Bobcats Bobcats (Lynx Rufus) Are Elusive and Very Wary So Most People Do Not Realize That They Are As Plentiful As They Actually Are

A Friends of DuPont Forest Membership Benefit SPRING 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Friends of DuPont Forest P. O. Box 2107 A Walk on the Wild Side 1 Brevard, NC 28712 Back in the Day With….….Channing Hubbard 3 Stocking Fish in the Forest 4 Note From the Editor 4 Fly Fishing in DuPont 5 What Do Retired Forest Supervisors Do? 6 Volunteer Appreciation 7 Oskar Blues Supports the Forest 7 Forest Supervisor’s Report 8 Tour de Falls 8 I Spy With My Naked Eye 8 President’s Report 9 Business Membership 11 Events Calendar 12

A Walk on the Wild Side Article & photos by Alan Cameron Bobcats Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are elusive and very wary so most people do not realize that they are as plentiful as they actually are. In the wild they can live to 12 years or older and can attain weights of 30 pounds. They can easily bring down a grown deer. Bobcats are the most abundant wildcat in the United States and they have the greatest range of all native North American cats. Males are referred to as “toms,” females as “queens,” and the young are called “kittens.” A group of bobcats is called a “clowder.” Bobcat lays claim to deer carcass Though bobcats prefer to eat rabbits, they will hunt a variety of things including insects, chickens, small rodents, deer, and geese and other birds. They prefer to kill their own prey but, as can be seen in the accompanying photos, they will also come to my Golden Eagle photo site in the DSRF that is baited with road- killed deer. There they often take over the deer for several days and prevent other animals from feeding. Bobcats are solitary and territorial. They breed from winter into spring and have a gestation period of about two months, similar to that of house cats.

Bobcat sightings in this area are often reported as “mountain lions”. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's stand on mountain lions is that there are none in the state.

Bobcat with deer (Continued on page 2) A Walk on the Wild Side (Continued from page 1) Heartleaf

Heartleaf’s capsule-like flower

I have found French Broad Heartleaf at over 60 locations in the DSRF and one of the easiest places to see it is at Bridal Veil Falls. There are many plants on the sides of the trail from the view- ing platform down to the lower area.

French Broad Heartleaf Spotted Salamander Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) are not at all rare in North Carolina is the nation's epicenter for varieties of Heartleaf this area but they are rarely seen because they spend most of their plants with nine species occurring in our state. But only one species lives in burrows in upland forests, and they come out to forage for appears to be in the DSRF. It is called French Broad Heartleaf worms, insects, spiders, and snails only at night. (Hexastylis rhombiformis) and is listed by the state as They are a very large salamander and can grow to as much as ten “Significantly Rare” and by the Federal Government as a “Species inches long. They are also very long-lived with ages of 30 years of Concern”. This species was first identified in 1982 and has been being recorded. found only in parts of Henderson, Transylvania, Buncombe and Polk Counties.

Pollination is by wasps, flies and thrips, but seed dispersal is by a species of ant. The seeds are covered with a sweet substance that the ants like so they carry the seeds to their nests, eat the sweet Thrips image taken stuff, and then discard the seeds from the Internet on their trash pile where they ger- minate. So Heartleaf plants are often found coming out of old ant nests. They are also occasionally found growing out of rock crevic- es that had housed former ant colonies.

This evergreen grows close to the ground like Galax, and it is often found with Galax. It can easily be distinguished because the edge of the Galax leaf is serrated whereas on Heartleaf it is smooth. Heartleaf plants flower in early spring, but the capsule-like flower Spotted Salamander has such a short stem that it is usually under the surface of the leaf litter at the base of the plants.

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2 The Little River Watermark DuPontForest.com Back in the Day With…….. Channing Hubbard Article by Nancy Kay

I recently sat down with Mr. Channing Hubbard. In addition to being my friend and neighbor, Channing is a veritable wealth of infor- mation when it comes to the history of DuPont Forest and the sur- rounding area. He knows just about every nook and cranny of the Forest and was one of the very first employees of the DuPont Cor- poration.

I asked Channing what things were like back in the day when DuPont Corporation was up and running. Here are his responses (paraphrased by me) to my questions:

How long have you lived in the area? 78 years.

When did you begin working for the DuPont Corporation? In 1956. It’s 1974 and opening day at Hubbard Field. Channing Hubbard (Second from the right) is ready to cut the ribbon. How long did you work there? 37 years. What were the biggest challenges? The biggest challenge was surveying the DuPont property. There What positions did you hold and what were your job responsibili- were 41 miles of property line because, back then, there were approximately 3,000 more acres of DuPont property than there is to- ties? day. My job was to post no trespassing signs and mark the property My work began with DuPont Construction. This company built line with yellow paint. The challenge was that I encountered things Silicon Manufacturing, the business that preceded the DuPont X- like buildings, fence lines, and pastures encroaching on the DuPont ray Manufacturing Plant. When I worked for DuPont Corporation, I property. I had to meet with the people involved and negotiate held multiple positions over the years including: labor, melt room agreements. In some cases we changed the DuPont property line to operator, and other operator positions in manufacturing. I also accommodate them. In other cases, we kept the property lines as served as employee counselor, recreation director, plant and proper- they were. Some people were very happy with me and others were ty security supervisor, forester manager, cafeteria manager, custom- not. er relations, employee recreation manager, and other random re- sponsibilities. When you worked for DuPont what recreational activities did As the forester manager, I put a stop to the cutting of hardwood employees get to enjoy? trees that was so prevalent at the time. The desirable hardwoods Employees were allowed to do most anything - hunting, fishing, were all being removed, leaving the undesirable species, something swimming, cutting wood, camping, picnicking, shooting rifles and that wasn’t consistent with the original contract. I was involved bows and arrows, dancing, playing softball, and riding 4-wheelers, with planting thousands of new trees, and I did my best to be a good motorcycles, and horses. DERA supervised all of these activities. steward of the forest. Employees had to sign in at the plant gatehouse before they could participate in activities on the property. There were two people working at the gatehouse 24/7. One stayed at the gatehouse and the I helped establish and was the first president of the DuPont Em- other patrolled the property. ployee Recreation Association (DERA) that began when I was working with Silicon Manufacturing. I wanted to get all the employees and their families out into the forest to hike, see the water- What was your favorite way to recreate in the Forest? falls, and picnic. DERA continued on at DuPont and I maintained Fishing and riding a 4-wheeler. my involvement with it. In fact, the ball field that I helped build across the road from the current Visitor Center was my idea. I was What do you think is important for people to know about the so involved with this project that the field was named after me. I cut Forest? the ribbon on opening day. In 1929 the property was evaluated and surveyed for the purpose of providing hydropower. The property located near the Guion and What did you enjoy the most about your work with DuPont? known as the Flat Woods was to be a 336-acre lake on Grassy I enjoyed it all. It was a pleasure to work for DuPont. Creek. A dam was to be constructed near Grassy Falls to create the

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Spring 2016 The Little River Watermark 3 Stocking Fish in the Forest Article and photos by Jack Soyak In 2002 an idea was put forward by John Carney (now deceased), a past FODF Vice President, along with a member of the Trout Un- limited Pisgah Chapter. Their idea was to stock the Little River with trout in the DuPont State Forest. The river had previously been stocked with fish when the DuPont Corporation owned the property. John Carney discussed this idea with then Forest Supervisor David Brown, and Powell Wheeler a Fishery Biologist at the North Caroli- na Wildlife Resources Commission. He soon had the support of the Trout Unlimited Pisgah Chapter, FODF, and David Brown. Car- ney, Wheeler, and several members of the Pisgah Chapter surveyed the Little River and determined stocking locations, from the pond below Hooker Falls to the outflow from Lake Dense near the intersection of Conservation Joanna Roads. Stocking of the Little River began in 2004 and the newly hired Edu- cational Ranger, Eric Folk, was assigned the responsibility to over- see and provide support to the project. Just one of many trout ready to hit the Little River Here’s how the fish stocking happens. The Bobby N. Setzer NC Fish Hatchery in the Pisgah National Forest transport the trout in up 40 percent of the total, 40 percent are Brooks, and 20 percent are insulated tanks equipped with water circulation and liquid oxygen Browns. aeration. The trout have to be at least 10 inches long with a weight of approximately 0.4 pounds. The normal number of trout placed in The Little River is stocked five times a year in March, April, and the Little River is 785 fish. At each stocking, Rainbow trout make May and again in October and November. Stocking takes place even in the rain, sleet or snow but not during periods of high water due to personnel safety. Some 60 volunteers from the Trout Unlim- ited Pisgah Chapter have participated in stocking the Little River over the past years. There have been great improvements in transporting the buckets and Trout Unlimited volunteers over the years. The Forest Service now provides an All-Terrain-Utility vehicle that holds 12 buckets, the driver, and 4 volunteers. Additionally, the new pedestrian bridge at Hooker Falls is used to reach the stocking points up to Triple Falls. Stocking along the Little River is normally done from the banks of the river. However, to reach some of the locations, waders are sometime used to insure a good distribution of the trout. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission has classified this section of the Little River as Delayed Harvest Waters. This means that from the first Saturday in October to the first Saturday in June no

Volunteers offload the hatchery truck (Continued on page 11)

Note From the Editor Article by Nancy Kay Have you noticed all the changes in our that I really like, and I hope you do as well. In addition to changes in the appearance of newsletter? Our FODF newsletter has tak- our newsletter, Lynn has introduced “live Over the years Lynn has worked on the en on a new look. This is because longtime links” into the on line version. For exam- FODF website, printed publications, and copy editor Nancy Black recently retired ple, if an article appears on more than one the organization’s new maps including the from this job after many, many years. We page, simply click on, “continued on page one recently produced by National Geo- are so appreciative of all the long hours she 8” and you will be electronically escorted graphic. In addition, he’s managed to hike invested and the wonderful job she’s done. to page 8. I hope you enjoy discovering the all of the 80+ trails in the Forest! I believe many changes Lynn has made. Longtime FODF member Lynn Harton has that Lynn is a natural fit for the job of copy stepped up to the plate as the new copy editor, and I thank him for his willingness Thanks for your continued readership, editor. He’s made some stylistic changes to invest the hours in doing so. Nancy Kay 

4 The Little River Watermark DuPontForest.com Fly Fishing in DuPont Article and photos by J.E.B. Hall, Guide/Instructor with Davidson River Outfitters

Each year, visitors to DuPont State Recreational Forest arrive seek- ing a variety of outdoor experiences. They often include hiking to one the many scenic waterfalls, mountain biking on the unique bed- rock trails, or just enjoying the feeling of being away from cubicles and mouse clicks. For some, the experience is more of a quest. It is the pursuit of a worthy quarry that lies in wait beneath the crystal- line waters of the Forest’s many streams and lakes. DuPont State Recreational Forest is home to a variety of fish species that are the desire of ardent anglers from far and wide. From trout fishing in Little River, to chasing bass and pan fish in lakes and ponds, DuPont offers year round angling opportunities for both local fishing addicts and visitors who can’t leave home without the chance to wet a line.

The most glamorous fishing in DuPont is the trout fishing. Brook trout, Brown trout, and Rainbow trout can all be found in the streams that flow in the Forest. For most anglers, trout fishing in DuPont means trying their luck in the Little River. The North Caro- lina Wildlife Resources Commission designates the “Little” as a Angler fishing in the most popular spot Delayed Harvest trout stream. This means that, from October 1st on the Little, just beneath the highway bridge until the first Saturday in June, anglers can only use single hook artificial lures or flies, and must release all fish. opportunity for seasoned anglers to lead by example. While the Delayed Harvest section of the “Little” gets most of the press, there

are other streams in DuPont that are also home to trout. Most of During the summer months, the water becomes warm and is not these streams are small, and require anglers to use much more pre- conducive to trout, so the state allows anglers to take fish by broad- cision and stealth when fishing. The fish that reside in these smaller er methods from June until October and retain up to seven fish per streams are typically wild rainbows and browns. While not as large person. During the Delayed Harvest regulations of fall, winter, and as the hatchery fish found in the Little River, these stream borne spring anglers will find that most of the runs and pools from Lake specimens make up for their size with beauty and their willingness Dense to Hooker Falls are well stocked with all three species of to take a well tied fly. trout. The most popular spots in this stretch of river are found from the base of Triple Falls to the pool beneath Hooker Falls. In this In addition to the great trout fishing opportunities that can be found section the river has good access via both the Triple Falls Trail and in DuPont, there are other warm water fishing venues that are Hooker Falls Road. It features many deep runs that can easily be unique to the area. For the most part, fishing in Western North Car- accessed by fisherman of all skill levels. olina often takes place in moving bodies of water, or large hydroe- lectric impoundments. DuPont State Recreational Forest is unique It is important to remember that weekends can be quite busy in in that it offers some smaller lake and pond fishing situations that DuPont, and anglers should give their piscatorial minded brethren are usually found in the flatter parts of the state. Largemouth Bass ample room to fish. Courtesy and etiquette are the hallmarks of the and a variety of sunfish can be found in Lake Julia, Fawn Lake, sporting world, and with DuPont’s numerous visitors, this is a great Lake Dense, Lake Imaging, and Lake Alford. Some of these areas can be accessed by boat, but anglers must be willing to hike their boats into and out of the lakes. Boats must be powered by paddles, pedals, or electric motors. Gas powered watercraft are prohibited in DuPont. For the most part, the bass and sunfish of DuPont are small, scrappy fighters, and are well suited for young anglers, and those young at heart.

Timing The best time to fish in DuPont depends on what species of fish one wants to catch. For trout, spring is best with fall being a close second. Spring often means that the streams have a bit more water and aquatic insect activity is at it’s highest. The spring insect hatches

(Continued on page 11) Idyllic pool just downstream from Triple Falls

Spring 2016 The Little River Watermark 5 What Do Retired Forest Supervisors Do? Article byDavid Brown, Photos by David Brown & Tracey Gomez

I retired from the NC Forest Service as DSRF supervisor on August 31, 2013. I moved to the house my wife Claire and I built near Boonville, a small town in Yadkin County, NC. The house is located on 22 acres of property named Flemingwood after my grandfa- ther J. O. Fleming. He once owned the property. It is adjacent to my home place and one half mile from where my younger brother and his wife live. I returned to the rural area of my youth, where I used to explore the woods, fish in creeks, and work in tobacco and hay fields.

There is plenty to do. I work to maintain my 22 acre woodlot plus a 77 acre farm on the west side of town that I inherited from my fa- ther. I also look after the house where I grew up. It belongs to my older brother who lives in eastern North Carolina. My dad had a woodworking shop and barn behind that house.

David’s barn adornment David poses with his friend Woody I have spent many hours in the shop working on various wood- crafts. The barn is full of lumber I had sawed from salvaged trees. The first year after retirement, I spent many hours volunteering for There are various pieces of wood that I will one day transform into the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy. I maintained and im- deer, benches, walking sticks, etc. proved the house and land on Solomon Jones Road that was left to the Conservancy by Ruth Jones. That gave me a place to stay on my One of my specialties is building bluebird houses. I have sold doz- monthly visits to Cedar Mountain. That property has since been ens of these, many through the Changes in Altitude craft shop in sold, but the couple from West Virginia that bought the house have Cedar Mountain. If you go by the craft shop at the intersection of graciously allowed me to continue using it as a part time caretaker, Cascade Lake Road and Hwy 276, you will see the wooden man, until they move down permanently. named Woody, and a couple of deer I made. I also make barn quilts. I am still involved with the DSRF. State retirement system regulations prohibited me from working in the forest for six months after retirement. After that moratorium, I began volunteering a couple days each month. I have flagged the forest boundary from Sky Val- ley Road to Cascade Lake. Since last July, I have been conducting car counts in the six parking lots to help calculate attendance.

Trails remain an interest of mine. I have constructed trails at Kata- luma, a religious retreat center being developed just west of Boon- ville. I also attended the Professional Trail Builders conferences in Weston, West Virginia in 2014 and in Knoxville, Tennessee in 2016. I have helped with trail work in the forest with the FODF trail crew and with the Pisgah Trail Blazers, and I have conducted trail inspections for the forest staff.

Making those bluebirds happy I enjoy attending Boonville United Methodist Church where I am in (Continued on page 10)

6 The Little River Watermark DuPontForest.com FODF Appreciates Volunteers Lyle and Molly Burgmann Article by Nancy Kay Please meet Lyle and Molly Burgmann, two lovely people who work incredibly hard as volunteers for the Forest. If you happen to see them on their mountain bikes be sure to thank them for their efforts.

What are your volunteer activities, past and present? Lyle: Trail crew (8 years), Trail Committee (5 years), litter crew (10 years), Board of Directors (5 years), Finance Committee chair (1 year), Tour de Falls coordinator (3 years), Tour de Falls volunteer

(5 years).

Molly: Trail crew (8 years), litter crew (10 years), DuPont Volun- teer Trail Patrol (1 year), wildflower guide at Tour de Falls (3 years), Tour de Falls volunteer (5 years).

What fuels your desire to volunteer in the Forest?

We enjoy DuPont Forest so much we want to give back.

What is your favorite way to recreate in the Forest?

Mountain biking.

Do you have a favorite trail? If so, which one and why is it your favorite? Favorite Trail: Ridgeline because it is long and flowy. Favorite Loop: Jim Branch to Isaac Heath to Locust to Hilltop and return on Hilltop to Locust to Isaac Heath to Jim Branch to Buck Forest to White Pine to Hickory Mountain Road to Ridgeline. If we have extra energy we do Hickory Mountain Loop before Ridgeline.

If you could be granted one wish for the forest, what would it be? Transfer of the "donut hole" from DuPont Corporation to DuPont Forest.  Lyle & Molly Burgmann

Oskar Blues Supports the Forest Article by Rella Allred. Photo by Tom Parlier

The Oskar Blues Brewery’s CAN’d Aid Foundation recently awarded a matching funds grant of $12,250 to FODF for extensive improvements to Rocky Ridge and Switchback Trails. These much needed renovations will involve rerouting and will make these trails more sustainable and accessible for all user groups. According to Diana Ralston, Oskar Blues CAN’d Aid Executive Director, “This project epitomizes our ‘get out and get after it’ men- tality and is a great way for CAN’d Aid to give back in a very tan- gible and local way. We all use DuPont to recreate and we want to play a role in keeping it accessible for all user groups. It’s a perfect fit.” In addition to this generous grant for trail work, Oskar Blues is hosting other “shindigs” on the second Saturday of each month at the Tasty Weasel, the Oskar Blues Taproom. These events will feature live music, food and beer, and 30% of the sales at these events will go towards ongoing FODF trail improvements. Oskar Blues is also committed to recruiting volunteers to work with the FODF Volunteer Trail Crew, promoting FODF memberships, and FODF members can’t help but smile as they receive serving as an outlet for sales of the new FODF National Geographic the donation check from Oskar Blues maps. Thanks Oskar Blues for becoming an FODF Black Bear Business Member. Most importantly, thank you for being such a great neighbor to our beloved forest. 

Spring 2016 The Little River Watermark 7 Forest Supervisor’s Report Article by Jason I. Guidry Dear Friends of DuPont Forest, ing areas. This year will be an important time for identifying the path forward for As the winter is starting to slip away, the capital improvements. The FODF Board Ranger staff members continue their work has been exemplary at supporting the For- to improve our facilities and customer ser- est for trail and facility improvements. We vice. As you know, 2015 was the second hope that the FODF can continue to be one consecutive year of record level visitors to of our most important partners in fundrais- the Forest, topping out above 600,000 peo- ing efforts going forward. ple. The upward trend in popularity is like- ly to continue, as I cannot think of many Trail Improvements: The FODF has reasons for a downturn in the public’s de- agreed to fund the trail repair and rerouting mand. In preparation for another busy of Rocky Ridge Trail and Switchback Trail year, here’s a preview of some promising on the Henderson County side of DSRF. developments. These trails have experienced severe ero- sion over the past few years, potentially Restroom Attendants: DSRF plans to add impacting cold-water stream habitat and personnel to provide janitorial services for sensitive plant communities. The FODF our restrooms and portable toilet facilities. sought and received a grant from Oskar These new Rangers will be able to assist Blues Brewery to support the project, with other functions such as customer ser- ing crowds resulted in habitat damage, which should begin in April, 2016. vice, emergency response, and litter crowding of trails, and littering. We will pickup. close certain trails that have heavily visited As we strive for continual improvement, I Blue Ghost populations, especially around have no doubt that the rest of 2016 will be Public Safety: In December of 2015, the the High Falls Access Area. The remainder exciting for everyone involved with the NC Forest Service assigned the first ever, of the Forest will remain open until 10 Forest. I appreciate each and every mem- commissioned, Law Enforcement Officer p.m. and all visitors are welcome to experi- ber of FODF and thank you for your sup- to the Forest. This officer will help the ence the Blue Ghosts until that time. We port. DSRF Rangers enforce Forest rules, and will also be spreading the word that the will have the ability to coordinate efforts Blue Ghosts are found across Transylvania Regards, with other law enforcement agencies that and Henderson Counties, and are not ex- Jason I. Guidry share jurisdiction with DSRF. clusively on DSRF. Forest Supervisor  Blue Ghost Fireflies: We are going to take Capital Improvements: The DSRF Master a more protective approach to the Blue Plan, completed in December, highlighted Ghosts this May as last year’s overwhelm- the need for restroom facilities at our park-

I Spy With My Naked Eye Article by Nancy Kay, Photo by Carmen Durham TOUR de FALLS The origin of this sign remains a mystery. This means that, when you see it, you get to make up your own story about it! But, first GUIDED BUS you have to find it. To learn of its whereabouts, turn to Page 9. TOUR DuPont State Recreational Forest Mother’s Day Weekend May 7 & 8, 2016 9:00 am - 2:30 pm For info go to: dupontforest.com

Volunteers Needed Contact Bev Parlier—[email protected]

8 The Little River Watermark DuPontForest.com President’s Report Article by Bev Parlier, Photo by Tom Parlier

Did you get to explore DuPont during the snows this past winter? The quiet solitude on the trails and ice on the waterfalls- nice! But, with the coming of spring things are a-changing! Spring “breakers” are here, and the visitation will increase as flowers bloom and temperatures rise. As visitation at DuPont increases so too does trash in the Forest, user conflicts, and other problems.

As you know, Hooker Falls is a very popular summer destination, and the port-a-johns there cannot handle the crowds. Over 200,000 people visited Hooker Falls last year, and many of them used the woods as toilets leaving toilet paper behind. What’s needed at Hooker Falls are real flush toilets the funding for which must be approved by the NC Legislature. Your FODF Board of Directors strongly recommends that you write our representatives about this deplorable situation. Below is a sample letter and contact infor- mation for our representatives:

Tom Apodaca [email protected] Bev Parlier by 1957 Rambler on Poplar Hill Loop Susan Fisher [email protected] (Go to July, 2014 Newsletter on Page 8 for Rambler Story) Nathan Ramsey [email protected] Tim Moffitt [email protected] Dear ______, Chris Whitmire [email protected] I am writing to you on behalf of DuPont State Recrea- Chuck McGrady [email protected] tional Forest, one of the most popular recreation desti- Our FODF Annual Meeting is on April 19 at the Transylvania nations in the state. Hooker Falls is the most frequently County Library at 6:30 p.m. I hope you will come. It’s a chance to visited parking area, with more than 200,000 visitors in socialize, enjoy light refreshments, discuss any concerns you have, 2015. The port-a-johns there cannot handle the and learn what is new in the Forest. Our speaker will be Ryan Ol- crowds. They are overflowing and visitors are using the son, Executive Director of Muddy Sneakers. woods instead, leaving toilet paper behind. The odor is The Tour de Falls bus tour is our largest fundraiser and will be held horrendous. I respectfully request that you endorse on Mothers Day weekend, May 7-8. Many volunteers are needed to funding for the installation of flush toilets at the Hooker help park cars, greet visitors, and load busses. Please email me at Falls lot this year. Visitors to DuPont will thank you! [email protected] if you can help. There will be a few new twists for TDF this year! Also, please check out the Events Calen- Sincerely, dar in this newsletter. There are many exciting member events planned. ______

See you on the trails,

Bev Parlier  Mission Statement Friends of DuPont Forest is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing appreciation of the forest through educa- This interesting sign can be tion and recreation while protecting its natural and historic resources. found on Micajah trail, approximately two hundred yards from the intersection FODF Newsletter Committee with Buck Ridge Road. No Editor: Nancy Kay [email protected] 707-477-6683 one I’ve asked seems to Copy editor: Lynn Harton know about its origin. Kent Wilcox, Aleen Steinberg, Jerry Brown.

FODF Board of Directors Bev Parlier - President, Helen Lee - Vice President, Rella Allred - Secretary, Dick Thompson - Treasurer Dan Bresnahan, Jerry Brown, Lyle Burgmann, Dick Childs, Valerie Naylor, Jim Plick, Cathy Reiff, Aleen Steinberg, Terri Wallace

Spring 2016 The Little River Watermark 9 A Walk on the Wild Side (Continued from page 2) Each spring during the first warm rains the adults leave their burrows and congregate at vernal pools where they mate and the females lay their eggs. The tennis ball-sized egg masses can easily be seen in pools along Buck Forest Road and elsewhere in the DSRF. When first laid the egg masses are completely transparent but then become milky and later have a greenish tinge caused by algae that gives off oxygen that the salamander embryos use. The larvae are only about a half an inch long and have gills, but within a few months will grow and undergo a metamorphosis to become terrestrial adults that breathe through lungs. However, heavy mortality will occur if the vernal pool dries up before the larvae achieve adulthood. This is usually the case with the large pool on Buck Forest Road just beyond the covered bridge. That same pool is also used every year by Wood Frogs that also breed in early spring. 

A Spotted Salamander egg mass

Back in the Day With…….. Channing Hubbard (Continued from page 3) lake. A cofferdam was to be built at the top of High Falls where the hyper pure water. This plan was revised when DuPont executives bridge is now. A flume running from the cofferdam was to run to were convinced to move the plant from Henderson County (where the lake to supplement the water needed to operate the hydropower Guion sits) to Transylvania County (where the plant was located plant on Grassy Creek. Three other hydropower plants were to be and is what we now refer to as the “donut hole”). built on the Little River, one at Hamilton Falls, one at High Falls, and one at Triple Falls. Hamilton Falls was part of the Picklesimer I worked with the McCoy and Helgerson Company to survey and property that is now known as Cascade Lake. modify the existing Cascade Lake Road running from the Little River community to Cedar Mountain. I worked on the portion of The official engineering record of the plan stated that the lake the road running from Cedar Mountain to Staton Road. Cascade would have “hyper pure water” containing no impurities such as Lake Road was changed from a narrow, curvy road to the road we pesticides, herbicides, and farm animal waste. A footnote in the have today. These changes allowed good access for heavy equip- engineer’s diary said, “Looking ahead into the future this water ment and tractor-trailers in and out of the manufacturing plant. The could possibly be a great asset to the greater Raleigh Durham area.” lower part of DuPont/Staton Road was not built until the 1970’s. As it turns out, the only hydropower plant that was completed is the one on Hamilton Falls. I hope you have enjoyed hearing some history about the Forest we all love so much. I certainly did. Channing is working on a book When DuPont bought the property, the plan was to build their man- about the history of Buck Forest, today known as DuPont State ufacturing plant at Guion in order to take advantage of this reported Recreational Forest. I can’t wait to read it! 

What do Retired Forest Supervisors Do? (Continued from page 6) my brother’s Sunday school class and sing in the choir. I have done professional forester status, am active with the Piedmont Chapter of some rock masonry work on the church property. I serve on the the Society of Professional Foresters, and am a certified inspector Boonville Cemetery Committee. When I am in Cedar Mountain, I for the American Tree Farm program. I also belong to the North enjoy attending Rocky Hill Baptist Church and Cedar Mountain Carolina Forestry Association and The American Chestnut Founda- Community Club meetings as my schedule permits. I am still inter- tion. ested in photography. Last year I entered photographs in the North- west Regional Library photo contest and plan to do the same this In closing I would like to thank FODF for the wonderful sendoff year. you gave me when I retired, and for the work you continue to do in support of the forest. I enjoyed working with FODF as Forest Su- I continue to practice forestry on my family property. I have cut and pervisor, and I have enjoyed working with them on Tour de Falls as sold 48 cords of firewood (if cut 18” long and stacked four feet a volunteer tour guide.  high, the stack would be 1,024 feet long). I have maintained my

10 The Little River Watermark DuPontForest.com Stocking Fish in the Forest (Continued from page 4) trout may be harvested or possessed by an individual. Fly fishing Fishing License. People over the age of 16 must have a valid NC (catch and release) is allowed during this period, but only artificial Fishing License and they must wait until noon to begin fishing. They lures having one single hook can be used. may have up to seven trout in their possession and there are no re- strictions on the type of lure used.  From the first Saturday in June, from sunrise till noon, fishing is reserved for youth at or under age 16 and does not require a NC

Stocking trout in the spring Stocking fish in March (brrr)

Fly Fishing (Continued from page 5) will often bring the trout near the surface and make for the best op- License requirements portunities to fly fish. For lake and pond fishing, the warm days of summer are the time to find the bass and sunfish at a more catcha- Anglers visiting DuPont State Recreational Forest who are over the ble depth. They are warm water fish and typically go deep during age of 16 will need a North Carolina fishing license. Those who winter’s chill. wish to fish the streams will also need a trout stamp. A valid license holder must accompany anglers under the age of 16.  FODF Business Memberships

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Spring 2016 The Little River Watermark 11 Events Calendar Spring 2016 Date Event Contact Phone or email Limit

Monthly Trail Work Days - Second Saturday of each Month Rella Allred 864-663-4111 None

April 14 Rattlesnakes and Copperheads ASC Classroom 1:00 PM Alan Cameron adcamer77@ 24 Members Presentation by Alan Cameron & Fred Bahnson bellsouth.net & Guests April 19 FODF Annual Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM Bev Parlier 828-883-9278 None Transylvania County Library 212 South Gaston Street, Brevard, North Carolina April 16 Litter Pick-up - Lake Imaging Access Area at 9:00 AM Dan Bresnahan 828-884-6806 None

April 30 Spring Wildflower Hike - Holmes Forest at 10:00 AM 15

May 3 FODF Board Meeting - ASC Classroom 6:30 PM Bev Parlier 828-883-9278 Members

May 7 & 8 Tour de Falls - Check dupontforest.com for updates Bev Parlier 828-883-9278 None June 4 Effective use of Game Cameras - ASC Classroom 1:00 PM Alan Cameron adcamer77@ 24 Members Presentation by Alan Cameron & Fred Bahnson bellsouth.net & Guests June 16 Endangered Species in DuPont Forest ASC Classroom 1:00 PM Alan Cameron adcamer77@ 15 Presentation by Alan Cameron bellsouth.net June 18 Litter Pick-up - Lake Imaging Access Area at 9:00 AM Dan Bresnahan 828-884-6806 None

This is a schedule of planned events for early 2016. You will be notified by member email as more details become available. When the number of participants are limited, reservations will be accepted one month before the event. All events are open to the public unless noted "Members". Contact the FODF member listed for your reservation. We are always looking for new ideas, so please volunteer your suggestions and expertise. 

 Friend $25 Name______

 Family $35 ______

(Please Print Clearly)  Partner $50 Address______

$100  Super Partner ______

$250 City______ Hooker Falls Contributor State______Zip______ Triple Falls Contributor $500 Phone (______)______

 High Falls Contributor $1000 Email______

 Forest Angel $1000+

Join on line or mail this form to:  Gift______(Gifts are Tax deductible) Friends of DuPont Forest P.O. Box 2107 - Brevard, NC 28712 Name______

 Save the printing and postage: ______(Please Print Clearly) Email my newsletter to the addresses listed above

Address______www.dupontforest.com

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