State of Alabama FINAL Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP ...

An additional aspect of this initiative is the purchase of equipment that will allow the Parks Department to
better maintain public access areas. The purchase of this equipment would allow the Parks Department to
do projects that would otherwise have to be contracted out. When projects are contracted out there is a
greater cost which means less work is able to be done on public accesses. A skid steer with various
attachments would be purchased. The use of a skid steer is more environmentally friendly than other
equipment such as full-sized bulldozer because of its low ground pressure. This will allow staff to work in
environmentally sensitive areas with little impact. Attachments that would be purchased include an auger,
a forestry mower, a front end loader and a grapple. The auger would allow quick and easy drilling of holes
for planting of trees and installing fencing and signs. The forestry mower is a much-needed piece of
equipment to provide for the clearing of areas for walking trails and access to waterways. The front end
loader is a multi-purpose attachment that can be used to transport material such as trees, plants, rocks and
dirt. The grapple is primarily used to transport large pieces of wood such as logs or lumber. This
attachment would be used in building boardwalks, removing downed trees and building piers. This piece
of equipment will be extremely useful on properties such as the 367 acre Hastie Lake site and on the Fish
River property purchased as part of this CIAP initiative.
The Parks Department will also identify other properties owned by the county that need enhancement to
provide a more beneficial use for citizens. This could include the repair of boat launch facilities, the
addition of picnic facilities and playground equipment and improvement of walking trails and signage.
Much of the work done on all of the sites will employ the skills of county staff in an effort to make the
best use of funding.
It is important that the County provide facilities to the public that allow them to gain a better
understanding and greater appreciation for the surrounding environment. Baldwin County has many areas
of unique environmental significance that can provide education to the citizens on the importance of
protecting and conserving the environment around them.
AUTHORIZED USES
o This project meets the criteria set forth in Authorized Use #4, implementation of a federally
approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan.
o Justification: The Acquisition of Property for Boating Access initiative meets Authorized Use #4
because the Mobile Estuary Program (MBNEP) Comprehensive Management Plan (CCMP)
addresses the need to increase the number of public access sites under Action HU-C1- Increase
Public Access and Eco-tourism Opportunities. This action encourages the maintenance of existing
public access areas as well as the addition of features such as boardwalks and public boat launch
facilities. This initiative will provide citizens greater access to waterways and nature areas which
increases awareness of natural resource issues and promotes understanding and participation in
conservation and stewardship activities.
o Cost Sharing: This project will be completely administered using CIAP funds. No cost sharing or
matching will be used.
State of Alabama Final Coastal Impact Assistance Program Plan
Baldwin County Tier One Project Descriptions
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