At a Glance
A new plan adds 60 miles of greenway trails to a coastal county already boasting 30 miles of park trails and 50 miles of highway bike trails.
Project Description
When both the New Hanover County’s Master Plan for Parks, Recreation and Open Space and the Coastal Area Management Act Plan recommended a greenways master plan for Wilmington and outlying areas, the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO), responsible for creating creating such a master plan, sought guidance from the team of Biohabitats, Alta-Greenways, and Sage Landscape Architects.
Biohabitats began by field-reviewing large sections of the proposed greenway alignment, which traversed natural and less developed areas. Biohabitats then documented potential jurisdictional natural resources (wetlands and streams) and identified potential for flooding, natural resource educational opportunities, and infrastructure constraints. Biohabitats also contributed recommendations related to conservation best management practices for greenways, including sustainable alignment considerations near sensitive natural resources, construction considerations, and vegetation management. Additionally, Biohabitats provided guidance on bike trail best management practices, trail construction, and trail maintenance.
The additional planned greenway will enhance transportation/commuting options, passive and active recreation, and ecological and cultural education opportunities.