rotection of stream corridors in Harford County is currently addressed primarily through the buffer regulations of the Natural Resources District in the zoning code. The 1993 Land Preservation and Recreation includes greenways as a component of a larger system of preserved land or open space and coordinates access, recreation and land and resource management for these areas. The 1998 Land Preservation and Recreation will expand upon the information from 1993, including information proposed on greenway projects that have been implemented.

he Commission on Environmental Land Preservation has been established by the county to assist in taking actions to preserve environmentally sensitive land, some of which may include greenways.

everal volunteer organizations have been established to help the Department of Parks and Recreation promote preservation of environmentally sensitive areas, acquisition of properties, and implementation of greenway concepts. In addition, in the Fall of 1996, the county will have a map showing trails within county parks. The map will describe other features included in the park, handicap accessibility and park programs.

1) Bynum Run/Winters Run Loop

he Bynum Run/Winters Run Loop is a proposed stream valley greenway in southwestern Harford County. This open space system is anticipated to provide a variety of environmental and recreational benefits, and some portions of the greenway may accommodate pathways and trails for hiking.

everal county sites have been acquired along or near these streams areas, and developers have also set aside local open space for passive use in these sensitive area. The state also owns over 250 acres in the Bush Declaration National Resource Management Area along Bynum Run. Trail construction within Homeowner Association land, has begun and long range planning efforts are underway. Winters Run borders the western edge of the Development Envelope, and protection of this corridor would provide an important buffer.

2) Deer Creek Scenic River

he Deer Creek Scenic River is a proposed greenway in northern Harford County along one of Maryland's designated scenic rivers. This stream valley would provide a wildlife corridor and water quality benefits and could link several parcels of publicly owned land, including Susquehanna State Park, Rocks State Park, Palmer State Park and the county park at Eden Mill.

ocal interest and private preservation efforts have begun to explore opportunities for private management of the river corridor. The state and county parks already located along Deer Creek would provide a variety of public access points to this protected corridor.

3) Gunpowder Falls

unpowder Falls is a proposed stream valley greenway along the western boundary of Harford County that would link the county to greenways in Baltimore County. A major portion of this area is currently state-owned and managed as Gunpowder Falls State Park.

4) The Ma and Pa Heritage Corridor

he Ma and Pa Heritage Corridor offers preservation of a significant historic landscape in the county, with possibilities for environmental preservation and alternative transportation as well. The hiker/biker trail is presently in the design stages and will run from Heavenly Waters Park on Tollgate Road to Friends Park in Forest Hill. There is a proposed equestrian loop that will join the Ma and Pa at Tollgate Road and continue south to property abutting the Equestrian Center at Heavenly Waters Park.

5) Susquehanna River Greenway

he Susquehanna River Greenway is a proposed rail trail and natural areas corridor that would provide a connection between the town of Have De Grace, Susquehanna State Park and the Conowingo Dam. The proposed trail would follow the railroad right-of-way used by the Philadelphia Electric Company during the construction of the dam.

hiladelphia Electric Company has retained ownership of the right-of-way but currently leases the section within Susquehanna State Park to DNR. Philadelphia Electric Company has been meeting with the state, county and other interested parties to discuss plans for this area, and a class at Towson State University is developing conceptual ideas for this site as part of a graduate level course in greenways. In addition, DNR has included funding for trail development within the park as part of the FY94 capital budget.

n extension of the trail across the river and along the Cecil County shoreline is also being considered. This would take advantage of the redevelopment efforts underway in Port Deposit. Providing river crossings at Rt. 1 and Rt. 40 or I-95 will be major obstacles to establishing this greenway loop.