Click here to view plan - Ecological Planning Group

Acknowledgements
The Darien Waterfront Park and Multi-Use Masterplan was made possible through a Coastal Incentive Grant awarded by the Georgia Coastal
Management Program of the Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Resources Division. This funding is provided by the federal Coastal
Zone Management Act (CZMA) to fund projects that further the mission of the Coastal Management Program by addressing local issues
creatively and proactively at the grass-roots level.
The City of Darien would also like to thank local partners who participated in the development of this masterplan including: the Coastal
Resources Division, University of Georgia Marine Extension Service, Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the Nature
Conservancy. The City would also like to thank Buddy Sullivan for his assistance in defining the history of many of the buildings and features
within this masterplan.
This plan was created by Ecological Planning Group,
located at:
7 East Congress Street, Suite 801
Savannah, GA 31401.
Page i
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................................................................................ i
Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Background Information ................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Existing & Proposed Trail Systems .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Coastal Georgia Greenway................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Island Hopper Trail ............................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Highlander Trail .................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Altamaha Scenic Byway ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Phase I - Waterfront Park.................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Project Goals ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
City of Darien Public Docks / Skippers Fish Camp .............................................................................................................................. 11
Adam Strain Building.......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Tabby Ruins ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Fort King George ................................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Darien Trailhead Center ..................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Phase II - Cathead Creek Trail & Boardwalk .................................................................................................................................................... 16
Project Goals ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Commercial Waterfront Park ............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Phase III – The Island Hopper Trail .................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Project Goals ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Butler Island Plantation...................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Altamaha Wildlife Management Area Birding Lookouts ................................................................................................................... 22
James Allen Williamson Champney River Park .................................................................................................................................. 23
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Dairy Barn Interpretive Center........................................................................................................................................................... 24
Educational Plan.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Education Plan Overview ................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Unifying Design Theme ...................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Marketing Approach .......................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Material Distribution.......................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Educational Programming.................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Interpretive Centers ........................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Interpretive Signage ........................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Implementation Plan....................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Waterfront Park & Multi-Use Trail Work Program ............................................................................................................................ 31
Potential Funding Source Descriptions .............................................................................................................................................. 37
Design Specifications.......................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Regulatory Permit Considerations ..................................................................................................................................................... 43
Appendix A: Darien Waterfront Park & Multiuse Trail Masterplan Map
Appendix B: Conceptual Design of Waterfront Park Marina/Boat Ramp
Appendix C: Conceptual Design of Waterfront Park
Appendix D: Conceptual Design of Adam Strain Building
Appendix E: Conceptual Design of the Dairy Barn
Page iii
Overview
The City of Darien was awarded a Coastal Incentive Grant
to develop a masterplan for the Waterfront Park and
Multiuse Trail System in the City. The goal of this project is
to develop a masterplan for the Darien Waterfront Park
and Multiuse Trail that will provide environmentally sound
access for local residents and visitors to the Darien and
Cathead Rivers, support the eco-tourism industry, and
create an opportunity to provide education on the coastal
marsh ecosystem and local history. The masterplan will
include the following elements:
•
•
•
•
•
An implementation plan that includes
recommendations cost estimates and funding
recommendations.
The City has partnered with the Darien Downtown
Development Authority, University of Georgia Marine
Extension Service, the Nature Conservancy, and the Lower
Altamaha Historical Society to ensure that a wide range of
resources, skills, expertise, and perspectives are brought
together to effectively ensure the success of this project.
A conceptual plan for the Waterfront Park and
Multiuse Trail that will include three distinct phases: 1)
The Waterfront Park and District, 2) the Multi-Use Trail
extension, and 3) the Waterfront Park and Multiuse
Trail connectors. A full size map of the conceptual plan
is included in Appendix A.
Connectivity between the Waterfront Park and
multiuse trail and local landmarks, downtown historic
district, nearby residential areas, the Hwy 17 scenic
corridor, and Butler Island Plantation.
Design guidelines and features that focus on
sustainable building and development practices.
An educational plan that includes program
development, signage, walking tours, and associated
materials. A one day seminar will be held on the
sustainable development standards and design criteria
developed as part of this exercise.
Waterfront Park Public Docks
Page 1
The imminent growth predicted for coastal Georgia has
lead to a number of planning efforts in recent years, all of
which have recognized the importance of the Waterfront
District and its connection to the City’s future, economy,
and quality of life. The Darien Design Guideline Manual lists
as its number one recommendation for the City of Darien,
“1. Enhance the waterfront park with bicycle facilities and
stronger pedestrian links to Downtown.”
funding, the City must create a masterplan for
development of the Waterfront Park and Multi-Use Trail.
The Waterfront Park and Multi-Use Trail will provide a
multitude of benefits to both the citizens of Darien and the
surrounding areas but also to all of coastal Georgia. Some
of the most important components to this project are:
•
•
•
•
•
Design guidelines / environmental sustainable
practices
Education on the conservation of the coastal marsh
ecosystem
Support for eco-tourism industry
Amenity for residents/connectivity among local
features, etc.
Demonstration project in sustainable practices for
waterfront parks & trails
While these benefits will be specific to this project and the
City of Darien, they will be applicable to similar projects
and land development in all of coastal Georgia. It is the
City’s intension that the Waterfront Park and Multi-Use
Trail become a demonstration project that will be an
amenity to the citizens of Dairen and all citizens of coastal
Georgia.
City of Darien Public Docks
The goals include protection of the tabby ruins, interpretive
signage, links, and recreational opportunities. While the
benefit to the local economy, environment, citizens and
tourists from the development of the Darien Waterfront
District is well understood, a master plan to see the vision
to fruition has been noticeably lacking. In order to
effectively plan for future development, ensure consistency
in design, and to most effectively seek and leverage grant
Page 2
Page 3
Background Information
The City of Darien is a rapidly growing historic city situated
on the Darien and Cathead Rivers in McIntosh County. The
residents of Darien have always been very connected to the
coastal marshland environment through their proximity to
the marsh and reliance on commercial fishing industries. In
more recent times, the City of Darien has tried to expand
the local economy to include eco-tourism related
businesses. It is thought that expansion of this industry
sector will not only provide a new job market for local
residents, but will also provide for sustainable business
practices that encourage
preservation
and
conservation of the natural
environment so essential to
local fisheries and quality of
life.
A study commissioned in
1978
by
then-Governor
George C. Busbee identified
the potential for creating an
ecotourism center in Darien
(Roy Mann Associates, 1978.)
The study was well ahead of
its time in noting that the
development of the ecotourism industry would,
“…help improve economic
conditions in the county
Majestic Live Oak
while utilizing wisely the significant environmental
resources of the area…” The study also made note of the
importance of the Darien waterfront district in providing a
draw for eco-tourists and other visitors. Recommended
improvements included connectivity, educational features
and centers, festivals including the Annual Blessing of the
Fleet, and public-private partnerships to bring restaurants
and other services related business to the waterfront area.
In a moment of great foresight, the study also
recommended the development of design guidelines and
development standards to
prevent
“ill-conceived”
development from taking
place on the waterfront.
The City of Darien has
systematically
been
implementing many of
the
recommendations
from the study, including
the recent update of City
ordinances
and
Waterfront improvement
projects. In 1998, the City
received funding through
the first round of Coastal
Incentive Grants. This
funding
helped
to
contribute to the design
Page 4
and construction of the existing Darien Waterfront Park,
which is owned by the McIntosh County Development
Authority. The Darien Downtown Development Association
also partnered with a private developer to bring Skipper’s
Seafood Restaurant to the waterfront district. This
restaurant provides a destination and service for
waterfront visitors as well as public access to the docks and
deck space along the riverfront. Most recently, the City has
adopted construction standards and design guidelines, and
developed Water Resources Protection Ordinances that
address post construction stormwater runoff, illicit
discharges, groundwater discharge, wetland protection,
and protected river corridor standards. The City’s goal in
adopting these new regulations is to encourage “smart
development” and better site design practices that will
minimize the impact of future development on the coastal
marsh ecosystem. There was additional urgency associated
with the adoption of these standards due to the
accelerating rate of development in McIntosh County and
Coastal Georgia as a whole.
recommendation for the City of Darien, “1. Enhance the
waterfront park with bicycle facilities and stronger
pedestrian links to Downtown” (W.K. Dickson, 2002.) The
goals include protection of the tabby ruins, interpretive
signage, links, and recreational opportunities.
While the benefit to the local economy, environment,
citizens and tourists from the development of the Darien
Waterfront District is well established, a master plan to see
the vision to fruition has been noticeably lacking. In order
to effectively plan for future development, ensure
consistency in design, and to most effectively seek and
leverage grant funding, the City is creating this masterplan
for development of the Waterfront Park and Multi-Use
Trail.
The imminent growth predicted for coastal Georgia has
lead to a number of additional planning efforts in recent
years including a Design Guideline Manual for Coastal
Communities located on the US17 Corridor (sponsored by
the Coastal Georgia RDC) and the Darien Charrette
(sponsored by the Better Hometown Program and the
Department of Community Affairs.) Both of these plans
recognize the importance of the Waterfront District and its
connection to the City’s future, economy, and quality of
life. The Design Guideline Manual lists as its number one
Page 5
Existing & Proposed Trail Systems
Coastal Georgia Greenway
The overall vision for the Coastal Georgia Greenway is 450
mile trail system that connects South Carolina to Florida.
The envisioned Greenway will run through six costal
Georgia Counties: Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh,
Glynn, and Camden. The trail will provide connection
through the use of highway corridors (Highway 17),
abandoned railroad right-of-ways, and canal corridors. The
proposed transportation network will link towns,
attractions, recreational sites, historic and cultural
landmarks, and natural features to give users a sample of
the unique coastal lifestyle and environment. The trail is
designed to be used by bicyclists, joggers, hikers,
equestrians, and other non-motorized forms of
transportation. In addition, there are ample opportunities
for kayakers, canoeists, and other water sports enthusiasts
to enter the many streams that intersect the greenway.
Development of the Greenway is being facilitated through
various public-private partnerships that include local
jurisdictions, bike clubs, non-profit organizations, and
citizen groups.
Island Hopper Trail
The Island Hopper Trail is the centerpiece of the Coastal
Georgia Greenway; a hike-and-bike trail network along
Georgia’s Coast that connects South Carolina with Florida.
The Coastal Georgia Greenway is part of the East Coast
Greenway; a trail network that connects Maine with
Florida.
Courtesy of Coastal Georgia Greenway
The Island Hopper Trail is a 36-mile route that connects
Sapelo Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island. It
includes the Altamaha Scenic Byway; continuing south on
US Hwy 17 from the historic Needwood Baptist Church into
Brunswick. A spur goes east on GA Hwy 25; connecting it
with St. Simons Island; while the main route continues
south on US Hwy 17 across the high bridge and then east
on GA Hwy 520 to Jekyll Island.
Page 6
Highlander Trail
a rich cultural and historical note to the ecological beauty
found in the present.
A $1,075,000 Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant
was awarded for Phase I construction of the Highlander
Trail in Darien. The 7.15 mile trail between McIntosh Blvd.
and Landings Road on SR 99 has been designed as a
project of McIntosh County. Following completion of the
Phase I, funds will be pursued for Phase II, which will
extend the trail north to the Sapelo Island Visitor’s Center
and Ferry.
Altamaha Scenic Byway
The Altamaha Historic Scenic Byway features Coastal
Georgia local history; from Guale Indians and 16th and 17th
century Spanish missionaries to the pre-colonial occupation
of Fort King George; from hardy Scottish Highland soldiers
and colonists to the rice and cotton planters who
succeeded them. Descendants of early African slaves who
built the nineteenth-century plantations live in the area
today, contributing their culture and traditions to life in
communities scattered along the byway. The Geechee
community still survives on Sapelo Island and descendants
of the 177 Scottish Highlanders who first settled Darien are
scattered throughout McIntosh County. Enhanced by the
archaeological remnants of a long ago era, this byway adds
Courtesy of www.byways.org
Page 7
Phase I - Waterfront Park
Darien’s waterfront is located at the mouth of the
Altamaha River just 10 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The
waterfront served as a major seaport during the early
1800s. After the War of 1812, Darien’s port was the
primary exporter of rice and cotton, as well as a significant
exporter of sugar.
Darien’s seaport suffered many setbacks over the years.
Natural disaster plagued the commerce of Darien with the
hurricane of 1824, as well as the fires of 1823 and 1824.
The City was rebuilt after the fires of the early 1820s and
continued to flourish as a major port. However, the
waterfront was not rebuilt after suffering from fire damage
again as a result of the attack by the Federal troops in 1863.
The waterfront appears today much like it did after the
burning during the Civil War. Although timber trade had
been active for a number of years, it did not flourish until
after the Civil War serving as the leading international
timber center on the east coast from 1870 to 1900. After
the decline of timber trade, Darien started to commercially
harvest seafood and was the homeport of Georgia’s largest
shrimp boat fleets by the 1940s.
Today, Darien’s Waterfront Park is located in the heart of
the Historic District and provides a boardwalk, picnic tables,
and public docks for fishing as well as bird watching. It
offers a beautiful view of the Darien River and is a
wonderful location to get a close up look at the shrimp
boats docked along the waterway. The Blessing of the
Fleet festival is held on the waterfront every year in honor
of Darien’s commercial fishermen and the area seafood
markets available with fresh shrimp for sale almost year
round.
Project Goals
Darien Waterfront Park
The Waterfront Park is currently owned by the McIntosh
County Development Authority (MCDA) and provides a
sizable public dock and boardwalk/walkway. A sidewalk
currently runs adjacent to the park and connects the area
to the nearby Tabby Ruins. The Downtown Development
Authority (DDA) through a partnership with a private
developer, has added more public docks and deck space in
front of Skippers, the riverfront restaurant. These docks are
Page 8
directly adjacent to the City’s public docks, which are
currently utilized to support the local shrimping industry.
In addition, the MCDA operates more public docks and
another public park area along the waterfront.
Unfortunately, there is currently minimal to no connectivity
between these waterfront features. Visitors to the
waterfront will have to walk along the roadway, through
parking lots, or get in their car to travel from one attraction
to the next.
The goal of the City is to develop a concept plan for the
Waterfront Park District that will provide walkable and
bikeable connectivity between attractions in the downtown
area. Specific projects the City has identified to achieve
this goal are:
•
•
•
•
•
Rehabilitation of City Dock, which has already been
completed
Connection of Skippers public deck, Waterfront Park,
and City Dock
Addition of new sidewalks and improvements to
improve connectivity between historical and
recreational features within the waterfront area
Connection of Waterfront Park to the existing
Sidewalk System and the Coastal Georgia Greenway
Rehabilitation of the Adam Strain Building as a Coastal
Georgia Maritime History Museum
Man fishing at Darien Waterfront Park
The map on the following page shows the Waterfront Park
planning area and the adjacent historic and recreational
features. In addition, a description of these features is also
included. Two conceptual designs for connectivity within
the waterfront area have been completed and are included
in Appendix B and Appendix C.
Page 9
Page 10
City of Darien Public Docks / Skippers Fish
Camp
The Darien Downtown Development Authority (DDA) docks
were recently renovated and are located adjacent to
Skipper’s Fish Camp on the Darien River in downtown
Darien. The DDA dock renovation project included the
construction of safety railing, benches, lights, and a
handicap accessible ramp. In addition to the simply
providing dock space on the waterfront, the DDA Docks and
Skipper’s Fish Camp outdoor seating area combine
waterfront dining with elegant views of the Altamaha bioreserve and Darien River. The area features a public boat
ramp, public boat slips, and a floating dock along with
outdoor dining and a public deck.
The Skipper’s site was originally the cotton loading docks
for the port of Darien from 1815 to 1865. Following the
Civil War, the site was used as sawmill.
Outdoor Deck at Skipper’s Fish Camp
In 1925 when the lumber industry died out, the mill was
torn down and the site became a dock for local shrimp
boats. Darien had, and still has, one of the largest shrimp
fleets on the Georgia coast and Darien shrimpers used the
site for their boats when they were unloading their catch.
The peak of this activity was reached in the 1960s. The
restaurant takes its name from the last owner of the site,
Henry Skipper. He and his wife and sons operated Skipper's
Seafood and owned several shrimp boats until they retired
from the business and sold the site to the present
restaurant owners.
Page 11
Adam Strain Building
The Adam Strain Building is a rare example of tabby
construction that currently stands as the oldest structure
in Darien. It was built in 1813 as a waterfront warehouse
after a wooden structure on the same site was destroyed
by a fire in 1812. This two-story warehouse was used from
many years as a mercantile store and ship’s chandlery. In
1863, the Federal troops attacked the City of Darien,
burning and looting several buildings on the waterfront.
Although the exterior structure of the building survived,
the interior was gutted as a result of the raid. A local
merchant by the name of Adam Strain began refurbishing
the building in 1873. He and his brother, Robert Strain,
used the building as a general store and ship’s chandlery.
Conceptual Design of the Adam Strain Building Restoration
Today the building still stands after nearly 200 years, but is
abandoned and in need of architectural repair. The Adam
Strain Building is currently on the market for sale and is
being sold as is with no disclosure. The City has identified
this building as an important historic resource and is
urgently working to ensure its preservation. A conceptual
design for the restoration of this building as a Coastal
Maritime History Museum has been completed and is
included in Appendix D.
Adam Strain Building as it stands today
Page 12
Tabby Ruins
Tabby architecture in coastal Georgia dates back to the
beginning of English settlements in this region in the early
1730s. Thomas Spalding has been credited for the revival
tabby construction during the antebellum era in coastal
Georgia. Spalding used tabby extensively on his mansion
and sugar mill on Sapelo, in addition to a number of other
buildings that were used for plantation activities.
The remains of the tabby construction along the waterfront
in Darien are almost certainly a result of Spalding’s
influence.
Tabby Ruins with a view of the waterfront
The Tabby Ruins are a result of the pillage of Darien by the
Federal troops in 1863. The buildings were burned and
severely damaged in the raid and remain today much like
as they appeared after the Civil War. Although pre-Civil
War records of the structures were mostly destroyed in the
fires of 1863 and 1873, it is known that these building once
stood as the Darien Cotton Exchange and Moore’s Wharf.
Tabby Ruins and Adam Strain Building
Tabby is created by mixing equal volumes of oyster shells,
sand, lime, and water. Early builders would make ash-lime
by digging a 4-foot hole in the ground, then setting a fire a
10-foot-high kiln of oyster shells and heart pine logs in
alternating tiers. The lime would be mixed with equal
volumes of oyster shells, sand, and water, then poured in
wooden forms 12 inches wide by 18 inches deep. After
waiting a day or two, the process is repeated and the walls
slowly grow one layer at a time.
Page 13
Fort King George
From its construction in 1721 until it was abandoned in
1732, Fort King George was the southernmost outpost of
the British Empire in North America. Named for King
George I of Britain, the fort was a typical small European
field fortification consisting of a triangular earthworkwalled enclosure. A cypress blockhouse, barracks, and
palisaded earthen fort were constructed in 1721 by scout
men led by Colonel John "Tuscarora Jack" Barnwell. For the
next seven years, His Majesty's Independent Company
garrisoned the fort. They endured incredible hardships
from disease, threats of Spanish and Indian attacks, and the
harsh, unfamiliar coastal environment. After the fort was
abandoned, General James Oglethorpe brought Scottish
Highlanders to the site in 1736. The settlement, called
Darien, eventually became a foremost export center of
lumber until 1925.
Adjoining the fort is one of the oldest British military
cemeteries in the southeastern United States. It contains
65 graves including 15 marked as the final resting place of
British soldiers serving at Fort King George. Today Fort King
George Historic Site is operated by the Georgia Department
of Natural Resources Parks and Historic Sites division. This
site hosts many activities including walking trails, wildlife
viewing, and picnicking.
Darien Trailhead Center
Built in the 1870’s as a stagecoach stop, the big white
house in downtown Darien now serves as the Trailhead
Center for the Altamaha Scenic Byway. During its colorful
history, it has been a private residence, a doctor’s office, an
ambulance dispatch office, a funeral parlor and briefly as
Darien’s City Hall.
The two-story structure dominates First Street West; just ½
block off of US Hwy 17. With its double front-porch, eight
columns, and white picket fence, it is surrounded by a
canopy of ancient live oaks. The interior features two
chimneys with double fireplaces on each floor, eight large
rooms, two bathrooms, and a decorative staircase;
accented by hard pine flooring and the original windows.
The house burned three times during its history; but was
rebuilt after each incident. The last restoration was
completed in early 2009; following an electrical fire and
extensive smoke damage.
Ft. King George
The Trailhead Center is a natural tourism hub; located in
the middle of the Coastal Georgia Greenway, the Altamaha
Scenic Byway, and the Georgia Coastal Birding Trail. It sits
on one of the primary legs of The Dixie Highway and the
Gullah-Geechee Heritage Corridor. It also has the unique
Page 14
distinction of being located on Business I-95; the only such
section of the Interstate between Miami and Maine.
In addition, this Center will provide a venue for the local
Tourism office and Visitor Information Center. The City will
also dedicate space for cultural displays and will work with
local groups include the Gullah-Geechee Foundation, Lower
Altamaha Historical Society, and The Nature Conservancy
to create the displays. The City anticipates staffing this
Center through a volunteer program operated by the City.
Darien Trail Head Center
Page 15
Phase II - Cathead Creek Trail & Boardwalk
The Cathead Creek Trail will connect to the Waterfront Park
area at the corner of Broad and Screven Streets. This
segment will meander north-east along the existing street
grid and provide connection to the downtown area and
future planned commercial and residential development.
The proposed Cathead Creek Trail will be roughly 1 mile
long and will include a number of viewing areas that
feature the marshlands, local habit unique to the coast, and
historic features/attractions in the downtown area. The
City does not intend to rely entirely on public money for
development of this trail system. Rather, the City plans to
amend the zoning ordinance to require developers to
incorporate trail connection and development into any
proposed site plan. In addition, the trail will take
advantage of public right-of-ways and in some instances
may also require easements from private property owners.
Project Goals
The goal of Phase II is to extend the City’s
beyond the Waterfront Park area and
connection between the downtown area
developments. Specific projects identified to
goal are listed below:
•
•
trail system
to provide
and future
achieve this
Amend the zoning ordinance to include specific design
standards and specifications that require new
developments to include connection to this trail as
part of any site plan
Improve and expand the existing sidewalk system
along the Darien public roadways taking advantage of
the views of Cathead Creek
View of Cathead Creek
Page 16
Page 17
Commercial Waterfront Park
The Commercial Waterfront Park is currently envisioned to be
located in the northwest portion of the city of Darien as the
northern end of the mixed use development pictured to the
right. The Commercial Waterfront Park will be bordered by
Cathead Creek with the marsh to the west and will be open to
the public. The Commercial Waterfront Park will be part of a
development designed in accordance with the Green Growth
Guidelines. The waterfront park will provide a destination for
pedestrian and bicycle traffic and will also provide for boat
docking facilities. This commercial waterfront park is the
proposed terminus of the Phase 2: Cathead River Trail.
Conceptual Design for a Mixed Use Development with Waterfront Park
Page 18
Phase III – The Island Hopper Trail
The proposed Island Hopper Trail will be approximately 2.5
miles and will extend from downtown Darien south to the
James Allen Williamson Champney River Park and Boat
Ramp. This segment runs along the scenic Highway 17
corridor and existing Coastal Georgia Greenway and
features the Altamaha Wildlife Management Area.
The Island Hopper Trail will cross several local waterways:
the Darien River, Butler River, Champney River and the
Altamaha River. Activities available to residents and tourists
along this corridor include fishing areas, picnic tables,
wildlife viewing lookouts, nature trails, and historic
landmarks such as the Butler Island Plantation and Dairy
Barn.
Project Goals
The goal of Phase III is to extend the City’s trail system
south from the Waterfront Park area and to provide
connection to the Coastal Georgia Greenway. In addition,
the City intends to provide interpretive signage as a means
to educate residents and tourists about the responsible
management of coastal natural, historic, and cultural
resources.
•
Specific projects identified to achieve these goals are listed
below:
•
•
•
Rehabilitation of the Dairy Barn as a visitor’s
center/interpretive center
Connection of the Island Hopper Trail to Downtown
Dairen and Waterfront Park
Pedestrian Walkway along the Altamaha River Bridge
•
Addition of interpretive signage along trails to educate
residents and tourism about coastal resources
Connection to the Butler Island Plantation, Altamaha
Wildlife Management Area, birding looksouts, and
trails
Connection to James Allen Williamson Champney River
Park.
Please see Appendix B for a conceptual design of the Dairy
Barn revitalization.
Page 19
Page 20
Butler Island Plantation
The Butler Island Plantation was one of the largest
plantations in the south. It is located just south of
downtown Darien across the Darien River on Highway 17.
The plantation was established in the 1790s by Major
Pierce Butler of Philadelphia; he cultivated the land on the
Altamaha Delta as a rice plantation. In 1838, Captain Pierce
Butler, Major Butler’s grandson, came to visit the
plantation with his wife, Fanny Kemble. Mrs. Kemble was a
famous British actress who was not familiar with the
realism of slavery. She was shocked by the treatment of
the slaves and quickly became opposed to the concept.
While visiting the Butler Plantation she recorded her
thoughts, which eventually were published in a book called,
‘Journal of a Resident on a Georgia Plantation,’ which some
say helped to influence the British to oppose slavery and
the Civil War. Kemble’s books are currently available at
local book stores and at the Fort King George Site in Darien.
Today, remnants of a system of dikes and canals which
were used for the cultivation of rice are still apparent in the
old fields. This system was designed by engineers from
Holland and has been used as a pattern in similar
operations in recent years. The site is now owned by the
Nature Conservancy and the land (excluding the house) is
open to the public for picnicking, fishing, and birding.
Butler Island Plantation House
Chimney from Steam-Powered Rice Mill
Page 21
Altamaha Wildlife Management Area Birding
Lookouts
The Altamaha Wildlife Management Area/Altamaha River
Waterfowl Area (AWMA/ARWA) stretches for 17 miles
along the Altamaha River, which is the largest free flowing
water system on the Atlantic Coast. The Altamaha River’s
headwaters are made up by the Ocmulgee and Oconee
Rivers which together drain more than ¼ of the state.
Viewing Platform
This refuge provides many types of habitats that support a
variety of wildlife. Habitats along the river include old diked
rice fields, pine savannas, tidal creeks, hardwood floodplain
forests, and old-growth stands of bald cypress. The wildlife
viewing is one of the best in the state for observing
waterfowl for numbers and diversity, and it is the second
largest waterfowl area east of the Mississippi (the largest
being the Chesapeake). This area is visited by more than
30,000 ducks from mid-October through mid-April. There
are two birding lookouts placed at the end of the dikes just
north of the parking lot for the ARWA. Mammals observed
in the wildlife management area include deer, red and gray
foxes, beavers, cottontail and marsh rabbits, feral hogs,
otters, bobcats, minks, opossums, armadillos, raccoons,
bats, and mice. In the tidal waters are dolphin and an
occasional manatee. More than 26 species of snake have
been reported here, including coral snakes, cottonmouths,
Entrance to AWMA and Viewing Platforms
copperheads, and pigmy and diamondback rattlesnakes.
The AWMA is easily accessed by car on US 17 between
Darien and Brunswick. The headquarters are located on
Butler Island and is not open to the general public, but
south of Butler Island is Champley Island, site of the AnsleyHodges Memorial Marsh Project, which has an observation
tower and marked trail.
Page 22
James Allen Williamson Champney River
Park
Champney Island was first owned by Captain Roger Parker
Sauders in the late 1700s. After Saunders death in 1795, his
widow, Amarinthia Lowndes, married John Champneys. The
property was later owned by the Grant family of Glynn
County during the early antebellum period. In 1839, Hugh
Fraser Grant sold the land to Dr. John Champneys Tunno,
nephew of John Champneys. Tunno obtained ownership of
the island after establishing and being actively engaged in
the rice cultivation on this island since the 1820s.
View of Willliamson Champney River Park
ducks, including nesting wood ducks. Other wildlife known
to the area are swallowtail kites, bald eagles, alligators, and
a variety of snakes. The Champney Island Interpretative
Trail is on the right as you head south on US 17 after
crossing the Champney River directly across from the
Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area parking lot.
Public Dock and Boat Ramp
Today, Champney Island is part of a 34-acre Ansley-Hodges
Memorial MARSH Project built in 1989. The park includes a
1-mile marked nature trail that leads to an observation
tower, which provides easy access for viewing wildlife in
the freshwater marsh. A variety of waterfowl and wading
birding, including great and snowy egrets, least and
Amercian bitterns, can be seen as well as 18 species of
Page 23
Dairy Barn Interpretive Center
The dairy barn is located on Butler Island directly across
from the Butler Island Plantation just off of US 17. Today, it
stands as a historic feature of the AWMA.
In 1927, Colonel T.L. Huston purchased Butler Island and
established the dairy barn a few years later in 1934.
Colonel Huston built the barn as well as other structures on
the property to support his dairy operation and his
cultivation of truck crops on the island, including iceberg
lettuce, citrus orchards, beans, cauliflower, and cabbage.
Huston owned the island until his death in 1938. The diary
barn continued in operation until the mid-1950s, when it
was purchased by the State of Georgia as part of the
AWMA.
The City of Darien is currently working with the State to
lease this property for the purpose of creating an
interpretive center in association with the Island Hopper
Trail. The Interpretive Center’s location adjacent to the
Altamaha Wildlife Management Area makes it an ideal
location to provide public education on local natural
resources, seasonal and native birds, local history and
cultural resources. The City could work with the partners
such as the Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, and the
Nature Conservancy to create interpretive displays and run
the center. The property could also provide parking, a
picnic area, and restroom facilities for visitors to the trail
systems. The conceptual design for the Dairy Barn
Interpretive Center is included in Appendix E.
Viewing Platform
Dairy Barn as it stands today
Conceptual Drawing of Dairy Barn as an Interpretive Center
Page 24
Educational Plan
Education Plan Overview
The objective of the City of Darien’s public education
program is to promote the multi use trail and the natural,
cultural, and historical resources that are linked by the trail.
The education program will also include recommendations
for publicizing the ecotourism opportunities afforded by
the trail and facilities within the trail system. Furthermore
this education program will inform local residents and
visitors about the wealth of natural cultural and historical
resources within Darien specifically and coastal Georgia
more generally.
The City developed the following guiding
principles for its educational campaign:
“There are numerous benefits associated
with the multi-use trail that include the
promotion of public stewardship of
significant resources, the development of
recreation opportunities (e.g. birding,
kayaking, hiking, guided tours), and the
support and stimulation of the ecotourism industry.”
The City also identified Key Messages in
support of the guiding principal and this
educational program:
City of Darien Welcome Signage
2) The multi-use trail links numerous natural, cultural,
and historical resources.
3) There are multiple recreational opportunities afforded
through the trail system including walking, biking,
boating, and birding.
4) A healthy ecosystem is vital to quality of life in the City
of Darien.
5) Recreational activities and facilities should have little
or no impact on the ecosystem
6) Everyone is responsible for stewardship of our local
resources.
The following document will
discuss
both
promotional
materials and various avenues
for
education
including
interpretive centers, signage,
and education programming
opportunities. Important local
resources to be features within
this educational program will be
identified (although this plan
should not be considered a
comprehensive list of all local
resources).
1) Coastal Georgia has unique and wonderful natural,
cultural and historic resources.
Page 25
Unifying Design Theme
The City of Darien has identified a unifying design theme
for the art and aesthetics of educational material
developed in support of the Multi-Use Trail. The City felt
that a common theme will help to “brand” the City’s trail,
and tie together the various trailways, locations, programs,
signs, and marketing materials that together will compose
the Multi-Use Trail. The City has contacted the NOAA Sea
Grant Program and received approval to use the artwork
and plates created for Georgia’s Amazing Coast: Natural
Wonders from Alligators to Zoeas, by David Bryant and
George Davidson and illustrated by Charlotte Ingram. This
inviting collection of one hundred short, self-contained
features about the flora, fauna, and natural history of
Coastal Georgia was the result of a collaboration between
Sea Grant, University of Georgia and NOAA. Each plate
includes a full-color illustration and fact-filled commentary
on coastal wildlife of Georgia from fifty-foot-long northern
right whales to single-cell plankton, from shy coyotes to
overbearingly sociable sand gnats. These plates teach us
about the lifespan of the gopher tortoise, the acting talents
of the hognose snake, the health benefits of eating
pawpaws, the importance of tidal fluctuations, and much
more.
Sea Grant has also developed an educational program for
teachers to make Georgia's Amazing Coast more useful in a
classroom setting. The curriculum was developed by
Georgia Teachers for third to fifth graders and is designed
to accompany the book. The curriculum is aligned to the
new Georgia Performance Standards (Life Science) and is
written in the "Learning Focused" format.
This companion education program was key in Darien’s
selection of this unifying design theme since it will allow
the City to coordinate
educational programs and
materials associated with the
multi-use trail to education
taking
place
in
local
elementary
schools.
Teachers and students will
not only be able to use these
lessons in the classroom,
they will also be able to get
firsthand experience with
the coastal environment
through the local access
Artwork from Georgia’s Amazing Coast
afforded by the trial.
The City has chosen to model the design theme on
Georgia’s Amazing Coast because of the beautiful artwork,
the painstaking researched information, and most
importantly because the book’s theme mirrors Darien’s
guiding principle to educate the public about our natural
heritage and what everyone can do to preserve it.
Page 26
Marketing Approach
A plan to promote the Multi-Use Trail is essential if Darien’s
goal of encouraging local use and eco-tourism is to be
achieved. If people are unaware of all the available
facilities, centers and programs, they will not make the best
use of them. The marketing approach presented herein is
not overly involved and relies heavily on other
organizations and marketing efforts. The materials to be
developed in association with this trail will include the
following:
•
•
A brochure that will feature an overview of the multiuse trail with featured points of interest along the
trail. This brochure should be concise and easily
produced but still provide enough detail so that
people can follow the route and know what natural
and historic resources they will be able to access
through the trail.
A single-page map of the trail that identifies the route
and the points of interest along the trail. The map will
be small (8.5” by 11”) to that it can be easily
distributed and electronically posted.
•
•
•
more information about the resources connected
through the trail network.
Public Buildings. There are a number of public
buildings where the City can display educational
materials: including City Hall, the Chamber of
Commerce Tourism Center, Sapelo Island Visitors
Center, and the Library. The promotional materials
above could be made available at these sites so that
residents of and visitors to the City would have easy
access to the information.
Local Businesses: The City should work with local
restaurants, bed & breakfasts, tour operators, etc. to
circulate and make the promotional materials
available to visitors to the City. The availability of the
Multi-Use Trail and the eco-tourism opportunities it
provides will benefit the local business community;
therefore, they have a vested interest in its promotion.
Local Agencies: The City should also coordinate
promotional efforts with other local and regional
agencies, such as the Darien Downtown Development
Authority or the Golden Isles Convention & Visitors
Bureau responsible for promotion of tourism within
Darien and the coastal Georgia Region.
Material Distribution
The City has several avenues for distribution of the
promotional materials described above.
•
Website. The City’s website at
www.cityofdarienga.com has recently been updated
and now provides a comprehensive summary of
services, activities and attractions provided by Darien
or available within the City’s metropolitan area. A page
could be created to feature the promotional materials
listed above in downloadable PDF format and links to
Page 27
Educational Programming
The City has identified several existing educational
programs that can be integrated into the educational
message associated with the Multi-Use Trail. The programs
listed below may provide signage, information, or
demonstration projects for inclusion along the trail. They
are essential for ensuring that the Multi-Use Trail
experience is interactive and provides for public
involvement in the protection of local natural, historical
and cultural resources.
Adopt-A-Wetland: The Coastal Georgia Adopt-A-Wetland
Program is a hands-on education program that promotes
wetland conservation through volunteer monitoring. The
University of Georgia Marine Extension Service (MAREX)
coordinates the program from Skidaway Island, Savannah.
The goals are to:
•
•
•
•
Educate the public on the importance of coastal
wetlands.
Increase public awareness of water quality issues.
Train citizens to monitor and protect wetlands.
Collect baseline wetland health data.
The City should encourage adoption of sites along the trail
to monitor impacts to local coastal wetland resources and
to encourage public involvement. Site adoption will also
provide an educational opportunity. Adopted sites could be
marked with signage, and monitoring results could be
posted for the public.
Generating Enhanced Oyster Reefs in Inshore Areas
(GEORGIA): MAREX coordinates this community-based
oyster restoration project. This program recycles oyster
shells to create new oyster reefs, and enhances
stewardship and public awareness of the importance of
oyster reef habitat along the Georgia coast. The City should
work with the Marine Extension Service to identify a
potential location for a future oyster reef restoration
demonstration project. In addition, the City should consider
coordinating with UGA to
identify a site for an oyster
shell drop off location.
This would allow local
residents and business
owners to participate in
this program by recycling
their oyster shells.
Oyster Shells
Aquatic Invasive Species
Educational Resources: Invasive species are animals or
plants that are not native to an area and are having a
harmful effect on the new environment, local economies,
or human health it is termed an invasive species. MAREX
has developed educational materials encouraging people to
report sightings of invasive species and providing tips on
how to prevent introducing invasive species to the coastal
environment. The City should work with MAREX to post
and distribute these materials in strategic locations where
invasive could potentially be introduced, such as near the
public boat facilities at Waterfront Park and Champney
River Boat Landing.
Coastal Training Program:
The Sapelo Island
National
Estuarine
Research Reserve
(SINERR) began
development of the Coastal Training Program (CTP) as an
Page 28
expansion of its overall education program. CTP is funded
by the National Estuarine Reserves Division of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and
matched with state resources through the Georgia
Department of Natural Resources. The SINERR Coastal
Training Program provides support and information to
better manage the coastal resources so vital to Coastal
Georgia economies and way of life. CTP responds to
individuals, businesses and communities by providing
information on topics ranging from waste removal systems
to shoreline erosion and shellfish habitat. The Coastal
Training Program targets the entire coastline of Georgia
and partners and collaborates with many agencies and
organizations. The Coastal Training Program is housed at
the Sapelo Island Visitors Center located in McIntosh
County. The Highlander Trail, a spur of the Coastal Georgia
Greenway will eventually connect the Sapelo Island
Visitor’s Center to the Multi-Use Trail. The City will work
with the Coastal Training program to develop a workshop
that introduces the trail system to the public and features
the various local resources connected by the Trail System.
include the Adam Strain building on Broad Street and the
Dairy Barn on Hwy 17.
Adam Strain Building: The vision for this interpretive center
is to provide education on the maritime history of coastal
Georgia. Featured topics might include the history of the
shrimping and fisheries industries, the development of the
waterfront over time, the evolution of watercrafts used in
the area, etc.
Dairy Barn: The City is currently working with the State to
procure a long-term lease on the Dairy Barn so that the City
can restore and maintain this building as an interpretive
center. This building is intended to provide a center for
learning about the coastal environment in addition to
acting as a gateway for the regional network of
trails/greenways including the Darien Multi-Use Trail, the
Coastal Georgia Greenway, and the Altamaha Scenic
Byway. Its close proximity to the Altamaha Wildlife
Management Area, the associated birding towers, and the
Coastal Georgia Birding Trail will also make this location
Interpretive Centers
Interpretive centers are an important educational tool
because they enhance the public experience and
understanding of local history, culture, and ecology.
Furthermore, interpretive centers can act as a repository of
information on coastal resources and can be a major
attraction to people using the trail system or visiting the
area. The City has identified two facilities within the City as
potential interpretive centers that will be able to provide
an interactive experience and in-depth information about
the coastal region. These future interpretive centers
Dairy Barn
Page 29
ideal as an interpretive center on birds of coastal Georgia
and their dependence to the coastal environment. This
location could also act as a “jumping-off” point for the trail
because of the potential for parking on this site.
Interpretive Signage
Developing a comprehensive educational signage program
would maximize the education reach and impact of the
Multi-Use Trail. Signage can
identify, provide information
about, provide tips and
instructions, and further
enhance the experience of
traveling the trail system.
Signage developed for one
location
could
be
economically reproduced for
placement in other areas as
appropriate. The signage
would be developed in an
manner consistent with the
theme identified herein but
would also be coordinated
Existing Signage at Waterfront Park
with existing educational
signage in the area.
•
•
•
•
Major locations where interpretive signage will be
located include:
Williamson Park
Butler Island Dairy Barn
Butler River Fishing Bridge
•
•
•
Darien Waterfront Park
DDA Docks
Along the multi-use trail in the City and along Hwy 17
Signage themes will include, but not be limited to the
following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fish Identification & Fishing Information
Plant and Animal identification Plates
Shrimping Industry Information and History
Seafood Preparation & Safety
Invasive Species identification
Connections to other Greenways and Blueways
Darien’s Industries, information and history of:
Logging, Shrimping, Commercial Fishing, Dairy, Lettuce
Farming, etc.
Gullah Geeche Heritage
Native American Heritage
British/Scottish Heritage
Impacts of Humans on the Coastal Environment
Local Education and Conservation Efforts
Altamaha Wildlife Management Area Activities
In order to ensure that the signage program is costeffective as well as coordinated with other educational
messages, the City will work to coordinate with and
incorporate other signage programs. These programs
include signage and/or information developed by Sea
Grant/NOAA, MAREX, the Nature Conservancy, Altamaha
Historical Society, and Department of Natural Resources.
Page 30
Implementation Plan
each project description includes the proposed work to be
completed, estimated cost, and potential funding sources.
This information is intended to be a blueprint for the City of
Darien to seek funding for all projects (in accordance with
their priority status) and to complete implementation of
this masterplan.
The following chapter summarizes the Implementation
Program for the three phases of the Darien Waterfront
Park & Multi-Use Trail. This chapter includes a work
program with specific projects identified for each phase of
the masterplan and recommended design standards and
proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments for consideration
during design and construction. Within the work program
Waterfront Park & Multi-Use Trail Work Program
Project Task
Description/Partnerships
Estimated
Cost
Funding Source
Visual Detail
Phase 1: Waterfront Park
Task 1: Register the Adam
Strain Building on the National
Register of Historic Places
Task 2: Professionally Assess
and Develop
Stabilization/Restoration Plan
for Adam Strain Building
Submit application to register
site on National Register of
Historic Places
Hire an architect and historic
preservation specialist to
develop a plan and cost
estimate to stabilize and
restore the Adam Strain
building. This should be
detailed enough for grant/loan
applications.
Staff Time
$10,000
N/a
National Trust for
Historic Preservation
grants including:
Johanna Favrot Fund
for Historic
Preservation and the
Cynthia Woods
Mitchell Fund for
Historic Interiors.
Page 31
Project Task
Task 3: Acquire, Stabilize and
Restore the Adam Strain
Building
Description/Partnerships
Identify funding to acquire and
stabilize the Adam Strain
building. Further funding will be
needed to restore the building
to an interpretive center
featuring Darien’s maritime
history.
Partners: Altamaha Historical
Society, Darien Downtown
Development Authority
Acquire the only remaining
privately owned parcel of land
within the Waterfront Park
complex.
Task 4: Acquisition of existing
private parcel
Task 5: Streetscaping
connectivity improvements in
the waterfront parking lot area.
Partnerships: Downtown
Development Authority,
McIntosh County Development
Authority.
Design and implement the
streetscaping improvements
conceived in the concept plan
in Appendix B. These
improvements will provide
connectivity between features
of the waterfront park and
improve the aesthetics of the
area.
Partnerships: Downtown
Development Authority,
McIntosh County Development
Authority.
Estimated
Cost
Funding Source
$1.5 million
dollars for
acquisition and
stabilization.
$500,000 for
restoration.
Due to the large
funding need, it is
recommended that
this project be
funded through a
combination of State
and federal grants
and public/private
foundation
contributions.
$212,000:
McIntosh
County Tax
Assessor
Previous Value
Downtown
Development
Authority
$225,000
Potential funding
sources include:
Georgia Local
Development Fund,
Downtown
Development
Revolving Loan Fund,
OneGeorgia
Authority Grants, TE
grants, State Aid, and
the Gateway Grant
programs.
Visual Detail
Page 32
Project Task
Description/Partnerships
Estimated
Cost
Funding Source
$10,000$50,000
Potential Funding
Sources include:
Preserve America
Grants
National Endowment
for the Arts:
Heritage and
Preservation grants
Work with local partners to
create a multicultural center
and eco-tourism visitors center
at the Darien Trail Head Center
Building.
Task 6: Restore the Darien Trail
Head Center
Partnerships: Lower Altamaha
Historical Society, downtown
Development Authority, GullahGeechee Heritage Society,
Sapelo Island National
Estuarine Reserve Coastal
Training Program
Visual Detail
Phase 2: Cathead River Trail
Task 7: Amend Zoning ordinance
to require new development to
connect to and include the trail.
Task 8: Sidewalk and Viewshed
Improvement Plan
Create an overlay district
adjacent to the Cathead and
Darien River that requires that
all new development and
redevelopment connect to this
trail/sidewalk network.
Develop a plan for installing
sidewalks and other
streetscape improvements to
connect the Waterfront Park
Area to the future
developments outlined in Phase
2. This plan should evaluate the
City’s current easements and
ROW and identify vistas for
viewing platforms.
n/a
Staff time
$20,000
Potential Funding
Sources could
include the Coastal
Incentive Grants
Page 33
Project Task
Task 9: Acquire necessary
easements
Task 10: Design & Construct
sidewalks along City roadways
Description/Partnerships
Estimated
Cost
Acquire the necessary easements
and ROW to implement the
recommendations of the Sidewalk
and Viewshed Improvement Plan
To Be Decided
Implement the sidewalk and
viewshed improvements
To Be Decided
Funding Source
Visual Detail
Potential Funding
Sources include the
CDBG grant, TE
grants and State Aid.
Phase 3: Altamaha Scienic Byway
Task 11: Dairy Barn
rehabilitation and interpretive
exhibits
Task 12: Implement a
volunteer staffing program for
the Dairy Barn and Darien
Multi-Cultural Center
$150,000
Potential Funding
Sources include:
Preserve America
Grants, Heritage and
Preservation grants,
GA Local
Development Fund,
and “We the People”
grants.
Up to $100,000
The Hands-OnGeorgia grant
program from the
DCA is specifically
tailored for this type
of program.
Renovate the Dairy Barn to
include parking and picnic areas
and install interpretive Displays
Partners: SINER CTP program, The
Nature Conservancy, UGA MAREX,
Audubon Society
Hire a part time volunteer
coordinator; develop a volunteer
training program; secure
necessary insurance and
administrative help.
Partners: SINER CTP program, The
Nature Conservancy, UGA MAREX,
Audubon Society
Page 34
Estimated
Cost
Funding Source
Task 13: Traffic calming
improvements along Hwy 17
Improve visibility through targeted
vegetation removal. Lower the
speed limit near the Dairy Barn
crossing, and install appropriate
signage.
$50,000
Potential Funding
Sources include the
GATEway grant and
other GADOT funding
sources.
Task 15: Design & construction
of the linear trail along Hwy 17
from Mile 9 to Mile 10
Mile 9 to 10, from the east side,
the trail crosses under the Darien
River Bridge to the west side,
crosses the Darien and Butler
Rivers.
$368,000
Project Task
Task 16: Design & construction
of the linear trail along Hwy 17
from Mile 10 to Mile 11.
Description/Partnerships
After the Butler River Bridge the
trail makes an at grade crossing
(to be improved for ped/bike
safety) at Butler Road and it
proceeds northward to the Barn
that is to be improved by the City
of Darien as a Visitor Center.
$393,000
Visual Detail
An application has
been made to
incorporate this
phase of the MultiUse Trail in the 2009
Transportation Bill.
The City will continue
to work with Coastal
Georgia Greenway to
fund this segment of
the trail.
Page 35
Project Task
Task 17: Design & construction
of the linear trail along Hwy 17
from Mile 11 to Mile 12.
Description/Partnerships
From the intersection the trail will
become paved shoulders on the
east and west sides, it proceeds
southward to and crossing both
the Champney and the Altamaha
Rivers, where on the southern end
the southbound trail crosses
under the bridge to the east side
at Williamson Park before it
extends into Glynn County on the
east side as a greenway trail.
Estimated
Cost
Funding Source
$295,000
An application has
been made this
phase of the MultiUse Trail in the 2009
Transportation Bill
The City will continue
to work with Coastal
Georgia Greenway to
fund this segment of
the trail.
Visual Detail
Partnerships: Coastal Georgia
Greenway
Universal Tasks
Implementation of an
educational signage plan & a
wayfinding signage plan
Implementation of
educational programming
Design & Publication of
promotional materials
Develop a plan and install wayfinding
and educational signage as outlined
in the Educational Plan.
$75,000
Provide Teachers Educational
Materials to local schools per the
Education Plan.
$5,000
Design and publish the Waterfront
Park and Multi-Use Trail promotional
Materials per the Educational Plan.
$10,000
Preserve America
Grants, GATEway
grant program,
Coastal Incentive
Grant Program,
Signature
Community Grants,
and local sources.
Potential Funding
Sources include:
Coastal Incentive
Grant, Johanna
Favrot Fund for
Historic Preservation,
and local sources.
Page 36
Potential Funding Source Descriptions
Georgia Department of Community Affairs Grants &
Loans
Georgia Local Development Fund: Administered by the
Georgia Department of Community Affairs, these funds are
available for Qualified Local Governments for projects that
contribute to the implementation of the community’s local
comprehensive plan or solid waste management plan.
Typical projects include downtown development, tourism
and related marketing activities, parks and recreation,
community facilities, and historically appropriate
improvements to government buildings listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. Matching grants range
from $20,000 to $50,000. For more information call 404679-4789
or
visit
www.dca.state.ga.us/economic/financing/index.asp.
Hands-On Georgia/DCA Challenge Grants: $100,000
matching grants for local governments that partner with
community agencies to use volunteers to transform
communities and engage citizens in service. For an
application, visit www.handsongeorgia.org. For more
information contact info@handsongeorgia.org or 404-9792842.
Signature Community Program Grants: This is intended to
"raise the bar," helping communities reach ever higher
levels of community achievement and quality of life for
their citizens. It is limited to communities that are serious
about improving local quality of life through effective
planning, implementation and taking a comprehensive
approach to addressing community improvement issues.
The program recognizes these communities and gives them
specialized technical and financial assistance with
implementing key initiatives identified in their
comprehensive plans. Communities selected for the
Signature Community Program will have access to a
Signature Community grant. The Signature Community
Program is not, however, simply a grant program; rather, a
community improvement program to implement initiatives
of the local Comprehensive Plan. Grant funds may be used
to implement ideally a single or several related Plan
initiatives. For more information on this program, please
contact
http://www.dca.state.ga.us/communities/regionalism/prog
rams/signatureComm.asp.
Community Development Block Grant Loan Guarantee
Program (Section 108 Program): Local Governments are
eligible to apply for these grants. Eligible activities include,
but are not limited to: rehabilitation of real property
owned or acquired by the public entity or its designated
public agency; the acquisition, construction, reconstruction,
rehabilitation or installation of commercial or industrial
buildings, structures and other real property equipment
and improvements. For more information, contact the
Department of Community Affairs at 404-679-1587 or
email bwilliam@dca.state.ga.us.
Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DD RLF):
These grants provided by the Georgia Department of
Community Affairs (DCA) assist non-entitlement cities and
counties in implementing quality downtown development
projects. Grants range up to $200,000 maximum per
project. Applications may be submitted throughout the
year and are generally reviewed within 30 days of
submission. For more information call 404-679-1585 or
visit http://www.dca.state.ga.us/grants/index.html.
Page 37
Georgia Department of Transportation
State Aid: The State Aid grant program provides funds for a
variety of local transportation projects, including sidewalks,
safety-related projects, bridge and drainage projects and
projects that promote economic development. DOT
recently changed the application process for local
governments. The State Aid allocation for fiscal year 2010,
minus a 20 percent contingency fund for emergency
projects, will be divided equally between the state’s 13
congressional districts. Local governments will compete for
projects within their district. Local governments are
restricted to a maximum allocation of $750,000 per year for
either single or multiple project allocations. DOT’s Office of
State Aid is accepting grant applications between October 1
and December 31. For more information about changes to
the State Aid program, contact Terry Gable, State Aid
administrator, at 404-656-5185.
TE Program: The TE program is federally-funded and was
originally established in 1991 by the Intermodal Surface
Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). The program was
continued by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy For Users (SAFETEALU) in 2005. The Georgia DOT’s Planning Office manages
the TE program in Georgia. The kinds of projects funded by
the TE program include multi-use facilities such as walking
and biking trails and paths; streetscaping and landscaping
projects in cities and towns; historic preservation of
transportation-related facilities like railroad depots, and
scenic preservation of views and scenic byways. Cities can
apply for up to $1 million in federal TE grant funds, and a
minimum local match of 20 percent is required. Cities
interested in applying for TE funds can also call the Georgia
DOT’s Planning Office at 404-656-5411.
GATEway Grant: The GATEway Grant program provides a
method to mitigate for vegetation removal in front of
outdoor advertising signs. The funds may be used for
landscape purposes along public roads in Georgia.
GATEway is an acronym for Georgia Transportation
Enhancement program for community Roadside
Enhancement and Beautification. It is a way to create
landscape improvements that enhance your community
along the rights of way. Funds for the grants come from
Contributory Value Fees paid to DOT for vegetation
management at Outdoor Advertising Signs permits. Cities
can apply for up to $50,000 for landscaping that involves
the local community, displays the right of way in an
attractive fashion, and promotes pride in Georgia by
enhancement of the right of way. The deadline for
applications for the current round of funding is November
30. More information and application materials are
available on the DOT website. Please contact DOT’s
Landscape Architecture section at 404-631-1397 for more
information.
Historic Preservation Division Grants
Georgia Heritage Grants: Initiated during the 1994 Session
of the Georgia General Assembly, these grants provide
funding for the preservation of historic properties and
archaeological sites in Georgia. The program offers
matching funds on a statewide competitive basis to local
governments and nonprofit organizations for the
preservation of Georgia Register-eligible historic
properties. For further information or to be put on a list to
receive an application, contact: Carole Moore, grants
coordinator,
at
404-463-8434
or
carole.moore@dnr.state.ga.us.
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Historic Preservation Fund Grants: The Historic
Preservation Fund grant program is appropriated annually
by the U.S. Congress through the National Park Service to
the state historic preservation offices. The 60/40 matching
grants enable Certified Local Governments to undertake
projects that aid in the preservation of historic properties,
such as historic resource or archaeological surveys,
National Register nominations, planning projects, or
information and education projects. For more information,
contact Carole Moore, grants coordinator, at 404-463-8434
or carole.moore@dnr.state.ga.us.
OneGeorgia Authority Grants
The OneGeorgia Authority was created by the Governor
and the Georgia General Assembly to help bridge the
economic divide in Georgia. The Authority will channel one
third of the state's tobacco settlement to economic
development projects for Tier 1 and 2 counties and, in
certain instances, Tier 3 counties. Flexible assistance will be
provided in the form of loans and grants to support local
and regional economic development strategies. While the
authority will support traditional economic development
projects, it will also support innovative solutions to local
and regional challenges. For more information, go to
www.onegeorgia.org.
Recreational Trails Program Grants
These Federal Highway Administration grants, administered
through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, can
be used to maintain, restore and rehabilitate trails,
including National Historic Trails, and rehabilitate trailside
facilities. They can also support acquisition of easements
or title to property for trails, including acquisition of old
road or railroad bridges to be used as recreational trail
bridges. Eligible applicants include federal and state
agencies, local governments and legally constituted
authorities or commissions. For more information contact
the grants coordinator at 404-656-2770 or visit
www.gastateparks.org/grants.
U.S.D.A. Rural Development Funds
The Community Facilities Loans and Grants program will
fund improvements to and rehabilitation of community
facilities. Eligible applicants include public entities,
nonprofits (including churches), and federally-recognized
Indian tribes. Darien could qualify for this funding program
as it has a population of 20,000 or less. For more
information and to find out the closest area office (six in
Georgia) contact the Georgia statewide office at 706-5462171
or
visit
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ga/.
Oglethorpe Fund
Established in 1983 in Georgia, this organization gives
primarily in the Chatham County, Georgia, area for historic
preservation activities. For more information, please
contact the Trust Office, Bank of America, P.O. Box 4446,
Atlanta, GA 30302.
Lettie Pate Evans Foundation, Inc.
Grants of the Lettie Pate Evans Foundation are limited to
specified public charities in Georgia and Virginia. The grant
program reflects a strong emphasis in the following areas:
private secondary and higher education; arts and culture;
museums and historic preservation. Traditionally,
preference has been given to one-time capital projects. For
more information, please contact 404-522-6755,
fdns@woodruff.org, or visit www.lpevans.org.
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The Telford Family Foundation, Inc.
This family foundation was established in 1993 in Georgia
and gives grants primarily within the state. The
foundation's fields of interest include historic
preservation/historical
societies;
human
services;
protestant agencies & churches. For more information,
please contact 706-886-9761 or write to The Telford Family
Foundation, 245 W Doyle Street, Toccoa, GA 30577-2311.
Wormsloe Foundation, Inc.
Established in 1951, this foundation gives primarily in the
state of Georgia for projects involving the preservation and
study of agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and historical
sites and documents. For more information call 912-2345400 or send an initial letter of approach to P.O. Box 8346,
Savannah, GA 31412.
Georgia Cities Foundation
Established in 1999, the Georgia Cities Foundation (GCF) is
a nonprofit subsidiary of the Georgia Municipal Authority.
The GCFs mission is to assist communities in their efforts to
revitalize and enhance downtown areas by serving as a
partner and facilitator in the funding of downtown capital
projects in Georgia through their revolving loan program.
The program provides low-interest loans to Downtown
Development Authorities or similar entities for downtown
development projects. For more information call 678-6866297 or go to www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org.
The 1772 Foundation
The mission of this program is to preserve and enhance
American historic properties for future generations to
enjoy, with particular interest in farming, industrial
development, transportation and unusual historic
buildings. Past projects in Georgia have included the
Juliette Gordon Low house and the Tybee Island Lighthouse
Keepers Cottage. For more information, please view the
website at www.1772foundation.org.
National Endowment for the Arts
"Heritage and Preservation" grants are dedicated to the
preservation of our cultural heritage, including festivals,
exhibits, publications/anthologies, and other presentations
that reflect and increase the public’s appreciation for our
diverse cultural traditions; apprenticeships and other forms
of instruction that pass artistic repertoire, techniques, and
traditions on to future generations; art, artifacts or
designed elements, and cultural traditions or practices.
National Endowment for the Humanities
"We the People" challenge grants are designed to help
institutions and organizations secure
long-term
improvements in and support for humanities activities that
explore significant themes and events in American history.
Grants, which range from $300,000 to $1 million, may be
used to support construction and renovation, purchase of
equipment, acquisitions, and conservation of collections.
Interpreting America's Historic Places grants provide
funding for public programs that will implement historic
place interpretation projects. Eligible projects may
interpret a single historic site, a series of sites, entire
neighborhoods, communities or towns, or larger
geographical regions. Fundable activities include docent
tours, publications, exhibition labeling or trail signs, films,
and digital media.
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National Scenic Byways Program
This Federal Highway Administration program provides
technical and financial assistance to help preserve Americas
scenic roads and promote tourism and economic
development. Grants are available to assist states in
implementing projects on National Scenic Byways and
developing state scenic byways. For more information visit
www.byways.org/learn/program.html.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation: This
program provides grants for obtaining the services of
consultants with expertise in planning, architecture,
economics, archaeology, fund raising, education, graphic
design, management, or designing, producing and
marketing print and video communications material;
sponsoring preservation conferences and workshops;
designing and implementing innovative preservation
education programs. Nonprofit organizations and
government agencies are eligible to apply. Individuals and
businesses may only apply if the project for which funding
is requested involves a National Historic Landmark. Grants
range from $2,500 to $10,000.
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors: This
program provides grants for obtaining the services of
consultants with expertise in architecture, planning, paint
analysis, archaeology, fund raising, media relations,
education, graphic design and management, or designing,
producing and marketing print and video communications
material; sponsoring preservation conferences and
workshops; designing and implementing innovative
preservation education programs. Nonprofit organizations
and government agencies are eligible to apply. Individuals
and businesses may only apply if the project for which
funding is requested involves a National Historic Landmark.
Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000.
Preserve America Grants
This program is a White House initiative developed in
cooperation with the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation, the Department of the Interior, and other
federal agencies to assist communities find self-sustaining
ways to promote their cultural resources through heritage
tourism. Applicants must be either a Certified Local
Government or a Certified Preserve America
community. This grant has previously funding a wayfinding
signage program in Augusta, Richmond County and a
Heritage Tourism Plan for Roswell, GA. Matching grants
range from $20,000 to $150,000. For more information or
an application form, visit www.preserveamerica.gov,
www.nps.gov/history/hps/hpg/PreserveAmerica/index.htm
or call 202-606-8503.
Save America's Treasures Grants
Grants are available for preservation and/or conservation
work on nationally significant intellectual and cultural
artifacts and nationally significant historic structures and
sites. Intellectual and cultural artifacts include artifacts,
collections, documents, monuments and works of art.
Historic structures and sites include historic districts, sites,
buildings, structures and objects. Grants are awarded
through a competitive process, and each grant requires a
dollar-for-dollar non-Federal match. For guidelines and
application
forms
visit
www.nps.gov/history/hps/treasures/
or
www.saveamericastreasures.org/funding.htm.
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•
Design Specifications
In order to insure that the Waterfront Park and Multi-Use
Trail and all projects implemented in support thereof
adhere to the Vision and goals of the City’s Comprehensive
Plan, as updated in 2008, the City recommends that the
design standards described below be adhered to during the
design and construction of the elements included in the
work program. The City’s Vision, which was created to
both guide the development of the Comprehensive Plan
and to help guide future planning and decision making, is
“To balance sustainable economic development and
personal property rights with environmental preservation.”
Green Growth Guidelines
The purpose of Green Growth
Guidelines Program is to
demonstrate how low impact
development (“LID”) strategies
can result in significant positive
impacts on the environment
while
providing
superior
outcomes both socially and
economically. Green Growth
Guidelines
outlines
the
environmental, social, and
economic benefits from use of
LID strategies when compared to today’s conventional
development approach. This guide’s main objectives are to:
•
•
Demonstrate how site fingerprinting and sensitive land
planning can identify and protect natural resources,
Provide developers with instructions on how to build
with minimal impact to the environment,
•
•
Compare low impact and conventional residential
subdivision designs to show economic and
environmental benefits of LID,
Demonstrate alternative stormwater drainage
solutions that protect the quality of receiving
waterbodies, and
Introduce various soft engineering techniques used to
protect and stabilize coastal stream banks from
erosion.
Coastal Stormwater Supplement
This Coastal Stormwater Supplement provides communities
located within Georgia’s 24-county coastal region with
comprehensive guidance on watershed (natural resource)
protection and the control of post-construction stormwater
runoff from new and existing development. It provides a
wealth of information on how the valuable aquatic and
terrestrial resources of coastal Georgia can be protected
through an integrated approach to natural resource
protection and post-construction stormwater management
that makes use of environmentally-sensitive better site
planning and design techniques and innovative stormwater
management practices, as well as more traditional
stormwater management techniques. The Coastal
Stormwater Supplement will be a valuable resource during
the design and construction of the three phases of this
masterplan.
It should be noted that this Coastal Stormwater
Supplement is not intended to provide guidance on
managing construction stormwater runoff on development
sites. While many of the post-construction stormwater
management strategies and techniques discussed in this
Coastal Stormwater Supplement can be used to help
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minimize the negative impacts of the active construction
phase of the land development process, more extensive
guidance on the management of construction stormwater
runoff can be found in the Manual for Erosion and
Sediment Control in Georgia (GSWCC, 2000.)
City of Darien Water Resources
Ordinance & Construction Standards
Preservation
All design and construction associated with this plan should
adhere to the code of the City of Darien, as a minimum
standard. Where the Green Growth Guidelines or Coastal
Stormwater Supplement standards are more stringent, it is
the recommendation of this plan that those standards be
observed.
Regulatory Permit Considerations
As the City of Darien implements the recommendations of
this plan, especially where projects are near or adjacent to
coastal marshland or wetlands, consideration should be
given to the following permitting programs.
Section 404/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Streams, open waters, and wetlands are considered
“Waters of the United States.” Construction activities
within waters of the U.S. are regulated by USACE under the
Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). Certain types of minor
impacts or fill activities may be eligible for permitting under
the Nationwide Permit (NWP) program. NWP’s typically
allow up to 0.5 acre of jurisdictional waters/wetlands
impacts and 300 linear feet of perennial, intermittent, and
ephemeral stream impacts for single and complete
projects; however, permit type and specific impact
thresholds are dependent on the type of activity proposed.
Nationwide Permit thresholds are cumulative in nature;
meaning that all impacts, filling of wetlands and/or piping
of streams, cannot exceed 0.5 acres of wetland and/or 300
linear feet of stream.
Compensatory mitigation is typically required for a project
that results in adverse impacts to 0.1 acre or more of
wetlands and/or more than 100 linear feet of stream. For a
project that involves impact to both wetlands and streams,
if either the 0.1-acre or 100-linear-foot threshold is met,
compensatory mitigation would be required for all impacts.
The NWP process typically takes about 45 days for the
agency review process upon receipt of a complete permit
application.
Impacts in excess of 0.5 acre of wetlands or 300 linear feet
of stream typically require an Individual Permit (IP). An IP
requires a wetlands/waters delineation, endangered
species and cultural resources surveys, and detailed
discussions concerning project purpose/need, alternatives
analysis, avoidance/minimization, and compensatory
mitigation. Furthermore, a public notice and comment
period and coordination with other state and federal
agencies is required. The IP process typically requires nine
to twelve months to complete, providing favorable review
by the agencies.
Georgia EPD/State Waters Requiring a Buffer
The Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act, as amended
(Code Section 12-7-6(15)) prohibits land disturbing
activities within 25 feet (horizontally measured) of state
waters, unless a variance is obtained from the Director of
the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). In
many cases, EPD’s authority for delineation of state waters
is promulgated down to local issuing authorities, which
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administer the permitting process and issue Land
Disturbance Permits (LDP’s). However, only the director of
EPD can grant a stream buffer variance once delineated,
which the local authority then incorporates into the LDP.
Stream buffers are measured horizontally from the point
where vegetation has been wrested by normal stream flow.
Per EPD regulations, variance applications will be reviewed
by the Director under specific criteria. One of the criteria is
the construction of recreational foot trails and viewing
areas, providing that the impacts to the buffer are minimal.
If the local issuing authority determines that state waters
requiring a buffer are present onsite and the proposed
activities require encroachment (with the exception of
perpendicular road and/or drainage structures) into the 25foot state buffer, then a stream buffer variance application
would be required by the EPD. This application requires
avoidance and minimization, alternatives analysis, buffer
mitigation, low impact water quality measures, and a public
review period. This process takes approximately four to six
months for the EPD to reach a variance decision
(authorization/denial).
jurisdiction of the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act
includes marshlands, intertidal areas, mudflats, tidal water
bottoms, and salt marsh areas within estuarine areas of the
state. Permits for marinas, community docks, boat ramps,
recreational docks, and piers within the jurisdiction of the
Coastal Marshlands Protection Act are administered by the
Coastal Resources Division. A lease is required to construct
a marina. Private-use recreational docks are exempt from
the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act but must obtain a
Revocable License and a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dock
permit.
Coastal Marshland Protection Act
The Coastal Marshlands Protection Act provides the Coastal
Resources Division with the authority to protect tidal
wetlands. The Coastal Marshlands Protection Act manages
certain activities and structures in marsh areas and requires
permits for other activities and structures. Erecting
structures, dredging, or filling marsh areas require a
Marshlands Protection Committee Permit administered
through the Coastal Resources Division. In cases where the
proposed activity involves construction on State-owned
tidal water bottoms, a Revocable License issued by the
Coastal Resources Division may also be required. The
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