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Existing Conditions
NATURAL RESOURCES Woodlands and Wildlife
The plan area is characterized by the extensive
The James River forests of The Mariners’ Museum and Park as well
The James River is a dominant feature in as significant mature tree canopy throughout
the plan area and a major tributary into the its residential areas. Over 600 species of wildlife
Chesapeake Bay. Several small streams and have been documented on the park property,
drainage channels funnel into the James River, and numerous migratory bird species are
carrying a high degree of urban runoff. As such, frequently found throughout the area. Deer
Mariners’ Lake and its associated riparian areas and other smaller mammalian species inhabit
as well as a few other small drainage basins the park, but wander on and off the property,
are protected under the provisions of the significantly extending their habitat range due
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. to the presence of a high degree of vegetative
cover in the adjacent neighborhoods.
Approximately 2,315 of the total 13,020 feet of
shoreline is publicly accessible (18%) within the
plan area. The shoreline has typically included
tidal wetlands and waterfowl habitat, but
is currently impacted by dam construction
activities. Hilton Ravine Park includes a publicly
accessible sand beach where swimming and
launching of small, non-motorized watercraft is
permitted, while a 410-foot long wooden fishing
pier provides direct access to the James River.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) 100-year flood inundation zones extend
Great Blue Heron on the James River
approximately 7 to 10 feet above the base water
elevation of the James River and its tributaries.
These zones are found only along the river’s edge
TRANSPORTATION NETWORK
within the plan area, although localized flooding
Roadways
may occur when storm sewer capacities are
As shown in Figure 6, the plan area includes four
exceeded.
designated arterial roads: Warwick Boulevard
(U.S. Highway 60) is a major arterial that
transects the plan area; J. Clyde Morris Boulevard
(U.S. Highway 17) is a minor arterial located
along the northern boundary of the plan area;
and Harpersville Road and the portion of Main
Street between Warwick Boulevard and the CSX
railroad are minor arterials. Cedar Lane and the
portion of Center Avenue between Warwick
Boulevard and the CSX railroad are collector
streets. The remaining roadways are local streets.
Sunset on the James River
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