SESSION B3-c Think Before You Dig: Ecological Considerations for Outdoor Recreation Planning

The Southern Appalachian Mountains and Foothills host a globally significant level of biodiversity. North Carolina plays a key role in preserving this incredible natural heritage, with over 5M acres contained in state, federal, and privately conserved lands, and many other intact, large acreage private tracts. Hundreds of rare and culturally significant plants and animals find a home within the diverse ecosystems comprising these natural areas; they are vitally important to our natural and cultural heritage and inherently valuable. Following a steady rise for decades, outdoor recreation on public lands has sharply increased in recent years, growing the pressure on public spaces and encouraging the planning and development of better, more widespread opportunities to access natural areas. Visitors recognize and gravitate toward the beauty, serenity, and adventure that can be found in the outdoors. This presentation will explore the intersection of ecology and outdoor recreation through storytelling and case studies. Presenters will share their experiences with successful public recreation projects that are rooted in ecology, designed with species in mind, and implemented with a focus on holistic sustainability, benefitting both the environment and the human experience within it, and respecting and celebrating the ancient ecosystems of Southern Appalachia

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn how to consider and incorporate reference ecosystems into landscape architecture projects to ensure their long-term performance and sustainability. (Case Study: Jonas Ridge Bog, Newland NC)

  • Learn about the importance of integrating ecology into recreation planning projects (through the lens of an ecologist and landscape architect). (Case Study: Pinnacle Park, Sylva, NC).

  • Explore the importance of strong interdisciplinary collaboration and project success, from conceptual planning through construction. (Case Study: Willow Pond, Buncombe County, NC)

Lecture

Owen Carson

Owen contributes to Equinox’s unique approach of embedding environmental science and ecology into their planning and design solutions. Owen has expertise in natural resource assessments, and he has conducted numerous inventories and assessments within NC, TN, and GA. He regularly helps develop “Suitability Assessments” and identification of a property’s “Opportunities and Constraints” informing appropriate recreational land uses so they can work with a project’s natural and cultural assets. Owen’s deep understanding of conservation ecology and natural systems helps guide the preservation, conservation, and/or land development goals of Equinox’s clients. He works closely with Equinox’s other disciplines including Landscape Architects and Planners to provide information to assist in the planning process for parks, nature centers, conservation easements, greenways and trails, and stormwater projects.

David Tuch

David’s work includes regional planning, recreational master plans, greenways, parks, sustainable design, and green infrastructure. David has been involved in large scale regional outdoor recreation master planning projects and numerous nature-based parks balancing recreational use with conservation and the protection of key natural assets off parkland.