PATC members recognize and value the natural, scenic, cultural, and historical resources afforded the public by the Tuscarora Trail and lands adjacent to the Trail. The paradox that the use of these resources by the public significantly impacts and ultimately degrades the quality of these resources is also recognized. PATC anticipates that the problems associated with human use of the resources along the Trail will increase due to increasing development and as an ever–larger number of people use the trail in the future.
The volunteers who maintain the Trail and facilities are not, in the main, trained resource managers. However, they are individuals who are knowledgeable of, and concerned with, the resources contained within the Trail lands and they understand that their actions can significantly enhance and protect these resources.
The policy of the Club is to do nothing that will degrade or harm the resources present within the Trail corridor lands. Where specific actions are needed, the Club will design a plan to increase the protection of the resources threatened and coordinate such plans with partners before executing any action.
The following principles guide the management policies of resources within trail corridor lands managed by PATC:
- Preserve the continuity and integrity of the Tuscarora Trail and its environment
- Adjust the location of the footpath where necessary to protect unique or key fragile natural and cultural features
- Manage trail lands to promote a primitive, natural character
- Restore trail lands to a natural state where needed
- Preserve and promote the diversity of natural landscapes through which the footpath passes
- To the best extent possible, protect the footpath and corridor lands from improper uses, including corridor encroachments, dumping, timber theft, unauthorized roads, and vehicular use of the trail and corridor lands
- Effect proper resource management using the existing cooperative management system between PATC and other landowners
This chapter identifies:
- Those resources known to be present along the Tuscarora Trail and within trail corridor lands managed by PATC
- The resource management policies implemented by partners
- Specific policies of this Club regarding the management of these resources
