Natural parks are areas of natural habitat that provide opportunities
for those recreational activities that are compatible with the maintenance
of natural conditions.
The Town has identified areas within its Critical Area that
are appropriate for natural parks. These areas were not chosen to
preserve only natural curiosities, but include coastal ecosystems
that are within the jurisdiction, each with its geological and biological
resources intact. Park boundaries are based on biological considerations
rather than administrative convenience.
The Town shall encourage the creation of opportunities for interaction
between people and natural environments without destroying the fragile
components of natural habitats. Any plans developed for the use of
parks should recognize that all natural terrain has a finite capacity
to tolerate human disturbances, and, therefore, attention should be
given to limiting the number of park visitors in any park at any one
time or in the course of a season.
A.
Limit park activities to passive recreation, such as hiking, picnicking,
fishing, bird watching, etc. Consider limited hours or park closure,
if necessary, during the breeding season of certain species.
B.
Limit development in the park to reduce impacts to sensitive resources.
Structures should be limited to trails, observation blinds, walkways,
rest stops, instructional pavilions, maintenance offices and maintenance
equipment storage sheds.
C.
Limit park use during times when plant or wildlife species may be
especially sensitive to disturbance (i.e., after a heavy rain, a flood,
during a drought period or at the beginning of the growing season).
