INSIDE THIS ISSUE: National Forests in North Carolina Seasonal Update Summer 2012

1 Staying Safe & Staying Safe this Summer—Know Before You Go New Supervisor Welcome to the national forests in an intense storm that produces heavy 2 Croatan North Carolina, where visitors participate rainfall in a short amount of time. Rising National in an array of recreational activities. Sum- flood waters can roll boulders and vehi- Forest mer is the busiest time of year in the cles, tear out trees, destroy bridges and Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie, and Croatan undermine roads. A low-lying area can 3 Nantahala National Forests. Every year, millions of become extremely dangerous in a matter National people flock to these popular destinations of minutes. The best defense is to be Forest during the warm months to soak up some weather-ready before a storm hits. sun, relax with family and friends, and en- Follow these safety practices to avoid Cheoah Ranger joy the great outdoors. flash floods: District “With the amount of activity in the Safety is your own responsibility national forests and the unpredictability of whenever you head outdoors. Nantahala nature, accidents can occur quickly,” said Families should discuss how they Ranger District Delce Dyer, recreation program manager would alert each other and get to a for the National Forests in North Caroli- safe zone if rushing or rising water, Tusquitee Ranger na. “We encourage visitors and employees or any other emergency, interrupts to practice safety at all times to prevent their trip. District accidents from happening.” When visiting a forest, be alert for Pisgah heavy rains and sudden changes in 4 Flash Floods weather. National Visitors to the Nantahala, Pisgah, and Recreating or camping near a stream Forest Uwharrie National Forests in North Caro- or river can be a risk if there are Appalachian lina should be aware of the danger of flash thunderstorms in the area. flooding. The National Weather Service Flash floods can occur with little or Ranger District describes a flash flood as a rapid rise of no warning. water in a low-lying area, usually caused by (cont’d on page 6) Grandfather Ranger District Bail Appointed Forest Supervisor Pisgah Ranger local partners, and the con- District Kristin Bail was re- she is returning to a part cently appointed the new of the country she loves. servation community to 5 Uwharrie forest supervisor of the “I am honored to have care for these diverse and National National Forests in North the opportunity to live special National Forests.” Forest Carolina. Bail previously and work in the beautiful As forest supervisor, served as deputy forest mountains and coast of Bail is responsible for over- 6 Staying Safe & supervisor on the Co- North Carolina,” said Bail. seeing management of the New Supervisor conino National Forest in “I look forward to work- Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwhar- (cont’d from Arizona. In accepting the ing with our forest em- rie, and Croatan National page 1) forest supervisor position, ployees, our state and (cont’d on page 6)

Visit us online at www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc Page 2 Carolina Connections

Kicking Back along the Coast

Summer is a great time to visit the The Cedar Point Tideland Trail crosses Croatan National Forest, one of four na- boardwalks to explore the salt marsh and tional forests in North Carolina and the on- the life above and beneath. ly true coastal forest in the East. Bordered on three sides by tidal rivers and the Bogue Horseback Riding Sound, the forest is defined by salt and fresh Equestrians visiting the Croatan Nation- waters. The 110-mile Saltwater Adventure al Forest this summer will enjoy a new 14- Trail, which begins at Brice Creek and ends mile trail. The trail, constructed near the at Dixon Field, is just one way to enjoy the Pinecliff Area, was developed through a water. partnership with the state and several horse groups including Reins and Bits. Neuse River/Flanners Beach Located along the Neuse River, the Prescribed Burning Neuse River/Flanners Beach Recreation Ar- Summer is also a time when staff at the ea offers a wide array of recreational oppor- Croatan National Forest may conduct pre- tunities and amenities. This year, visitors will scribed burning. Prescribed burns help pro- find improvements including a recently con- mote the growth of native longleaf pine structed bathroom. In addition, the Forest trees, and they benefit wildlife such as the Service replaced the sewer treatment plant endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. with an underground septic system. The Prescribed burning reduces the build-up of new system is better for the environment woody debris, helps prevent a catastrophic and saves money. Flanners Beach offers fire and protects the community surround- summer visitors camping, picnicking and ing the national forest. The Croatan Na- hiking opportunities. tional Forest is among the locations where the Forest Service is working to restore the Boating Opportunities longleaf pine tree to its native range in the Boating is a fun way to cool off and en- South. joy the waterways of the Croatan National Forest. The following boat-launching areas are popular because of their natural beauty Checking for Ticks and easy access to water: Brice Creek, Cat- Summer at the Croatan can include fish Lake, Great Lake, Siddie Fields, Ca- ticks that may carry of diseases such as hooque Creek, Cedar Point, Haywood Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Landing, Long Point and Oyster Point. Brice Lyme disease. Follow these safety tips to Creek and Haywood Landing fishing piers prevent tick bites: are fully accessible. Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are visible on clothing. Cedar Point Tuck pant legs into socks so ticks can- Cedar Point is another popular destina- not crawl inside pants. tion during the warmer months. The recre- Apply repellents to discourage tick ation area offers camping, picnicking, fishing, attachment. boating and hiking. Open year-round, the Avoid tall grass and brush. campground offers more than 40 sites with Routinely check hair and body for electrical hookups, a bathhouse with flush ticks. Go to a doctor immediately if toilets, warm showers, drinking water and a there is redness, and take the tick in ramp for shallow-water boats. Picnic tables a plastic bag for identification.

Croatan Croatan National Forest are nearby. There is a small fee for camping, and all sites are fully accessible. Cedar Point, now in the www.recreation.gov reservation system, has six first-come, first-served sites. National Forests in North Carolina Seasonal Update Page 3

Nantahala National Forest National Nantahala Cheoah Ranger District Joyce Kilmer Road and Maple Springs. Speaking of the Joyce Kilmer area, the For- Visitors should note that Wolf Laurel est Service is pleased that the Partners of the Road will be closed until mid-October as Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness has secured improvements are made to the road. a grant to reduce invasive plant species and to The project will enhance fish habitat by monitor visitor usage of the well-known area. replacing two culverts, while performing Another very popular location in the district other road repairs. Working with part- is Cheoah Point along Santeetlah Lake. The nat- ner Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, ural beauty is truly spectacular and well worth the Forest Service is improving passage the trip. Summer recreational activities at Che- for trout spawning upstream. Hikers and oah Point run the spectrum from swimming to others wishing to reach the Wolf Laurel hiking, kayaking to fishing. In addition to tent Trailhead can park at the road closure sites, a number of RV sites and two cabins can and walk to the trailhead or access the be reserved. Cheoah Point features showers, Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness drinking water, flush toilets and nearby trails. through other trailheads. Alternate trail- For reservations, call 877-444-6777 or visit heads include Beech Gap, Rattler Ford, www.recreation.gov.

Nantahala Ranger District and to protect the trail infrastructure from further resource damage. Some sections of Trail repairs continue at popular Dry the trail will be closed August and September Falls outside of Franklin, N.C. The Forest 2012 as improvements continue. Service expects to complete the work Visitors who want to camp in a large by mid-September. When completed, the group have two options in the Nantahala refurbished paths will enable visitors to Ranger District: Appletree and Kimsey Creek enjoy the falls for generations to come. campgrounds. Appletree and Kimsey Creek Users of the Wayehutta Off-Highway feature campsites that can accommodate up Vehicle area will see improvements this to 25 people. Located near the Appalachian summer. With a $75,000 National Recre- Trail, Appletree has two sites that accommo- ation Trails Program grant, the Forest date up to 50 people. To reserve a site at Ap- Service reconstructed 13 miles of the 24- pletree campground, call 828-524-6441. For mile trail. This project was necessary to Kimsey Creek, call 877-444-6777. prevent siltation in the local watershed

Tusquitee Ranger District reational opportunities such as hiking, boat- ing, mountain biking, nature viewing and This summer, visitors to the Jackrab- camping. Jackrabbit features a swimming area, bit Mountain Recreation Area will see a and anglers can catch an array of fish in the number of improvements. The Jackrabbit lake including spotted, white and striped bass, Campground transitioned to municipal as well as catfish, sun fish and crappie. water and sewer systems, ensuring more There are 100 campsites at Jackrabbit, reliable services to visitors. Also, the each with a picnic table, grill and parking area. Forest Service installed new bathrooms Flush toilets, showers and drinking water are and potable water at the Jackrabbit available. There are also two picnic shelters Mountain Bike and Hiking Trailhead. and a boat launch. Campers pay a small fee to The Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation camp at Jackrabbit. For reservations, call 877- Area has become one of the most popu- 444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov. lar vacation destinations in the district. Located along scenic Chatuge Lake, the area offers visitors a wide variety of rec- Page 4 Carolina Connections

Appalachian Ranger District Some folks will beat the summer heat by paddling on the Nolichucky River. The Pop- lar Boat Launch near State Route 197 al- Summer visitors to Roan Mountain

lows visitors to easily put their canoes or Gardens Recreation area will see a varie- kayaks into the majestic and scenic water- ty of improvements to the popular area. way. Last year, the Forest Service re-opened Further west near Hot Springs, N.C., the recreation area after a year-long ren- the Stackhouse Boat Launch gives paddlers ovation project funded by the American easy access to the French Broad River. Recovery and Reinvestment Act Floating or paddling on the French Broad (Recovery Act). More than $700,000 in River can be a relaxing way to cool off dur- Recovery Act funds allowed the Forest ing the warmer months. Not far from Service to provide employment for local Stackhouse Boat Launch are the Appalachi- contractors. The project addressed a an Trail and Rocky Bluff Campground. Sil- backlog of maintenance and facility needs. vermine Group Campground, also in the The renovations improved safety and the vicinity, has one campsite that accommo- visual appeal of the popular area. dates up to 50 people. Call 877-444-6777 for reservations.

could total $4.5 million over 10 years. Grandfather Ranger District Thanks to the Forest Service, travelers The Grandfather District is home to of the Blue Ridge Parkway this summer will an exciting new project called the Grand- notice a new sign honoring the purchase of father Restoration Project. This 10-year the first tract of land under the 1911 effort will increase prescribed burning Weeks Act. The tract was called the Burke- and other management practices to more McDowell Tract. The plaque is located on than 40,000 acres. The project will re- the Blue Ridge Parkway at Laurel Knob store the fire-adapted forest ecosystems Overlook on milepost 349.2. and benefit a variety of native plants and Visitors should know that 12 sites in the wildlife. Also the project controls non- lower part of Mortimer Campground were native species and protects hemlocks closed because of dangers posed by flash against hemlock woolly adelgids. Agricul- flooding. Eleven other sites at the ture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced campground remain open. funding for the project this year, which

ea along the Forest Heritage National Scenic Pisgah Ranger District Byway, where swimmers enjoy the excite- Visitors to the Pisgah Ranger District ment of the Davidson River’s natural boul- will experience many summer treats. der slide. Key sites throughout the district re- The district is home of the first school of cently received significant improvements forestry in the United States, now preserved to ensure the Pisgah Ranger District con- at the Cradle of Forestry. Major additions to tinues to be a premier destination for the site include a new 1.3-mile paved acces- visitors and local residents. The English sible trail, making it easy for everyone to Chapel Bridge, located near Davidson explore the forest up close. Also, the instal- River Campground and originally built by lation of a roof over the outdoor amphithea-

the Civilian Conservation Corps, was re- ter makes events, such as the Songcatchers Pisgah National Forest stored. The project preserved the histor- Music Series, more enjoyable. ic and scenic properties of the structure. There were also improvements to the ever-popular Sliding Rock Recreation Ar-

National Forests in North Carolina Seasonal Update Page 5

Summer at the Uwharrie

Uwharrie National Forest National Uwharrie Fun at Badin Lake Trail Improvements Badin Lake offers summer visitors Visitors to the Badin Lake Off-Highway the chance to cool off from the hot Vehicle (OHV) trails this summer will no- temperatures in the piedmont of tice some big improvements. Volunteers North Carolina. and grants from the state Recreational For some folks, swimming is the Trails Program provided much-needed re- best respite from the heat. There are pairs along the OHV trails. In addition, two no designated swimming beaches or new trail bridges were installed. Additional areas on the Uwharrie National For- improvements and routes are planned for est; however, the following areas offer the summer and fall of 2012 with the con- direct access to Badin Lake: tinued help of many volunteers from the Badin Lake Campground OHV clubs of North Carolina and South Cove Boat Ramp Carolina. Kings Mountain Point Day Use Improvements also were made to the Area Wood Run mountain biking area after two Holt’s Picnic Area years of planning, surveys and preparation. Deep Water Canoe Access The International Mountain Biking Associa- tion (IMBA), Southern Off-Road Biking As- Other visitors to Badin Lake prefer sociation (SORBA) and Uwharrie National motorized or non-motorized boating. Forest collaborated on the project. Volun- Cove Boat Ramp provides motorized teers and other partners (including First boating access at Badin Lake. Visitors Bank) contributed an estimated $200,000 who enjoy non-motorized boats, such worth of time and donations to IMBA, as canoes or kayaks, can access Badin SORBA and the Uwharrie National Forest. Lake from the following locations in Additionally, partnerships with Uwharrie the Uwharrie National Forest: Trail Riders Association and Back Country Badin Lake Campground Horsemen of North Carolina – Uwharrie Cove Boat Ramp are helping with trail maintenance on the Kings Mountain Point Day Use Uwharrie National Forest. Area Holt’s Picnic Area Status of Flintlock Valley Shooting Low Water Bridge on State Route Range 1301 This summer, the Forest Service plans NC Hwy 109N Bridge to begin the analysis process on the future Thousand Bale Bottom on Forest of the Flintlock Valley Shooting Range. The Road 555 three options being considered are: 1) miti- gating the safety issues at the range at its Fishing is also a popular summer current location; 2) moving the range to pastime at Badin Lake. Anglers can try another location on the national forest; or their hand at catching game fish such 3) closing the range indefinitely. as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, The shooting range was closed following crappie, walleye, catfish, spotted bass, two reports of stray bullets. Public safety is white bass and striped bass. Kings a primary concern in all national forests, Mountain Point Day Use Area pro- and the decision was made to temporarily vides four accessible fishing piers along close the shooting range until public safety with more than 30 picnic sites and a could be assured. picnic pavilion.

NationalPage 6 Forests in North Carolina...From theCarolina mountains Connections to the se

Staying Safe this Summer—Know Before You Go (cont’d from page 1) NATIONAL FORESTS When a NOAA flash flood warning Don’t jump off of waterfalls or dive in in is issued, or the moment you realize waterfall pools because of unseen NORTH CAROLINA that water is rising around you, act objects such as logs and boulders. quickly. Stay out of restricted areas. 160 Zillicoa St. In remote areas of the forest, use of Asheville, NC cell phones and digital data services Bear Safety 28801 may be limited. When visiting a national forest, seeing a black bear can be a thrill. But if the Phone: 828-257-4200 Waterfall Safety black bear rips through your tent for a Fax: 828-257-4263 Numerous travelers visit the water- bag of chips or a tube of toothpaste, a falls of western North Carolina to mar- carefree camping trip can turn deadly. vel at their splendor. Unfortunately, Practice these simple safety tips while some make the mistake of climbing to visiting the national forests: the top of waterfalls for a better view. Never store food or scented items in This mistake can result in tragedy. a tent. Follow these simple rules when visit- Do not leave food or garbage inside ing waterfalls, which include slick and fire rings, grills or around your site. slippery surfaces. Never leave food or coolers unat- Stay back from the edge. People tended, even in developed picnic are- have been injured, sometimes fatally, as. trying to get a closer look. If bear-proof containers are not avail- Wear stable shoes and watch your able, store food and garbage inside a footing. hard-top vehicle or trailer. We’re on the web: www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc Bail Appointed Forest Supervisor (cont’d from page 1)

Forests, which encompass 1.25 million acres. Bail brings a wealth of expe- rience gleaned from over 27 years of federal service with the Bureau of Land Manage- ment and the Forest Service in Oregon, Arizona and Washing- Caring for the land ton, D.C. She has previously and serving people. served in the BLM national business and fiscal resources section and as the BLM national policy and program lead for the 37 national monuments and Kristin Bail, the new forest supervisor of the national conservation areas. National Forests in North Carolina

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