urban infill

Spring Creek Watershed

Data Source: Larch 311Projection: Pennsylvania State Plane North

Table Of Contents

Narrative

Contents

Narrative 1

Phase 1

Landform and LandscapeElevation Map 2Watershed Sections 3

Water ResourcesWatershed Sub-Basins 4Networked Streams 5Issues And Opportunities 6

Soil And GeologyGeology 7Soils 8Issues And Opportunities 9

Human PopulationsSize, Density and Distribution 10Diversity 11Population Overview 12

Cultural ResourcesHistorical Development 13Development Within The Watershed 14

Creative MapCreative Map 15

Phase 2

Concept MapSustainable Development 16

Suitability MapAnalysis 17

Focused StudyUrban Infill 18-24

Works CitedBibliography 25


MiM chael HuuumesMiMiMichchchael HuuumesDDDataaa SSSource: La ch 31111Data SSSource h 3111Larce: Larchojectiononon: Pennnnnnsysysylvll ania State Plane NorrthththProjectionnn: Peeennnn sylvania State Plane NororortthtProjeProje

Found within this atlas of geospatial data and analysis on the Spring Creek Watershed is a wide conglomeration of information that can be used in multiple ways to help aid in the protection and education of this important watershed.Throughout the atlas one will observe information regarding landform and how topography and other geological features have helped to form the watershed. This landform is also an important factor when discussing water resources within the watershed as it helps to explain why water moves in a certain direction. These landforms also explain why cities and towns are located in certain places over others.Water is an extremely important element within the watershed. Within this atlas one will see the watershed broken down into sub-basins. One of the most important aspects of our water resources involves networked streams. These streams help explain the history of many of the cities within the region and they are also extremely valuable for habitats.Geology and soil within the region also plays an important role in the decision of why towns are located in certain places. Certain soils are valuable for different types of land use. Hagerstown formation is prominent within the Spring Creek Watershed and can be used for land uses such as agriculture and development.The maps involving human populations help put into perspective how humans impact the surrounding landscape. This data also provides us with information that helps us better plan for the future development of Spring Creek Watershed.Overall, the Spring Creek Watershed is an extremely unique place that is very important to both people and the habitats that are linked to it. The data found within this atlas is a good source of information that can aid in better decisions that will impact the Watershed in more positive ways.


MiM chael HuuumesMiMiMichchchael HuuumesDDDataaa SSSource: La ch 31111Data SSSource h 3111Larce: Larchojectiononon: Pennnnnnsysysylvll ania State Plane NorrthththProjectionnn: Peeennnn sylvania State Plane NororortthtProjeProje

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Pennsylvania StateUniversity

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Airport

SchoolState Gamelands

Major Roads

HighwaysInterstate

Canyon Parcels

Spring Creek Elevation680 - 972 ft

972 - 1,264 ft

1,264 - 1,555 ft

1,555 - 1,847 ft

1,847 - 2,139 ft

2,139 - 2,431 ft

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The Spring Creek Watershed is a very interesng and enjoyable area within Centre County Pennsylvania. Located within this watershed is Spring Creek Canyon which is home to a wide variety of plants and animals that are unique to this area. These canyon parcels have created controversy over the ownership, development and uses of this land (Western PA Conservancy 2006).

The canyon parcels, highlighted in the map to the le, depict a canyon that is centrally located between both State College and Bellefonte making this land easily accessible by residents of both these towns. These aributes combined with the rich ecology and landform of the site make the canyon parcels highly sought aer for conservaon and public trails.

Development in this region is primarily built within the valleys where it is easier to construct buildings. The map shows towns such as Bellefonte, State College and Boalsburg which have all been constructed within the valleys of the Spring Creek Watershed. The parcels of land along the canyon are relavely flat making this land extremely valuable for development. A downside to developing within these valleys is that Karst Topography makes this area vulnerable to sinkholes. Building on these sinkholes can lead to environmental disturbances leaving negave impacts on the watershed and can ulmately lead to the disrupon of the unique ecology within this area (Alpha 2004).

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Bellefonte to State College Secon A-A

Canyon and Mount NianySecon B-B

Canyon ParcelsSecon C-C

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Secon cut A-A, shows the relavely central locaon of the canyon parcels between Bellefonte and State College. The central locaon, between these large towns, makes this land desirable as both a park and for further development.

Secon cut B-B, depicts the canyon parcels as being part of Niany Valley where the flat land is valuable for development. This secon also shows the close proximity of Interstate 99 which runs from State College to Bellefonte making the site easily accessible from both towns.

Secon cut C-C, shows a closer view of the canyon parcelsmaking it clearer how the slopes in the valley are much more favorable for development than the slopes of Bald Eagle Ridge or Mount Niany.


Bellefonte

Canyon Parcels

Interstate 99

Canyon

Interstate 99

Interstate 99Canyon Parcels

Canyon Parcels

Mount Niany

Tussey Mountain

Bald Eagle Ridge

Bald Eagle Ridge

State College

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Legend! Major Towns

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Spring Creek Sub BasinsAcres Equal

49.57 - 1818.94

1818.95 - 4342.26

4342.27 - 7869.25

7869.26 - 11169.60

11169.61 - 17419.78

Sub Basins Acres Equal Percentage3105 49.57 0.05%3106 418.34 0.45%3202 1086.26 1.16%3121 1818.94 1.95%3247 3015.4 3.23%3231 3278.19 3.51%3107 4342.26 4.65%3150 6776.63 7.26%3197 7869.25 8.43%3214 10768.07 11.54%3193 10926.19 11.71%3172 11169.6 11.97%3128 14404.57 15.43%3127 17419.78 18.66%

Sub-Basin Data

Hydrologic Unit Classification System

The Hydrologic Unit Classification System in the United States designates four levels within the hydrologic unit. These levels, arranged from smallest in size to largest, are cataloging units, accounting units, sub-regions, and regions. There are 21 regions, 221 sub-regions, 378 accounting units, and 2,264 cataloging units. Regions contain major river drainage areas or

drainage areas from combined rivers. Sub-regions contain features such as closed basins, the area that was drained by a river system, etc. Cataloging units can be defined by a drainage basin or a specific

hydrologic feature and are often called watersheds (USGS 2011).

Map Information

The map located to the left is a cataloging unit and is referred to as Spring Creek Watershed. There are thirteen sub-basins within the watershed with the majority of Spring Creek Canyon located in sub-basin 3150. The chart at the bottom of the page indicates the sub-basins, their area in acres and percentage of the Spring Creek Area that the sub-basin makes up. Spring Creek Watershed is considered a

small watershed and is part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The map to the left illustrates how all these sub-basins, which range in size depending on their characteristics, come together to form a

watershed (Clear Water Conservancy 2011).

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Michael HumesData Source: Larch 311Projection: Pennsylvania State Plane North

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Strahler Stream OrderThe Strahler Stream Order is a simplistic and commonly used system that helps to classify river and streams by size (NBII 2011). This system designates different numbers to streams based on their attributes. Streams classified as first order streams are located at the beginning of the stream system (Fingertip Tributaries). These streams are located at higher elevations and travel short distances. Second order streams are the result of two first order streams joining together.

These second order streams are located at a lower elevation than first order streams. Third order streams are the result of two second order streams

merging and are located at lower elevations than second order streams. This pattern of streams merging together and moving to lower elevations is continuous in the Strahler Stream Order and is illustrated in

Diagram 1 (Steiner 2000).

Map InformationStrahler Stream Order is implemented in the map to the left helping to illustrate the flow of water within the Spring Creek watershed. This map also helps to illustrate how pollutants from major towns within the watershed flow directly downstream into Spring Creek Canyon. State College is located at a higher elevation than Spring Creek Canyonwhich means a lot of water runoff from State College ends up moving through streams that end up in Spring Creek. The water in Spring Creek will eventually flow into Bald Eagle Creek, which will flow into the Chesapeake Bay. The map helps one visualize how stream pollution starts at first order streams and eventually ends up in a much higher stream order (Clear Water Conservancy 2011).

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Spring Creek StreamsSTRAHLER

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Fish HatcheryOpportunities: Creates an educational area where people can learn about how important Spring Creek is for fish reproduction and how this unique area offers the ideal characteristics needed to raise fish to restock other streams in Pennsylvania.

Issues: This facility has disturbed the natural environment by building roads and bridges to access the fish hatchery. There is surface runoff from this site which carries pollutants from the hatchery back into Spring Creek.

Old HatcheryOpportunities: Offers insight into the history of Spring Creek and the long history of having fish hatcheries along it.

SwimmingOpportunities: Creates recreational area for people to interact with water and to become interested with the importance of keeping water clean.

Issues: People could cause more environmental disturbances to Spring Creek by littering in the creek--causing harm to the unique ecosystem within Spring Creek.

CliffOpportunities: Creates a bio-diverse area. The steeper the elevation the more rapid biodiversity takes place. These cliffs help create the unique ecology within Spring Creek Canyon.

Issues: This area is not suitable for development.

Flat LandOpportunities: The land on one side of the river is relatively flat making it an ideal place for development.

Issues: If this side of the creek is developed it could cause environmental degradation to Spring Creek.

Issues: The environmental damage that this structure has caused or is still causing is unknown and needs to be studied.

Area Of Detail

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Michael HumesData Source: Larch 311Proojection: Pennsylvania State Plane North

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Spring Creek Stream

Canyon Parcels

Spring Creek GeologyFM Name

Cgl, Lower Member of Gatesburg Fm

Cgm, Mines Member of Gatesburg Fm

Cw, Warrior Run

DSkm, Keyser Fm-Mifflintown Fm Undiv

Dh, Hamilton Group

Doo, Onondaga Fm and Old Port Fm Undiv

Oa, Axemann Fm

Obe, Bald Eagle Fm

Obf, Bellefont Fm

Obl, Benner Fm-Loysburg Fm Undiv

Ocl, Coburn Fm-Loysburg Fm Undiv

Ocn, Coburn Fm-Nealmont Fm Undiv

Oj, Juniata Fm

On, Nittany Fm

Or, Reedsville Fm

Osl, Stonehenge Fm and Larke Fm Undiv

St, Tuscarora Fm

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Michael HumesData Source: Larch 311Projecttion: Pennsylvania State Plane North

Map InformationHighlighted in the map to the left are the various soil formations that can be found in the Spring Creek Watershed. Mountains within this region were formed through synclines and the valleys were formed through anticlines. Larger valleys in the spring creek region such as Penns Valley and Nittany Valley were formed out of carbonate rocks that are less resistant to weathering (Fulton and Others 2005, 18).

FracturesOvertime, rocks within the Spring Creek Watershed have been fractured through natural causes. These fractures are both beneficial and problematic to the region. Wells that are drilled on fractures tend to have greater amounts of water, which is a huge benefit for towns and cities that rely on wells as their primary source of water. The problem with the fractures is that they can enlarge through a process called dissolution. Dissolution is extremely prevalent where carbonate rock is located. When these fractures grow in size they create sinkholes, which are problematic within the Spring Creek Watershed (Fulton and Others 2005, 18).Ni

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SoilsSpringCreek

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Soil DataAcres Equal Percentage

Alluvium 5187.69 5.56%Colluvium 16563.59 17.74%

Other 1482.42 1.59%

Residuum 70109.35 75.11%

Map InformationThe soils within the Spring Creek Watershed can be classified as alluvium, colluvium and residuum. These types of soils are highlighted in the map to the left. Mountaintops within the region, such as Nittany Mountain, are composed of sandstone residuum. The ridges of these mountains are composed of colluvium. Alluvial soil material is located at the base of the ridges which then transitions into the limestone residuum found within the valleys (Fulton and Others 2005, 18).

Alluvium: Soils that have been deposited by water.

Colluvium: Rock deposited by gravity at the base of a ridge.

Residuum: Soil that has formed in place overtime.

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Michael HumesMichael HumesData Source: Larch 311Projecttion: Pennsylvania State Plane North

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HatcheryIssues: The hatchery is located in along the banks Spring Creek and is alluvial. Alluvial soil is moved easily and is not stable. In the future there might be issues with soil erosion at this site.

Ground Water

Opportunities: The valleys within Spring Creek Watershed consist of well drained residuum soil. This well-drained soil allows the groundwater to be recharged, which in turn will eventually feed back into Spring Creek.

Erosion

Issues: Soils within the forest are vulnerable to erosion. The image above depicts eroded soil around a tree trunk. The soil is alluvial and is moved easily by water. Soil in these areas needs vegetative cover in order to reduce the erosion.

Geology

Opportunities: This cliff would make a great educational area where people could learn about rock formations and the geology of the Spring Creek Watershed. The exposed rock offers people the chance to see what is underneath the soil.

Erosion

Issues: Vegetation is needed in order to keep soil from eroding. The image above shows timber that was harvested from within the Spring Creek Watershed. When timber is removed from an area with unstable soil there is an increased chance of erosion.

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1 in = 4,735 ft

1 in = 7,000 ft

LegendCanyonParcels

1 Dot = 100

Population

LegendCanyonParcels

Spring Creek WatershedPopulation

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LegendCanyonParcels

Major TownsPopulation

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2880 - 3722

3723 - 6187

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Population DistributionBellefonte

Bellefonte

State Correctional Facility

Bellefonte

Bellefonte

State College

State College

State CollegeState College

Population DensityPopulation CentersThe map to the left illustrates the population centers within the Spring Creek Watershed. These centers indicate where large populations of people are living. State College is the largest population center within the Spring Creek Watershed. There is a large presence of people here due mostly to the Presence of Penn State Universitywhich has created a lot of jobs in the area as well as students.

This population density map helps put into perspective the density of the human population across the Spring Creek Region. The closer to State College and Bellefonte the higher the population density gets. It is important to note that that there is a very dense population in-between State College and Bellefonte which is the result of the State Correctional Institute of Rockview being located there.

The population distribution map to the left is illustrating where people are located within the Spring Creek Region. It is clear that both Bellefonte and State College have a lot of people living near them. As one moves further away from these cities the population begins to disperse and spread out across the land. This also illustrates how the rural landscape transitions into the urban landscape. Both Bellefonte and State College have been blown up in the maps to the left so that it is easier to see this transition from the city limits to the rural areas that surround them.

The population growth in the Spring Creek Region can be largely attributed to Penn States presence in Centre County. Over the years Penn States acceptance of new students has grown astronomically. In 1860 Penn State had 110 students enrolled in college. By 1890 there were 290 studentsthis figure grew to 1,662 in 1910. In 1980 the student enrollment grew to over 30,000 students and today the number has reached over 40,000 students. This progression of growth can be seen in the chart above (Centre County Government 2011)


Michael HumesData Source: Larch 311Projection: Pennsylvania State Plane Northorrtortrtrtrthrth

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Diversity Index

State Correctional Facility

This Diversity Index Map highlights the most diverse places within the Spring Creek Region. Urban areas with higher population densities tend to have higher diversity than areas that are more rural. Notice that the State College Area is the most diverse area within the Spring Creek Region. This is due to a higher population as well as the fact that Penn State is located within State College. The university is responsible for bringing in a very diverse population of students and faculty from all ethnicities. The Correctional Institute also has a diverse population.

The chart above compares the diversity of the Spring Creek Region to Pennsylvania and the United States. Diversity within the watershed is much lower than that found within Pennsylvania and the United States. This can be attributed to the fact that there are much larger and more diverse places within Pennsylvania and the United States. Philadelphia PA would be an example of such a place as they have a larger population and less rural areas. The Spring Creek Watershed is largely composed of rural farmlandwhich lowers the diversity of the area.

The Map

The Chart

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Vast rural farmland can be found throughout the Spring Creek Watershed. This rural area has very few houses, low density and low diversity. This type of landscape can be found just outside of the city limits and is one reason why this area is so beautiful.

Single family homes are found bordering the rural landscape and are the initial transition point into the urban landscape. The areas where these homes are found is more dense than rural areas but far less dense than the urban centers. People here are distributed over a larger amount of land.

Penn State is a very diverse place. When on campus one is exposed to a wide variety of people from all ethnicities.

Penn State is responsible for the population growth within the area and has helped shape the downtown State College area as the largest population center within the Spring Creek Region.

This image of downtown illustrates the dense living within the urban areas. Buildings are close together and have a dense population. There is also increased diversity in this area.

Rural

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arch 311Data Source: LaProjection: Pennsylvania State Plane Northection: Pennsylvania State Plane Northection: Pennsylvania State Plane North

Projecon: Pennsylvania State Plane North

Data Source: Pennsylvania Geological Survey

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LegendLand Use

Developed

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Public Land

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Forest

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Major Towns

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Legend

Developed Agriculture Forest

Legend

Developed Agriculture Forest

State College (1938)

State College (2011)

1 in = 3,611 ft

1 in = 3,611 ft

State College

Bellefonte

State College

State College

This map illustrates how the majority of land was being used in 1938. It is definitive that agriculture was a huge cultural resource in the Spring Creek Watershed during this time. There are also not many forests in this area due to the heavy presence of agriculture. The red indicates the extent of the developed land that was being used for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. Note that the developed areas are contained within a small area.

The map to the left of State College illustrates how the same area of land represented in the 1938 map is being used today. It is noticeable that agriculture is no longer as prevalent in this area. Instead the landscape has been transformed by the sprawling urban development. Much of the agricultural heritage in the Spring Creek Watershed has been lost to development. This sprawl is the result of suburban development after World War II along with development of Penn State University (Yin & Sun, 2007).

The land use map above is highlighting the various land use types within the Spring Creek Watershed. Much of the development is located within the valleys of this region as the ridges of the mountains are too steep to develop on. Regulations prohibiting the

development on these steep slopes are helping to preserve much of the forested area within the watershed; however, the same cannot be said about agricultural land which is being lost rapidly to development (Yin & Sun, 2007).



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1 This housing development is one area within the Spring Creek Watershed that is the result of urban sprawl. The land here once was agricultural; however, like many other areas located near State College the land has transitioned into a residential community.

Parks within the Spring Creek Watershed are one way municipalities are fighting back against the loss of natural land within the watershed. Westerly Parkway Wetland is one area that has been reclaimed to educate people about natural features of this area.

The addition of Highways like Route 322 has created a lot of development within the watershed. Communities and commercial development have sprouted up along these new roads.

This section of South Atherton Street once was lined with agricultural fields; however, now it is primarily an extension of the business district in State College.

This strip-mall is an example of what some of the development that has occurred along South Atherton Street looks like. These strip-malls and other commercial businesses have replaced much of the agricultural businesss that once were prominent in this area.

The culture in the Spring Creek Watershed has drastically changed since the 1930s. This area use to be primarily composed of an agricultural economy; however, today it has shifted to a commercial and industrial economy. This shift has ruined much of the agricultural heritage of this areaaltering the pristine landscape that once was here.

Suburbs

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Michael Humes


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Population DensityPopulation 2010

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Population Density

Developable Land

This population density map helps put into perspective the density of the human population across the Spring Creek Region. The closer to State College and Bellefonte one gets the higher the population density gets. The areas of land with high population density also are the areas with the greatest amount of devel-oped land. Undeveloped land sur-rounding these high density areas are likely to be developed in the future. This likely development of land is the result of younger adults desiring to live closer to the city and older adults wanting to move further away from the city (Nasser 2009).

This land use map is highlighting the various land use types within the Spring Creek Watershed. The majority of development in the Spring Creek Watershed is located within the valleys of this region as the ridges of the mountains are too steep to develop on. These undeveloped mountainous areas are helping to preserve the forested area within the region. Unfortunately, a large portion of the agricultural land in the watershed has already been developed and the remaining agricultural land is highly desirable and likely to be sought after for development due to its inherent characteristics.

The map above is highlighting lands that are undeveloped and the pressure that the land holders are having put against them to develop these lands. Highly valuable lands are sought after for development as these lands are found within one mile of the major towns found within the watershed. These highly valuable lands are located within what is known as the urban fringe. This area is highly sought after for residential development as it is still within close

Developed land within the Spring Creek Watershed is composed of residential, commercial and industrial land. The majority of land that has already been developed is largely concentrated around State College and Bellefonte. Urban sprawl is slowly consuming a lot of forested and agricultural lands outside of these two towns. This map shows how urban sprawl is spreading out over the landscape. In the State College area it can be observed that development is merging multiple towns together. In the map it is clear that developed land is merging State College, Boalsburg and Pine Grove Mills together and Bellefonte and Pleasant Gap are merging together.

This developable land map is highlighting land that has not yet been developed but has developmental zoning. These parcels of land located within the Spring Creek Watershed represent land that has been purchased by conservation groups, private land holders and development groups. The motives of these groups varysome wish to preserve the land while others want to profit off the sale and development of the land. Note that the motives for each parcel vary and can change over time. Although these parcels seem like a small percentage of land available within the watershedthey represent a large percentage of the overall remaining forests and agricultural land that is within the watershed.

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proximity to the city, but it also offers a more rural atmosphere. These characteristics along with other attributes such as cheaper land make this location ideal for nearly 35% of people who choose not to live in the urban core (Heimlich and Anderson 2001).

Moderately desirable land is located between one mile and two miles outside of the developed urban areas. This area is desired by people

who want to escape the city and live a more rural lifestyle. Residential areas here have more spacious lots and are often more desirable to older adults than to younger ones (Nasser 2009).

Land with low developmental value often consists of land that has scattered housing intertwined with agricultural lands. This type of development is the least destructive of agricultural lands as it allows for

agricultural land to exist within development. Highly and moderately desirable land for development often lacks the planning needed to preserve agricultural landthis results in the overdevelopment of land (Heimlich and Anderson 2001).

The graph to the right depicts the amount and type of land within each developmental zone. Most land found within the highly to

moderately desirable range is likely to be destroyed from overdevelopment. Forested land is affected more so than agricultural land from development. Land development found within the low desirability is less likely to be as destructive compared to the other two zones. If sprawl were to spread into the first two zones nearly 1/3 of the forested land within the watershed would be destroyed. 0

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Pleasant Gap

State College

Boalsburg

Bellefonte

Pine Grove Mills

Pleasant Gap

State College

Boalsburg

Bellefonte

Pine Grove Mills

Pleasant Gap

State College

Boalsburg

Bellefonte

Pine Grove Mills

Pleasant Gap

15



Summary

Interested Parties

Goals

Opportunities and Threats

Developers

Centre County Planning Commission

Agricultural Land Preservation Board

Land Owners

Residents


Developed

Vacant Land

Public Land

Agriculture

Forest

Other


Developed

Undeveloped


Population DensityPopulation 2010

2001

0 1 2 3 4Miles

0 1 2 3 4Miles

0 1 2 3 4Miles

Current Use

Developed Land

Population Density

State College

Boalsburg

Bellefonte

Pine Grove Mills

Pleasant Gap

State College

Boalsburg

Bellefonte

Pine Grove Mills

Pleasant Gap

State College

Boalsburg

Bellefonte

Pine Grove Mills

Pleasant Gap

This land use map is highlighting the various land use types within the Spring Creek Watershed. The majority of development in the Spring Creek Watershed is located within the valleys of this region as the ridges of the mountains are too steep to develop on. These undeveloped mountainous areas are helping to preserve the forested area within the region. Unfortunately, a large portion of the agricultural land in the watershed has already been developed and the remaining agricultural land is highly desirable and likely to be sought after for development due to its desirable characteristics.

The map to the left is highlighting lands that are undeveloped and the pressure that the land holders are having put against them to develop these lands. Highly valuable lands are sought after for development as these lands are found within one mile of major towns within the watershed. These highly valuable lands are located within what is known as the urban fringe. This area is highly sought after for residential development as it is still within close proximity to the city, but it also offers a more rural atmosphere. These characteristics along with other attributes such as cheaper land make this location ideal for nearly 35% of people who choose not to live in the urban core (Heimlich and Anderson 2001).

Moderately desirable land is located between one mile and two miles outside of the developed urban areas. This area is desired by people who want to escape the city and live a more rural lifestyle. Residential areas here have more spacious lots and are often more desirable to older adults than to younger ones (Nasser 2009).

Land with low developmental value often consists of land that has scattered housing intertwined with agricultural lands. This type of development is the least destructive of agricultural lands as it allows for agricultural land to exist within development. Highly and moderately desirable land for development often lacks the planning needed to preserve agricultural landthis results in the overdevelopment of land (Heimlich and Anderson 2001).

The goal of this project is to create sustainable development that reduces the amount of fragmented farmland and agricultural land in an effort to increase biodiversity and reduce the impact of development on the ecosystem. Future development in the Spring Creek Watershed is inevitableso it is important to design these developments in a manner that will preserve the beautiful landscape so that future generations can enjoy the heritage of the watershed.

It is important to inform the residents within the watershed of how developments with impact their communities. These residents are concerned with issues such as traffic congestion and loss of scenic landscapes.

Promote sustainable development that will promote biodiversityReduce amount of fragmented farmland and forested land through better developmental designProtect the agricultural heritage of the Spring Creek WatershedCreate a riparian buffer along streams that run through developments

There are many opportunities for carrying out sustainable development within the watershed. One opportunity is that the Agricultural Land Preservation has already preserved 87,818 acres of land within Centre County the amount of developable land is being reduced helping to save our agricultural heritage (Centre County Government 2011). The preservation of this land will allow developments to create corridors that will connect agricultural lands together. Another opportunity is that the current economic situation has slowed development allowing more time for necessary planning to take place to develop sustainably.

One threat is that increasing populations within Centre County are putting pressure on land owners to sell out to developers. Urban sprawl is threatening to overtake agricultural land at a devastating rate if proper planning doesnt occur.

Land owners need to be aware of how destructive development can be to the landscape. It is important to inform these land owners that there are other ways to make money from their land other than selling it to developers. There are programs such as the developmental rights purchase program within Centre County that will pay Land Owners for the developmental rights in an effort to preserve land (Centre County Government 2011). Selling out to developers isnt the only option.

The Agricultural Land Preservation Board in Centre County is responsible for overseeing the preservation of Centre Countys agricultural heritage through the acquisition of farmland developmental rights as well as other preservation techniques (Centre County Government 2011). This board needs to be concerned with preserving a certain portion of agricultural land within developments in an effort to keep developments from fragmenting the agricultural landscape.

The mission of the Planning Commission is to provide residents of Centre County with planning services that allow for appropriate growth and development within their communities (Centre County Government 2011). County planning needs to oversee the development within Centre County to ensure that the residents interests are being represented and not just the interests of the developers.

As populations in the watershed continue to grow, developers will be looking to create profitable developments many of which will consume land located outside of major town such as Bellefonte and State College. The lands that these developers will be interested in purchasing will be largely composed of agricultural land. Developers need to be informed of developmental practices that are more sustainable than traditional developments.

Developed land within the Spring Creek Watershed is composed of residential, commercial and industrial land. The majority of land that has already been developed is concentrated around State College and Bellefonte. Urban sprawl is slowly consuming a lot of forested and agricultural lands outside of these two towns. This map shows how urban sprawl is spreading out over the landscape. In the State College area it can be observed that development is merging multiple towns together. In the map it is clear that developed land is merging State College, Boalsburg and Pine Grove Mills together and Bellefonte and Pleasant Gap are merging together.

This population density map helps put into perspective the density of the human population across the Spring Creek Region. The closer to State College and Bellefonte one gets the higher the population density gets. The areas of land with high population density also are the areas with the greatest amount of developed land. Undeveloped land surrounding these high density areas are likely to be developed in the future. This development of land is the result of younger adults desiring to live closer to the city and older adults wanting to move further away from the city (Nasser 2009).

The zero action alternative allows development to continue using traditional methods. Houses are set back off the road causing more loss of forested and agricultural lands and narrowing the corridor that connects species to other forested and agricultural areas. This type of development consumes a large amount of land and ultimately fragments farmland and forested land. Continuing development in this manner is very destructive and is the least sustainable way of developing land (Dramstad 1996).

Images by Dramstad (Dramstad 1996)

One issue that will arise within the watershed when developing is soils. Soils are integral part of developing as they have different characteristics that are better suited for certain types of development over others. These soil characteristic will be explored in further depth during the suitability analysis at which time it will become clear what parcels will be better suited for development.

Topography also plays an important role when deciding where to develop. Lands with steep slopes are less desirable for development over lands with relatively no slopes. This is why agricultural land is preferred for development, because most agricultural land is not composed of steep slopes. Slopes will be explored more in-depth during the suitability analysis.

The preferred alternative positions houses close to the road in an effort to provide a corridor of vegetation that species can move through. These houses are close together and have minimal yards helping to preserve more natural land around them. Fragmentation of land is minimalized with this type of design helping to promote a more sustainable development that preserves the landscape. Developing in this manner also promotes ecosystems with higher biodiversity (Dramstad 1996).

Images by Dramstad (Dramstad 1996)

0 1 2 3 4Miles


High

Moderate

Low

Developmental Value

State College

Boalsburg

Bellefonte

Pine Grove Mills

Pleasant Gap

LegendSpringCreekGeologyFM, NAME

Cgl, Lower Member of Gatesburg Fm

Cgm, Mines Member of Gatesburg Fm

Cw, Warrior Run

DSkm, Keyser Fm-Mifflintown Fm Undiv

Dh, Hamilton Group

Doo, Onondaga Fm and Old Port Fm Undiv

Oa, Axemann Fm

Obe, Bald Eagle Fm

Obf, Bellefont Fm

Obl, Benner Fm-Loysburg Fm Undiv

Ocl, Coburn Fm-Loysburg Fm Undiv

Ocn, Coburn Fm-Nealmont Fm Undiv

Oj, Juniata Fm

On, Nittany Fm

Or, Reedsville Fm

Osl, Stonehenge Fm and Larke Fm Undiv

St, Tuscarora Fm

0 1 2 3 4Miles

0 1 2 3 4

Miles

Legend

Canyon Parcels

Spring Creek Elevation

680 - 972 ft

972 - 1,264 ft

1,264 - 1,555 ft

1,555 - 1,847 ft

1,847 - 2,139 ft

2,139 - 2,431 ft050

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Data Source: Larch 311 Projection: Pennsylvania State Plane North




Data Source: Larch 311 Projjection: Pennsylvania State Plane North

Data Source: Larch 311 P j i P l i S Pl N hProjection: Pennsylvania State Plane North

Developmental Value

Two Alternatives

Developmental Issues

Zero Alternative

Soils

Preferred Alternative

Topography

Michael Humes


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urban infill

Documents

important watershed

watershed sections

data sssource h

important role

important aspects

important factor

important element

atlas of geospatial