WICOMICO COUNTY HERITAGE PLAN
REVISED DRAFT
DRAFT: FOR COMMITTEE REVIEW & DISCUSSION ONLY. THE CONTENTS OF THIS REPORT HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE NOR DO THEY REPRESENT THE POSITIONS OF THE PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS.
Prepared by:
The Wicomico County Heritage Committee
October 1, 1995
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION----Page 1
SUMMARY---------Page 3
PURPOSE---------Page 3
LOCATION--------Page 7
RESOURCES-------Page 7
TRENDS----------Page 11
WICOMICO COUNTY
HERITAGE -------Page 13
HERITAGE PLAN-----Page 20
Economic and Tourism Subcommittee Recommendations----Page 20
Heritage Tourism & Recreational Areas
Subcommittee Recommendations-----------------------Page 21
Historic & Cultural Heritage Subcommittee
Recommendations -----------------------------------Page 24
Environmental Subcommittee Recommendations-----------Page 27
Other Possible Recommendations-----------------------Page 31
NEXT STEPS-------Page 32
INTRODUCTION
This draft report was prepared by the Wicomico County Heritage Steering Committee, an ad-hoc organization of individual citizens and representatives of public and private agencies and groups within Wicomico County. The following revised draft plan, which is intended for review and comment by the Steering Committee, is the result of a series of meetings and selected secondary research. Agencies and organizations involved in this effort include:
Adkins Historical & Museum Complex
Art Institute & Gallery
Central Salisbury Revitalization Association
Chipman Foundation
City of Fruitland
Comcast Cablevision
Days Inn
Delmarva Advisory Council
Double Mills Foundation
Friends of the Nanticoke
Maryland, Division of Historical & Cultural Programs
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Greenways & Resource Planning
Nanticoke Watershed Preservation Committee
Pemberton Historical Park Board
Pemberton Hall Foundation
Poplar Hill Mansion
Preservation Trust of Wicomico
Survival Products
Salisbury-Wicomico County Planning Office
Salisbury News & Advertiser
Salisbury State University
Salisbuy State University, Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture
Salisbury Zoo
Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council
Select Media Inc.
Senator Sarbanes Office
Senator Mikulski's Office
The Nature Conservancy
Town of Hebron
Town of Sharptown
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Chesapeake Bay Program Office
Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art
Westside Historical Society
Whitehaven Heritage Association
Wicomico Ambassadors Club
Wicomico County Historic Commission
Wicomico Historical Society
Wicomico County Tourism Advisory Board
Wicomico Environmental Trust
Wicomico County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Wicomico County Department of Recreation & Parks
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This revised draft report is being circulated for public review and comment. Comments are welcomed and should be sent to the Wicomico County Heritage Committee, c/o Lewis Carman, Director, Wicomico County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Civic Center, Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801. By telephone call 410-548-4914.
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SUMMARY
The following "Wicomico County Heritage Plan" describes the results of discussions, research and recommendations, which were developed from a series of county meetings. The intent of these meetings was to agree on specific public and private actions to be taken to identify, understand, protect, manage, and enjoy the heritage of Wicomico County. The plan uses the natural and cultural heritage of the County, and the ideas of a Steering Committee comprised of community leaders from various public agencies and private organizations, to support a strategy which emphasizes coordinated environmental, community and economic actions.
The plan's recommendations, summarized from the body of this report, have emerged from this collaborative process. These recommendations reflect the common priorities of the four subcommittees and serve as the core elements of the Wicomico County Heritage Plan. The Heritage Plan presents the following:
1) A summary plan of action for heritage tourism, parks, recreation and open space, historic and cultural heritage preservation and interpretation, and environmental protection.
2) A description of the purpose of this effort.
3) An overview of the "heritage area approach" and trends in Maryland and Nationwide.
4) Highlights of Wicomico County's natural and cultural heritage values, areas, traditions and activities.
5) Subcommittee reports with recommendations.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The Wicomico County Heritage Committee is intended to bring community leaders, and citizens, together to discuss the preservation and promotion of the heritage of Wicomico County.
The purpose of this draft plan and planning effort is:
* Identify what is unique & worth preserving; decide how to manage these places, sites, buildings, traditions and qualities and set priorities for action.
* Manage the special quality of the Eastern Shore to avoid its future loss.
* Identify actions which are purely local, those which need outside assistance and those which involve more than Wicomico County.
The following draft plan is the result of a series of Heritage Committee meetings, recommendations developed by four subcommittees, and secondary research.
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OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS
Heritage Committee
* Form a Wicomico County Heritage Committee to foster cooperative community-based efforts to: 1) recognize, organize, communicate, and protect the County's natural, cultural, recreational, and economic heritage values and activities, and 2) implement the Heritage Plan.
--Encourage additional public agencies and private groups to join the Committee.
--Conduct a strategic planning work session to define the focus of the Committee's activities and responsibilities.
--Secure staff support and committee services through an existing or new organization.
--Apply for private non-profit status.
--Secure funds to support the activities of the Committee.
--Hold a "Wicomico County Heritage Workshop" to share information about local efforts to protect the heritage of the County and region.
Heritage Trail
* Demonstrate the Wicomico County heritage partnership by creating a heritage trail extending from the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art to the Pemberton Historical Park, and eventually on to the Village of Whitehaven.
--Form a workgroup and prepare a map of the proposed trail corridor.
--Print a brochure of the heritage trail.
--Secure assistance from Maryland's Department of Natural Resources to help design the trail, map and brochure.
--Investigate Maryland's Department of transportation as a source of funding to help implement the project.
--Consider holding an event to publicize the project to seek community support, input and assistance.
SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Preservation
* Preserve and encourage the reuse of important historic, cultural, artistic heritage resources in Wicomico County.
--Create a comprehensive historic sites, cultural resources inventory for Wicomico County.
--Promote continuous research into the County's past.
--Identify areas best suited for preservation tourism.
--Assist the City and County with revisions to the County Comprehensive Plan to incorporate heritage values.
* Help county communities preserve their historic, cultural and artistic assets.
-- Assist in the creation of more historic preservation districts within the County.
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Protection
* Protect and preserve the natural quality of the watersheds of Wicomico County.
--Work with farmers to change agricultural practices which pollute the marshes,lakes, ponds, creeks and streams of the county.
--Strengthen and use the Wicomico County Comprehensive Plan to concentrate growth in watered and sewered areas.
--Acquire tracts of land on the major rivers and major ponds of Wicomico County.
--Protect the water quality of the existing lakes and ponds in the county through thhe control of noxious plant growth and undesirable development which could lead to further runoff.
* Establish a more attractive and affordable mechanism for agricultural and open space preservation.
--Develop a county funding mechanism for agricultural and open space preservation.
--Implement the recommendations of the Wicomico County Land Conservation & Recreation Plan.
Interpretation & Education
* Implement education programs for children and adults to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the value of Wicomico County's natural and cultural heritage.
--Sponsor workshops for residents and students.
--Establish canoe trails and non-vehicular, inter-modul pathways along Wicomico County's rivers starting with a water-trail along the Nanticoke River, from Tyaskin to Vienna.
* Incorporate multi-cultural interpretive information to applicable educational exhibits, sites, and museums.
--Foster cooperative projects/ programs with organizations throughout the Eastern Shore for the purpose of sharing the Region's natural, cultural, and multi-cultural heritage.
Development
* Support existing programs for economic regeneration/ sustainable development that use the County's heritage to promote sensitive tourism and other private reinvestment in key areas, buildings and districts.
--Foster sustainable use partnerships and collaboration between developers and preservation/ protection groups.
--Assist ongoing sustainable use projects in Whitehaven, along the proposed "Atlantic Flyway Byway".
--Assist crossroad and watermen towns with community-environment-economic action plans and strategies.
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Implementation
* Link the major heritage resources of the County physically and interpretively using cooperative strategies.
--Implement the County's Greenway initiative.
--Create a Heritage-Greenway Trail between the Zoo, Downtown, the Marina, Schumaker Park, the Ward Museum, Pemberton Park, and Whitehaven.
--Create a Barren Creek/ Nanticoke River heritage trail from Double Mills to the Nanticoke and up river to Sharpton.
--Support the Rails-To-Trails Project planned from Salisbury to Hebron and Salisbury to Willis.
--Support recognition of the proposals to create the "Ocean Heritage Highway" and the "Atlantic Flyway Byway".
--Support the cultural and arts organizations in the Salisbury plaza arts district area.
--Create an archeological regional center to document the County, and region's, heritage.
Promotion
* Continue, and reinforce the traditions of, cooperation between communities through heritage projects and events.
--Hold a Wicomico County Heritage Conference and/ or Festival to share information and experiences with community interests/ leaders.
* Support, and assist, the new Wicomico County Visitors Ceneter at the north end of Route 13.
--Assist with the exhibits, information displays and interpretation messages to be used at the Center.
--Promote a greater understanding of the value of ecological and cultural-based tourism with local officials and business leaders.
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LOCATION & ACCESS
Wicomico County, Maryland is centrally located on the Delmarva Peninsula of Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, within part of a region known as the Lower Eastern Shore. Wicomico County borders the Chesapeake Bay, and the Wicomico, Nanticoke and Pocomke Rivers. The County is adjacent to Somerset, Dorchester and Worcester County, Maryland and Sussex County, Delaware.
Salisbury is the largest city on the Eastern Shore and is the county seat of Wicomico County. Originally created adjacent to two branches of the Wicomico River, and located on Route 13 and Route 50, Salisbury character reflects its past and current importance as the Eastern Shore's most important port and commercial center.
Nearly equidistant from the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Wicomico County is a major commercial crossroads where Route 13, the Ocean Highway, and Route 50, the Ocean Gateway, intersect. The Ocean Highway, reportedly one of the oldest roads in the Eastern United States, stretches between New Brunswick, New Jersey and Jacksonville, Florida. The Ocean Gateway, also Maryland's only State Scenic Highway, links the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area with the beach resorts of Rehobeth and Lewes, DE. and Ocean City MD..
The County also includes Route 352 which includes the Whitehaven Ferry. Crossing the Wicomico River and the Whitehaven Ferry provides an alternative to Route 13 and is the oldest, continually operating, public ferry in America.
Accessible by boat, Wicomico County is Maryland's second largest port for pleasure craft and commercial vessels carrying coal, aggregate, and other bulk commodities. The Salisbury/ Wicomico County Airport is served by a commuter airline.
RESOURCES
Watersheds, Wetlands, Lakes, Ponds and Stream Corridors:
Wicomico County is within the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and the Delmarva Peninsula. The County's watersheds, which drain into the Chesapeake Bay through the Nanticoke, Wicomico and Pocomoke Rivers, possess a variety of aquatic environments including tidal and non-tidal wetlands, lakes and ponds, coastal bays, and cypress swamps. Both the Nanticoke and Pocomoke are interstate rivers, begining in Delaware, which serve as county boundaries and are the focus of community-based conservation efforts.
The County southwest of Route 50 is a peninsula of land between the Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers. Both rivers have been listed by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior, in the "Nationwide Rivers Inventory". The Nanticoke has also been identified as a "Category #1 River" by the State of Maryland's Scenic & Wild Rivers Program.
The Nanticoke River watershed is unique among the many tributaries to the
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Chesapeake Bay. It stands apart because it lacks the rampant development, vast acres of cropland, or waste-producing factories common to other rivers in the region. The Nanticoke is one of the most important spawning areas in the Bay for rockfish, continues to be a productive habitat for oysters, blue crabs, and other commercially important finfish and shellfish, and is an important portion of the Atlantic flyway migratory bird route.
The Wicomico River originates near Delmar, Delaware, and flows through Downtown Salisbury. Salisbury began as a tobacco wharf on the river known Handy's Landing. By the end of the Civil War, the Eastern Shore Railroad had reached Salisbury, and the town flourished because it was able to ship food and lumber simultaneously by rail and water.
Today, the river continues to be used for port activities, including ocean-going vessels, pleasure craft and commercial vessels carrying coal, aggregate, and other bulk commodities.
In contrast to its function as a shipping channel, the Wicomico possesses a diversity of riparian areas which serve as habitat for Bald eagle, osprey, and other important plants and animals.
The Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers join at Tangier Sound which has been recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and others as one of the largest shellfish producing areas in the Chesapeake Bay. Wetlands, and smaller bays dominate the confluence area which includes several state wildlife management areas within and outside the county.
The Chesapeake Bay itself is recognized internationally as the largest and, historically, the most productive estuary in North America, with a watershed encompassing 64,000 square miles, portions of six states and the Nation's capital, 150 rivers and over 2 million acres of wetlands.
The eastern border of the county is formed by the Pocomoke River, a desingated Maryland "State Scenic & Recreational River", which originates in the Great Cypress Swamp, north of the Maryland border, in Sussex County, Delaware. The Pocomoke River Swamp is an important feature of the watershed and one of the major cypress swamps in the United States. The riverine area within Wicomico County is part of the most northern of the southern cypress swamps and the largest bald cypress-black gum swamps in the state.
The county is fortunate to possess an abundance of fresh water lakes and ponds within it's borders. Johnson's Lake, Leonard's Mill Pond, Schumaker Pond and Parker's Pond are the better known bodies of water recognized for their aesthetic and recreational qualities. Most weekends, bass clubs and recreational fishing enthusiasts fill the ponds in search of the elusive "big one".
Agriculture, Timber and Poultry:
The County is blessed with an abundant supply of agricultural and timber
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lands. Approximately 110,000 acres of agricultural land exists within the County today. Salisbury, the Eastern Shore's most important commercial center is basically an agricultural market where the largest employers are food processors and more than sixty truck lines.
Woodlands cover a similar amount of acreage and both of these resource-based industries continue to be an important sector in Wicomico County's economy.
Poultry, specifically chickens, are a vital and growing industry in the County. Three of the largest poultry companies in the U.S. are headquartered in Salisbury and huge amounts of corn and soybean are grown in the region to feed the chickens.
In addition to the economic importance of timber, agriculture, and poultry, these traditional land uses play a dominate role in creating the character and "sense of place" of the County. The vast areas of undeveloped, economically productive farms and forests help maintain the unique culture, open space, scenery, country roads, and quality of life of Wicomico County.
History & Culture:
The history of Wicomico County is long and rich, reaching back over three centuries to the days of its colonization and, before that, to the days when Native Americans lived within and visited the area. Traces of this heritage are present throughout the County in the form of historic homes, churches, schools and a variety of other sites and structures. These important pieces of the past help to define the culture and uniqueness of Wicomico County, providing windows through which residents can see the lifestyles and culture of the past.
In 1978 the Wicomico County Bicentennial Commission began a written history of the County as part of the Bicentennial celebration. The document, "Wicomico County History", was authored by George H. Corddy and completed in 1982 . It has a mixed topical-chronological-geographical format selected in order to depict the forces and institutions which molded the county and its communities as well as to present the continuity of its history. A number of people, including two current members of the Heritage Committee, prepared chapters on special subjects, lending to the history the benefit of specialized knowledge and research.
"Wicomico County History", and other studies and books, document and describe the heritage and cultural development of the County in great detail. Specific attention has been given to:
* The early development of the County and Salisbury
* Rapid growth in the early nineteenth century
* Establishing Wicomico County
* Progress in the nineteenth century
* Towns and villages
* Multi-cultural relations
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* Key families
* Farming, timber and the poultry industry
* Churches
* Cultural development
* Clubs & organizations
* Two fires of the 1800's
* The emergence of Salisbury as the foremost city on the lower Shore
* The late twentieth century
Certain guides, such as "The Smithsonian Guide to Historic America" and "The Maryland Scene", recognize certain buildings and areas
for their historic and cultural importance. Buildings, historic districts, and culturally important areas, such as the New Town Historic District, Poplar Hill Mansion, Pemberton Hall & Historic Park, the Old Green Hill Protestant Episcopalian Church, the Obelisk in Salisbury's Downtown Plaza,the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, the County Courthouse, the Salisbury Art Institute & Gallery, the Artrium Gallery at the University Center, the Salisbury State University Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture, Chipman Church & Chipman Park, Rockawalkin School, Salisbury Zoo, Bounds Lott, the Adkins Museum, the Mason-Dixon Markers, the Quantico Historic District, and the Whitehaven Hotel, have been recognized by regional, state and national guides.
Although a County-wide Historic Sites Inventory is planned and will reveal new information, existing historical and cultural information provides the Heritage Committee with essential information for the Heritage Plan.
Parks & Recreation:
Numerous and varied leisure opportunities are currently available for the enjoyment of Wicomico County residents. Some of these opportunities are available through a variety of recreation programs that the County's Department of Recreation & Parks ofers in cooperation with 45 recreation councils, special interest groups and other organizations. Other opportunities exist in a variety of parks ranging from large natural areas to small neighborhood play areas. For example, there are 82 publically-owned parks and school grounds totalling 1,242 acres in Wicomico County.
In addition to providing recreation services, managing and protecting land, the County Department of Recreation & Parks also has responsibility for long-range planning for land preservation and recreation. In October 1993, the Wicomico County Council adopted a "Land Preservation & Recreation Plan" as a guide for the County. The plan, entitled, "A Committment to Wicomico County's Quality of Life", includes a strategy with recommendations for the major natural and cultural heritage values, areas and activities of the County. Visions, for the County, which are described in the Plan include:
* Concentrate development in suitable areas.
* Protect sensitive areas.
* In rural areas, direct growth to existing population centers and protect resource areas.
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* Demonstrate stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay and the land.
* Conserve and reduce the consumption of natural resource areas.
* Encourage economic growth and streamline land use regulatory measures to encourage the achievement of the preceding five visions.
* Address funding mechanisms to achieve this policy.
The Plan, which contains a wealth of technical information, is the foundation for the Wicomico Heritage Plan and Committee efforts.
TRENDS: HERITAGE AREAS AND TRADITIONS
Communities across the nation, and in Maryland, are realizing opportunities to work more effectively to accomplish environmental protection, tourism, development, parks and recreation, historic preservation, and other important publicly beneficial goals. Public and private groups within these areas are often motivated by a desire to preserve important historic and cultural resources, protect and restore valuable ecosystems, while simultaneously sustaining local and regional economies.
One of the techniques which is being used to seize this opportunity is the concept of a creating a "heritage area". Heritage area efforts emphasize the geographic place, people who live, work or recreate in the area, and a process which provides all interests to use the past, and the present, to plan a vision for the future.
A heritage area is a regionally identifiable, distinctive and significant geographic area that possesses special qualities that are derived from the harmonious interaction between communities and their environment. Heritage in this context, can be described as an encounter with traditions including:
* Urban, suburban and rural landscapes
* History and architecture
* Arts, including music, painting, literature and sculpture
* Sports
* Cooking and cuisine
* Traditional leisure activities
* Language and social customs
* Institutions
* Other areas, structures, and activities of value to a community
The process of developing a heritage area relies on the notion of recognizing all of the beneficial public and private uses of a community or region, a catalyst to facilitate discussion and consensus building between interests, and a process for cooperation and coordination between groups and governments.
Heritage area within this type of process, become the focus of a cooperative community-based public and private decision-making effort to recognize, organize, and communicate a
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communities natural, cultural, recreational, and economic values and functions in order to help protect important values, stimulate local and regional economies and improve the quality of life.
Local governments and private groups can use a heritage area and process to tailor a vision for the future to specific community, environmental and economic needs and goals. Heritage areas in other areas have been designed to develop local action plans, develop partnerships with federal and state governments and private organizations, secure National or regional recognition of the area, and leverage information, technical advice and financial assistance through existing and new programs.
Specific examples of existing heritage areas include:
Local Heritage Area: Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Area
The Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Area was created in 1990. The area is guided by an ad-hoc Committee of government agencies and private groups from Worcester and Somerset County, MD. The Committee meets monthly, has produced a Heritage Plan, initiates projects through its member organizations, and has secured funding to hire support staff.
Other areas currently using this approach include Havre de Grace, and MD, Calvert, St. Mary's and Charles County in Southern MD.
Beach-to-Bay American Indian National Recreation Trail
As a result of the Heritage Plan, local interests decided to secure National recognition for the 118 mile Beach-to- Bay American Indian Trail, a local heritage project started community interests. In 1993 Secretary Babbitt of the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the trail.
The Virginia Accomack & Northampton County Regional Planning District is using this approach, and intends to link with the Beach-to-Bay effort.
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BACKGROUND: DEFINING WICOMICO COUNTY'S HERITAGE
On June 7, 1994, in response to local interest, the Director of the Wicomico County Convention & Visitors Bureau convened a meeting of county and city leaders to discuss the preservation and promotion of the heritage of Wicomico County. The meeting was sponsored by Wicomico's Department of Planning & Zoning, Historic District Commission and the Department of Tourism.
The meeting was intended to discuss possible ways to organize a cooperative public and private partnership to promote, preserve, conserve and enjoy the heritage of Wicomico County. Forty people listened to presentations about the heritage area partnerships, the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee & Plan and sources of technical and financial assistance for these activities.
The persons attending the meeting expressed interest in holding a follow-up work session to identify possible cooperative ideas/ actions to promote, protect, conserve and enjoy the heritage of Wicomico County. A second meeting was held on July 7 to discuss the inial results, form four subcommittees, and outline subcommittee tasks. On February 16, the four subcommittees presented written information which is incorporated into this report.
The results of these efforts follow.
The participants at the July 7 meeting were initially asked to respond to four questions. A facilitator led the discussions and statements were recorded on a flip-chart. Another meeting was held on August 31 to discuss and revise the inial results. The ideas and interests that emerged were organized and are listed below:
1. What are the special places, qualities and traditions of Wicomico County?
The Steering Committee's response indicates that Wicomico County values its natural resources, communities and neighborhoods, history and culture.
Land & Water Values: Wicomico County values its natural resources, and recognizes the environment as a valuable component of the community and region. The county recognizes the importance of preserving its natural resources, particularly as Salisbury and other communities in the County develop and grow as a regional center. The County's land and water resources have been an integral part of the County's history, culture, way of life, for both rural and developing portions of the County. The County shares in the region's heritage based on the interconnected qualities of the region's natural resources. The County recognizes the need to preserve and protect these resources, and to rehabilitate deteriorating resources wherever possible. Among these natural resources, Wicomico County values:
* The Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Coast, their watersheds, rivers, wetlands, lakes, ponds, and estuaries; specifically, the Nanticoke, Wicomico, and Pocomoke Rivers and tributaries, and the great Paleo channel.
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* Natural Areas, Forests, Parks and Open Space
* Creeks such as Wetipquin for canoeing or bird watching, Roaring Point for fishing
* Lands used for Agriculture and Forestry
* Fish and Wildlife Habitat, such as Ellis Bay Wildlife Management Area, Chapter Point/ Quantico Marshes, Pole Point/ Marshall Point Marshes, Round Island Gut, Upper Pocomoke River Marshes,
* Forests such as, Wicomico State Forest.
* Wildlife habitat and water quality of the Nanticoke River
* Wildlife & waterfowl areas
* Pristine nature of the Nanticoke watershed
Communities & Neighborhoods: Wicomico County values its range of communities from remote rural crossroads or watermen communities to larger developing communities, for their historical, cultural, and unique aesthetic qualities. The County also values the neighborhoods which comprise its communities and the many enclaves of crossroad communities often known only locally by their few residents.
Some of these communities include: Salisbury, Mardela Springs, Delmar, Fruitland, Pittsville, Willards, Powellville, Quantico, Whitehaven, Tyaskin, Bivalve, Wetipquin, Sharptown, Jesterrville, Nanticoke, Glass Hill, San Domingo, Allen, Eden, Waterview, Hebron, and others.
The special places, qualities, and traditions of Wicomico County's communities and neighborhoods, which were identified by the Committee include:
* Neighborhoods and communities, such as, Salisbury's Newtown, Camden, West Side
* Strong sense of community
* Progressive community---works to protect heritage
* Laid-back, easy slow life
* Active neighborhood associations
* Community neighborhood centers
* Sports & recreation programs, including nationally recognized lacrosse programs, state champion football, etc.
History and Culture: Wicomico County values its history and culture and the community's expanding array of educational and artistic opportunities for the Lower Eastern Shore area, including educational institutions, community arts organizations, galleries, museums, cultural institutions, festivals, and special events. Wicomico County has existed as a county for nearly 130 years, however the first evidence of human habitation occurred about 13,000 years ago. The following are a few of the surviving historic sites, traditions, and other amenties of the County's history.
* Western part of the County, including Whitehaven, Pemberton, Quantico, the sailing harbor at Bivalve, the seafood processing plant and waterman's harbor in Nanticoke.
* Salisbury as an education center
* Salisbury/ Wicomico as a regional center
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* Lower Shore folklore---Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester, Sussex Counties/ "Oneness"
* Agriculture, timber & hunting way of life
* Religious traditions & way of life/ strong background
* Waterman's way of life including shellfish, oysters & crabs
* Prehistoric & historic archeological sites
* Wicomico & Nanticoke Indians
* Illustrious Men & Women including Governor Jackson, Drexel Truitt, George Gale, John Caldwell, Sara Houston, Nanny Rider, Nancy Lemon, Mrs. harold School
* Pemberton Historic Park including nature trails & center, Pemberton Hall and the history behind the area
* Wicomico Heritage Center
* Milling industry, mill ponds and freshwater fishing
* Salisbury jazz history and Lake Street Entertainment District
* Handy's Landing
* Cornerstone/ Mason-Dixon Line
* Spa and Springs of Quantico and Mardela Springs
* Whitehaven including the ferry, port, shipbuilding history
* Historic Downtown Salisbury, the County Courthouse, churches, theaters, businesses, railroads, mills, etc.
* Bounds Lott (1685--oldest welling place)
* Free-Black community of San Domingo
* Newtown residence area
* River ferries: Upper Ferry, Whitehaven Ferry
* Wango
* Wicomico Presbyterian Chuurch
* Long Hills
* Historic Pittsville---inclusive
* Trinity & Asbury Methodist Churches
* Poplar Hill Mansion
* 1878 Courthouse
* Historic churches including St.
Peter's Church, Green Hill Church, John Wesley M.E. Church (currently the Charles H. Chipman Cultural Center)
* Rockawalkin School
* Highball Railroad Museum
* Steamboat history of the Wicomico River
* Salisbury Marina (second largest port in MD.)
* Civic Center/ Hub of Delmarva
* Salisbury-Wicomico County Regional Airport
* Line United Methodist Church
* Allen United Methodist Church
* Rise of the poultry industry
* Historic sites of former neighborhoods such as Salsibury's Georgetwon and Cuba
* Humphreys Lake, Johnson's Pond, Schumaker's Pond, Leonard's Mill Pond
* Agricultural history and growth of agricultural centers
* Railroad history and development off towns
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Wicomico County's various educational institutions, community arts organizations, museums, cultural institutions, festivals, and special events include the following.
* Salisbury State University
* Salisbury State University Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture
* WorWic Community College
* Wicomico County Regional Library
* Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council
* Salsibury Festival
* Salisbury Eastern Shore New Year Celebration
* The Ward Museum
* Wicomico Heritage Park
* Charles H. Chipman Cultural Center and Chipman Foundation
* Adkins Museum
* Salsibury Arts Institute & Gallery
* Salisbury Arts Week
* Salisbury Historic Newtown Festival
* Fruitland Heritage Festival
* Salisbury Annual Martin Luther King Banquet
* Salisbury Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
* Pemberton Colonial Fair
* Westside Heritage Festival
* Day in the Park at North Lake Park
* Salisbury community summer band concerts in the park
* Salisbury Zoological Park
* Salisbury festival of Lights
* Whitehaven Schoolhouse
Changing Landscape:
Wicomico County continues to grow and prosper due to its function as a commercial crossroads, proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the agriculture and poultry industries, and the efforts of groups such as the Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development Organization (SWED). The County has continued to attract large and small businesses and its population has grown from 65,000 people in 1980 to nearly 77,000 today.
Change will certainly continue in the County. With a high quality environment, communities with spirit and a healthy economy, Wicomico County expects is population to grow to 82,000 by the end of this century. Open land will be converted to housing subdivisions, industrial parks, commercial centers, roads and utilities, recreation areas, and other beneficial public uses.
Although the need for development, and the opportunity for people to prosper, is unquestionable, community leaders understand that there are important linkages between environmental, community and economic values. Rather than separate choices, public and private decision-makers recognize the relationships between these three aspects of the County's future and the need to view them together rather than separately.
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Committee members identified the following topics as important issues.
* Need to preserve standing structures of historic importance
* Recreation needs will increase
* Water quality in the Wicomico River is poor and needs to be improved
* Preserve the water quality of the nannticoke River rather than let it be degraded
* Some environmental features, such as woodland areas supporting native wildlife, unique areas where natural processes go on undisturbed, and historic areas, are scarce or unique
* Certain riverfront wetlands, plant and bird habitats, within Salisbury, are threatened by proposed development.
* Strip development on Route 13 creates a poor image for residents and visitors and causes traffic and environmental problems.
* Prime agricultural land is being lost to subdivision development
* Downtown Salisbury, and other commercial centers, are losing businesses
* Bird populations are dwindling as the important "Atlantic Flyway" habitat is being lost.
* Commercial shellfish and finfish populations are decreasing due to poor water quality in the tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay
2. What kinds of cooperative heritage projects and events are happening now within the County ?
Wicomico County has a long tradition of cooperative heritage projects and partnerships. Salisbury is recognized as "a society of joiners", and residents of the City and County fosters a community spirit of citizen involvement. Examples of cooperative heritage events include:
* Pemberton Colonial Fair
* New Town Festival
* Kwanzaa Celebrations
* Eastern Shore Sailing Association, Nanticoke fleetraces out of Bivalve weekly during the summer
* Salisbury Festival
* Westside Heritage Festival
* Fireman's Muster
* Parsonburg Days
* Hebron-Mardella Carnivals
* Quantico Days
* Fourth of July
* "Day in the Park" at North Lake Park
* American Cancer/ Lung Association Bike Tour through Whitehaven
* Bike tours including the "Seagull Century"
* Willards Pride Day
* Delmarva Birding Festival
* Salisbury Zoo Appreciation Day
* Fruitland Heritage Days
* Bicycle events, such as "Pemberton-Whitehaven Double-Cross Heritage Bicycle Tour"
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* Turtles Races in Bivalve
* The Maryland Lady
Examples of cooperative heritage projects include:
* Whitehaven Hotel & Schoolhouse Preservation & Adaptive Re-Use
* Pemberton Heritage Park
* Delamarva Advisory Council's Ocean Heritage Highway Committee & Museum Committee
* Genealogical research
* Adkins Mill Pond
* Atlantic Flyway Scenic Byway
* Rails-to-Trails projects with the County
* Greenway projects
* Collaborative effort, between The Nature Conservancy, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Maryland, Wicomico Recreation & Parks and the Conservation Fund, aimed at natural areas
* 50 parks in the County
* Downtown Regional Arts District/ Downtown Redevelopment
3. What are possible public and/ or private actions to protect, conserve and enjoy the natural and cultural heritage of Wicomico County?
The Heritage Committee initially identified the following ideas for future action.
* Categorize existing resources and actions to ensure a balanced approach which includes actions to foster environmental protection, historic and cultural preservation, economic development, tourism, and folklike conservation.
* Cooperation with the Research Center for documents
* Have a group go into the schools and talk to young people about the heritage of Wicomico County.
* Cooperation with the Chipman Cultural Center
* Cooperation on Double Mills & Barren Creek Springs
* Encourage cooperation with the Chipman Foundation & others
* Talk to the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee about heritage efforts
* Use the Regional Artist District to help show people what is available in the community (eg. Alexandria, VA Torpedo Factory and Berlin, MD regeneration)
* Link the Ward Museum and Pemberton Historic Park with a trail
* Nature trail between Ward Museum, the Salisbury Zoo and Pemberton Historic Park
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* Preserve natural areas
* More community and financial support for the Ward Museum
* Whitehaven Schoolhouse including community help & in-kind services
* Rebuild Pemberton Plantation
* Addition to the Wicomico Heritage Center
* Raise funds for an inventory
* Identify archeological sites
* Identify historic sites with markers
* Research, document and publish information on archaeologic and historic sites
* Identify and recognize significant historic and cultural sites which no longer exist
* Link historic sites
* Create historic districts
* Develop a signage program for buildings, historic areas and sites around the community. Use consistent standards and a directory
* Develop a directory & map
* Make directories flexible so they can be updated
* Publish more information on the City & County
* Share heritage information through a regular news column/ article
* Put together the package
* Identify possible funding sources
* Prioritized what Wicomico County wants then blend it into the
Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Plan
* Develop pamphlets for walking tours
* Identify historic sites, neighborhoods, and cultural institutions which may no longer be in existence or have changed considerably, in order to educate the public about Wicomico County's past.
* Present results to the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee and ask to join
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4. What are the most important next steps?
The participants expressed a strong desire to continue discussions in order to develop a county-wide Heritage Plan. The Heritage Committee divided into four subcommittees and developed the following findings and recommendations.
ECONOMICS AND TOURISM SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Tourism in Wicomico County is a source of Substantial Economic Benefit to the Citizens of the County and the Region. The last reported figures on Wicomico indicated that over fifty five million dollars in travel expenditures were produced by our tourism product. This amounts to over one and one half million dollars generated toward local tax revenues for the county. Tourism is also responsible for over thirteen hundred jobs in the area.
Wicomico County is the geographic center of the Southern Eastern Shore and consequently the hub of much activity, not the least of which includes it's tourism promotion. The tourism office understands that while it is important to promote our attractions, facilities, restaurants, and events, we also have obligations to protect and preserve those things which contribute to our "quality of life" and thus result in visitor interest to the area.
Being a part of the Wicomico County heritage Committee provides us with the opportunity to communicate with other interests, namely the Arts, Culture, Recreation, Preservation and Parks groups, and other departments of local government. In bringing these groups together we can perhaps achieve a good balance that will assist each of us in reaching the goals we have set for our particular interests. We can indeed have the best of both worlds, but only with a plan.
Attractions such as the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, The Maryland Lady, Salisbury Zoo and other attractions more notable for their emphasis on heritage, such as Poplar Hill Mansion, and Pemberton Historical park, attract hundreds of visitors annually.
Events such as the Fireman's Muster, Salisbury Festival and Colonial Fair, attract visitors from a wide area and contribute to the economic well being of our citizens. Cycling has brought nearly nine thousand visitors to our county in the last few months.
Pemberton Park attracts visitors with it's nature walk and heritage center. The benefits to our community are substantial and at the same time we are attracting people with an appreciation of what makes us the "Land of Pleasant Living".
A year from now county government will have a visitors center at the north end of Route 13. Such a center is expected to serve over ninety five thousand guests annually. We look forward to working with all of the various interests in the county to develop and action plan that will preserve, protect and promote, where feasible, the quality of life we have come to enjoy.
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ACTION: 1.1. Promote the ideas of preservation and promotion of Wicomico County's heritage through the new visitor center on Route 13
WHO: Wicomico County Convention & Visitors Bureau
WHEN: Ongoing
ACTION: 1.2 Encourage the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic and cultural sites, such as the Chipman Building, to preserve our heritage and promote it's richness in the region.
WHO: Chipman Foundation
WHEN: Ongoing
ACTION: 1.3 Encourage and support the idea of a Heritage trail connecting the Ward Museum, Salisbury Zoo, Riverwalk Park, the Plaza and Riverfront Downtown and anchoring the trail at Pemberton Historical Park.
WHO; The Heritage Committee
WHEN: Project is underway
ACTION: 1.4 Encourage and support the efforts of Recreation and Parks to provide bike trails, nature walks and to develop greenway projects.
WHO: Heritage Committee
WHEN: Underway
ACTION: 1.5 Encourage and support the idea that certain areas are best served by preservation of our natural resources.
WHO: Heritage Committee
WHEN: Underway
HERITAGE TOURISM RECREATIONAL AREAS SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Wicomico County has an abundance of scenic waterways which offer outstanding opportunities for water-based recreational activities. The subcommittee encourages more public access to the water and linear greenways along waterfronts. Efforts to improve both the water quality and attractiveness of water recreation facilities, when possible, will enhance the County's water areas.
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This plan focuses on preserving wetlands, shorelines, floodplains and other significant natural areas as well as providing recreation for Wicomico County's present and future residents. This plan has an added dimension: a vision of a greenway from Schumaker Park to the City Zoological Park and someday stretching to Pemberton Historical Park.
This greenway and possibly others, will link together people, parks, schools, historic sites, natural areas, employment centers, shopping areas, town centers, neighborhoods, suburbs and rural areas.
Special Considerations:
This subcommittee would stress the importance of developing community parks in areas of high population density to help keep pace with the county's ever increasing population. This population is projected to increase from today's 77,000 to 82,00 by the year 2000. Concentrating on large or major parks in the population growth centers (These areas include the Northeast Metro, West Metro and South Metro Cores) will allow for ease of maintenance as compared to a higher number of smaller, more spread out parks. Facilities at these sites will also allow families to participate in several activities at the same location. These community parks should include land along significant rivers and streams to provide public access to the Chesapeake Bay and its' tributaries. The county is fortunate to have many natural greenways already in existence. The greenway areas currently encompass over 100 linear miles spread throughout the existing seven areas identified as greenways in the County Open Space Plan. These areas offer a great potential as well as the current uses. The current uses include serving as wildlife corridors and habitat for native plants. The potential uses include biking, hiking, birding and other low-impact activities.
Threats and Issues:
The subcommittee encourages that most growth in the county should occur in and around Salisbury and the towns. Most rural areas are recommended to remain primarily in farmland and forestry. New initiatives are urged between the government and business leaders and the farming community to seek practical, acceptable ways for preserving farmland and forested areas.
As the population in the county continues to grow, the future generations could find a severe shortage of open space and recreation areas unless steps are taken now to prepare. Prime areas now available for the creation of open space areas in the population centers must be considered crucial. The creation of an open space or recreation area after the land has been developed for other uses becomes many times more expensive at a later time.
Ideas for Action:
The subcommittee urges the government and business leaders to embark on the greenways initiative to gradually evolve a network of greenways throughout the county. Some greenways would be corridors for walking, hiking, jogging, horseback riding and canoeing. Others would be as simple as a stretch of stream bank left wild.
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Wicomico County is blessed with places that offer outstanding opportunities for greenways--stream valleys, wetlands, waterways and tidal tributaries, farmlands, sprawling woods, abandoned railroad right-of-ways, existing bicycle routes, wide shoulders along selected highways, corridors within parks, county-owned tax ditches and selected sidewalks and paths.
Recommendations:
ACTION: 1.1 Create a greenway between Schumaker Park and Pemberton Park. This greenway would begin the first phase of development of the trails from the Ward Museum to the Salisbury Zoological Park. The protection and welfare of wildlife (eg. animals, birds, plants) will be priority when creating the greenway.
WHO: City of Salisbury
WHEN: Underway
ACTION: 1.2 Create low-impact canoe trails along the Nanticoke River from Vienna to Tyaskin.
WHO: The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, with participation by The Nature Conservancy, Chesapeake Forest Products and Friends of the Nanticoke.
WHEN: The initial portion, the Southern Section, should be ready by early May.
ACTION: 1.3 Design and implement limited access to large natural areas currently under state ownership along the major rivers in the county through the creation of hiking trails.
WHO: To be determined
WHEN: To be determined
ACTION: 1.4 Create and distribute bicycle route guides.
WHO: Wicomico County Convention & Visitors Bureau
WHEN: Underway
ACTION: 1.5 Assist in the creation of "Rails-to-Trails" projects currently being planned from Salisbury to Hebron and Salisbury to Willis.
WHO: Wicomico County and other local governments
WHEN: Underway
ACTION: 1.6 Support the Land Conservation & Outdoor Recreation Plan on file with the Department of Recreation & Parks, and the furtherance of the goals and objectives for park acquisition , greenway creation and the conservation of the environment and historic areas.
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WHO: All public and private agencies, groups, individuals
WHEN: Underway
HISTORIC & CULTURAL HERITAGE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Main position statement:
The historical heritage of Wicomico County is made up of many and varied components to include: standing structures; archeological sites; historical events, documentary heritage, family and community values, cultural and artistic heritage, land and water management, occupational and recreational heritage. These components have many varied issues facing them. Many of these issues are faced individually by several of the community heritage organizations in common.
"Heritage tourism" presents a method through which these issues and problems can be faced jointly. By doing so, a dialogue for preservation and solving these complex issues with unity can begin.
Threats and issues:
This subcommittee recognizes as some of the problems and issues facing the preservation of our historical heritage in Wicomico County the following (not ranked):
* Lack of communication between heritage groups.
* The destruction and alteration of standing historic structures from neglect and demolition.
* Loss of farmland and open spaces resulting in unplanned residential and commercial development.
* Loss of documentary resources.
* The destruction and loss of prehistoric and historic archeological resources.
* The loss of identifying culture and folklike.
* The need for more protection through historic district designation for our unique communities and sites.
* The destruction of areas of natural habitat, resulting in loss of a traditional rural identification and character.
Addressing the issues:
Historical and cultural development possesses the potential
for regulating and managing many of these problems, issues and stresses. It possesses the potential to provide the vehicle by which we can maintain, preserve and present to the visitor our unique legacy.
It can help manage and bridle unrestricted and culturally destructive growth while capitalizing on our historic, environmental, artistic and cultural heritage.
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This subcommittee urges the government, business and community leaders to support and encourage the following actions.
ACTION: 1.1 Create a comprehensive historic sites inventory for Wicomico County, including an inventory of standing structures, archeological and historically significant sites.
WHO: Wicomico County and City of Salisbury
WHEN: Support activities already underway by Historic District Commission. Wicomico Historic Site Inventory grant expected.
ACTION: 1.2 Form a committee to identify those areas, in the county, best suited for:
-- Commercial preservation tourism
-- Non-commercial preservation tourism
-- Academic and esoteric
WHO: Historic Subcommittee of Wicomico County Heritage Committee
WHEN: To be determined
ACTION: 1.3 Create a preservation sensitive development plan, for Wicomico County to regulate growth, especially by taking more agressive countywide, comprehensive zoning and planning which will maintain the quality of our rural community by preserving farmland and open space.
WHO: County Zoning & Planning Department with input from the Heritage Committee
WHEN: Immediately
ACTION: 1.4 Create more historic preservation districts within Wicomico County.
WHO: Wicomico County Council, with input from Historic District Commission, individual communities, and Heritage Committee.
WHEN: As soon as possible.
ACTION: 1.5 Continue to encourage closer coordination and cooperation among those groups and organizations who share a mutual interest and concern for preservation and "heritage tourism".
WHO: Economic & Tourism Subcommittee, with a neutral facilitator, should establish a "clearinghouse" roundtable to facilitate cooperation. Subcommittee should publish a calendar and meet quarterly to discuss mutual interests.
WHEN: To be determined
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ACTION: 1.6 Create an archeological regional center to document and record the buried prehistoric and historic heritage of the county.
WHO: Maryland State Archeologist Office, in cooperation with Historic Districts Commission, the Research Center, Maryland Historic Trust. Encourage a part-time archeologist to advise and teach a course in the History Department at Salisbury State University.
WHEN: As quickly as possible.
ACTION: 1.7 Create a cultural and visual arts center in the Salisbury Plaza area with the heritage greenway trail extending through this area.
WHO: Art Institute & Gallery, the Arts Council, and private interests.
WHEN: Ongoing. Support activities already underway.
ACTION: 1.8 Continue the collection and preservation of our documentary heritage by the Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture.
WHO: Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture at Salisbury State university.
WHEN: Support activities already underway. Ongoing.
ACTION: 1.9 Continue the restoration of Pemberton Hall Plantation at Pemberton Park and other sites which are preserving the material culture of our heritage.
WHO: Pemberton Hall Foundation, Wicomico County Recreation & Parks, Wicomico Historical Society, Inc. and other agencies.
WHEN: Ongoing. Support activities underway.
ACTION: 2.0 Create heritage greenways connecting the unique communities and sites of the County, including:
-- A heritage trail extending from the Ward Foundation Museum to Pemberton Historical Park and eventually on to Whitehaven.
--A Barren Creek/ Nanticoke River heritage trail from Double Mills to the Nanticoke and up river to Sharptown.
-- A trail extending from Willards to Salisbury following the abandoned railroad route as outlined in the plan for land conservation and recreation.
WHO: Heritage Committee
WHEN: As soon as possible.
ACTION: 2.1 Continue a Wicomico County Heritage Committee which meets,
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following the development and implementation of tits Heritage Plan, to evaluate changes/ additions to the plan and make recommendations on issues affecting the County's heritage resources.
WHO: Wicomico County Convention & Visitors Bureau
WHEN: As needed
ENVIRONMENTAL SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Main Position Statement:
Our Eastern Shore way of life depends upon the quality, integrity and vitality of the natural environment in which we live. The enhancement and protection of wildlife, habitat, and other resources will be a priority for us.
Goal:
Protect and preserve the natural quality of our watersheds, in part particular the Nanticoke River, which is recognized as one of the most pristine rivers remaining in the State.
Critical to the mission of the Wicomico County Heritage Plan is the
concern of its' members to conserve, protect and preserve the natural resources existing within the county. Often times natural resources are only considered important as they contribute to the quiet, beautiful and uncrowded character of the rural areas in which people such as ourselves live, work, and recreate. Our Eastern Shore way of life depends upon the quality, integrity and vitality of the natural environment in which we live.
We value our way of life because we live in a beautiful and abundant area. However, we must recognize that the natural world is inherently valuable. Its health is critical to the survival of all the species with whom we co-exist. The stress and degradation resulting from poorly planned use and management of natural
resources threatens the existence of other species as well as our quality of life. Good stewardship is our obligation and responsibility!
Therefore, the Wicomico County heritage Plan focuses great concern and emphasis upon doing no harm to the environment. Every action undertaken by this group will include an examination of its impact on the environment. The enhancement and protection of wildlife, habitat, and other resources will be a priority for us. In addition, we are dedicated to the provision of environmental education to facilitate the recognition of the importance of the natural resources of our county. Our forests, farms, fields, marshes, streams and rivers depend upon wise and enlightened human use for their existence.
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Recommendations:
ACTION: 1.0 Acquire the Roaring Point area of the Nanticoke River to preserve its natural character from threatened development. Maintain low impact, passive use to avoid destruction of this unique natural waterfront acreage. Use of this property for habitat studies, and other related activities would be supportive also of the goal to increase environmental education.
WHO:
Friends of the Nanticoke and the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, with the assistance of the MD-DNR's Heritage Conservation Fund; Salisbury State University, and Wicomico County Open Space.
WHEN:
1995-96
ACTION: 1.1 Establish and maintain a water quality monitoring program for the Nanticoke River with emphasis on nutrient pollution.
WHO: Nanticoke Watershed Alliance & Salisbury State University.
WHEN: Summer 1995
GOAL: More aggressive preservation of farmland and open space.
ACTION: 1.2 Investigate and establish a more attractive and affordable county financing mechanism for agricultural preservation and
conservation easements, which can be competitive with developer offers. An innovative and effective funding mechanism was developed several years ago in Howard County and is now being modified for use by several counties in Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania.
WHO:
Friends of the Nanticoke, and eventually the Lower Shore Land Trust, the Farm Bureau, and the County Council.
WHEN:
Over the next five years.
ACTION: 1.3 Stress conservation of the environment as a major goal of the County Land Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Plan, worthy of high priority for funding for acquisition or protective easement, especially to protect key parcels under threat of development or destruction. Highest priority should be given to preservation of undeveloped natural areas along rivers and creeks.
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WHO:
The Department of Recreation & Parks, Department of Natural resources Greenways Commission, and Regional Program Open Space Office.
WHEN:
Begin 1995-96, ongoing over the next 5 years.
ACTION: 1.4 Establish a county government goal of using alternatives to ditching and of converting currently ditched areas to achieve wetland habitat restoration.
WHO:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Chesapeake Bay Office, Partners for Wildlife; and Natural Resource Conservation Service.
WHEN:
1997
GOAL: Implement and augment environmental education for children and adults, as a means of developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of our natural heritage and the effects of our actions on our natural resources.
ACTION: 1.5 Establish canoe trails along the Nanticoke River from Vienna to Tyaskin, providing charts and maps of natural and historic places which can be viewed from the river and its tributaries on both the Dorchester and Wicomico County sides of the river.
WHO:
The Nature Conservancy; Chesapeake Forest Products; Friends of the Nanticoke
WHEN:
Southern Section - May 1995
ACTION: 1.6 Foster awareness of the State Wild Acres Program in order to increase participation by county residents as a way of expanding the habitat for birds and animals.
WHO: Wicomico Environmental Trust
WHEN:
Begin 1995-96
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ACTION: 1.7 Encourage environmental education in primary and secondary schools as a standard component of the curriculum.
WHO:
Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, Eastern Shore Office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Department of Parks & Recreation, Pemberton Education Center, and Wicomico Board of Education
WHEN:
Ongoing. Continue and expand.
ACTION: 1.8 Concentrate efforts with farmers to increase voluntary changes in agricultural practices that pollute the marshes, creeks and rivers in the County with phosphorus and nitrogen. If unsuccessful, support changes in State law to require farmers to adopt practices along river and streambanks and adjacent to marshes to reduce runoff of fertilizer, manure, etc.
WHO:
State Department of Agriculture; Soil Conservation Districts; Farm Bureau
WHEN:
Begin Immediately
ACTION: 1.9 Sponsor workshops on natural stabilization of shorelines and natural gardening techniques to help educate residents along waterways in the county to protect and improve water resources by avoiding harmful practices and using positive methods. This project also addresses the goal of preserving and improving water resources on the Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers and tributaries.
WHO:
Maryland Eastern Shore Resource Conservation & Development Council; Salisbury State University; Wor-Wic Community College, County Extension Agent
WHEN:
1996-97
ACTION: 2.0 Evaluate the effectiveness of the current county comprehensive development plan with regard to the protection of natural resources and track the effectiveness of its utilization in the review and modification of land development proposals.
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WHO:
Wicomico County Office of Planning, MD Office of Planning, MD Eastern Shore Regional Office.
WHEN:
Ongoing
ACTION: 2.1 Organize a Wicomico River "Clean-Up" to bring greater public attention to the potential of the area for low-impact outdoor recreation and its existing water quality.
WHO:
WHEN:
OTHER POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATIONS TO INCLUDE
A number of recommendations which have been mentioned at Committee meetings, or identified in other Delmarva Peninsula efforts, could be included in the recommendations of this plan. This actions follow:
The Wicomico County Heritage Committee could incorporate recommendations for local action related to other area plans which relate to the heritage values of the County. The following actions should be evaluated by the Committee to determine there appropriateness for inclusion in this plan.
ACTION: 1.1 Work with the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee, the Pocomoke River Alliance, and others, to create a Pocomoke River Regional Greenway.
ACTION: 1.2 Work with the Maryland Department of Natural resources, the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee, and others, to create a Tangier Sound Greenway.
ACTION: 1.3 Support and assist the Delmarva Advisory Council, and others, in the creation of the proposed "Ocean Highway National heritage Corridor" (Route 13/ 17) to promote sustainable use through ecological and cultural tourism.
ACTION: 1.4 Support and assist the Delmarva Advisory Council, and others, in the creation of the proposed "Atlantic Flyway Byway" (from Havre de Grace, MD. to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel near Cape Charles, VA.) to promote sustainable use through ecological and cultural tourism.
ACTION: 1.5 Initiate discussions with the Lower Eastern Shore heritage Committee to assess potential support to expand the "Beach-to-Bay Indian Trail" to: a) connect Route 131 with Route 12 in order to increase regional cooperation in heritage tourism, and b) connect the trail between
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Princess Anne, Whitehaven, Hebron and Route 50.
ACTION: 1.6 Encourage the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee to include common cross-county recommendations from the Wicomico County Heritage Plan in upcoming revisions to the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Plan.
ACTION: 1.7 Encourage the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee
to expand to include Wicomico County in order to foster regional cooperation, coordination, recognition, coalition building, and fund-raising.
ACTION: 1.8 Apply to the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and The Countryside Institute to be considered for the May 1996 "Chesapeake Bay Region International Countryside Stewardship Exchange".
ACTION: 1.9 Apply to the U.S. EPA for a financial assistance to help implement these recommendations through the upcoming "Sustainable Development Challenge Grant Program".
NEXT STEPS
The Wicomico County Heritage Draft Plan is intended for public review and comment. After the public comments are reviewed and incorporated by the Heritage Committee, the document will be presented to local government officials for their endorsement. An agreed upon locally supported vision for the heritage of Wicomico County could provide significant benefits to the communities of the area. It is anticipated that an approved Wicomico County Heritage Plan will:
* Bring state, regional and national attention to the unique qualities of the area.
* Increase heritage tourism and encourage a regeneration of natural, historic, cultural, annd economic resources through sensitive planning and development.
* Make the area more competitive for federal, state and private sector technical and financial assistance.
* Increase community awareness and pride in the heritage of the County.
The report recognizes that the final recommendations for future actions in Wicomico County rests with the citizens and their elected officials.
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REVISED DRAFT
DRAFT: FOR COMMITTEE REVIEW & DISCUSSION ONLY. THE CONTENTS OF THIS REPORT HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE NOR DO THEY REPRESENT THE POSITIONS OF THE PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS.
Prepared by:
The Wicomico County Heritage Committee
October 1, 1995
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION----Page 1
SUMMARY---------Page 3
PURPOSE---------Page 3
LOCATION--------Page 7
RESOURCES-------Page 7
TRENDS----------Page 11
WICOMICO COUNTY
HERITAGE -------Page 13
HERITAGE PLAN-----Page 20
Economic and Tourism Subcommittee Recommendations----Page 20
Heritage Tourism & Recreational Areas
Subcommittee Recommendations-----------------------Page 21
Historic & Cultural Heritage Subcommittee
Recommendations -----------------------------------Page 24
Environmental Subcommittee Recommendations-----------Page 27
Other Possible Recommendations-----------------------Page 31
NEXT STEPS-------Page 32
INTRODUCTION
This draft report was prepared by the Wicomico County Heritage Steering Committee, an ad-hoc organization of individual citizens and representatives of public and private agencies and groups within Wicomico County. The following revised draft plan, which is intended for review and comment by the Steering Committee, is the result of a series of meetings and selected secondary research. Agencies and organizations involved in this effort include:
Adkins Historical & Museum Complex
Art Institute & Gallery
Central Salisbury Revitalization Association
Chipman Foundation
City of Fruitland
Comcast Cablevision
Days Inn
Delmarva Advisory Council
Double Mills Foundation
Friends of the Nanticoke
Maryland, Division of Historical & Cultural Programs
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Greenways & Resource Planning
Nanticoke Watershed Preservation Committee
Pemberton Historical Park Board
Pemberton Hall Foundation
Poplar Hill Mansion
Preservation Trust of Wicomico
Survival Products
Salisbury-Wicomico County Planning Office
Salisbury News & Advertiser
Salisbury State University
Salisbuy State University, Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture
Salisbury Zoo
Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council
Select Media Inc.
Senator Sarbanes Office
Senator Mikulski's Office
The Nature Conservancy
Town of Hebron
Town of Sharptown
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Chesapeake Bay Program Office
Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art
Westside Historical Society
Whitehaven Heritage Association
Wicomico Ambassadors Club
Wicomico County Historic Commission
Wicomico Historical Society
Wicomico County Tourism Advisory Board
Wicomico Environmental Trust
Wicomico County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Wicomico County Department of Recreation & Parks
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This revised draft report is being circulated for public review and comment. Comments are welcomed and should be sent to the Wicomico County Heritage Committee, c/o Lewis Carman, Director, Wicomico County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Civic Center, Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801. By telephone call 410-548-4914.
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SUMMARY
The following "Wicomico County Heritage Plan" describes the results of discussions, research and recommendations, which were developed from a series of county meetings. The intent of these meetings was to agree on specific public and private actions to be taken to identify, understand, protect, manage, and enjoy the heritage of Wicomico County. The plan uses the natural and cultural heritage of the County, and the ideas of a Steering Committee comprised of community leaders from various public agencies and private organizations, to support a strategy which emphasizes coordinated environmental, community and economic actions.
The plan's recommendations, summarized from the body of this report, have emerged from this collaborative process. These recommendations reflect the common priorities of the four subcommittees and serve as the core elements of the Wicomico County Heritage Plan. The Heritage Plan presents the following:
1) A summary plan of action for heritage tourism, parks, recreation and open space, historic and cultural heritage preservation and interpretation, and environmental protection.
2) A description of the purpose of this effort.
3) An overview of the "heritage area approach" and trends in Maryland and Nationwide.
4) Highlights of Wicomico County's natural and cultural heritage values, areas, traditions and activities.
5) Subcommittee reports with recommendations.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The Wicomico County Heritage Committee is intended to bring community leaders, and citizens, together to discuss the preservation and promotion of the heritage of Wicomico County.
The purpose of this draft plan and planning effort is:
* Identify what is unique & worth preserving; decide how to manage these places, sites, buildings, traditions and qualities and set priorities for action.
* Manage the special quality of the Eastern Shore to avoid its future loss.
* Identify actions which are purely local, those which need outside assistance and those which involve more than Wicomico County.
The following draft plan is the result of a series of Heritage Committee meetings, recommendations developed by four subcommittees, and secondary research.
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OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS
Heritage Committee
* Form a Wicomico County Heritage Committee to foster cooperative community-based efforts to: 1) recognize, organize, communicate, and protect the County's natural, cultural, recreational, and economic heritage values and activities, and 2) implement the Heritage Plan.
--Encourage additional public agencies and private groups to join the Committee.
--Conduct a strategic planning work session to define the focus of the Committee's activities and responsibilities.
--Secure staff support and committee services through an existing or new organization.
--Apply for private non-profit status.
--Secure funds to support the activities of the Committee.
--Hold a "Wicomico County Heritage Workshop" to share information about local efforts to protect the heritage of the County and region.
Heritage Trail
* Demonstrate the Wicomico County heritage partnership by creating a heritage trail extending from the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art to the Pemberton Historical Park, and eventually on to the Village of Whitehaven.
--Form a workgroup and prepare a map of the proposed trail corridor.
--Print a brochure of the heritage trail.
--Secure assistance from Maryland's Department of Natural Resources to help design the trail, map and brochure.
--Investigate Maryland's Department of transportation as a source of funding to help implement the project.
--Consider holding an event to publicize the project to seek community support, input and assistance.
SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Preservation
* Preserve and encourage the reuse of important historic, cultural, artistic heritage resources in Wicomico County.
--Create a comprehensive historic sites, cultural resources inventory for Wicomico County.
--Promote continuous research into the County's past.
--Identify areas best suited for preservation tourism.
--Assist the City and County with revisions to the County Comprehensive Plan to incorporate heritage values.
* Help county communities preserve their historic, cultural and artistic assets.
-- Assist in the creation of more historic preservation districts within the County.
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Protection
* Protect and preserve the natural quality of the watersheds of Wicomico County.
--Work with farmers to change agricultural practices which pollute the marshes,lakes, ponds, creeks and streams of the county.
--Strengthen and use the Wicomico County Comprehensive Plan to concentrate growth in watered and sewered areas.
--Acquire tracts of land on the major rivers and major ponds of Wicomico County.
--Protect the water quality of the existing lakes and ponds in the county through thhe control of noxious plant growth and undesirable development which could lead to further runoff.
* Establish a more attractive and affordable mechanism for agricultural and open space preservation.
--Develop a county funding mechanism for agricultural and open space preservation.
--Implement the recommendations of the Wicomico County Land Conservation & Recreation Plan.
Interpretation & Education
* Implement education programs for children and adults to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the value of Wicomico County's natural and cultural heritage.
--Sponsor workshops for residents and students.
--Establish canoe trails and non-vehicular, inter-modul pathways along Wicomico County's rivers starting with a water-trail along the Nanticoke River, from Tyaskin to Vienna.
* Incorporate multi-cultural interpretive information to applicable educational exhibits, sites, and museums.
--Foster cooperative projects/ programs with organizations throughout the Eastern Shore for the purpose of sharing the Region's natural, cultural, and multi-cultural heritage.
Development
* Support existing programs for economic regeneration/ sustainable development that use the County's heritage to promote sensitive tourism and other private reinvestment in key areas, buildings and districts.
--Foster sustainable use partnerships and collaboration between developers and preservation/ protection groups.
--Assist ongoing sustainable use projects in Whitehaven, along the proposed "Atlantic Flyway Byway".
--Assist crossroad and watermen towns with community-environment-economic action plans and strategies.
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Implementation
* Link the major heritage resources of the County physically and interpretively using cooperative strategies.
--Implement the County's Greenway initiative.
--Create a Heritage-Greenway Trail between the Zoo, Downtown, the Marina, Schumaker Park, the Ward Museum, Pemberton Park, and Whitehaven.
--Create a Barren Creek/ Nanticoke River heritage trail from Double Mills to the Nanticoke and up river to Sharpton.
--Support the Rails-To-Trails Project planned from Salisbury to Hebron and Salisbury to Willis.
--Support recognition of the proposals to create the "Ocean Heritage Highway" and the "Atlantic Flyway Byway".
--Support the cultural and arts organizations in the Salisbury plaza arts district area.
--Create an archeological regional center to document the County, and region's, heritage.
Promotion
* Continue, and reinforce the traditions of, cooperation between communities through heritage projects and events.
--Hold a Wicomico County Heritage Conference and/ or Festival to share information and experiences with community interests/ leaders.
* Support, and assist, the new Wicomico County Visitors Ceneter at the north end of Route 13.
--Assist with the exhibits, information displays and interpretation messages to be used at the Center.
--Promote a greater understanding of the value of ecological and cultural-based tourism with local officials and business leaders.
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LOCATION & ACCESS
Wicomico County, Maryland is centrally located on the Delmarva Peninsula of Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, within part of a region known as the Lower Eastern Shore. Wicomico County borders the Chesapeake Bay, and the Wicomico, Nanticoke and Pocomke Rivers. The County is adjacent to Somerset, Dorchester and Worcester County, Maryland and Sussex County, Delaware.
Salisbury is the largest city on the Eastern Shore and is the county seat of Wicomico County. Originally created adjacent to two branches of the Wicomico River, and located on Route 13 and Route 50, Salisbury character reflects its past and current importance as the Eastern Shore's most important port and commercial center.
Nearly equidistant from the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Wicomico County is a major commercial crossroads where Route 13, the Ocean Highway, and Route 50, the Ocean Gateway, intersect. The Ocean Highway, reportedly one of the oldest roads in the Eastern United States, stretches between New Brunswick, New Jersey and Jacksonville, Florida. The Ocean Gateway, also Maryland's only State Scenic Highway, links the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area with the beach resorts of Rehobeth and Lewes, DE. and Ocean City MD..
The County also includes Route 352 which includes the Whitehaven Ferry. Crossing the Wicomico River and the Whitehaven Ferry provides an alternative to Route 13 and is the oldest, continually operating, public ferry in America.
Accessible by boat, Wicomico County is Maryland's second largest port for pleasure craft and commercial vessels carrying coal, aggregate, and other bulk commodities. The Salisbury/ Wicomico County Airport is served by a commuter airline.
RESOURCES
Watersheds, Wetlands, Lakes, Ponds and Stream Corridors:
Wicomico County is within the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and the Delmarva Peninsula. The County's watersheds, which drain into the Chesapeake Bay through the Nanticoke, Wicomico and Pocomoke Rivers, possess a variety of aquatic environments including tidal and non-tidal wetlands, lakes and ponds, coastal bays, and cypress swamps. Both the Nanticoke and Pocomoke are interstate rivers, begining in Delaware, which serve as county boundaries and are the focus of community-based conservation efforts.
The County southwest of Route 50 is a peninsula of land between the Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers. Both rivers have been listed by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior, in the "Nationwide Rivers Inventory". The Nanticoke has also been identified as a "Category #1 River" by the State of Maryland's Scenic & Wild Rivers Program.
The Nanticoke River watershed is unique among the many tributaries to the
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Chesapeake Bay. It stands apart because it lacks the rampant development, vast acres of cropland, or waste-producing factories common to other rivers in the region. The Nanticoke is one of the most important spawning areas in the Bay for rockfish, continues to be a productive habitat for oysters, blue crabs, and other commercially important finfish and shellfish, and is an important portion of the Atlantic flyway migratory bird route.
The Wicomico River originates near Delmar, Delaware, and flows through Downtown Salisbury. Salisbury began as a tobacco wharf on the river known Handy's Landing. By the end of the Civil War, the Eastern Shore Railroad had reached Salisbury, and the town flourished because it was able to ship food and lumber simultaneously by rail and water.
Today, the river continues to be used for port activities, including ocean-going vessels, pleasure craft and commercial vessels carrying coal, aggregate, and other bulk commodities.
In contrast to its function as a shipping channel, the Wicomico possesses a diversity of riparian areas which serve as habitat for Bald eagle, osprey, and other important plants and animals.
The Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers join at Tangier Sound which has been recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and others as one of the largest shellfish producing areas in the Chesapeake Bay. Wetlands, and smaller bays dominate the confluence area which includes several state wildlife management areas within and outside the county.
The Chesapeake Bay itself is recognized internationally as the largest and, historically, the most productive estuary in North America, with a watershed encompassing 64,000 square miles, portions of six states and the Nation's capital, 150 rivers and over 2 million acres of wetlands.
The eastern border of the county is formed by the Pocomoke River, a desingated Maryland "State Scenic & Recreational River", which originates in the Great Cypress Swamp, north of the Maryland border, in Sussex County, Delaware. The Pocomoke River Swamp is an important feature of the watershed and one of the major cypress swamps in the United States. The riverine area within Wicomico County is part of the most northern of the southern cypress swamps and the largest bald cypress-black gum swamps in the state.
The county is fortunate to possess an abundance of fresh water lakes and ponds within it's borders. Johnson's Lake, Leonard's Mill Pond, Schumaker Pond and Parker's Pond are the better known bodies of water recognized for their aesthetic and recreational qualities. Most weekends, bass clubs and recreational fishing enthusiasts fill the ponds in search of the elusive "big one".
Agriculture, Timber and Poultry:
The County is blessed with an abundant supply of agricultural and timber
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lands. Approximately 110,000 acres of agricultural land exists within the County today. Salisbury, the Eastern Shore's most important commercial center is basically an agricultural market where the largest employers are food processors and more than sixty truck lines.
Woodlands cover a similar amount of acreage and both of these resource-based industries continue to be an important sector in Wicomico County's economy.
Poultry, specifically chickens, are a vital and growing industry in the County. Three of the largest poultry companies in the U.S. are headquartered in Salisbury and huge amounts of corn and soybean are grown in the region to feed the chickens.
In addition to the economic importance of timber, agriculture, and poultry, these traditional land uses play a dominate role in creating the character and "sense of place" of the County. The vast areas of undeveloped, economically productive farms and forests help maintain the unique culture, open space, scenery, country roads, and quality of life of Wicomico County.
History & Culture:
The history of Wicomico County is long and rich, reaching back over three centuries to the days of its colonization and, before that, to the days when Native Americans lived within and visited the area. Traces of this heritage are present throughout the County in the form of historic homes, churches, schools and a variety of other sites and structures. These important pieces of the past help to define the culture and uniqueness of Wicomico County, providing windows through which residents can see the lifestyles and culture of the past.
In 1978 the Wicomico County Bicentennial Commission began a written history of the County as part of the Bicentennial celebration. The document, "Wicomico County History", was authored by George H. Corddy and completed in 1982 . It has a mixed topical-chronological-geographical format selected in order to depict the forces and institutions which molded the county and its communities as well as to present the continuity of its history. A number of people, including two current members of the Heritage Committee, prepared chapters on special subjects, lending to the history the benefit of specialized knowledge and research.
"Wicomico County History", and other studies and books, document and describe the heritage and cultural development of the County in great detail. Specific attention has been given to:
* The early development of the County and Salisbury
* Rapid growth in the early nineteenth century
* Establishing Wicomico County
* Progress in the nineteenth century
* Towns and villages
* Multi-cultural relations
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* Key families
* Farming, timber and the poultry industry
* Churches
* Cultural development
* Clubs & organizations
* Two fires of the 1800's
* The emergence of Salisbury as the foremost city on the lower Shore
* The late twentieth century
Certain guides, such as "The Smithsonian Guide to Historic America" and "The Maryland Scene", recognize certain buildings and areas
for their historic and cultural importance. Buildings, historic districts, and culturally important areas, such as the New Town Historic District, Poplar Hill Mansion, Pemberton Hall & Historic Park, the Old Green Hill Protestant Episcopalian Church, the Obelisk in Salisbury's Downtown Plaza,the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, the County Courthouse, the Salisbury Art Institute & Gallery, the Artrium Gallery at the University Center, the Salisbury State University Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture, Chipman Church & Chipman Park, Rockawalkin School, Salisbury Zoo, Bounds Lott, the Adkins Museum, the Mason-Dixon Markers, the Quantico Historic District, and the Whitehaven Hotel, have been recognized by regional, state and national guides.
Although a County-wide Historic Sites Inventory is planned and will reveal new information, existing historical and cultural information provides the Heritage Committee with essential information for the Heritage Plan.
Parks & Recreation:
Numerous and varied leisure opportunities are currently available for the enjoyment of Wicomico County residents. Some of these opportunities are available through a variety of recreation programs that the County's Department of Recreation & Parks ofers in cooperation with 45 recreation councils, special interest groups and other organizations. Other opportunities exist in a variety of parks ranging from large natural areas to small neighborhood play areas. For example, there are 82 publically-owned parks and school grounds totalling 1,242 acres in Wicomico County.
In addition to providing recreation services, managing and protecting land, the County Department of Recreation & Parks also has responsibility for long-range planning for land preservation and recreation. In October 1993, the Wicomico County Council adopted a "Land Preservation & Recreation Plan" as a guide for the County. The plan, entitled, "A Committment to Wicomico County's Quality of Life", includes a strategy with recommendations for the major natural and cultural heritage values, areas and activities of the County. Visions, for the County, which are described in the Plan include:
* Concentrate development in suitable areas.
* Protect sensitive areas.
* In rural areas, direct growth to existing population centers and protect resource areas.
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* Demonstrate stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay and the land.
* Conserve and reduce the consumption of natural resource areas.
* Encourage economic growth and streamline land use regulatory measures to encourage the achievement of the preceding five visions.
* Address funding mechanisms to achieve this policy.
The Plan, which contains a wealth of technical information, is the foundation for the Wicomico Heritage Plan and Committee efforts.
TRENDS: HERITAGE AREAS AND TRADITIONS
Communities across the nation, and in Maryland, are realizing opportunities to work more effectively to accomplish environmental protection, tourism, development, parks and recreation, historic preservation, and other important publicly beneficial goals. Public and private groups within these areas are often motivated by a desire to preserve important historic and cultural resources, protect and restore valuable ecosystems, while simultaneously sustaining local and regional economies.
One of the techniques which is being used to seize this opportunity is the concept of a creating a "heritage area". Heritage area efforts emphasize the geographic place, people who live, work or recreate in the area, and a process which provides all interests to use the past, and the present, to plan a vision for the future.
A heritage area is a regionally identifiable, distinctive and significant geographic area that possesses special qualities that are derived from the harmonious interaction between communities and their environment. Heritage in this context, can be described as an encounter with traditions including:
* Urban, suburban and rural landscapes
* History and architecture
* Arts, including music, painting, literature and sculpture
* Sports
* Cooking and cuisine
* Traditional leisure activities
* Language and social customs
* Institutions
* Other areas, structures, and activities of value to a community
The process of developing a heritage area relies on the notion of recognizing all of the beneficial public and private uses of a community or region, a catalyst to facilitate discussion and consensus building between interests, and a process for cooperation and coordination between groups and governments.
Heritage area within this type of process, become the focus of a cooperative community-based public and private decision-making effort to recognize, organize, and communicate a
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communities natural, cultural, recreational, and economic values and functions in order to help protect important values, stimulate local and regional economies and improve the quality of life.
Local governments and private groups can use a heritage area and process to tailor a vision for the future to specific community, environmental and economic needs and goals. Heritage areas in other areas have been designed to develop local action plans, develop partnerships with federal and state governments and private organizations, secure National or regional recognition of the area, and leverage information, technical advice and financial assistance through existing and new programs.
Specific examples of existing heritage areas include:
Local Heritage Area: Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Area
The Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Area was created in 1990. The area is guided by an ad-hoc Committee of government agencies and private groups from Worcester and Somerset County, MD. The Committee meets monthly, has produced a Heritage Plan, initiates projects through its member organizations, and has secured funding to hire support staff.
Other areas currently using this approach include Havre de Grace, and MD, Calvert, St. Mary's and Charles County in Southern MD.
Beach-to-Bay American Indian National Recreation Trail
As a result of the Heritage Plan, local interests decided to secure National recognition for the 118 mile Beach-to- Bay American Indian Trail, a local heritage project started community interests. In 1993 Secretary Babbitt of the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the trail.
The Virginia Accomack & Northampton County Regional Planning District is using this approach, and intends to link with the Beach-to-Bay effort.
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BACKGROUND: DEFINING WICOMICO COUNTY'S HERITAGE
On June 7, 1994, in response to local interest, the Director of the Wicomico County Convention & Visitors Bureau convened a meeting of county and city leaders to discuss the preservation and promotion of the heritage of Wicomico County. The meeting was sponsored by Wicomico's Department of Planning & Zoning, Historic District Commission and the Department of Tourism.
The meeting was intended to discuss possible ways to organize a cooperative public and private partnership to promote, preserve, conserve and enjoy the heritage of Wicomico County. Forty people listened to presentations about the heritage area partnerships, the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee & Plan and sources of technical and financial assistance for these activities.
The persons attending the meeting expressed interest in holding a follow-up work session to identify possible cooperative ideas/ actions to promote, protect, conserve and enjoy the heritage of Wicomico County. A second meeting was held on July 7 to discuss the inial results, form four subcommittees, and outline subcommittee tasks. On February 16, the four subcommittees presented written information which is incorporated into this report.
The results of these efforts follow.
The participants at the July 7 meeting were initially asked to respond to four questions. A facilitator led the discussions and statements were recorded on a flip-chart. Another meeting was held on August 31 to discuss and revise the inial results. The ideas and interests that emerged were organized and are listed below:
1. What are the special places, qualities and traditions of Wicomico County?
The Steering Committee's response indicates that Wicomico County values its natural resources, communities and neighborhoods, history and culture.
Land & Water Values: Wicomico County values its natural resources, and recognizes the environment as a valuable component of the community and region. The county recognizes the importance of preserving its natural resources, particularly as Salisbury and other communities in the County develop and grow as a regional center. The County's land and water resources have been an integral part of the County's history, culture, way of life, for both rural and developing portions of the County. The County shares in the region's heritage based on the interconnected qualities of the region's natural resources. The County recognizes the need to preserve and protect these resources, and to rehabilitate deteriorating resources wherever possible. Among these natural resources, Wicomico County values:
* The Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Coast, their watersheds, rivers, wetlands, lakes, ponds, and estuaries; specifically, the Nanticoke, Wicomico, and Pocomoke Rivers and tributaries, and the great Paleo channel.
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* Natural Areas, Forests, Parks and Open Space
* Creeks such as Wetipquin for canoeing or bird watching, Roaring Point for fishing
* Lands used for Agriculture and Forestry
* Fish and Wildlife Habitat, such as Ellis Bay Wildlife Management Area, Chapter Point/ Quantico Marshes, Pole Point/ Marshall Point Marshes, Round Island Gut, Upper Pocomoke River Marshes,
* Forests such as, Wicomico State Forest.
* Wildlife habitat and water quality of the Nanticoke River
* Wildlife & waterfowl areas
* Pristine nature of the Nanticoke watershed
Communities & Neighborhoods: Wicomico County values its range of communities from remote rural crossroads or watermen communities to larger developing communities, for their historical, cultural, and unique aesthetic qualities. The County also values the neighborhoods which comprise its communities and the many enclaves of crossroad communities often known only locally by their few residents.
Some of these communities include: Salisbury, Mardela Springs, Delmar, Fruitland, Pittsville, Willards, Powellville, Quantico, Whitehaven, Tyaskin, Bivalve, Wetipquin, Sharptown, Jesterrville, Nanticoke, Glass Hill, San Domingo, Allen, Eden, Waterview, Hebron, and others.
The special places, qualities, and traditions of Wicomico County's communities and neighborhoods, which were identified by the Committee include:
* Neighborhoods and communities, such as, Salisbury's Newtown, Camden, West Side
* Strong sense of community
* Progressive community---works to protect heritage
* Laid-back, easy slow life
* Active neighborhood associations
* Community neighborhood centers
* Sports & recreation programs, including nationally recognized lacrosse programs, state champion football, etc.
History and Culture: Wicomico County values its history and culture and the community's expanding array of educational and artistic opportunities for the Lower Eastern Shore area, including educational institutions, community arts organizations, galleries, museums, cultural institutions, festivals, and special events. Wicomico County has existed as a county for nearly 130 years, however the first evidence of human habitation occurred about 13,000 years ago. The following are a few of the surviving historic sites, traditions, and other amenties of the County's history.
* Western part of the County, including Whitehaven, Pemberton, Quantico, the sailing harbor at Bivalve, the seafood processing plant and waterman's harbor in Nanticoke.
* Salisbury as an education center
* Salisbury/ Wicomico as a regional center
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* Lower Shore folklore---Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester, Sussex Counties/ "Oneness"
* Agriculture, timber & hunting way of life
* Religious traditions & way of life/ strong background
* Waterman's way of life including shellfish, oysters & crabs
* Prehistoric & historic archeological sites
* Wicomico & Nanticoke Indians
* Illustrious Men & Women including Governor Jackson, Drexel Truitt, George Gale, John Caldwell, Sara Houston, Nanny Rider, Nancy Lemon, Mrs. harold School
* Pemberton Historic Park including nature trails & center, Pemberton Hall and the history behind the area
* Wicomico Heritage Center
* Milling industry, mill ponds and freshwater fishing
* Salisbury jazz history and Lake Street Entertainment District
* Handy's Landing
* Cornerstone/ Mason-Dixon Line
* Spa and Springs of Quantico and Mardela Springs
* Whitehaven including the ferry, port, shipbuilding history
* Historic Downtown Salisbury, the County Courthouse, churches, theaters, businesses, railroads, mills, etc.
* Bounds Lott (1685--oldest welling place)
* Free-Black community of San Domingo
* Newtown residence area
* River ferries: Upper Ferry, Whitehaven Ferry
* Wango
* Wicomico Presbyterian Chuurch
* Long Hills
* Historic Pittsville---inclusive
* Trinity & Asbury Methodist Churches
* Poplar Hill Mansion
* 1878 Courthouse
* Historic churches including St.
Peter's Church, Green Hill Church, John Wesley M.E. Church (currently the Charles H. Chipman Cultural Center)
* Rockawalkin School
* Highball Railroad Museum
* Steamboat history of the Wicomico River
* Salisbury Marina (second largest port in MD.)
* Civic Center/ Hub of Delmarva
* Salisbury-Wicomico County Regional Airport
* Line United Methodist Church
* Allen United Methodist Church
* Rise of the poultry industry
* Historic sites of former neighborhoods such as Salsibury's Georgetwon and Cuba
* Humphreys Lake, Johnson's Pond, Schumaker's Pond, Leonard's Mill Pond
* Agricultural history and growth of agricultural centers
* Railroad history and development off towns
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Wicomico County's various educational institutions, community arts organizations, museums, cultural institutions, festivals, and special events include the following.
* Salisbury State University
* Salisbury State University Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture
* WorWic Community College
* Wicomico County Regional Library
* Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council
* Salsibury Festival
* Salisbury Eastern Shore New Year Celebration
* The Ward Museum
* Wicomico Heritage Park
* Charles H. Chipman Cultural Center and Chipman Foundation
* Adkins Museum
* Salsibury Arts Institute & Gallery
* Salisbury Arts Week
* Salisbury Historic Newtown Festival
* Fruitland Heritage Festival
* Salisbury Annual Martin Luther King Banquet
* Salisbury Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
* Pemberton Colonial Fair
* Westside Heritage Festival
* Day in the Park at North Lake Park
* Salisbury community summer band concerts in the park
* Salisbury Zoological Park
* Salisbury festival of Lights
* Whitehaven Schoolhouse
Changing Landscape:
Wicomico County continues to grow and prosper due to its function as a commercial crossroads, proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the agriculture and poultry industries, and the efforts of groups such as the Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development Organization (SWED). The County has continued to attract large and small businesses and its population has grown from 65,000 people in 1980 to nearly 77,000 today.
Change will certainly continue in the County. With a high quality environment, communities with spirit and a healthy economy, Wicomico County expects is population to grow to 82,000 by the end of this century. Open land will be converted to housing subdivisions, industrial parks, commercial centers, roads and utilities, recreation areas, and other beneficial public uses.
Although the need for development, and the opportunity for people to prosper, is unquestionable, community leaders understand that there are important linkages between environmental, community and economic values. Rather than separate choices, public and private decision-makers recognize the relationships between these three aspects of the County's future and the need to view them together rather than separately.
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Committee members identified the following topics as important issues.
* Need to preserve standing structures of historic importance
* Recreation needs will increase
* Water quality in the Wicomico River is poor and needs to be improved
* Preserve the water quality of the nannticoke River rather than let it be degraded
* Some environmental features, such as woodland areas supporting native wildlife, unique areas where natural processes go on undisturbed, and historic areas, are scarce or unique
* Certain riverfront wetlands, plant and bird habitats, within Salisbury, are threatened by proposed development.
* Strip development on Route 13 creates a poor image for residents and visitors and causes traffic and environmental problems.
* Prime agricultural land is being lost to subdivision development
* Downtown Salisbury, and other commercial centers, are losing businesses
* Bird populations are dwindling as the important "Atlantic Flyway" habitat is being lost.
* Commercial shellfish and finfish populations are decreasing due to poor water quality in the tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay
2. What kinds of cooperative heritage projects and events are happening now within the County ?
Wicomico County has a long tradition of cooperative heritage projects and partnerships. Salisbury is recognized as "a society of joiners", and residents of the City and County fosters a community spirit of citizen involvement. Examples of cooperative heritage events include:
* Pemberton Colonial Fair
* New Town Festival
* Kwanzaa Celebrations
* Eastern Shore Sailing Association, Nanticoke fleetraces out of Bivalve weekly during the summer
* Salisbury Festival
* Westside Heritage Festival
* Fireman's Muster
* Parsonburg Days
* Hebron-Mardella Carnivals
* Quantico Days
* Fourth of July
* "Day in the Park" at North Lake Park
* American Cancer/ Lung Association Bike Tour through Whitehaven
* Bike tours including the "Seagull Century"
* Willards Pride Day
* Delmarva Birding Festival
* Salisbury Zoo Appreciation Day
* Fruitland Heritage Days
* Bicycle events, such as "Pemberton-Whitehaven Double-Cross Heritage Bicycle Tour"
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* Turtles Races in Bivalve
* The Maryland Lady
Examples of cooperative heritage projects include:
* Whitehaven Hotel & Schoolhouse Preservation & Adaptive Re-Use
* Pemberton Heritage Park
* Delamarva Advisory Council's Ocean Heritage Highway Committee & Museum Committee
* Genealogical research
* Adkins Mill Pond
* Atlantic Flyway Scenic Byway
* Rails-to-Trails projects with the County
* Greenway projects
* Collaborative effort, between The Nature Conservancy, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Maryland, Wicomico Recreation & Parks and the Conservation Fund, aimed at natural areas
* 50 parks in the County
* Downtown Regional Arts District/ Downtown Redevelopment
3. What are possible public and/ or private actions to protect, conserve and enjoy the natural and cultural heritage of Wicomico County?
The Heritage Committee initially identified the following ideas for future action.
* Categorize existing resources and actions to ensure a balanced approach which includes actions to foster environmental protection, historic and cultural preservation, economic development, tourism, and folklike conservation.
* Cooperation with the Research Center for documents
* Have a group go into the schools and talk to young people about the heritage of Wicomico County.
* Cooperation with the Chipman Cultural Center
* Cooperation on Double Mills & Barren Creek Springs
* Encourage cooperation with the Chipman Foundation & others
* Talk to the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee about heritage efforts
* Use the Regional Artist District to help show people what is available in the community (eg. Alexandria, VA Torpedo Factory and Berlin, MD regeneration)
* Link the Ward Museum and Pemberton Historic Park with a trail
* Nature trail between Ward Museum, the Salisbury Zoo and Pemberton Historic Park
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* Preserve natural areas
* More community and financial support for the Ward Museum
* Whitehaven Schoolhouse including community help & in-kind services
* Rebuild Pemberton Plantation
* Addition to the Wicomico Heritage Center
* Raise funds for an inventory
* Identify archeological sites
* Identify historic sites with markers
* Research, document and publish information on archaeologic and historic sites
* Identify and recognize significant historic and cultural sites which no longer exist
* Link historic sites
* Create historic districts
* Develop a signage program for buildings, historic areas and sites around the community. Use consistent standards and a directory
* Develop a directory & map
* Make directories flexible so they can be updated
* Publish more information on the City & County
* Share heritage information through a regular news column/ article
* Put together the package
* Identify possible funding sources
* Prioritized what Wicomico County wants then blend it into the
Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Plan
* Develop pamphlets for walking tours
* Identify historic sites, neighborhoods, and cultural institutions which may no longer be in existence or have changed considerably, in order to educate the public about Wicomico County's past.
* Present results to the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee and ask to join
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4. What are the most important next steps?
The participants expressed a strong desire to continue discussions in order to develop a county-wide Heritage Plan. The Heritage Committee divided into four subcommittees and developed the following findings and recommendations.
ECONOMICS AND TOURISM SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Tourism in Wicomico County is a source of Substantial Economic Benefit to the Citizens of the County and the Region. The last reported figures on Wicomico indicated that over fifty five million dollars in travel expenditures were produced by our tourism product. This amounts to over one and one half million dollars generated toward local tax revenues for the county. Tourism is also responsible for over thirteen hundred jobs in the area.
Wicomico County is the geographic center of the Southern Eastern Shore and consequently the hub of much activity, not the least of which includes it's tourism promotion. The tourism office understands that while it is important to promote our attractions, facilities, restaurants, and events, we also have obligations to protect and preserve those things which contribute to our "quality of life" and thus result in visitor interest to the area.
Being a part of the Wicomico County heritage Committee provides us with the opportunity to communicate with other interests, namely the Arts, Culture, Recreation, Preservation and Parks groups, and other departments of local government. In bringing these groups together we can perhaps achieve a good balance that will assist each of us in reaching the goals we have set for our particular interests. We can indeed have the best of both worlds, but only with a plan.
Attractions such as the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, The Maryland Lady, Salisbury Zoo and other attractions more notable for their emphasis on heritage, such as Poplar Hill Mansion, and Pemberton Historical park, attract hundreds of visitors annually.
Events such as the Fireman's Muster, Salisbury Festival and Colonial Fair, attract visitors from a wide area and contribute to the economic well being of our citizens. Cycling has brought nearly nine thousand visitors to our county in the last few months.
Pemberton Park attracts visitors with it's nature walk and heritage center. The benefits to our community are substantial and at the same time we are attracting people with an appreciation of what makes us the "Land of Pleasant Living".
A year from now county government will have a visitors center at the north end of Route 13. Such a center is expected to serve over ninety five thousand guests annually. We look forward to working with all of the various interests in the county to develop and action plan that will preserve, protect and promote, where feasible, the quality of life we have come to enjoy.
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ACTION: 1.1. Promote the ideas of preservation and promotion of Wicomico County's heritage through the new visitor center on Route 13
WHO: Wicomico County Convention & Visitors Bureau
WHEN: Ongoing
ACTION: 1.2 Encourage the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic and cultural sites, such as the Chipman Building, to preserve our heritage and promote it's richness in the region.
WHO: Chipman Foundation
WHEN: Ongoing
ACTION: 1.3 Encourage and support the idea of a Heritage trail connecting the Ward Museum, Salisbury Zoo, Riverwalk Park, the Plaza and Riverfront Downtown and anchoring the trail at Pemberton Historical Park.
WHO; The Heritage Committee
WHEN: Project is underway
ACTION: 1.4 Encourage and support the efforts of Recreation and Parks to provide bike trails, nature walks and to develop greenway projects.
WHO: Heritage Committee
WHEN: Underway
ACTION: 1.5 Encourage and support the idea that certain areas are best served by preservation of our natural resources.
WHO: Heritage Committee
WHEN: Underway
HERITAGE TOURISM RECREATIONAL AREAS SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Wicomico County has an abundance of scenic waterways which offer outstanding opportunities for water-based recreational activities. The subcommittee encourages more public access to the water and linear greenways along waterfronts. Efforts to improve both the water quality and attractiveness of water recreation facilities, when possible, will enhance the County's water areas.
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This plan focuses on preserving wetlands, shorelines, floodplains and other significant natural areas as well as providing recreation for Wicomico County's present and future residents. This plan has an added dimension: a vision of a greenway from Schumaker Park to the City Zoological Park and someday stretching to Pemberton Historical Park.
This greenway and possibly others, will link together people, parks, schools, historic sites, natural areas, employment centers, shopping areas, town centers, neighborhoods, suburbs and rural areas.
Special Considerations:
This subcommittee would stress the importance of developing community parks in areas of high population density to help keep pace with the county's ever increasing population. This population is projected to increase from today's 77,000 to 82,00 by the year 2000. Concentrating on large or major parks in the population growth centers (These areas include the Northeast Metro, West Metro and South Metro Cores) will allow for ease of maintenance as compared to a higher number of smaller, more spread out parks. Facilities at these sites will also allow families to participate in several activities at the same location. These community parks should include land along significant rivers and streams to provide public access to the Chesapeake Bay and its' tributaries. The county is fortunate to have many natural greenways already in existence. The greenway areas currently encompass over 100 linear miles spread throughout the existing seven areas identified as greenways in the County Open Space Plan. These areas offer a great potential as well as the current uses. The current uses include serving as wildlife corridors and habitat for native plants. The potential uses include biking, hiking, birding and other low-impact activities.
Threats and Issues:
The subcommittee encourages that most growth in the county should occur in and around Salisbury and the towns. Most rural areas are recommended to remain primarily in farmland and forestry. New initiatives are urged between the government and business leaders and the farming community to seek practical, acceptable ways for preserving farmland and forested areas.
As the population in the county continues to grow, the future generations could find a severe shortage of open space and recreation areas unless steps are taken now to prepare. Prime areas now available for the creation of open space areas in the population centers must be considered crucial. The creation of an open space or recreation area after the land has been developed for other uses becomes many times more expensive at a later time.
Ideas for Action:
The subcommittee urges the government and business leaders to embark on the greenways initiative to gradually evolve a network of greenways throughout the county. Some greenways would be corridors for walking, hiking, jogging, horseback riding and canoeing. Others would be as simple as a stretch of stream bank left wild.
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Wicomico County is blessed with places that offer outstanding opportunities for greenways--stream valleys, wetlands, waterways and tidal tributaries, farmlands, sprawling woods, abandoned railroad right-of-ways, existing bicycle routes, wide shoulders along selected highways, corridors within parks, county-owned tax ditches and selected sidewalks and paths.
Recommendations:
ACTION: 1.1 Create a greenway between Schumaker Park and Pemberton Park. This greenway would begin the first phase of development of the trails from the Ward Museum to the Salisbury Zoological Park. The protection and welfare of wildlife (eg. animals, birds, plants) will be priority when creating the greenway.
WHO: City of Salisbury
WHEN: Underway
ACTION: 1.2 Create low-impact canoe trails along the Nanticoke River from Vienna to Tyaskin.
WHO: The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, with participation by The Nature Conservancy, Chesapeake Forest Products and Friends of the Nanticoke.
WHEN: The initial portion, the Southern Section, should be ready by early May.
ACTION: 1.3 Design and implement limited access to large natural areas currently under state ownership along the major rivers in the county through the creation of hiking trails.
WHO: To be determined
WHEN: To be determined
ACTION: 1.4 Create and distribute bicycle route guides.
WHO: Wicomico County Convention & Visitors Bureau
WHEN: Underway
ACTION: 1.5 Assist in the creation of "Rails-to-Trails" projects currently being planned from Salisbury to Hebron and Salisbury to Willis.
WHO: Wicomico County and other local governments
WHEN: Underway
ACTION: 1.6 Support the Land Conservation & Outdoor Recreation Plan on file with the Department of Recreation & Parks, and the furtherance of the goals and objectives for park acquisition , greenway creation and the conservation of the environment and historic areas.
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WHO: All public and private agencies, groups, individuals
WHEN: Underway
HISTORIC & CULTURAL HERITAGE SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Main position statement:
The historical heritage of Wicomico County is made up of many and varied components to include: standing structures; archeological sites; historical events, documentary heritage, family and community values, cultural and artistic heritage, land and water management, occupational and recreational heritage. These components have many varied issues facing them. Many of these issues are faced individually by several of the community heritage organizations in common.
"Heritage tourism" presents a method through which these issues and problems can be faced jointly. By doing so, a dialogue for preservation and solving these complex issues with unity can begin.
Threats and issues:
This subcommittee recognizes as some of the problems and issues facing the preservation of our historical heritage in Wicomico County the following (not ranked):
* Lack of communication between heritage groups.
* The destruction and alteration of standing historic structures from neglect and demolition.
* Loss of farmland and open spaces resulting in unplanned residential and commercial development.
* Loss of documentary resources.
* The destruction and loss of prehistoric and historic archeological resources.
* The loss of identifying culture and folklike.
* The need for more protection through historic district designation for our unique communities and sites.
* The destruction of areas of natural habitat, resulting in loss of a traditional rural identification and character.
Addressing the issues:
Historical and cultural development possesses the potential
for regulating and managing many of these problems, issues and stresses. It possesses the potential to provide the vehicle by which we can maintain, preserve and present to the visitor our unique legacy.
It can help manage and bridle unrestricted and culturally destructive growth while capitalizing on our historic, environmental, artistic and cultural heritage.
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This subcommittee urges the government, business and community leaders to support and encourage the following actions.
ACTION: 1.1 Create a comprehensive historic sites inventory for Wicomico County, including an inventory of standing structures, archeological and historically significant sites.
WHO: Wicomico County and City of Salisbury
WHEN: Support activities already underway by Historic District Commission. Wicomico Historic Site Inventory grant expected.
ACTION: 1.2 Form a committee to identify those areas, in the county, best suited for:
-- Commercial preservation tourism
-- Non-commercial preservation tourism
-- Academic and esoteric
WHO: Historic Subcommittee of Wicomico County Heritage Committee
WHEN: To be determined
ACTION: 1.3 Create a preservation sensitive development plan, for Wicomico County to regulate growth, especially by taking more agressive countywide, comprehensive zoning and planning which will maintain the quality of our rural community by preserving farmland and open space.
WHO: County Zoning & Planning Department with input from the Heritage Committee
WHEN: Immediately
ACTION: 1.4 Create more historic preservation districts within Wicomico County.
WHO: Wicomico County Council, with input from Historic District Commission, individual communities, and Heritage Committee.
WHEN: As soon as possible.
ACTION: 1.5 Continue to encourage closer coordination and cooperation among those groups and organizations who share a mutual interest and concern for preservation and "heritage tourism".
WHO: Economic & Tourism Subcommittee, with a neutral facilitator, should establish a "clearinghouse" roundtable to facilitate cooperation. Subcommittee should publish a calendar and meet quarterly to discuss mutual interests.
WHEN: To be determined
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ACTION: 1.6 Create an archeological regional center to document and record the buried prehistoric and historic heritage of the county.
WHO: Maryland State Archeologist Office, in cooperation with Historic Districts Commission, the Research Center, Maryland Historic Trust. Encourage a part-time archeologist to advise and teach a course in the History Department at Salisbury State University.
WHEN: As quickly as possible.
ACTION: 1.7 Create a cultural and visual arts center in the Salisbury Plaza area with the heritage greenway trail extending through this area.
WHO: Art Institute & Gallery, the Arts Council, and private interests.
WHEN: Ongoing. Support activities already underway.
ACTION: 1.8 Continue the collection and preservation of our documentary heritage by the Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture.
WHO: Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture at Salisbury State university.
WHEN: Support activities already underway. Ongoing.
ACTION: 1.9 Continue the restoration of Pemberton Hall Plantation at Pemberton Park and other sites which are preserving the material culture of our heritage.
WHO: Pemberton Hall Foundation, Wicomico County Recreation & Parks, Wicomico Historical Society, Inc. and other agencies.
WHEN: Ongoing. Support activities underway.
ACTION: 2.0 Create heritage greenways connecting the unique communities and sites of the County, including:
-- A heritage trail extending from the Ward Foundation Museum to Pemberton Historical Park and eventually on to Whitehaven.
--A Barren Creek/ Nanticoke River heritage trail from Double Mills to the Nanticoke and up river to Sharptown.
-- A trail extending from Willards to Salisbury following the abandoned railroad route as outlined in the plan for land conservation and recreation.
WHO: Heritage Committee
WHEN: As soon as possible.
ACTION: 2.1 Continue a Wicomico County Heritage Committee which meets,
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following the development and implementation of tits Heritage Plan, to evaluate changes/ additions to the plan and make recommendations on issues affecting the County's heritage resources.
WHO: Wicomico County Convention & Visitors Bureau
WHEN: As needed
ENVIRONMENTAL SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Main Position Statement:
Our Eastern Shore way of life depends upon the quality, integrity and vitality of the natural environment in which we live. The enhancement and protection of wildlife, habitat, and other resources will be a priority for us.
Goal:
Protect and preserve the natural quality of our watersheds, in part particular the Nanticoke River, which is recognized as one of the most pristine rivers remaining in the State.
Critical to the mission of the Wicomico County Heritage Plan is the
concern of its' members to conserve, protect and preserve the natural resources existing within the county. Often times natural resources are only considered important as they contribute to the quiet, beautiful and uncrowded character of the rural areas in which people such as ourselves live, work, and recreate. Our Eastern Shore way of life depends upon the quality, integrity and vitality of the natural environment in which we live.
We value our way of life because we live in a beautiful and abundant area. However, we must recognize that the natural world is inherently valuable. Its health is critical to the survival of all the species with whom we co-exist. The stress and degradation resulting from poorly planned use and management of natural
resources threatens the existence of other species as well as our quality of life. Good stewardship is our obligation and responsibility!
Therefore, the Wicomico County heritage Plan focuses great concern and emphasis upon doing no harm to the environment. Every action undertaken by this group will include an examination of its impact on the environment. The enhancement and protection of wildlife, habitat, and other resources will be a priority for us. In addition, we are dedicated to the provision of environmental education to facilitate the recognition of the importance of the natural resources of our county. Our forests, farms, fields, marshes, streams and rivers depend upon wise and enlightened human use for their existence.
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Recommendations:
ACTION: 1.0 Acquire the Roaring Point area of the Nanticoke River to preserve its natural character from threatened development. Maintain low impact, passive use to avoid destruction of this unique natural waterfront acreage. Use of this property for habitat studies, and other related activities would be supportive also of the goal to increase environmental education.
WHO:
Friends of the Nanticoke and the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, with the assistance of the MD-DNR's Heritage Conservation Fund; Salisbury State University, and Wicomico County Open Space.
WHEN:
1995-96
ACTION: 1.1 Establish and maintain a water quality monitoring program for the Nanticoke River with emphasis on nutrient pollution.
WHO: Nanticoke Watershed Alliance & Salisbury State University.
WHEN: Summer 1995
GOAL: More aggressive preservation of farmland and open space.
ACTION: 1.2 Investigate and establish a more attractive and affordable county financing mechanism for agricultural preservation and
conservation easements, which can be competitive with developer offers. An innovative and effective funding mechanism was developed several years ago in Howard County and is now being modified for use by several counties in Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania.
WHO:
Friends of the Nanticoke, and eventually the Lower Shore Land Trust, the Farm Bureau, and the County Council.
WHEN:
Over the next five years.
ACTION: 1.3 Stress conservation of the environment as a major goal of the County Land Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Plan, worthy of high priority for funding for acquisition or protective easement, especially to protect key parcels under threat of development or destruction. Highest priority should be given to preservation of undeveloped natural areas along rivers and creeks.
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WHO:
The Department of Recreation & Parks, Department of Natural resources Greenways Commission, and Regional Program Open Space Office.
WHEN:
Begin 1995-96, ongoing over the next 5 years.
ACTION: 1.4 Establish a county government goal of using alternatives to ditching and of converting currently ditched areas to achieve wetland habitat restoration.
WHO:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Chesapeake Bay Office, Partners for Wildlife; and Natural Resource Conservation Service.
WHEN:
1997
GOAL: Implement and augment environmental education for children and adults, as a means of developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of our natural heritage and the effects of our actions on our natural resources.
ACTION: 1.5 Establish canoe trails along the Nanticoke River from Vienna to Tyaskin, providing charts and maps of natural and historic places which can be viewed from the river and its tributaries on both the Dorchester and Wicomico County sides of the river.
WHO:
The Nature Conservancy; Chesapeake Forest Products; Friends of the Nanticoke
WHEN:
Southern Section - May 1995
ACTION: 1.6 Foster awareness of the State Wild Acres Program in order to increase participation by county residents as a way of expanding the habitat for birds and animals.
WHO: Wicomico Environmental Trust
WHEN:
Begin 1995-96
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ACTION: 1.7 Encourage environmental education in primary and secondary schools as a standard component of the curriculum.
WHO:
Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, Eastern Shore Office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Department of Parks & Recreation, Pemberton Education Center, and Wicomico Board of Education
WHEN:
Ongoing. Continue and expand.
ACTION: 1.8 Concentrate efforts with farmers to increase voluntary changes in agricultural practices that pollute the marshes, creeks and rivers in the County with phosphorus and nitrogen. If unsuccessful, support changes in State law to require farmers to adopt practices along river and streambanks and adjacent to marshes to reduce runoff of fertilizer, manure, etc.
WHO:
State Department of Agriculture; Soil Conservation Districts; Farm Bureau
WHEN:
Begin Immediately
ACTION: 1.9 Sponsor workshops on natural stabilization of shorelines and natural gardening techniques to help educate residents along waterways in the county to protect and improve water resources by avoiding harmful practices and using positive methods. This project also addresses the goal of preserving and improving water resources on the Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers and tributaries.
WHO:
Maryland Eastern Shore Resource Conservation & Development Council; Salisbury State University; Wor-Wic Community College, County Extension Agent
WHEN:
1996-97
ACTION: 2.0 Evaluate the effectiveness of the current county comprehensive development plan with regard to the protection of natural resources and track the effectiveness of its utilization in the review and modification of land development proposals.
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WHO:
Wicomico County Office of Planning, MD Office of Planning, MD Eastern Shore Regional Office.
WHEN:
Ongoing
ACTION: 2.1 Organize a Wicomico River "Clean-Up" to bring greater public attention to the potential of the area for low-impact outdoor recreation and its existing water quality.
WHO:
WHEN:
OTHER POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATIONS TO INCLUDE
A number of recommendations which have been mentioned at Committee meetings, or identified in other Delmarva Peninsula efforts, could be included in the recommendations of this plan. This actions follow:
The Wicomico County Heritage Committee could incorporate recommendations for local action related to other area plans which relate to the heritage values of the County. The following actions should be evaluated by the Committee to determine there appropriateness for inclusion in this plan.
ACTION: 1.1 Work with the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee, the Pocomoke River Alliance, and others, to create a Pocomoke River Regional Greenway.
ACTION: 1.2 Work with the Maryland Department of Natural resources, the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee, and others, to create a Tangier Sound Greenway.
ACTION: 1.3 Support and assist the Delmarva Advisory Council, and others, in the creation of the proposed "Ocean Highway National heritage Corridor" (Route 13/ 17) to promote sustainable use through ecological and cultural tourism.
ACTION: 1.4 Support and assist the Delmarva Advisory Council, and others, in the creation of the proposed "Atlantic Flyway Byway" (from Havre de Grace, MD. to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel near Cape Charles, VA.) to promote sustainable use through ecological and cultural tourism.
ACTION: 1.5 Initiate discussions with the Lower Eastern Shore heritage Committee to assess potential support to expand the "Beach-to-Bay Indian Trail" to: a) connect Route 131 with Route 12 in order to increase regional cooperation in heritage tourism, and b) connect the trail between
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Princess Anne, Whitehaven, Hebron and Route 50.
ACTION: 1.6 Encourage the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee to include common cross-county recommendations from the Wicomico County Heritage Plan in upcoming revisions to the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Plan.
ACTION: 1.7 Encourage the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Committee
to expand to include Wicomico County in order to foster regional cooperation, coordination, recognition, coalition building, and fund-raising.
ACTION: 1.8 Apply to the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and The Countryside Institute to be considered for the May 1996 "Chesapeake Bay Region International Countryside Stewardship Exchange".
ACTION: 1.9 Apply to the U.S. EPA for a financial assistance to help implement these recommendations through the upcoming "Sustainable Development Challenge Grant Program".
NEXT STEPS
The Wicomico County Heritage Draft Plan is intended for public review and comment. After the public comments are reviewed and incorporated by the Heritage Committee, the document will be presented to local government officials for their endorsement. An agreed upon locally supported vision for the heritage of Wicomico County could provide significant benefits to the communities of the area. It is anticipated that an approved Wicomico County Heritage Plan will:
* Bring state, regional and national attention to the unique qualities of the area.
* Increase heritage tourism and encourage a regeneration of natural, historic, cultural, annd economic resources through sensitive planning and development.
* Make the area more competitive for federal, state and private sector technical and financial assistance.
* Increase community awareness and pride in the heritage of the County.
The report recognizes that the final recommendations for future actions in Wicomico County rests with the citizens and their elected officials.
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