Carvins Cove Trail Plan - Roanoke

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
2010 Trail Management Plan
Section I. Introduction
1.1 Context for Development of Carvins Cove Trail Management Plan
The lands at Carvins Cove (the Cove) have been owned by the City of Roanoke (the
City) for over sixty years. In 2004 the City and Roanoke County established the Western
Virginia Water Authority (WVWA) to manage the water and wastewater systems of the
region. The WVWA was given ownership of Carvins Cove reservoir and the surrounding
lands below the 1200-foot contour. The remaining Cove lands above the 1200-foot
contour were retained by the City and are managed as a natural reserve through the
Parks and Recreation Department.
The City and the WVWA recognize the need for a scientific-based approach to
sustainable natural resource management of the 12,463 acres at the Cove. The Parks
and Recreation Department worked with the WVWA and an advisory committee to
develop a Carvins Cove Natural Reserve Park Management Plan, adopted by City
Council in 2007. The Park Management Plan established five Resource Management
Zones for the Cove, provided management goals and guidelines, and identified the
need to plan for programs, facilities, operations, and trails. The trails plan was to
include an inventory and assessment of trails and to address sustainability,
maintenance, and funding.
Development of this Trail Management Plan reflects the Parks and Recreation
Department’s on-going commitment to manage the Cove as a regionally significant
outdoor recreation destination with a network of sustainable trails. The Trail
Management Plan is set within the context of the overarching planning principles
included on page 4 of the Park Management Plan:
1. The primary purpose of the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is protection of the
municipal watershed to provide a safe, potable water supply to over 137,000
area residents and businesses.
2. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve contains a high level of biological diversity and
will be managed in a manner that protects and enhances the ecosystem
benefits and functions.
3. Compatible outdoor recreation and educational uses and activities will be
encouraged to promote the health and well being of the area residents and
visitors, and these uses and activities will be managed in a manner that
supports ecosystem management and water quality objectives.
4. Management recommendations for Carvins Cove will be scientifically based
using best available knowledge, proven standards, and advice of natural
resource management and planning professionals, and they will be
supplemented by additional research and study as outlined within the
appendices of the Park Management Plan.
5. The City of Roanoke and Western Virginia Water Authority will manage the
resources of Carvins Cove using a collaborative process that fosters
interjurisdictional cooperation and participation by the public.
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