundary D Park Flood Plain N A ··I 0.4 ----------------------·----·-··-- Figure 5. Lick Creek Park Watercourse Sections · 0 ... /S1-3,767 ft. -., :. :'.. S2~ 3,654 ft. J S6-6,056 ft. , ~ . . . ( S3-3,654 ft. : I' ·. \ ~S4-f \·S8-10,15Qf!. I: 7,830 t. .. ' . . ' S7-7,277-ft~ , ·· "------""' . ~ SS-8 276 ft · 0.4 M il es /\/ Park Creeks CJ Lick Creek Park N A Figure 6. Proposed Trail Construction s 86,m9"W 7,219-'t MAIN OSED ENTRANCE I .......... .. :::~;~ EQUESTRIAN :::.:.~:! ENTRANCE . K PRARm RD . w•cs ROC ovER11E.Ao f cnuc l MA9'ER· PLAN FOR ..... ' LICK CREEK 'PARK . .----..-----.-. t I Mi-&-~ : I ~ion :iw I \ PREPARED BYTAMU RE~TIO .. & PARKS DEPT. . ~t i oo _. .Y '.Affo' PARKS.'PlAHNiHCicllYoF ci:>UECE STATION / \ 0 ~1 .. Shovel probe Transect surface survey Cutbank inspection Site boundary Tree line Trail Cre~k ---·----------------~ Figure 7. Archeological Site Map 01•• ' ..... ..... __ ... 0 11,2 0 ~· o~ .. --.... 0 -~ 0 .. 0 ., 41 BZ14~1 -. ~; ~ ,.,) ,----.. " 0 •• t . ,,,...[41BZ146 -~ ?.J 0 •2 ·~· 0 ,.. ..... \.&) .,o 0 ... , ; . . ... _, .. , .•.• , •• ·-· •• ,., ~ t ~'") 41821 5 u~~~!...'.1!!!_~--------------------------------t_,..!...:~==-.!..~----r-------·.---·----------' , ' . Appendix 1. Threatened and Endangered Species .ks & Wildlife :ci C o untv Li s ts o f Rare S pecies Las t Revisi on: 10/28/99 Page I of 2 BRAZOS COUNTY *** AMPHIBIANS *** .1ston Toad (Bufo houstonensis) -e ndemic ; species sa ndy substrate, w ater in pools , ephemeral pools , stock tanks; breeds in spring especially after rains ; burrows in soil when inactive ; breeds February -June; associated \vith soils of the S parta, Carrizo, Goliad, Queen City, Recklaw , Weches, and Willis geologic formations ***BIRDS*** Federal S tatus LE State Status E Arctic Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus tundrius) -due to similar field characteristics, DL T treat all Peregrine Falcons as federal listed Endangered; potential migrant Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus Jeucocephalus) -found primarily near seacoasts, rivers, and large LT-PDL T lakes; nests in tall trees or on cliffs near water; communally roosts, especially in winter; hums live prey, scavenges , and pirates food from other birds Henslow's Sparrow (Anunodramus henslowiI) -wintering individuals (not flocks) found in weedy fields or cut-over areas where lots of bunch grasses occur along with vines and brambles; a key component is bare ground for running/walking Whooping Crane (Grus americana) -potential migrant LE E Wood Stork (Mycteria amen·cana) -forages in prairie ponds, flooded pastures or fields, T ditches, and other shallow standing water, including salt-water; usually roosts communally in tall snags, sometimes in association with other wading birds (i.e. active heronries); breeds in Mexico and birds move into Gulf States in search of mud flats and other wetlands, even those associated with forested areas; formerly nested in Texas, but no breeding records since 1960 *** FISHES *** Blue Sucker ( Cycleptus elongatus) -usually inhabits channels and flowing pools with a moderate current; bottom type usually consists of exposed bedrock, perhaps in combination with hard day, sand, and gravel; adults winter in deep pools and move upstream in spring to spawn on riffles Smalleye Shiner (Notropis buccula) -endemic to upper Brazos River system and its tributaries; apparently introduced into adjacent C")lorado River drainage; medium to large prairie streams with sandy substrate and turbid to dear warm water; presumably eats small aquatic invertebrates *** MAMMALS *** Plains Spotted Skunk ( Spilogale pucorius interrupta) -catholic; open fields , prairies, croplands, fence rows, farmyards, forest edges, and woodlands; prefers wooded, brushy areas and tallgrass prairie Rafinesque's Big-Eared Bat ( Corynorhinus rafinesqui1) -roosts in cavity trees of bottomland hardwoods, concrete culverts, and abandoned man-made structures Southeastern Myotis (Myotis austroripadus) -roosts in cavity trees of bottomland hardwoods, concrete culverts, and abandoned man-made s tructures T T APPENDIX 1 SI'fX!IES LIST -Lia< rnEEK PARK SpeCies cbsexved between 6/20/88 ani 6/24/88 at Lick Creek Parle by participants in the _National Parle ·Service wildlife iranagerrent trainirq ccurse. Birds (IrOrnirq arrl evenirq son;Jbird <:)enSUS & misc. sightings) . -,:. yell~ ru.ght heron cattle egret great egret turkey vulture black vulture red-tailed hawk m:::m:nIDJ dove yellow-billed alckoo great-horned o:.Tl barred o:.Tl chuck-will.' s-widCM chimney swift ,: ruby-throated ht.Umllin]bfyd Kentuckey warbler \ parula warbler . . . da./ny woo1pecker great crested flycatcher acadian flycatcher American c:::rcM tnfted tit::noise carolina chickadee carolina wren blue-gray gnatcatcher m::x::Jdn)bird 'lllhite-eyed verio blue grosbeak northern cardinal painted b.mt.IDJ SUIIJrer tanager Reptiles & .An{:hlbians (pit traps & misc. sight.IDJs) snai:pin] turtle ornate box: turtle 3-toed box: turtle grourrl ~ . sa.rt:heJ:n water snake blptched water snake brown snake TeXa$ rat snake cottonµx::uth cq:pel:head gulf aJaSt toad cricket frOJ leopard frOJ Mammals (tracks were a:xmted alon:J the road fran the parkinq lot to the pipeline -average mnrber of irrlividuals cbsexved per day) white-tailed deer 11, 7, 9, 5 = 8 anradillo 20, 3, 18, 13 = 13.5 qiossum 1, 1, o, 0 = 0.5 bob::::at 1, o, o, 0 = 0.25 ·coyote 1, o, o, O = 0.25 ral::bit 7, 6, 4, 5 = 5.5 small rodent 1, 2, 21, 2 = 6.5 snake 3, 4, 5, 9 = 5.3 bird 7, 5, o, 0 = 3 box turtle 2, o, o, 0 = 0.5 lizard 2, o, o, 0 = 0.5 Snail mamrals (Sherman live traps) cotton rat wocdrat deer lOClUSe No:rway rat harvest lrOUSe Coyote diet analysis (20 coyote scats) frequency of ocx::urrenCe cotton rat -18 ral::bit -4 ~ rat - 3 deer -1 . ~ ... TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY College of A g ri c ul tu re and Life Scie nce Deportm e nt of Recreation. Po rk and To u rism Sc ie n ces October 9, 1997 TO : FROM: Lick Creek Advisory Committee Members John L. Crompton, Chair ~ SUBJECT: Design Charrette The Users Sub-Committee and the Resources Sub-Committee have completed their tasks and their draft reports are enclosed. These are likely to be further refined in the next few days, but these drafts give a good feel for the thinking of the two comffiittees at this point. · You will recall that the next stage in the process is to translate these ideas into some alternative concept designs. This will be done at the design charrette which will take place at the College Station Conference Center, Room 101, on Saturday, October 18 from 9 a.m. -12:30 p.m. The tentative program for the charrette is attached. It will be led by Dr. Scott Shafer, whose planning class at A&M will be responsible for further development of the design concepts that emerge from the Advisory Council's efforts on Saturday. Even if you have not been able to participate in the sub-committees' deliberations to this point, we urge you to come and share your ideas at this crucial stage. If you have any questions, please _ give me a call. My home number is 696-0825; office 845-5320 . Hope to see you next Saturday. Attachment doc/b :Charmemo .Oc9 Room 106 Francis Hall • College Station. Texas 77843 -226 1 -(409) 845-54 11; FAX (409) 845-0446 Date: Time : Place: Participants: LICK CREEK PARK DESIGN CHARRETTE October 18, 1997 9 A.M. -12:30 P.M. College Station Conference Center Lick Creek Advisory Board, C.S. Parks Board, TAMU Park Planning and Design Students Purpose: The charrette is being held in order to develop alternative ideas about how to best proceed with the sustainable development of Lick Creek Park based on the biophysical and human use characteristics of the area. • Develop an understanding of where the sensitive resource areas (cultural, biological) are within Lick Creek Park. • Develop an understanding what types of use are currently taking place at Lick Creek Park and those deemed appropriate for future use. • Analyze current use patterns, and related facilities, to determine where resource/user conflicts and compliments currently exist. • Synthesize new information about the resource and appropriate use into a concept drawing. Tentative Schedule: 9:00 to 9:30 The park and current thinking from advisory groups. 10 min. biophysical and cultural resource presentation 10 min. current and future use presentation 9:35 to 10:15 Group brainstorming for ideas about relationships between the resource and its users. For example, where facilities should be located and why, future development and access issues, user conflict issues. 10: 15 to 11 :30 Concept designs suggesting development scenarios (what facilities to place in the park and where) drawn using base maps as guides. Ideas about design elements such as materials, colors and styles encouraged here. 11: 35 to 12:25 Light lunch served . Group concepts presented. 10 minutes per group. 12:30 Brief summary and adjourn DRAFT LICK CREEK USERS SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT GUIDING PRINCIPLES There were three principles which guided decisions on what constituted appropriate activities for the park. They were: (1) Lick Creek should be viewed as one element in the system of parks in Brazos County, rather than as an isolated entity. This system offers a spectrum of recreational opportunities that Lick Creek should complement. (2) It should be conceptualized primarily as an educational rather than a recreational facility. 1 There are facets of vegetation, wildlife and culture within Lick Creek that offer unique educational opportunities within the system of regional parks. Recreational use should be encouraged which do not damage or destroy these educational opportunities. The sub- committee believe that positioning it as an educational rather than as a recreational facility will also enhance opportunities for securing external grant funds to develop the park. (3) Minimal capital and minimal operation and maintenance tax funds will be available to invest in Lick Creek Park. Pursuing these guiding principles led the sub-committee to the following recommendations: (a) "No Wheels" All forms of wheeled transportation will be prolnoited, with the possible exception of that assocfated with handicapped persons, if it is determined that any ADA requirements have to be met. The reasons for this recommendation are: (i) Erosion damage. The most interesting areas in Lick Creek for mountain and trail biking are those which are most ecologically sensitive, e.g., the Lady Tresses areas. The sub-committee was conscious of the long-lasting damage and impact resulting from the mountain bike race which was authorized in Lick Creek in 1991. (ii) Soil compacting. (iii) Lack of control over user groups . While most users of wheeled transportation would be responsible and stay on designated trails, the lack of on-site management control means there would inevitably be an irresponsible few who would abuse 2 protected areas of the park. (iv) There are adequate and superior opportunities for biking elsewhere in the regional system. At Lake Bryan, there are 14 1/2 miles of mountain bike trails and future plans to expand this to 20 miles. These trails provide reasonable opportunities for mountain bikers to engage in their activity while we currently have no other local opportunity for nature study on undeveloped trails. . (v) There are inherent liability dangers in conflicts between walkers and bikers. To this point, they have not been critical because of the relatively light use of the park. However, as use intensifies such conflicts would be inevitable. (vi) There are differences in motivations between walkers and off-road bikers which . would create conflicts between the users. W~ers with dogs would add to the tensions. The sub-committee emphasizes the need to create bicycle trails which will facilitate access to the entrance to Lick Creek Park. Also, it is recognized that at some future time, there may be need for a bike corridor through the park in order to link bike access to it from either side. However, this is not envisaged for another 10 or 15 years. (b) No Camping Reasons for this recommendation were: (i) The investment required for development of camping facilities beyond tho~e needed for primitive camping would be substantial. For the operation to be viable, it would have to be (a) fairly sizeable and (b) retain relatively high occupancy rates. The sub-committee believes neither of these conditions are feasible: (a) The political feasibility of the city investing (say) $500,000 on a camp site at Lick Creek seems remote. It offers minimal direct benefits to local residents and would compete with private sector camping operations in the area. (b) The appeal of Lick Creek is not sufficient to attract overnight visitors. Those who used a camp facility there would be using it as a convenience for accessing other activities in the Bryan-College Station area rather than for accessing the park. There are more central sites available, (e.g., Brazos Center) if it is felt there is a need to invest in a camping facility. (ii) Primitive camping is not feasible without on-site management and control. There are issues of restroom facilities, user behavior, liability and impact which require a 3 monitoring managerial presence. ( c) No Horses Reasons for this recommendation were: (i) User conflicts. Horses and walkers in close proximity create potential liability problems (e.g., a child walker inadvertently provoking a horse to kick him or her). (l.i) Erosion by horses is at least as bad as that created by mountain bikes. (lii) A study has been done demonstrating that other riding opportunities in the area are plentiful. ( d) Dogs are Authorized, but they must be under control. At this time we recommend they be under voice control, but at some future date as use increases this may have to be changed to leash control. Reaso.ns for this recciriunendation: (i) Some individuals, especially females, feel more safe in the park when accompanied by their dog. (ii) Exercising dogs is a primary motive for many existing users of the park. For' some people, the park walk is a social experience with their dog. ( e) Trail System Development r---~~-=============-~~~~~~~--~~~~--~ The e:X:isting trail system in the park for hikers should be enhanced, so it meets the needs . of a wide spectrum of walkers of varied ages and abiliti~s . ,........ Restroom and Picnic Area De)'elopment ·--- Restrooms should be low maintenance, use a composting system, and be located at the park entrances. Picnic Areas should be located close to the main park entrance. ---------:/":-=_...,--_____ _ (g) Maps and Signage There is an urgent need to provide a map of the park which is current and easily understandable. · Many users of the park complain of g etting lost in there. This is a safety , issue as well as a visitor service. Clear signs marking th e boundaries of the park should be installed to avoid people trespassing onto adjacent land . -------------· ) ....- 4 (h) Educational Uses of the Park (i) There is a need to research the interpretation potential of the park and then to develop interpretation products. The sub-committee does not see the !l~~g_for a . __ visitors center. Rather, it envisages the use of ~~sj_.ruiQ_d.is_Qr._sfgnag~~_/ typ.e-.eun:_ently useql_o_interpret-Garter-:Pa:IX: 1:,o obtain maximum enjoyment of Lick Creek,-·Visitors have tobe aware of what is there. This is a priority issue. (ii) The Texas Schools Curriculum now requires science field-work experiences in all grades between 6th and 12th. Lick Creek offers the best potential site for these experiences in the region. (ill) University classes and training programs use Lick Creek for field work exercises. . (i) Connectivity Between Lick Creek Park. other "natural" areas and neighborhoods (i) The sub-committee's vision of the parks in the area being viewed as a system, makes the issue of links between them critical. The wildlife in Lick Creek cannot survive if it is an isolated entity. It must be serviced by a series of undeveloped linear open spaces along the flood plains. (ii) In the future Lick Creek Park should become a part of a system of greenways that offer opportunities for people to move within the community on multiple-use trails. Lick Creek should be developed with an eye toward its inclusion in such a system of recreaiton and transportation. ' DRAFT DRAFT STATEMENT FOR REVIEW AND COMMENT RESOURCES AT LICK CREEK CITY PARK DRAFT Lick Creek City Park lies in the uplands of the Post Oak Savannah ecological region, near the drainage divide between the Brazos and Navasota Rivers. The physiography, soils, and vegetation of Lick Creek Park are representative of the clay pan plain of the middle Brazos Valley in which Bryan/College Station are located. The Park contains a surprising variety of land forms, soil types, vegetation types, and plant and animal species. Archaeological and historical evidence from the Post Oak region as a whole attest to its essentially continuous occupation by people for 10,000 years or more. Although Lick Creek is only a minor tributary in the Navasota Rive basin, its extensive bottomland and adjacent sandy uplands are rich in the natural resources that have long sustained people there, and there is land-use evidence within the park boundaries for occupation during the past several thousand years. The parkiis ecological setting, together with its known and potential cultural resources, offer much to local residents and visitors with an in the natural and cultural history of Texas' Post Oak Savannah. Important ecological and cultural resources of Lick Creek Park. ·~ The physiography and soils of Lick Creek Park are representative of the clay pan plain of the middle Brazos Valley in which College Station is located. The vegetation types within Lick Creek Park are representative of the Post Oak ' Savarma ecological province. ·A large number of the different ecosystems that make up the Post Oak Savanna ecological province are found within Lick Creek Park. These range from dry upland areas to floodplains and include numerous "old fields" at various stages of recovery. One of the most -beautiful and unique areas in the park is the extensive "sedge meadow" present in the floodplain of the park. While this habitat type was probably widespread at some point, it has become relatively rare due to development. This great variety of vegetation types makes Lick Creek Park an invaluable and irreplaceable teaching laboratory. Students of all ages appreciate the value of this resource and can see many plants and examples of basic ecological relationships that they may have only known from textbooks. There is one endangered species, Spiranthes parksii (Navasota Ladies' Tresses), present in the park. The term "endangered species" means any species which is in danger of extinctfon throughout all or a significant portion of its range. DRAFT DRAFT Another plant, Thalictrum texanum (Houston Meadow-Rue) has been placed on the watch list of the Texas Organization for Endangered Species (TOES). "TOES watch list means any species which at present has either low population or restricted range in Texas and is not declining or being restricted in its range but requires attention to insure that the species does not become endangered or threatened (state or federal)." Recently a species of milkweed that was not previously known to Brazos County was found in Lick Creek Park so the value of Lick Creek Park continues to expand as its flora and fauna are better characterized. The historical human use pattern of the Lick Creek Park area mirrors that of the region. Pieces of sandstone bedrock were used by Indian people to make stone grills in hearths and stone heating elements in earth ovens. -· ~ Other rock types found in the sandy sediments that cap the bedrock were also used by Indian people as cook stones. Fist-sized pieces of quartzite were often used to stone-boil food by heating them red hot, then placing the hot rocks in soup-filled containers, and repeating the process until the liquid boiled. Some of the gravel deposits on upland landforms in the park also contain chert cobbles, a flint-like rock used by Indian people to manufacture projectile points, knives, and other. Deer, rabbits, sometimes bison, and other wild animals provided food for Indian people and non-Indians who occupied the park and surrounding area during the last 150 years or so. ~ The park also contains many wild plant that were used extensively by Indians and perhaps non-Indians as well. Among those are wild onion (Allium sp ), false garlic (Northoscordum bivale), ground nut (Apois americana), and spring beauty (Claytonia virginica). Forest trees in the bottomland undoubtedly provided lodgepoles, logs, and lumber for housing f?r many different groups who lived in the area . The prairie grasses also provided food for livestock introduced to the area by Europeans and the prairies patches were the first farmland use by non-Indians in the area, although these upland soils were never very productive for very lon g. Although the park has not been surveyed systematically, several archaeolo gical DRAFT DRAFT sites have been identified through informal reconnaissance survey. A few chert flakes from the manufacture of stone tools by Indian people have been found along most of the trail ways, and a projectile point was recently reported found several hundred yards south of the parking lot (see aerial photograph map). Small pieces of glass and ceramic vessels from the late 1800s and early 1900s have also been found along some of the old road beds. In addition the following sites have been located . Prehistoric Indian campsite and stone tool manufacturing area at the MMesaa (on and adjacent to feature# 14 on the aerial photograph map). Historic farmstead (probably landowner, early 1900s ?)and associated pond and water control features adjacent to the parking lot and including a stock tank (feature #16 on the aerial photograph map). Historic farmstead (tenant-like, early 1900s or late 1800s) with remains of fireplace/chimney and sandstone piers-supports, and a nearby stock tank that was probably hand dug, and old roadbeds to the SE. (within and near feature # 10, sandy prairie, east, on the aerial photograph map). Possible farmstead, albeit without definite structural remains, suggested by the presence of small prairie patch and large post oak (feature # 12, sandy prairie, west, on the aerial photograph map). Potential Threats to the Parks Ecological and Cultural Resources • There are numerous threats to the plant resources at Lick Creek Park. One specific threat to the Navasota Ladies' Tresses populations is the illegal construction of trails by mountain bikers . Most of this activity occurs in the region of the park that contains these plants. The plants are not visible for most of the year and trail construction of any kind should not occur in this portion of the park . The Houston Meadow-Rue occurs in an isolated region of the park and it is probably safe from human activities but is at risk from feral hogs. • A more general threat to the park is the continued development in the Lick Creek and Alum Creek drainages which will dramatically alter the flow regime of the creeks, and increases pollution in the creeks (fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides). These changes will undoubtedly cause changes in the vegetation of the wetland areas of the park and the sedge meadow is a particular area of concern. The plants currently populating the floodplain can tol e rate occasional submersions but it is unclear if they will withstand significant ch anges to the hydrology of the area. DRAFT DRAFT • Horses, bicycles, motorized off-road vehicles, and even heavy foot traffic pose the threat of increased soil erosion both on and off the trail system in Lick Creek Park. • Urbanization of the land immediately surrounding Lick Creek Park poses the threat of increased use of the park by cats and dogs which would endanger the natural wildlife community. • Lack of an aggressive management program will cause disturbance maintained ecosystems in Lick Creek Park to alter and disappear. • Indiscriminate use of the Park poses a threat to potentially important archaeological and cultural sites that exist in the Park but have not as yet been fully studied. Recommendations for Protection and Development of the Lick Creel_<. Park • Close all existing trails and reopen them only after they have been rerouted and improved to avoid excessive erosion, danger to rare species, and damage to cultural sites. • Use existing soils, plant, and animal data along with advice from those who have collected this data to design an effective trail system. • Undertake an archaeological survey, related archival work, and analytical studies to fully document the cultural resources present within the park boundaries. A Texas State Antiquities Permit will be required for the proposed survey work. Specific tasks that should be undertaken are as follows: • Literature review of sufficient scope to prepare a brief overview of regional and local history, prehistory, and past environmental conditions. The objective here is to develop a prelimipary land-use model that emphasizes human paleoecology, ethnic diversity, and paleoenvironmental conditions in the Post Oak Savannah. • Compile/summarize a data base of known cultural resources at/near Lick Creek City Park. • Review archival sources pertaining to past ownership history and land use at the Park, and prepare an historical overview that provides detailed information useful in developing interp'retative centers, displays , and brochures on past land-use history and environments. • Conduct a systematic, surface/shovel-test survey to discover and document historic and prehistoric sites within the boundaries of Lick Creek City Park. --... .. ... ·DRAFT DRAFT • Assess the importance of id e ntifi ed sites according to criteria established for th e National Register of Hi storic Pl aces and th e State Archaeological Landmarks program. We need more of these Available Source Materials: ~ Historic county road maps, General Land Office maps, old U.S .G.S . maps available at T AMU library and through the GLO office in Austin. These maps will show old roads and farmsteads. Aerial photographs from the 1930s to the present will document the land-use history through the last 60 years. ~ Archaeological and historical reports from the nearby Parts of the Post Oaks. A report entitled The Brazos Valley Slopes Archaeological Project (1993, edited by Alston V. Thoms, published as Reports oflnvestigations No. 14, Archaeological Research Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station) is available at Evans Library (T AMU) and it contains an extensive references cited section for ecological, archaeological , and historical information on the Post Oak Savannah "Plants of Lick Creek Park" is a description of the vegetation types present in the park with over 200 images and a species list and is available on the internet at : · (http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/LCP/LCPINTRO .HTML) Dr. Hugh Wilson's recovery study of Spiranthes parksii is available from Dr. Wilson. ~ A detailed soils map at a scale of 1: 15 ,840 is available from the Natural Resources Conservation Service . This map outlines all distinct soil bodies larger than 3 acres m size. We need more here too .,.._ __ -- A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR LICK CREEK PARK DISCUSSION DRAFT. Prepared for the Park and Recreation Board by John L. Crompton July 1994 > BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT Lick Creek is the most important park asset the city owns; or is ever likely to own. It is a 515 acre regional park located in southeastern College Station with access from Rock Prairie Road. It is wholly owned by the city of College . Station and is within the city's corporate boundaries. Originally it was acquired in 1981 as part of a 1,265 acre tract which was purchased for the purpose of developing an industrial park. This section of the total acreage was designated as a park in 1985 since 80 % of the land is in a flood plain and was deemed to be unsuitable for development. Although portions of Lick Creek Park were used in the past for grazing, much of the area has reverted back to its naturai state. Some treelines appear to be indicative of old fence rows, but most of the land is characteristic of Post Oak Savannah. Other types of ecological zones represented in the park are blackland prairie gra.Sslands and bottomwood hardwood forests. The uniqueness of Lick Creek within the College Station parks system was articulated in a letter by Dr. Robert Wharton to the Parks Board Chair in 1991: It's not just another Post Oak woodland. 'J?1e Park contains a variety of habitats, most of which have been undisturbed by grazing for a considerable length of time. Many of these habitats are unique within the Parks System, and support a diversity of animal and plant life which simply cannot be found in other city parks. Much of the diversity can be explained by the size of the park, which acts as a buffer to protect the smaller, individual elements of special interest (grasslands, sedge meadows, ravines). Bee Creek Park, which is also an I attractive "natural" area, simply cannot support the diversity of wildlife found in 1 Lick Creek oecause it is too small to counteract the effects of disturbance. The predominant soil type in Lick Creek, sandy loam, differs considerably from the black clay of most of our city parks. This sandy soil supports a number of plant . . and.animal species not found in other.city parks. Unfortunately, it is also much more sensitive to disturbance-particularly to erosion. The city explored the possibility of giving Lick Creek to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (fPWD) for use as a state park, but in 1989 TPWD concluded that Lick Creek was not of statewide significance and declined the offer. The Pebble Creek residential and golf course sub-d.ivision borders the park's western and northern sides, while its northern and eastern boundaries are with private landowners who are engaged in ranching. Two major creeks, Lick Creek and Alum Creek, traverse the park and eventually enter the Navasota River northeast of College Station. A number of oxbow lakes and sedge meadows are present within the park. Lick Creek is one of 33 · municipal parks in College Station, but it is larger than the combined acreage of the other 32 facilities. An urban park of this magnitude is a rare resource available in very few cities. It is currently relatively remote from the most populated areas of College Station, and is three miles away from the next closest park which creates managerial challenges. However, as the ci?', continues to develop so:ith along Highway 6, Lick Creek will be used by increasing number of visitors, and in 100 years time its location may be central rather than peripheral. The major development around the park is the Pebble Creek subdivision. Future development envisaged includes further subdivision development, construction of retail shops, 2 and a business park. To the southeast of the park is located the Texas World Speedway, which is a major motor race-track facility. The park site h~ connecting access to a Gulf States Utilities/Exxon Right of w_ay that ~xtends ·into the city proper. The Right of Way is 150 feet and the city has slowly been acquiring portions of it with the intent of developing a hike/bike trail connection between the park and the main city area. Approximately 50 acres of the park is to be used for current and future wastewater treatment facilities, and this area has an access road and connecting sewer line. Electric service is located along the north boundary of the site on Rock Prairie Road. THE PARK'S FLORA AND FAUNA RESOURCES The park's 515 acres provide refuge for a multitude of indigenous plants and animals, including mammal species such as white tail deer, coyote, armadillo, and opossum. Likewise a plethora of reptiles, amphibians ·and birds thrive within. its boundaries. Dr. Robert Wharton also·noted in a 1991 letter to the Parks Board, "Less obvious are the smaller elements. Our own studies, for example, have turned up a number of insect species previously unknown to science." In 1988 Professor Doug Slack of the Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Department at Texas A&M conducted a training course iii the park for National Park Service wildlife personnel. They prOduced an inventory of all songbirds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians observed in the park which is attached as Appendix 1. Dr. Slack noted signs of feral hogs were observed within the park and suggested, "Some hog population monitoring at Lick Creek Park may be warranted due to poss ible detrimental effects on endangered plant populations." In response to this, the city contacted individuals who were trapping feral hogs in the Pebble Creek Subdivision and granted them permission to do the same within the park boundaries. 3 In 1993 the range of species ~as extended when the city signed an agreement with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department authorizing approximately 15 wild turkeys to be stocked in the area. The Departme~t believed that this general area offers some of the best turkey habitat in the county. The purposes of the stocking program were "(l) to provide the local people and their grandchildren with the opportunity to enjoy seeing ~d listening to wild turkeys, and (2) to provide a place to trap additional turkeys if they multiply so that we can stock the remainder of the county and nearby counties." A detailed inventory of the park's flora has not been undertaken but it does include two endangered species: the Hou.sdon Meadow Rue and the Navasota Ladies' Tress. They are among fifteen native plants that have been declared as endangered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Most of the other plants on this list are varieties of cacti in West Texas. There appear to be two major implications of this designation for the management of the park. First, no development in the park that affects the species can be undertaken without prior approval from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Second, any grant applications for federal or state funds to develop the site would require identification of locations containing the endangered plants as part of the environmental assessment portion of the application. Dr. Hugh Wilson of the Department of Biology at Texas A&M ha.S undertaken field work in the park with his students for a number of years and has mapped all the Navasota Ladies Tress sites. They grow in a 40 acre section of the park. He reinforced Dr. Slack's earlier warning about the potential damage created by feral pigs, noting that over 100 pigs were trapped at the Pebble Creek Golf Course in 1991 and 20 or 30 in 1992. Dr. Wilson observed in April 1992: These animals have done considerable damage to large areas of the park through ·4 rooting and forming wallows and trails. If they are allowed to persist, long-term erosional damage will be extensive. GUIDING PRINCIPLF.S FOR THE PARK'S MANAGEMENT The vision of the mayor and city council when the park was first designated was a "wilderness park, as a place where people could leave their cars behind and walk among trees, flowers and streams." In 1986, the Parks Board appointed a group of seven Texas A&M professors from the Departments of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Recreation and Parks, Range Science, Forest .. . . #. • . Science, and Biology to formulate goals which would be used to guide the park's development. These were subsequently reviewed and endorsed in 1990 by a group called Friends of Lick Creek which consisted of representatives of the Brazos Sierra Club, the Brazos Audobon Society, Native Plant Society of Texas, Texas Environmental Action Coalition, Texas Organization for Endangered Species, Texas A&M Cycling Team, and some interested bikers. The goals articulated and endorsed by these two groups were consistent with the council's original vision for the park. They were: * To provide a protected habitat for rare and endangered plant species as well as other native flora and fauna; * To provide opportunities for living outdoor ed~cation and rural life interpretation. * To provide outdoor recreation opportunities for hikiilg, nature study, and related activities. * To provide an outdoor laboratory base for the study of natural sciences by local residents. The guiding principle in the development and · management of Lick Creek has to be maintenance of the integrity of the resource base. If the resource base is permitted to gradually 5 deteriorate, then: the quality' of recrea~onal and educational experiences that are derived from it will also deteriorate. It is recommended ~at these four goals and this guiding principle should be adopted by the Park Board and the City Council, as the standards against which future development and management decisions should be made. CONSIDERATIONS IMPACTING MANAGEMENT DECISIONS Park use has been minimal to this point. Indeed,it is likely that most city residents are unaware that Lick Creek Park exists! No directional signs have been posted on either Highway 6 or on Greens Prairie Road which would alert residents to the park's existence. The Park and Recreation Department has not encouraged use because the park's relative remoteness makes it difficult to manage. The very low level of use has enable ~e park to survive without significant degradation in the nine years since it was designated. However, it is clear that this "hands-off' managerial strategy will have to be replaced by something more affirmative as visitation mcreases. The city has no other substantial nattiral park area. Lick Creek requires a very different style of management to that required for the rest of the parks system because it is a natural area. Each use of the park increases the probability that the habitat will be adversely impacted, and maintenance of the resource base is the primary managerial goal. Lick Creek is barely large enough to retain its current level of species diversity, and as development encroaches upon it this will become more difficult. Certainly, Lick Creek is too small to sustain long-term multiple-use of all those who currently use it.' · Bikers and horseback riders are currently permitted to use. Lick Creek. Rules prohibiting 6 them are not practical because the site's remoteness means there are no park and recreation or police personnel available to enforce such regulations if they were implemented. However, these uses are not compatible with the goal of maintaining the resource base. Dr. Robert Wharton, a professor at Texas A&M in the Department of Entomology, noted the sensitive nature of the sandy loam which is the primary soil type in the park. In a letter to the chair of the Park Board he stated, "Bike races in this park would thus be particularly tragic, since they would impact most heavily on those habitats not represented in other city parks. The damage once done cannot be repaired." Biking is likely to cause soil compaction, induce erosion, and lead to the destruction of plants and the disturbance of wildlife. Bikes create ruts which serve to trap water which facilitates erosion and makes the trails muddy for hikers. There is also a safety concern when bikers and hikers are both using the same narrow, heavily vegetated trails. The potential of bikes to damage the resource was illustrated in Spring 1991 when a bicycle race was authorized in Lick Creek. The visual ~age took several months to recc>ver and there was substantial protest from hiking, birding and casual user groups who observed the resource degradation. After the race the Director of Parks and Recreation noted in a written . . communication to the event organizer, "Several of the trails were severely rutted." Use by horse riders similarly damages the resource and creates potential safety and sanitation problems. In addition, they require a 10 feet vertical clearance of the trail which would require removal of some of the shade canopy which now reduces the direct sun on hikers in some areas. The development of a bike trail from the city proper out to Lick Creek Park using utility 7 right-of-way will encourage greater bike use in the park. Although bicyclists should be encouraged to ride their bicycles to the park, they should not be allowed to ride them within the park. ·Walking for pleasure has consistently emerged in outdoor recreation surveys over the past 30 years as the leading outdoor recreation activity throughout the United States. The most recent survey of Texans outdoor recreation activities commissioned by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1993 again confirmed this finding. However, walkers are not an organized group. Thus, when it comes to lobbymg the Park Board or City Council, they are frequently not represented. The influence of organized groups was clearly demonstrated by the authorization of the bike race in Lick C.reek Park in 1991. It is imperative that a firm policy be adopted by the Park Board and City Council which enables them to resist these types of pressures in the future, or the resource will be. incrementally degraded. · The park currently has 3.8 miles of hiking trails, but these are not well marked either on the ground or on th_e maps available to the public. Retaining the resource's integrity requires that hikers be channelled onto trails. The clearer and more comprehensive the trail system, the more likely it is that walkers will stay on it. The trails should be carefully delineated to avoid erosion and . minimize impact on flora ~d fauna. Thus, for ex~ple, trails in the area of the Navasota Ladies Tress should serve to direct people away from the critical habitat. RECOMMENDED STRATEGIC ACTIONS Five strategic actions should be taken by the Parks Board and City Council: 1. The most urgent need is appointment of two park rangers to be stationed permanently at Lick Creek Park. The Park cannot be managed from the central office or another park 8 site because of its relative remoteness. An on-site presence is needed to develop and enforce any policies or actions authorized by the Park BOard or City Council. They would be responsible for development and marking of hiking trails, initiation of "educational interpretive programs, enforcement of regulations, and routine maintenance at the site. A secure, but relatively simple building would be needed for their office use, equipment storage, and public restroom facilities. At some future date, it is possible that a more expansive nature center may be constructed on the site, but this is not warranted at this time. 2. A set of rules prohibiting bike and horse riding in the park should be established as soon --as rangers are appointed to the site who can enforce them. If these rules are not implemented in the near -future, then it will be rriuch more difficult to introduce them _later when precedent of use will increase resistance to them. 3. -Hiking trails should be developed with clear signage so they are easy to follow. Maps of the trails which the general public can easily follow also need to be developed and disseminated. 4. To retain the biodiversity that exists within Lick Creek Park, the city should strive to work with other entities to develop corridors or "greenways" between the park and the Navasota River. Such corridors would reduce the probability of Lick Creek becoming a biological island, which would lead to decline in its current level of biodiversity. Similarly, through its exaction ordinance the city .should encourage the development of natural buffer zones between the park and development which will gradually encroach upon it. 9 5. The presence of Pebble Creek Golf Course on Lick Creek's western border means that watershed management practices need to be implemented tO protect the park's flora and fauna resources fro1!1 pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals used in maintenance of · '.the Golf Course. These chemical compounds 'Yill enter the park with runoff from rainwater and irrigation and may cause substantial damage to the park's ecosystem. A · study should be commissioned to identify the potential for damage from this source. 10 APPENDIX 1 ~ LIST -LICl< cm:EK PARK SpeCies cbserved between 6/20/88 arxl 6/24/88 at Lick Creek Parle by participants in the _ National Parle Service wildlife managerent tJ;ainin:J co.irse. Birds (iromin} arxl evenill} SCJ03bird census & misc. sightllqs) . . ,:. yell~ ru.ght heron cattle egret great egret turkey vulture black vulture red-tailed hawk m:::iumin] dove yellow-bille:l cuckoo great-horned owl barred owl chuck-will' s-widow dWuney swift. ruby-throated ht.nmnin3bifd Kentuckey wa?:bler \ parula wa?:bler . . . oo.my~ great crested flycatcher acadian flycatdler American crci.t tufted titJro.lse carolira chickadee carolira wren blue-gray gnatcatdler m:x::kin#Jird ~te-eye:l verio blue grosbeak northern cardinal painted bmtin':J sumner tanager Reptiles & Anphibians (pit traps & misc. sightllqs) , snai:pin:J turtle ornate box turtle 3-toed box turtle grcxmi~. soot:hern water snake blpt.ched water snake brown snake ~ rat snake c::ottonµcuth c:q:.perllead gulf CX>aSt toad cricket fra;J lecpard fra;J Mammals (tracks were coonted alorq the road fran the parkirq lot to the pipeline -average ntl!OOer of in:lividuals c:b:serve:l per day) W.ite-taile:l deer 11, 7, 9, 5=8 aonadillo 20, 3, 18, 13 = 13.5 c:p::l6SlIIU 1, 1, o, 0 = 0.5 b:::bcat 1, o, o, 0 = 0.25 ·coyote 1, o, o, 0 = 0.25 ral:bit 7, 6, 4, 5 = 5.5 small rodent 1, 2, 21, 2 = 6.5 snake 3, 4, 5, 9 = 5.3 bird 7, 5, o, 0 = 3 box turtle 2, o, o, 0 = 0.5 lizard 2, o, o, 0 = 0.5 Small m:mma1s (Sherman live traps) aJtton rat ~t deer lOClUSe Norway rat harvest lOClUSe OJyote diet analysis (20 coyote scats) frequency of ocx:::urrenCe cotton rat -18 ral:bit - 4 wocxi rat - 3 deer -1 LICK CREEK PARK LOCATION MAP SC A LE: I "= 300 ' ~-- 515 .54 Acres WASTEWATER TREA~MENT PL N,J ... '° 11"1 =~~~~o co I I ., I I : I ; I .~ff:-~·2&12L , .. ACCES S RO A D -I -STREAM BEDS -II -WOODED LOW LANDS -Ill -QPEN SAVANNAH ~ 1v-posTOAKSAVANNAH E XISTING ROADS SITE I -STREAM BEDS TREES : WATER OAK, RED BUD , RIVER BIRCH SHRUBS : FRENCH MULBURRY POISON IVY, MAMA LS : EVENING BA TS, RObENTS , BOBCAT SITE II -WOODED LOWLANDS TREES : W IL L OW OAKS, POST OAKS, I I -~ IV -POST OAK SAVANNAH TYPICAL OF COUNTRY SIDE IN BRAZOS COUNTY, CLAY SOIL WITH POST OAK, WATER OAK & VARIOUS ELMS l / II -WOODED LOW LANDS ~ FLAT LOW AREAS , ) "-...._WET Ml.DOY SOIL THROUGHOUT ...... .., MOST OF THE YEAR (\ TREES: WATER OAKS CEDAR ELMS W INGED ELMS & WATER HICKORIES "" ~ (;.~ Ill-QPEN SAVAfll'.IAH I g " ~ SCA TIERED LARGE TREES , BRIARS & SHRLBS, YAUPON & HAWTHORN tJ COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS PROPOSED PARK DEVEL. [ PARKS 8 RECREATION DEPARTMENT --"--~~-~-~~~• ...... _________________________________________________________________ " '-------~O~IR~EC~T~O-R _;.S•~··~"·~·~B-·•-ch~'-----------' ,_•L_·----~ , ___ E_c __ o_s_Y_s_T_E __ M_s_,_H_A_B __ IT_A_T __ , . 2. Development Concept yyiwrJ4?u~~ _ 3flf{~ 11 1 ~ )l?YJf !10J ~ -s @ · 0g -e~ tn& fM JUJfVfi/--fi 3_ 1:Y 1~ I q ~}!yJ q -fJ t )U I ) ~~ ~!JJ~ r~ '(IA JUifv1· ~ --tr~~ uu 1Jl ~ .. ~. ~ I l1d~·~• I~ -y PROPOSED PARK ENVIR --DEVEL. ONMENTAL I PHYSICAL [J i ' D D D D D D --- ,.,I I SOIL TYPES Gb Gowen fine sandy loam, 0-1% slopes Ga Gowen clay loam, 0-1% slopes Lt Lufkin-Edge complex , 3 -8% slopes Le Lufkin-Edge complex, 1-3% slopes Ld Lufkin fine sandy loam, 1-3% slopes Le Lufkin fine sandy loam, 0-1 'lb s l opes Le •• \ '\, -.--, -~ \~ "" ' I ,,\./ t' / -... _. ~/ ) I ' ! ........ .f'/. --------/'-'" . J __ /· ~ .. ·"': ..... ~· ... ----~·:-.,.-.-···--·-· '"' .,,, 0 ~ -·