Chautauqua Equestrian Trail Plan_FINAL

PREPARED BY:Alta Planning + Design10 Clark StreetSaratoga Springs, NY 12866

PREPARED FOR:Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Economic Development Division of Planning200 Harrison StreetJamestown, NY 14701

Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail Plan

TRANSPORTATIONRECREATIONINNOVATION

03.05.2010

10ClarkStreetSaratogaSprings,NY12866(518)5846634www.altaplanning.comTransportation|Recreation|Innovation

March5,2010MarkGeiseDeputyDirectorofPlanningandEconomicDevelopmentChautauquaCountyDepartmentofPlanning&EconomicDevelopmentDivisionofPlanning200HarrisonStreetJamestown,NY14701RE:RequestforProposalsCountyEquestrianTrailsPlanDearMr.Geise:On behalf of Alta Planning + Design (Alta), I am pleased to submit this proposal to develop theEquestrianTrailsPlanfortheeasternportionofChautauquaCounty.Withaspecialfocus inmultiuseand equestrian trail planning, Alta is a wellqualified choice to assist the County in preparing aregionallyfocusedplanthatcanenableyouto linkwithneighboringCountieshorsetrailsanddevelopnewproposedtrailsandplannedhorsecommunities.Ourfirmisdistinguishedinmanyways:

Alta specializes in the planning, design and development of regional trail and pathwaysystems.Ourwork includesover300trailandparkmasterplans, inadditiontotrail,parkandnaturalareadesignandconstructiondrawings.Altasprojectsrange fromrural,suburbanandsmallcommunitiestolargeurbanareasthroughouttheU.S.

We understand the needs and challenges of equestrian trail design through significantexperience and insight. Similar projects include regional and rural trail plans in New York,NevadaandCalifornia.

Oursmallsizeandtalentedstaffofferefficiency,economyandpersonalizedattention.Wewillbenimble,flexibleandresponsivetoyourandthecommunitysneeds.

Theproposalhereinprovidesourunderstandingofyourproject;proposedscopeofservices, includingCountyprovidedmaterialsdescription;staffingplanandinformationaboutourrelevantexperience.Thefee proposal is a separate document that contains proposed timeline, time in County, and feeproposal,asrequestedintheRFP.This isanexcitingand importantendeavor,andwe look forward toworkingwithyou insupportofavitalhorsetrailsprogram.Pleasecontactmewithanyquestionsregardingthissubmittalat(518)[email protected],JeffOlson,Principal

Table of Contents ExecutiveSummary.......................................................................................................................................2GeneralInformation.....................................................................................................................................3RelevantExperience......................................................................................................................................4ScopeofWork...............................................................................................................................................7OrganizationandStaffingPlan....................................................................................................................15

Chautauqua County , NY | Proposal for Equestr ian Trai l Plan

AltaPlanning+Design |2

Executive Summary We need to create a larger trails network with entry points located in and around ourvillagesInterconnected trails are expected to create new choices and options for horse people fordecades into the futureUser groups could then visitvillages, looking for staging areas, lodging,dinning,shopping,entertainment,andotherservicesANewLookAtHowEquestrianDevelopmentCanImprovetheFutureofChautauquaCounty,NY,byTerryH.Martin,Ph.DChautauqua County sees the equestrian niche as one component of its future economic vitality.Statewide, there are an estimated 200,000 horses inNew York that in 2005 translated into equinerelatedassetsvaluedof$10.4billion.Statewidehorseownersgeneratedanestimated$445million inrevenues.However,ofthespendinginthestate,anestimated1%oftourismdollarsarebeingspentinthe ChautauquaAllegheny Region. Blessedwith charming villages dottedwithin a rural, picturesquesetting,ChautauquaCountyunderstandsthatthedevelopmentofanequestriantrailsnetworkhasthepotentialofattractingalargesegmentoftheequestrianuserswithinthenortheastregionoftheUnitedStates,andwiththatattraction,theCountycanpotentiallycapturealargermarketshareofequestrianusers.A successfulequestrian trailsnetworkwillprovide thegreen infrastructureneeded toenhancelivabilityandultimatelywillbringdollarsand jobstotheCounty. TheequestriansystemwillalsohelpretainandenhancetheruralcharacteroftheCountybyintegratinginawelldesignedequestriantrailsnetworkthatembracesthisruralcharacter.AnewChautauquaCountycoalitionmadeupofpublicandprivateorganizationshas formedwiththeinitiativeofbuilding and effective trailsnetworks in theCounty. The coalition andCountydesire toretainaconsultantwithexpertiseinequestriantrailplanningtodevelopanequestriantrailmasterplan.The studyareaextends fromShafferFarmat thenorth to theCockaigneSkiAreaat the south. Thisnorthsouth trailcould formaspine to theequestriannetwork,with linkagesand loopsdeveloped toadjacent villages such as Cherry Creek, Cassadaga, Sinclairville, Ellington, Gerry and Charlotte. TheCounty also desires to extend linkages into the Boutwell State Forest and the adjacent Cattaraugushorse trail system. Potential trail routes could follow a variety of linear features including utilitycorridors, rail corridors, planned equestrian communities, unpaved roads, waterways, snowmobileroutes,publiclyheldlands,andprivatelands.TheEquestrianTrailMasterPlanwillformtheblueprintfordevelopmentofacomprehensiveequestriantrails network. In order tomaximize its usefulness to the County and residents, the planmust bedetailed and include clear preferred route definition, recommended trail amenities, costs, phasing,managementandprivatepropertystrategies,anddesignrecommendations.Aneffectivepublicprocesswillneedtobeconductedthatsolicitsinputfromtheclient,equestriangroups,keystakeholders,publicandprivatelandowners,andthegeneralpublic.Thisinput,supplementedwithathoroughbackgrounddocumentreviewandfieldreconnaissance,willformthefoundationtotheplan.Wewilluseavarietyoftechniquestosolicitinputrangingfromfieldreconnaissanceaccompaniedbyequestrians,formationofandregularmeetingswithanadvisorygroup, interviewswithkeystakeholders,onlinewebbasedtrailusersurvey,aswellaspublicopenhouses.The following proposal details information about our firm and our approach to complete theChautauquaCountyEquestrianTrailsPlanbaseduponourunderstandingoftheprojectandyourneeds.Weareflexibleinourapproachandcanrefinethistomeetyourspecificneeds.



General Information Contact: JeffOlson,RACompanyName: AltaPlanning+DesignAddress: 10ClarkStreet,SaratogaSprings,NY12866Telephone: (518)5846634Email: [email protected]+Design isoneofNorthAmericas leading sustainable transportation firms specializingintheplanning,designand implementationofbicycle,pedestrian,greenway,parkand trail corridorsand systems. The firm was established in 1996, and now has over 65 professional staff. Alta hasbranchesthroughouttheU.S. includingoffices inArlington,VA;Benicia,CA;Berkeley,CA;Boston,MA;Bozeman,MT;Charlotte,NC;LasVegas,NV;LosAngeles,CA;Madison,WI;Portland,OR;SanDiego,CA;SanRafael,CA;andSaratogaSprings,NY.Altasmissionistocreateactivecommunitieswherebicyclingandwalkingaresafe,healthy,fun,andnormaldailyactivities.Services

Altaprovidesafullrangeofservicesincluding: masterplans schoolsafetystudies constructiondocumentsandobservation

environmentalreview&documentation

bicycle&pedestrianintegrationwithtransit

technicalassistance&trainings

projectdesign traillayout riskmanagementplans corridorplans bicycleparkingdesign landscape

architecture signageplans engineeringservices publicinvolvement GIS grantwriting

Experience

Wehaveexperienceworkinginallsizesofcommunities,fromafewthousandtomillions,fromruraltomountain and desert to suburban and urbanized areas. We strive to tailor each project to thecommunitys unique setting, history, and culture through an active public participation process.Altastaffareproudtohavedesignedandimplementedover5,000milesofbikeways,walkways,andtrails.Staff

We are at the forefront of the progressive transportation movement. Alta staff are active in theAssociation of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, theTransportation Research Board, and are conducting national studies for the U.S. Department ofTransportation.We conduct pedestrian and bicycle trainings nationwide, and have been involved inawardwinningplansandprojects.

TheAltaTeam



Relevant Experience

Clark County Equestrian Trail Study (NV) Alta Planning + Design worked with Clark County andCannonSurveyCenterattheUniversityofLasVegas,Nevadato implementa telephoneandmailsurveyof the residentsliving in the Rural Neighborhood Preservation areas. Theresults clearly showed demand for equestrian trails, fromequestriansaswellasnonequestrians.Altaalsoconducteda fieldsurvey tocounteveryhorse in thestudyarea.Afterthreedays inthefieldandgeocodingthefindings,AltawasabletopresentClarkCountywithaGISlayerfileshowingthelocationofnearlyeveryhorseinthestudyarea.Thefindingsof the two surveyswereenough to justifyanew trailplanand investment in an equestrian network. Alta alsocompleted a trail plan for the study area. Trails wereplannedbasedonthelocationsofthehorses,anddestinationswereidentifiedbasedontheresponsestotheresidentialsurvey.Theplanincludedsamplecodelanguageandaphasingplan.Year: 2007Contact: RonGregory,ClarkCounty,(702)4553121/[email protected]

Mammoth Lakes Trail Action Plan (CA) TheTownofMammothLakesisaunique4seasonrecreationresortcommunityinthe Eastern Sierra Nevada. Alta Planning + Design led a team with IMBA TrailSolutionsandBeneficialDesignstodevelopaTrailsandPublicAccessMasterPlan.ThePlanconnectsthehumanbuiltenvironmentwithaninnerloopsharedusepathnetwork inside the Towns urban growth boundary, and a natural surface trailsnetworkconnectingtosurroundingU.S.ForestServiceandotherstate,countyandfederalpublic lands. The trailuseswill includeequestrian,hikingandbiking.Altafacilitatedaprocess that led to thecreationofMammothLakesTrailsandPublicAccess (MLTPA), a strong local advocacy organization. MLTPA helped thecommunity organize public involvement sessions called CAMP Concept andMasterPlanningforwinterandsummervisionsofthetrailssystem. In2008,thecommunityvotedbya72%majoritytoapproveanew .5%salestaxmeasurethatwillcreatea$1mperyearfundingsourcefortrials,recreationandpublicaccess.Year: 20072008Contact: TownofMammothLakes,CA



Ulster & Delaware Rail Corridor Trail Feasibility Study (NY) Alta Planning +Design developed a feasibility study for this proposed 40mile railwithtrail project,includingequestrianusagethatrunsfromKingstontothetopoftheCatskillMountains intheHudsonRiverValleyofNewYorkState.Keyissuesincluded:developingstrategiesforpreservationoftherightofway;economicdevelopmentandheritagetourism;addressingmultipleuseandsafetyconcernsalongthe remote sections of the mountainous corridor; environmentally sensitive areas including NYCreservoir landsand fishinghabitatalong theadjacentEsopusCreek;buildingconsensuswithmultipleconstituencies;andincorporatinghistoricaspectsoftheregionintheproject.Year: 2006Contact: BillTobin,Planner,UlsterCountyTransportationCouncil,(845)3403340/

[email protected]

Yorba Linda Trails Study (CA) TheCityofYorbaLindacompletedaMasterPlanofTrails in1972 that specified where new equestrian, hiking, andbicyclingtrailswouldbelocatedasdevelopmentoccurred.Asnewdevelopmenthasprogressedovertheyears,muchofthetrailnetworkhasbeenbuilt;somesegments,however,havenotbeen constructed.Alta conductedbackground research,including both tract map and field research, to determinewhere traileasementsexistandwhereencroachmentshaveoccurred.AltaproducedaTrailsMasterPlantocompletethetrail network,where feasible, and to look for opportunitiesfor new links. The Plan includes design guidelines, permitguidelinesandproceduresfordealingwithencroachments,aswellasamapandaplanwithtrailsegmentanalyses.Year: 2004Contact: SteveRudometkin,DirectorofParksandRecreation,CityofYorbaLinda,(714)9617160



Lewiston Niagara Greenway

Alta served as thegreenway/trail specialist forthisinnovativeprojectalongthe Niagara River, whichinvolved creating a solutionfor the twomile 'missinglink' in the Niagara RiverGreenway betweenLewiston and Niagara Falls.The project resolvedchallenges such as crossingthe NY Power AuthorityHydroelectric Dam,integrationofthetrailwithintheRobertMosesParkwayCorridor,connectionstotheLewistonArtPark,andtheopportunitytoseetheNiagaraGorgeinanewway.Thetrailwasafederallyfundedhighprioritytransportation project. Alta worked with prime consultant Hatch Mott MacDonald engineering andlandscapearchitectsPeterJ.Smith&Co.ofBuffalo.Year: 2009Contact: Jeffrey Lebsack, Hatch Mott MacDonald (prime), (716) 8541181 /[email protected]

Cobleskill Creek Trail Design (NY)

Alta designed an innovative natural surface shareduse trail toconnect the rural community of Cobleskill NY between the SUNYCobleskill Campus and the Cobleskill High School. The designincluded a prefabricated bridge, access points and kiosks,wayfinding,andtrailcrosssectionsinauniquerurallandscape.Altaandworkedwitharangeofpublic,privateandvolunteernonprofitpartnersandassisted theVillagewithaneasement solution foranimportantprivatelyownedparcelalongthetrail.Year: 2009Contact:JohnRose,SchoharieCountyTrailAssociation(518)2344016/[email protected]



Scope of Work

Task 1: Project Planning

Initial Scoping Meeting & Project Management TheAltateamwillmeetwiththeCountysProjectManagertodiscussandconfirmthescopeandwork.Followingconfirmationof thescope,Altawillbeginprojectexecutionasper thisscopeandproposedschedule.Altasprojectmanager,RobinWilcox,willworkcloselywithCountystaff throughout theprocess.Shewill provide quality control oversight on allwork products;manage task allocation, staffing, projectlogistics and coordination, tracking of expenditures and invoicing. Project status reports detailingprogressonspecifictaskswillbesubmittedmonthly.

Project Kick-off Meeting A kickoff meeting will be held with the County staff, partnering agencies, trail user grouprepresentatives, and stakeholders. The meeting will be used to identify available data; establishcommunication channels with other departments and agencies; review and list required elements,goals,objectives,desiredstandardsandapprovethepublicoutreachscopeandschedule.Task 1 Products

Finaldetailedscope,schedule,andoutreachprogram Monthlystatusreporttoaccompanyinvoice Detailedprojectgoalsandobjectives PresentationmaterialsforallmeetingsincludingPowerPoint,maps,graphics,interimwork

productsandhandouts Client/consultantteammeetingsfollowedupbymeetingsummaries

Task 2: Information Gathering & Equestrian Survey

Task 2.1: Background Document Review Ourapproachtoinformationgatheringwillbeinitiatedwithabackgrounddocumentreviewfollowedbyfocusgroupmeetingswithstakeholders,andthenafocusedfieldworkeffort.Toensuretheprojectcanbecompletedefficiently,AltawillrelyonCountystaffforrelevantCountybackgrounddocumentsandgeneral mapping information. For specific maps, reports, GIS products, plans, specifications, etc.producedbyothers,Altawillcoordinatewithappropriateentities/contacts tosecure thesematerials.Thestakeholdermeetingresultswillhelp informusastothespatialdistributionofequestrians inthestudyarea,keydestinations,andexistingandpotentialequestriantrailroutes.



Ourthreetierprocessforinformationgatheringissummarizedasfollows:

Task 2.2: Equestrian Trail Standards Wewilldevelopanarrativeandgraphicreportofexistingandrecommendedtypicaltraildevelopmentstandards. Materialsdevelopedunder this taskwill include typicalcrosssections, typicaldimensions,and supporting narrative discussion including access, management requirements, and maintenanceconsiderationsforequestriantrails. ThismaterialwillbemaintainedasaworkingdocumentoverthecourseoftheprojectandincorporatedintothedraftMasterPlan.Thesetrailrecommendationswillbebasedonacceptedtraildesignparametersforequestriantrailsandwillserveasaguideforevaluatingpotentialtrailalignmentsegments.

TIER THREE: Data Synthesis & Presentation Synthesize field data and printed data into a user-friendly map. Opportunities and constraints will be clearly identified as will the overlap and conflicts between various plans. We will present all information on large-scale color maps using (a) GIS, (b) aerial photographs, (c) U.S.G.S. topographic maps supplemented by local mapping, and/or (d) County, DOT supplied mapping. We will supplement maps with our field notes and GPS data so that they offer an accurate portrayal of existing and proposed conditions.

TIER ONE: Data Collection & Equestrian Survey Collect all available data, including relevant local, regional, and State planning documents as noted in RFP, including:

Chautauqua County Comprehensive Plan Trail Element, Transportation System Plan and Park & Recreation Plans;

Chautauqua County planning maps; Easements and ROW Maps, County and neighboring jurisdictions trails plans

Planned public and private improvements in the study area including roadway expansions Equestrian Trail standards; USDA/USFS/FHWA Guidelines Develop equestrian survey, distribute and continually tabulate results through duration of study effort Develop map and database of opportunities and constraints, spatial distribution of equestrians, existing and

potential trails, to be for field inventoried.

TIER TWO: Field Inventory

Conduct field inventory of proposed and potential equestrian trail corridors, utilizing GPS and photographing and recording all conditions observed in the field. Compare field notes, photographs, and drawings with maps, aerial photos, and other documents to ensure that the base map accurately reflects existing conditions. Information to be field surveyed and mapped:

Existing and planned trails, parks, trail segments, gaps, barriers; roadway traffic volume, right of way width, collision data, roadway expansion plans

Proposed land uses & major developments; environmentally sensitive areas; ESA species Major destinations, access points, schools, parks, USFS lands, historic sites, museums, waterways Property ownership and easements; demographic data; special needs populations present in the study area

that may use the equestrian trail system Locations of existing equestrian facilities, resident equestrians



Task 2.3: Field Reconnaissance TheAltateamwillreviewexistingdocumentationfortheequestriantrailsystemandperformfieldvisitstoverifymissingoroutdated information. The individualtrailswillbeassessedfortheirsustainability,definedaseach facilitysability to support currentand futureusewithminimal impact to theareasnatural systems. Trailswillbe ratedaseither sustainable, maintainable,or unsustainable,andidentifiedaccordinglyonamapinthesubsequenttask.The effort to obtain this information can be significant, and cost savings may be obtained bycoordinating localvolunteerstoassessthetrailsandpotentialtrailcorridorsusinghandheldGPSunitsanddigitalcameras. Altastaffwilltrainvolunteersonassessmentproceduresandthensynthesizetheinformationreturnedbycitizens.Thisapproachhastheaddedbenefitofhelpingtointegrateinterestedindividualsintotheprocess,thusgainingmoresupportforthetrailmasterplanningprocess.

Optional Task 2.4: Equestrian Needs Survey Thistaskwill includedevelopingawrittensurveyofexistingandpotentialusersoftheequestriantrailnetwork. An equestrian trail needs assessment will be conducted to determine user preferences,priorities,andidentificationofhighpriorityprojectsintheCounty.AltawillprovidetheCountywithacopyofthesurveysothatitmaybesentouttoresidentsviaelectricbillsorothercountywidemailings.AltawillmakecopiesofthesurveyavailableforpostingonourwebsiteortheCountys.Finally,surveyswillbeplaced incivic locationsandpublicspaces.Thissurveywillask specific questions such as howmany horses do you own, how often do you/would you use anequestriantrail,whatareyourchiefconcerns,andwhattypesof improvementswouldyou liketosee.Thebackofthissurveywillhaveamapoftheareaonwhichpeoplewillberequestedtomarkdowntheroutestheymostoftenride.Surveyswillalsobemadeavailableatallpublicmeetings.Task 2 Products

BaseMapofStudyAreasandBackgroundDocumentReview OptionaluserNeedsAssessmentQuestionnaire FieldReconnaissanceMapanddatabaseofexisting,proposedandpotentialtrailsforfield

inventory Fieldinventoryofkeydestinations,gaps,andproposedandpotentialtrailcorridors WorkingPaper#1:ExistingConditionsSummary

Task 3: Public Process Altaspublicprocess istailoredtobuildconsensusandsupportfortheEquestrianTrailPlan.Meetingswillbeusedtoseekconsensusonkeyprojecttopicsandelements.

Task 3.1: Advisory Committee WesuggestformingaprojectAdvisoryCommitteetoserveanumberofpurposes,including:

Helpingtoidentifytrailplanningprioritiesandimprovement Helpingprovideandorganizevolunteereffortstomapandcataloguetrailconditions,assuming

weundertakethisapproach HelpingmarshalcommunitysupportforadoptionoftheEquestrianTrailPlan



TheteamexpectstomeetwiththeCommitteeuptothreetimesatanumberofkeypointsduringtheplanning process to provide uswith guidanceand comments on our work. Topics ofdiscussion are expected to include thefollowing,amongothers:

Craftingalocallyappropriateapproachtocommunityinvolvement

Determiningtrailplanningpriorities Determininglocationsforfuturetrails Developing strategies for

implementing key trail planningrecommendations

We will send materials to the Committee toreviewsevendays inadvanceofeachmeetingand coordinate the schedule of committeemeetings with other existing communitymeetings.

Task 3.2: Stakeholder Interviews We suggestconducting interviewswithkey stakeholdersearly in theplanningprocess to identifykeyplanning issuesandpriorities. Interviewsmaybe conductedas smallgroupmeetings. Theymaybeconductedbothinpersonandviatelephone.Wesuggestschedulingtheseinterviewstocoincidewithakickoffmeeting for theproject tomakeefficientuseofproject resources. Stakeholder groupsmayinclude:

Membersofthetrails/waterwaysstakeholdersplanninggroupincluding:o ChautauquaCountyPlanningandEconomicDevelopment(PED)o CountyofChautauquaIndustrialDevelopmentAgency(CCIDA)o ChautauquaCountyVisitorsBureau(CCVB)

Membersoftheequestriancommunity NewYorkStateHorseCouncil Landownersincluding:NewYorkState,ChautauquaCounty,utilitycompanies,Cockaigne,

ShafferFarm,andotherprivateorpubliclandowners

Task 3.3: Public Meetings IncoordinationwithCountystaff,wewillplanandfacilitateuptotwopublicmeetings.Wewillprepareall necessary presentation materials for these meetings, present the project approach, findings,recommendations,andrecordallinputreceived.WewillrelyontheCountytosecureameetingspaceandadvertisethemeeting.WeareflexibleontheapproachtothesepublicmeetingsandwillworkwiththeCountystafftotailorthemeetingformattobestachievetheCountysobjectives.

Localusersknowthetrailsbestandcanprovide

valuableinformationabouttheiruse,conditions,andpotentialimprovements.



We recommend conducting themeetings toprovideopportunities for stakeholders and residents tolearnmoreaboutthetrailsplanningprocessandhelpshapeitsoutcome:

ProjectKickoff(tocoincidewiththeprojectteamkickoffmeeting):tointroducetheprojectgoalsandtimeline,seekinitialpubliccommentsaboutexistingfacilities(formalandinformal),highprioritycorridorsanddestinationsfornewtrails,andidentifycommunityconcernsabouttheprocessandtradeoffs

TrailPlanRecommendations:neartheendoftheproject,topresenttherecommendationsandgatherpublicfeedbackaboutthetrailpriorities.

Inaddition,werecommendthefollowingstrategies: WorkcloselywithmembersoftheAdvisoryCommitteetoplanforandhostmeetings Schedulemeetingstocoincidewithcommitteemeetings(e.g.,conductacommitteemeetingin

themorningorafternoonandacommunitymeetingintheeveningonthesameday) Provideseveraldifferentwaysformeetingparticipantstocommentorparticipate(written

commentsheets,interactiveexercises,Q&Asessions,etc.),aswellasprovidingopportunitiesforinterestedcommunitymemberstocommentwhocannotattendmeetings(e.g.phoneandemailcommentlines)

Usemeetingsasanopportunitytoencouragepeopletovolunteerorbeengagedintheprocessinotherways(e.g.,inhelpingdocumenttrailconditions)

Wewillmakerevisionstoourdraftreportbasedonallinputreceived.Task 3 Products

Publicmeetingnotices,distributionandagendas;presentationmaterials Uptothree(3)advisorycommitteemeetings,withwrittensummaries Uptoten(10)Stakeholderinterviews,withwrittensummaries Two(2)publicworkshopswithmaterialsandsummaries Meetingsummaries

Task 4: Alignment Recommendations This task will involve preparing the equestrian trail network recommendations, developing designtreatments and best management practices, and assembling a draft and final Equestrian Trail PlanReportfortheCounty.Wewillexplorealternativesfromtheperspectiveoftheequestrian,andconsiderthefollowing:

Trailsandcommunityconnections PotentialconnectionstosurroundingFederalLands Roadwaycrossings Environmentalimpacts



Sustainabilityandmaintenance Propertyimpactsandrequirements Security,safety,andliability ADAmountingplatforms Equestrianneedssuchastrailheadfacilities,water,horsetieup,etc. Otherconsiderations,suchascost,crossings,encroachments,accessibility,andpublicsupport.

Task 4.1: System Alternatives Thistaskwillinvolvelayingoutthepotentialtrailsystemalternatives.Wewillexploreroutealternativesto ensure the best possible alignment from the perspective of the trail user. We will illustrate thepotential connections to key destinations such as other trail systems in the area, trailheads, accesspoints, as well as potential connections to community destinations such as parks, schools, andcommercialareas.

Task 4.2: Alternatives Evaluation Our analysis of options will also focus on safety, roadway crossings, cost, ease of implementation,aesthetics,topographicalconstraints,environmentalconstraints,privatepropertyimpacts,politicalandpublic support.Thealignmentalternativeswillbe screenedaccording to someorallof the followingevaluationcriteria:

SafetyandLiabilityBased on conformance with state and federalstandardsandguidelines,inputfromexperiencedplanners and engineers, and design of majorroadwaycrossings.

CommunityConnectionsHighestpriority foralternatives thatprovide themostdirectandconvenientaccesstoothertrailsandcommunityconnections.

Functionality/EfficiencyProvidingapositiveuserexperiencethatreflectsthe need for access to the corridor and nearbydestinations. The cross section should bedesignedtoaccommodatetherangeandvolumeofpathusers.

EnvironmentalImpactsIdentify environmental impacts andopportunities for premitigation through rerouting,nativespeciesrevegetation,anddesign.

CostCostestimationofalternatives,especiallywherecrossing improvements, fencing, or otherexpensiveinfrastructureimprovementsarebeingconsidered.



RoadwayCrossingsAltawillevaluatealternativecrossingoptionsbasedontrafficspeed,visibility,andvolumedata,AASHTO,andotherguidelinesandexperience.

Parking&TrafficImpactsAlta will evaluate the parking and traffic impacts for the alignment on the adjacentneighborhood.

SecurityReviewaccidentdata,policereports,crimestatistics,andotherdatawithstrategiestoaddressthoseconcerns.

ConsistencywithLocalPlansandPermittingEvaluate local trail plans and policies, and determine the compatibility/conflict with theproposedproject.

MultipleUsers/LevelofUseDevelopalternativeswithpotentialusersinmind.

PrivatePropertyImpactsandRightofWayNeedsIdentify impacts of alignments on private properties and opportunities tomitigate for thoseimpacts.Evaluatealternativesinlightofpropertyrequirements.

QualityofUserExperienceEvaluatealignmentsthatofferaestheticsettings,views,interpretiveopportunities,etc.

Task 4.3 Preferred Trails System Fromthealternativesevaluationprocess,apreferredsystemwillbedevelopedinenoughdesigndetailusing availablemapping so that the constraints and decisionpoints are clear.Altawill prepare text,sections,plans,maps,anddiagramstoconveythepreferredalignment.

Task 4.4 Conceptual Design Elements Keytrail improvementswillbedescribed inplanviewandsupportedwithsectionsand illustrationstodepict the trail alignment and recommended improvements. Design elements will all conform toestablishedStateandFederalstandardsandguidelines, includingUSDOT,AASHTO,ADA,MUTCD,andothersources.Designdrawingswillbedevelopedforkeyelementsanticipatedfortheproject.Adesignconceptforthetrailwillbedevelopedthatiscompellingandwillhelpcreateaunifiedthemethroughmaterial choices, colors, interpretive elements and public art concepts. The origin for theseconceptsmaycomefromavarietyofsourcesincludingthesitehistoryandcharacter,surroundinglandusesand landscape character, localdesignvernacular,andnativematerial for the region.Thedesignconcept will be presented in a series of image boards and written text; with sample treatmentsillustrated in rendered sketches or cross sections of key project elements such as trail structures,benches,landscaping,drinkingfountains,intersectiontreatments,accesspointsandsignage.Task 4 Products

MapofSystemAlternatives AlternativeAlignmentEvaluationMatrix WorkingPaper#3RecommendedTrailsSystem



Task 5: Draft Plan

Task 5.1: Costs Wewillprovideadetailedcostestimateforthepreferredtrailalignmentandassociatedimprovements.The costs will be separated between land cost (if any), site preparation, planning, design andengineeringcosts,constructioncosts,andenvironmentaldocumentation/mitigationcosts (ifany).Wewilluse the latestunitcostsexperiencedby the localCountyPublicWorksandParksandRecreationDepartmentsintandemwiththemostrecentfiguresfromcomparablecommunitiesinNewYork.

Task 5.2: Recommended Phasing Projects often cannot be built immediately in their entirety. Sometimes propertymust be acquired,fundingneeds tobesecuredorotherprojectswithinaregion takehigherpriority. In thesecases it isnecessary tohavea recommendedphasingplan.Altawillprovidea recommendation forphasing theimplementationoftheproject.Eachphasewillbeselectedtotargetanticipatedfundingavailabilityandbuildsupportforfuturephases.Theplanwillbebasedoninputfromprojectstakeholders.Itwillincludea map showing the recommended trail plan and trailhead locations along with notes or colorsidentifyingtherecommendedsequenceofimplementation.

Task 5.3: Trail Management Objectives Utilizingexistingsurveyinformationandthebasedataobtainedintheprevioussteps,theAltateamwilldraftTrailManagementObjectives(TMOs)thattargetarangeofexperiencesforusers.TheTMOswillprovide the basis for future decisions about the intended use of the trail, the experience it shouldprovide,and the levelofdevelopmentof the trail. ThedraftTMOswillbe reviewedby theAdvisoryCommitteepriortotheissuanceofthefinalTMOs.

Task 5.4: Draft Equestrian Trails Plan Altawillworkwith theCounty toprepareahighquality illustrative trailplanexhibitwith supportingtext,matrix,graphics,anddiagrams to convey the complete trail concept. Theplanwill identifykeyfeaturesincludingaccesspointsanddestinationconnections.Altawillprepareonedraftreport,andsendtotheclient/AdvisoryCommitteeforoneroundofrevisions.Task 5 Products

DraftTrailsPlan

Task 6: Final Plan

Task 6.1 Final Equestrian Trails Plan The final reportwill include informationgenerated fromprevious tasksandwill incorporate revisionsbasedoncommentsandinputreceivedfromtheAdvisoryCommitteeandtheClient.Task 6 Products

FinalTrailsPlan(5copiesofthefinalplanincludingmapsandElectronicfiles;textinMSWord)



Organization and Staffing Plan YourprojectwillbemanagedthroughacollaborativeprocessthatprovideslocalresourcesinNewYorkStateconnectedtoanetworkofskillsforspecificprojecttasks.JeffOlsonwillserveasAltasPrincipalinCharge,withresponsibilityforoverallprojectleadershipandqualitycontrol.RobinWilcoxwillserveas Project Manager, with daytoday responsibility for communications, task assignments, projectbudgeting and coordination. This core team will be supported by planners and designers withspecializedexpertiseinGIS,dataanalysis,graphicsandmanagementsupportservices.Altawillprovidefiscalmanagement,schedulecontrol,andreviewofallworkproducts.



Jeff Olson, RA Principal

JeffOlson isanarchitectandplannerwhohasbeen involved ingreenways,openspace,activelivingandalternativetransportationprojectsformorethan20years. Hehashadadiversecareerwithnational, internationaland localexperienceinthepublic,private,andnonprofitsectors.Hisuniquevisionandleadership ability are important assets to projects ranging from regionalplanning to site specificprojects and programs. He is an avid bicyclist andskierwhohastheperspectiveofaparentwiththreechildren.From 19982001, Jeff served as Director of Millennium Trails, an awardwinning initiative to createanationalnetworkof trails aspartofAmerica'slegacyfortheyear2000.TheMillenniumTrailspartnershipwassupportedbytheWhiteHouseMillenniumCouncil,TheU.S.DepartmentofTransportation,AmericanExpressCompanyandaGreenRibbonpanelofnational leaders.From199398,heservedas theNewYorkStateDOTBicycleandPedestrianProgramManager and supported the development of the 1,000mile statebike route system, the350mileNew YorkCityGreenways system, the ErieCanal Trail and the Hudson Valley Greenway. He teaches Americas firstUniversityCourseinbicycleandpedestrianplanning,andisCoDirectoroftheUAlbany Initiative for Healthy Infrastructure, which creates model plansconnectingpublicworkswithpublichealth.

RecentProjects MammothLakesTrailSystemMasterPlan,MammothLakes(NV)

Jeff led a team with IMBA Trail Solutions and Beneficial Designs todevelop a Trails and Public AccessMaster Plan. The Plan connects thehuman built environmentwith an inner loop shareduse path networkinside the towns urban growth boundary, and a natural surface trailsnetwork connecting to surroundingU.S. Forest Service andother state,countyandfederalpubliclands.Thepathincludedequestriantrails.

CobleskillCreekTrailDesignAlta designed an innovative natural surface shareduse trail to connecttheruralcommunityofCobleskillNY.Thedesignincludedaprefabricatedbridge,accesspointsandkiosks,wayfinding,andtrailcrosssections inaunique rural landscape.Altaandworkedwitha rangeofpublic,privateand volunteer nonprofit partners and assisted the Village with aneasementsolutionforanimportantprivatelyownedparcelalongthetrail.

CapitalRegion(NY)GreenwaysConceptPlanJeffmanaged the first regionalgreenwaysplan inNewYorkState'sCapitalRegion,whichwillconnectthecommunitiesalongtheMohawkandHudsonRivers,includingthecitiesofAlbany,Troy,Schenectady,andSaratogaSprings.

NiagaraFallsParkway,NiagaraFalls(NY)Jeff was the Project Manager for the redevelopment of the historicNiagara Falls Parkway. This project included the corridor of the SouthSegmentof theexistingRobertMosesParkwayand the recreationofanew Olmsted park inspired landscape. Alta had the lead role for thebicycle,pedestrianandtrailelementsoftheproject.

ProfessionalHighlights NYSRegisteredArchitect

Consultantinprivatepracticeplanninganddevelopinggreeninfrastructuresolutionsforpublic,private,andnonprofitclients.

Director,MillenniumTrailsOfficeoftheU.S.SecretaryofTransportation,19982001

PedestrianandBicycleProgramManager,NewYorkStateDepartmentofTransportation,199398

AdjunctFacultyDepartmentofGeographyandPlanning,UAlbany

Education M.A.,PublicPolicy,EmpireState

College,StateUniversityofNewYork,1994

B.S.,Architecture,RensselaerPolytechnicInstitute,NY,1983,1985

ProfessionalLeadership Cofounder,Associationof

PedestrianandBicycleProfessionals

TeamLeader,GrandCanyonGreenwayProject

Advisor,MississippiRiverTrail,Inc.andEastCoastGreenwayAlliance

Advisor,LeagueofAmericanBicyclistsBicycleFriendlyCommunitiesprogram

FormerMember,TransportationResearchBoardTaskForceonNationalParks

CoDirector,InitiativeforHealthyInfrastructure(iHi),UAlbany



Robin Wilcox, ASLA LandscapeArchitectRobinWilcox isaCLARBCertifiedLandscapeArchitect inthestateofOregon(#699)withoversevenyearsofdesignandprojectmanagementexperience.Robinhasworkedonabroadrangeofplanninganddesignprojectsincluding:parks,softsurfacetrails,regionaltrails,saferoutestoschoolsplansandurbanstreet improvementprojectsthroughout theUnitedStates.Herskills includeprojectdevelopment,digitalandhanddrawngraphics,sustainabledesign,siteanalysis,conceptualplanningandconstructiondocumentation.She isapastmemberoftheOregonASLAExecutiveCommitteeMember.

RecentProjects HermanLeirerRoadTrailProject(Seward,AK)

GlacierNationalParkoutsideSeward,Alaska, isnationallyfamousfor itsrugged terrainandnamesakeglaciers.TheNationalParkServicewishedto increase theaccessibilityof thepark tobicyclistsandpedestriansbyinstalling a paved trail alongside the existing vehicle access road, butchallenging topography, river banks, and private land ownershipsignificantlycomplicatedthedesign.AltaPlanning+Designwasretainedby the prime consultant to provide technical expertise regarding thefeasibility and desirability of developing a multiuse path through anactiveglaciervalley.Altawasalso involved indevelopingapproaches toworkingconstructivelywithprivate landowners tohelpsecureapprovaloftheproject.

NaugatuckGreenway(WaterburyCT)Altawas theprime consultant for the7mileurbangreenway feasibilitystudy along the Naugatuck River in Waterbury. The client was theWaterburyDevelopmentCorporation.Theprojectestablishedarouteforbicycle,pedestrianandtrailaccessthroughthecity,includingsharedusepath and onstreet sections, along with access points to the river atstrategic locations. Key challenges included integrating trailorienteddevelopment strategies, coordination with redevelopment of formerindustrial and commercial properties, and creating opportunities withlimited available public lands along the river. The feasibility study wasfundedwith a grant from the localUnitedWay chapter, and greenwaydevelopmentfundingwassecuredthroughfederalfunding.

NorthClackamasParkNorthSidePlan(Clackamas,OR)North Clackamas Park represents the largest community park in thejurisdiction of North Clackamas Park and Recreation District. AltapreparedconstructiondocumentsforPhaseIimprovementsoftheNorthClackamas Park Master Plan. Included Design Development andConstructionDocumentPreparation,PermittingSupport,andBiddingandConstructionServices.

ProfessionalHighlights AltaPlanning+Design,2007Present WRGDesign,Portland,Oregon,2006

2007 OttenLandscapeArchitects,Portland,

Oregon,20042006 TMHSAssociates,Tucson,Arizona,

20032004

Education BachelorofLandscapeArchitecture

TexasTechUniversity,2003 UrbanTransportationPlanning,

PortlandStateUniversity,2008 PedestrianandBicycleIssuesinUrban

Planning,PortlandStateUniversity,2007

UrbanRenewalandRedevelopmentPortlandStateUniversity,2006

BicycleandPedestrianPlanningWorkshop,2006

TrafficandTransportation,PortlandStateUniversity,2005

ProfessionalOrganizations AmericanSocietyofLandscape

Architects ProfessionalTrailbuildersAssociation AssociationofPedestrianandBicycle

Professionals AmericanTrails

RepresentativeProjects DubaiBicycleMasterPlan CobleskillCreekTrailDesign(NY) NorthClackamasPark(OR) CharlesRiverBasinTrailandBridge

MasterPlan(Boston,MA) LiveOakTrail(CA)



Sherie Moore Designer

SherieMooreopened theAltaoffice in the LasVegasValley in2009. Sheriegainedconsiderableexperienceintheplanningandpublicparticipationprocesswhile working at the Town and Liaison Services division for Clark County,Nevada. While at the county, Sherie worked on flood control initiatives, aregionalwatershedprojectanda landuseguideupdate.Sherie skills includecreating digital and hand graphics; site analysis, evaluation and designdevelopment;andresearchandreportwriting.

RecentProjects MoapaValleyTrailsStudy(ClarkCounty,Nevada)

MoapaValleyisapproximately60milesnortheastoftheLasVegasvalley,andjustnorthofLakeMead.MoapaValleyisagreenoasisintheMojaveDesert, with an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Trailuser groups included in the planwere pedestrians, cyclists, equestriansand OHV users. Sherie coordinated public meetings and stakeholderinterviews, conducted extensive fieldwork and research, developed andevaluated trail alignments. She also developed trail cross sections andtrailheaddesignsfortheproject.Theimplementationplanincluded:costestimations,aphasingstrategyandtraildesignrecommendations.

RiverMountainsLoopTrailtoMcCulloughHills&EquestrianTrailheadStudy(Henderson,NV)This studywill help determine the best trail alignments to connect theRiverMountains Loop Trail to theMcCulloughHills Trail. In addition toproviding connectivity to neighborhoods divided byUS HWY 93/95, thetrail is an essential component in the effort to complete a ring trailaround the Las Vegas valley. Sherie coordinated public meetings,conducted background research, prepared an alignment alternativesevaluation and analysis and created the equestrian trailhead designconcept.

WaterburyCTNaugatuckGreenwayAltaistheprimeconsultantforthissevenmileurbangreenwayfeasibilitystudyalongtheNaugatuckRiverinWaterbury.Theprojectwillestablisharoute forbicycle,pedestrian, and trail access through the city, includingshareduse path and onstreet sections, alongwith access points to theriveratstrategiclocations.Sherieprovidedgraphicsupportforthisprojectthatincludedphotosimulationsandconceptualplans.

ProfessionalOrganizations AmericanSocietyofLandscapeArchitects AmericanPlanningAssociation

ProfessionalHighlights Designer,AltaPlanning+Design,2009 Intern,CommunityDevelopment,Cityof

Henderson,NV,Summer2008 TownandLiaisonServices,ClarkCounty,

NVGovernment,19992005

Education BachelorofLandscapeArchitecture,

UniversityofNevada,LasVegas,2008 PlanningforEffectivePublic

Participationtraining,TheInternationalAssociationofPublicParticipation(IAP2),2004

Presentations MUTCDandAASHTOupdateoverviewat

theNevadaStateBicycleandPedestrianConference2009

RepresentativeProjects TransitWaitingEnvironmentsstudy

conducted20078(LasVegas,NV) ChildrensDiscoveryLoopTrailDesign

Charette,RedRockCanyonConservationArea(LasVegas,NV)

HumboldtToiyabeNatlForestHilltopCampgroundSignage(LasVegas,NV)

OtherRelatedExperience ClarkCountyPlanAdvisoryGroupfor

theNortheastClarkCountyLandUsePlanupdate,2006MoapaValleyStrategicPlanningCommitteeMember.ChairoftheVisioningandDesignStandardssubcommittees,20002005



Kim Voros Planner

KimVorosbringsskills inGIS,cartography,research, technicalwriting,policyanalysisanddataanalysis.SincejoiningAltaKimhasworkedonawidevarietyofprojectsincludingbicycleandpedestrianmasterplans,saferoutestoschoolplans, white papers, trail feasibility studies, grant funding applications anddevelopmentofGISbaseddemandmodeling.

RecentProjects Mt.ShastaBicycle,PedestrianandTrailsMasterPlan(CA)

Alta led the development of Mt. Shastas first bicycle, pedestrian andtrailsmasterplan.ThePlanincludedadetailedinventoryandassessmentofexistingconditions,adetailedneedsanalysis,andacomprehensivelistof infrastructureandprogrammatic solutions for improvingwalkingandbicyclinginthecommunity.

SistersTransportationSystemPlan(TSP)Update,Sisters(OR)While thisTSPaddressesall transportationmodes,Kim isassistingwiththeupdateofthebicycleandpedestrianelements.Thisproject includesexistingconditionsandfutureneedsanalysis,policyanalysis,SafeRoutestoSchoolplanningandcommunityinvolvement.

CityofAlbuquerqueBikewaysandTrailsMasterPlan(NM)AltaPlanning+DesignisworkingwithGannetFlemingWesttoupdatethetrailsandbicyclemasterplan for theCityofAlbuquerque,NewMexico.The projectwill require extensive data gathering, public outreach, andtechnicalanalysis.

CityofPortlandBicycleMasterPlanUpdate,Portland(OR)As a part of the City of Portland Bicycle Plan team Kims role involvedaidinginthecreation,refinementandanalysisofaninnovativetechniquecalledCycle ZoneAnalysis (CZA) tomeasure thequalityof existing andfuture bicycling conditions. These zones will be used to evaluate thequalityof ride ineachareaof the cityandhelp to identify targetareaswithdeficienciesforfutureinvestment.

SelectedPublications Dill,Jennifer;Voros,Kim,FactorsAffectingBicyclingDemand:Initial

SurveyFindingsfromthePortland,Oregon,Region.TransportationResearchRecord:JournaloftheTransportationResearchBoard2031:pp917

Lai,S.,Voros,K.,CapturingthePastandPlanningfortheFuture:BuildingaDigitalLibraryforOregonsSustainableCommunity.EnvironmentsJournal,Vol.35,No.1,November,2007.

ProfessionalHighlights AltaPlanning+Design,2007

Present GraduateResearchAssistant,

CenterforTransportationStudies,PortlandStateUniversity,20062007

GraduateResearchAssistant,AcademicResearchandComputing,PortlandStateUniversity,20052006

GISSpecialist,GolderAssociates,20032005

ProfessionalOrganizations AssociationofPedestrianand

BicycleProfessionals WomensTransportationSeminar

Education MasterofUrbanandRegional

Planning,Portland(OR)StateUniversity,2008

B.A.,EnvironmentalPolicyandPlanning,WesternWashingtonUniversity,2003

RepresentativeProjects LosAngelesBicycleMasterPlan

Update,LosAngeles(CA) DubaiBicycleMasterPlan(Dubai,

UnitedArabEmirates) Victoria,BCCRDRegional

Pedestrian&CyclingMasterPlan(BritishColumbia,Canada)

SanFranciscoBicycleReportCard(California)

Documents

Chautauqua Equestrian Trail Plan_FINAL