DOCSLIB.ORG

Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Proposed Land Management Plan

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Proposed Land Management Plan United States Department of Agriculture Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Proposed Land Management Plan Forest Southern National Forests R8 MB-154 LMP January Service Region in North Carolina 2020 Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Proposed Land Management Plan In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected]. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Front cover courtesy photo by Travis Bordley Proposed Land Management Plan Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey Counties, North Carolina Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service Responsible Official: Hurston A. Nicholas, Forest Supervisor 160 Zillicoa Street, Suite A Asheville, NC 28801 For Information Contact: Michelle Aldridge, Project Leader 160 Zillicoa Street, Suite A Asheville, NC 28801 Phone: 828-257-4200 http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/nfsnc/nprevision i Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Proposed Land Management Plan Table of Contents A Proposed Plan ............................................................................................................................................ 1 Commenting on the Proposed Plan .......................................................................................................... 1 The Purpose of the Forest Plan ................................................................................................................. 1 Nature of the Decisions Made in a Forest Plan ........................................................................................ 2 The Role of Adaptive Planning and Monitoring ........................................................................................ 3 The Parts of the Forest Plan ...................................................................................................................... 4 Other Required Plan Content ............................................................................................................... 7 Plan Component Coding ........................................................................................................................... 7 Consistency of Projects with the Forest Plan ............................................................................................ 8 Plan Organization .................................................................................................................................... 10 Chapter 1: Introduction to the Nantahala & Pisgah National Forests ........................................................ 11 Public Input to Date ................................................................................................................................ 13 Key Findings from the Assessment and Need for Change ...................................................................... 15 Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Plan Revision Themes .............................................................. 17 Key Plan Concepts ................................................................................................................................... 18 Chapter 2: Forestwide Plan Components ................................................................................................... 21 Public Involvement ................................................................................................................................. 21 Community Connections ......................................................................................................................... 23 Air ............................................................................................................................................................ 25 Climate Change ....................................................................................................................................... 27 Geologic Resources ................................................................................................................................. 29 Watershed............................................................................................................................................... 31 Soils ......................................................................................................................................................... 34 Water ...................................................................................................................................................... 36 Aquatic Systems ...................................................................................................................................... 38 Streamside Zones .................................................................................................................................... 41 Terrestrial Ecosystems ................................................................................................................................ 44 Plant and Animal Diversity ...................................................................................................................... 81 Fire and Fuels .......................................................................................................................................... 90 Lands and Special Uses ........................................................................................................................... 93 Transportation and Access ...................................................................................................................... 98 Facilities ................................................................................................................................................ 103 ii Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Proposed Land Management Plan Recreation Settings ............................................................................................................................... 105 Developed Recreation ........................................................................................................................... 110 Dispersed Recreation ............................................................................................................................ 113 Scenery .................................................................................................................................................. 118 Cultural Resources ................................................................................................................................ 123 Tribal Resources .................................................................................................................................... 127 Non-Timber Forest Products ................................................................................................................. 130 Minerals and Energy ............................................................................................................................. 132 Conservation Education and Interpretation ......................................................................................... 134 Chapter 3: Geographic Areas .................................................................................................................... 136 Bald Mountains Geographic Area ......................................................................................................... 138 Black Mountains Geographic Area ........................................................................................................ 143 Eastern Escarpment Geographic Area .................................................................................................. 148 Pisgah Ledge Geographic Area
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA)
    Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA) 07/01/2014 to 09/30/2014 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact. Expected Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Implementation Project Contact R8 - Southern Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide) Chattooga River Boating - Recreation management In Progress: Expected:11/2014 11/2014 James Knibbs Access Notice of Initiation 07/24/2013 803-561-4078 EA Est. Comment Period Public [email protected] Notice 07/2014 Description: The Forest Service is proposing to establish access points for boaters on the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River within the boundaries of three National Forests (Chattahoochee, Nantahala and Sumter). Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=42568 Location: UNIT - Chattooga River Ranger District, Nantahala Ranger District, Andrew Pickens Ranger District. STATE - Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina. COUNTY - Jackson, Macon, Oconee, Rabun. LEGAL - Not Applicable. Access points for boaters:Nantahala RD - Green Creek; Norton Mill and Bull Pen Bridge; Chattooga River RD - Burrells Ford Bridge; and, Andrew Pickens RD - Lick Log. Southern Region Caves and - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants Completed Actual: 06/02/2014 07/2014 Dennis Krusac Mine Closures 404-347-4338 CE [email protected] Description: The purpose of the action is to close caves and mines to minimize the transmission potential of white nose
    [Show full text]
  • 15A Ncac 02B .0100-.0300
    NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Division of Water Resources Administrative Code Section: 15A NCAC 02B .0100: Procedures for Assignment of Water Quality Standards 15A NCAC 02B .0200: Classifications and Water Quality Standards Applicable to Surface Waters and Wetlands of North Carolina 15A NCAC 02B .0300: Assignment of Stream Classifications Amended Effective: November 1, 2019 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA This document available at: https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/csrrb/tri_rev_17to19/15A_NCAC_02B_.0100- .0300.pdf SUBCHAPTER 02B - SURFACE WATER AND WETLAND STANDARDS SECTION .0100 - PROCEDURES FOR ASSIGNMENT OF WATER QUALITY STANDARDS 15A NCAC 02B .0101 GENERAL PROCEDURES (a) The rules contained in Sections .0100, .0200 and .0300 of this Subchapter, which pertain to the series of classifications and water quality standards, shall be known as the "Classifications and Water Quality Standards Applicable to the Surface Waters and Wetlands of North Carolina." (b) The Environmental Management Commission (hereinafter referred to as the Commission), prior to classifying and assigning standards of water quality to any waters of the State, shall proceed as follows: (1) The Commission, or its designee, shall determine waters to be studied for the purpose of classification and assignment of water quality standards on the basis of user requests, petitions, or the identification of existing or attainable water uses, as defined by Rule .0202 of this Subchapter, not presently included in the water classification. (2) In determining the best usage of waters and assigning classifications of such waters, the Commission shall consider the criteria specified in G.S. 143-214.1(d). In determining whether to revise a designated best usage for waters through a revision to the classifications, the Commission shall follow the requirements of 40 CFR 131.10 which is incorporated by reference including subsequent amendments and editions.
    [Show full text]
  • Big Butt Trail – Pisgah National Forest, NC
    Big Butt Trail – Pisgah National Forest, NC Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping 15.5 mls N/A Hiking Time: 8 hours and 30 minutes with 2 hours of breaks Elev. Gain: 4,365 ft Parking: Park at Cane River Gap. 35.81020, -82.34838 By Trail Contributor: Zach Robbins The Big Butt Trail, despite its comical name, is a tough hike along the western peaks of the Black Mountains. Most hikers begin at the Balsam Gap trailhead on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the easier way to reach the viewpoints. This is seasonal access however, since the parkway is typically closed all winter in this section. Year-round access is possible at Cane River Gap, deep in the backcountry of the Big Ivy section of the Pisgah National Forest. You may think of the Big Butt Trail as the little cousin to the Black Mountain Crest Trail. It is shorter, not as difficult, and crosses peaks just below 6,000 feet. At the beginning you’ll face a long, switchbacking ascent through beautiful hardwood forests to the mile-high ridgeline between Big Butt and Little Butt. The Black Mountains form a U around the Cane River Valley, but all of the tall, well- known peaks are on the east side of the range. That doesn’t diminish the hike though, it provides arguably the best views of the eastern Black Mountains from Little Butt. After Little Butt the trail continues south past Point Misery then ends at Balsam Gap. From here you have the option of following the Mountains-to-Sea Trail east to a great view below the 6,320-foot Blackstock Knob.
    [Show full text]
  • Tourism Asset Inventory
    Asset Asset Management Overview Natural/Scenic Asset Details Cultural/Historic Asset Details Event Asset Details Type: Brief Description Potential Market Draw: Access: Uses: Ownership Supporting Critical Asset is Key Tourism Opportunities are Land Visitor Use Management Interpretation Ranger at Site Visitor Potential Land Protection Species Represents the Type of Cultural Representation has Promotion of event Attendance of Event Event results Event has a NGOs Management marketed through Impact Indicators provided to businesses, Management Policy or Plan Plans Included at Site Facilities at Hazards Status Protection cultural heritage of the Heritage Represented: the support of a is primarily: event is Duration: in increased specific Natural, Cultural, Day Visit, Overnight, 1 = difficult Hiking, Biking, Issues Destination are Being visitors, and community Plan in Place Stakeholder Site Status region diverse group of primarily: overnight marketing Historic, Scenic, Extended 5 = easy Paddling, Marketing Monitored on a members to donate Input Tangible, Intangible, stakeholders Locally, Regionally, One Day, stays in strategy and Event, Educational, Interpretation, Organization / Regular Basis time, money, and/or Both Nationally, Locally, Multiple Days destination economic Informational etc. TDA and Reported to other resources for Internationally, All Regionally, impact TDA asset protection Nationally, indicators Internationally, All Pisgah National Forest Natural Established in 1916 and one of the first national Day Visit, Overnight, 5; PNF in Hiking, Biking, U.S. Federal Pisgah Overcrowding Yes Yes, in multiple ways Nantahalla and y,n - name, year Yes; National At various placs at various At various Any hazard Federally protected See Forest forests in the eastern U.S., Pisgah stretches across Extended Transylvania Rock Climbing, Government Conservancy, at some popular through multiple Pisgah forest Forest listed below locations below locations below associated with public lands for Management several western North Carolina counties.
    [Show full text]
  • TCWP Newsletter No
    TENNESSEE CITIZENS FOR WILDERNESS PLP..NNING Newsletter No. 53. February 5, 1973 * concentrate issues x:e.qu::re We depart frOom our usual Newsletter format to on two that your attenticn -- the Bj.g South F k (item 2) and Easterri; Wilde.rness ( ite.m 3) We or Q s t hope this limited a s ignmEnt will encourage many of you to ACT" In a.ddi ion, note the announcement of our next meetingn 1.. HEAD OF WATER POLLUTION AGENCY TO ADDRE3S............ TCWP ---�----------------..,...,. ----�� Time � Weduesda.y" Febru.al·Y 28 i 8: 00 p. me Place: Oak Ridge Civic Center. S ocial Room) Oak Ridge Turnpike (2 blocks east of Highway 1162 intersectic·n) Speaker: Mr. So Lea:ry Jones:� Executive Secre.tary. Tenness�e Water Qu.ality Contt"cl Board about Mrn Jones will talk the workings of the Tennessee Water Quality Control Act i pollu·­ of 1971 ( c ons dere.d "by ma,ny to be a mo del law), and about ne'W" f€;deral water tion legislationo Many of us are particularly c.oncerned about stripmine discha.rgtas, and Mre Jones has prorolsed to devote time to this tOpiC0 BRING YOUR INTERESTED FRIENDS � 20 BIG SOUTH FORK NATIO�AL RIVER & RECREATIOli AREA .NEEDS SUFPORT On February l� the Senate passed by a vote of 67 :14 the Omnibus Rivers & Harbo1.:'s Act, Section 61 of which creates the 125.000-acre Big S. Fork Natio�al River and Recreation Areao Senator Baker's office cooperated c1o€'ely with cOI ..servation13ts Fork Prese:tvation into of the Big S () Coalition to write the bl11 Sfi:1cingent measun::s, for protecting wilderness of ths g orge s of all streams in the project area� Amend� ments added on the floG'r) at Sen .
    [Show full text]
  • Download BALMNH No 08 1984
    Bulletin Alabama Museum of Natural History BULLETIN ALABAMA MUSEUM NATURAL HISTORY is published by the Alabama Museum of Natural History, The University of Alabama. The BULLETIN is devoted primarily to the subjects of Anthropology, Archaeology, Botany, Geology and Zoology of the Southeast. The BULLETIN appears irregularly in consecutive­ ly numbered issues. Manuscripts are evaluated by the editor and an editorial com­ mittee selected for each paper. Authors are requested to conform generally with the Council of Biological Editors Style Manual, Fourth Edition, 1978, and to consult recent issues of the BULLETIN as to style for citing literature and the use of abbreviations. An informative abstract is required. For information and policy on exchanges, write to the Librarian, The Univer­ sity of Alabama, Box S, University of Alabama, University, AL. 35486. Numbers may be purchased individually; standing orders are accepted. Remit­ tances should accompany orders and made payable to The University of Alabama. Communication concerning manuscripts, editorial policy, and orders for in­ dividual numbers should be addressed to the editor: Herbert Boschung, Alabama Museum of Natural History, The University of Alabama, Box 5987, University, AL. 35486. When citing this publication. authors are requested to use the following ab­ breviation: Bull. Alabama Mus. Nat. Hist. Price this Number: $6.00 NUMBER 8, 1984 Description, Biology and Distribution of the Spotfin Chub, Hybopsis monacha, a Threatened Cyprinid Fish of the Tennessee River Drainage Robert E. Jenkins and Noel M. Burkhead Department of Biology, Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia, 24153 ABSTRACT: Jenkins, Robert E. and Noel Burkhead, 1984. Description, biology and distribution of the spotfin Chub, Hybopsis monacha.
    [Show full text]
  • Three Days' Forest Festival on the Biltmore Estate
    DECEMBER 5, 1908 AMERICAN LUMBERMAN. 35 THREE DAYS’ FOREST FESTIVAL ON THE BILTMORE ESTATE. --------------------------------------- Extraordinary Outing of Representatives of All Concerned With Timber From the Tree to the Trade—Biltmore Estate, the Property of George W. Vanderbilt, Used Educationally in a Unique Celebration Under the Direction of C. A. Schenck, Ph. D.—Authorities Invade the Woods for Lectures by the Master Forester—Openhanded, Open Air Hospitality—Anniver= saries Signalized in an Unprecedented Way—Beauti= ful Biltmore in Story and Verse. --------------------------------------- known as the Biltmore estate. The invitations, eagerly milling operations and surveying. They enter practically BILTMORE. accepted, brought to Asheville, N.C., of which Biltmore is a into the various methods of timber estimating, including suburb, many of the country’s best known to professional the strip method, the “forty” method and Schenck’s We are but borrowers of God’s good soil, and business life as directly or indirectly interested in any method, and for ten continuous days they estimate on phase of timber growth, from its inauguration and some tract to be cut for an estate mill. Here they endure Free tenants of His field and vale and hill; preservation to its commercial utilization. These and the all he hardships of a timber estimator’s life; working We are but workmen ‘mid his vines to toil multitude of others who will be interested in these eight hours a day, cooking their own meals and sleeping To serve his purpose and obey His will. chronicles of the recent forest festival will be glad to learn in the open rolled up in blankets.
    [Show full text]
  • Resolved by the Senate and House Of
    906 PUBLIC LAW 90-541-0CT. I, 1968 [82 STAT. Public Law 90-541 October 1, 1968 JOINT RESOLUTION [H.J. Res, 1461] Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1969, and for other purposes. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatimes of tlie United Continuing ap­ propriations, States of America in Congress assernbled, That clause (c) of section 1969. 102 of the joint resolution of June 29, 1968 (Public Law 90-366), is Ante, p. 475. hereby further amended by striking out "September 30, 1968" and inserting in lieu thereof "October 12, 1968". Approved October 1, 1968. Public Law 90-542 October 2, 1968 AN ACT ------[S. 119] To proYide for a Xational Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purPoses. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Wild and Scenic United States of America in Congress assembled, That (a) this Act Rivers Act. may be cited as the "vVild and Scenic Rivers Act". (b) It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandin~ly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoy­ ment of l?resent and future generations. The Congress declares that the established national policy of dam and other construction at appro­ priate sections of the rivers of the United States needs to be com­ plemented by a policy that would preserve other selected rivers or sections thereof m their free-flowing condition to protect the water quality of such rivers and to fulfill other vital national conservation purposes.
    [Show full text]
  • B-Hikes (3 to 6 Miles)
    B-HIKES (3 TO 6 MILES) = Trails maintained by MHHC ## = Designated Wilderness Area B3 Appletree Trail Loop . This is a new 5 mile hike for the Club. Moderate climbing, Start out of the campground on the Appletree Trail for 1.6 miles, then turn onto Diamond Valley Trail for 1.1 miles, the turn onto Junaluska Trail for 2 miles back to Appletree Trail and .2 miles back to trailhead. Several moderate climbs, uneven trail. Pretty cove. Meet at Andrews Rest Area, Hwy 74/19/129 B2 ## Arkaquah Trail from Brasstown Bald parking lot. An easy in and out hike of about 3 miles. Spectacular views. Some rough footing. Meet at Jacks Gap at base of Brasstown Bald on Hwy. 180. B3 ## Arkequah Trail from Brasstown Bald parking lot down. This is a moderate hike of about 5.5 miles, mostly downhill. Spectacular views. See the petro glyphs at the end. Some rough footing. Shuttle Meet at Blairsville Park and Ride B2 Bartram Trail from Warwoman Dell (3 miles east of Clayton) to the viewing platform at Martin Creek Falls. This scenic (4 mile) round trip also passes by Becky Creek Falls. Meet at Macedonia Baptist Church parking lot east of Hiawassee. B3## Bear Hair Trail in Vogel State Park. Loop hike of about 4 miles with some moderate to steep climbs. Bring hiking sticks and State Park pass or $5. Meet at Choestoe Baptist Church parking lot on Hwy 180. B1 Benton Falls, Red Leaf, Arbutus, Azalea, Clear Creek Trails in the Chilhowee Recreation Area in east Tennessee. 4.8 mile easy trail.
    [Show full text]
  • Forestry Education at the University of California: the First Fifty Years
    fORESTRY EDUCRTIOfl T THE UflIVERSITY Of CALIFORflffl The first fifty Years PAUL CASAMAJOR, Editor Published by the California Alumni Foresters Berkeley, California 1965 fOEUJOD T1HEhistory of an educational institution is peculiarly that of the men who made it and of the men it has helped tomake. This books tells the story of the School of Forestry at the University of California in such terms. The end of the first 50 years oi forestry education at Berkeley pro ides a unique moment to look back at what has beenachieved. A remarkable number of those who occupied key roles in establishing the forestry cur- riculum are with us today to throw the light of personal recollection and insight on these five decades. In addition, time has already given perspective to the accomplishments of many graduates. The School owes much to the California Alumni Foresters Association for their interest in seizing this opportunity. Without the initiative and sustained effort that the alunmi gave to the task, the opportunity would have been lost and the School would have been denied a valuable recapitulation of its past. Although this book is called a history, this name may be both unfair and misleading. If it were about an individual instead of an institution it might better be called a personal memoir. Those who have been most con- cerned with the task of writing it have perhaps been too close to the School to provide objective history. But if anything is lost on this score, it is more than regained by the personalized nature of the account.
    [Show full text]
  • Bald Mountains Geographic Area May 19, 2017
    Bald Mountains Geographic Area May 19, 2017 **Disclaimer: The specific descriptions, goals, desired conditions, and objectives only apply to the National Forest System Lands within the Bald Mountains Geographic Area. However, nearby communities and surrounding lands are considered and used as context. ** Bald Mountains Geographic Area Updated: May 19, 2017 Description of area High elevation grassy balds add a striking diversity to the Bald Mountains Geographic Area, which is shaped by the Roan Mountain Massif, Iron Mountain Ridge, and the Unaka and Bald Mountains. The balds on these long, mostly parallel ridges are primarily treeless and provide spectacular long-range views. The 20-mile stretch of mountain-top balds along the Roan-Unaka Mountain Range known as the Roan Highlands contains a mix of species unique on the Forests. A prominent tourist destination since the 19th century, the Roan Highlands remain one of the most visited sites in the region. One of the most distinct features of the landscape is the internationally-known Roan Mountain Rhododendron Garden, occurring at over 6,000 feet. The steep sideslopes of the undulating peaks along the state border have many drainages that feed into steep, cold streams. These streams flow to small rivers, and into the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, and Elk Rivers. The Nolichucky River significantly influences the landscape as it cuts a deep gorge separating Flattop Mountain to the south and the Unaka Mountains to the north. The region's forests include northern hardwoods and spruce-fir at higher elevations and abundant rich cove forests in the southern portion of the geographic area.
    [Show full text]
  • Comments on the U.S. Forest Service's Nantahala and Pisgah
    Comments on the U.S. Forest Service’s Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest Proposed Land Management Plan By Donald W. Hyatt - Potomac Valley Chapter ARS http://www.arspvc.org/newsletter.html Introduction The U.S. Forest Service has proposed a Land Management Plan for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests that will guide their actions for the next 15 years. Having studied this 283-page document carefully the past few weeks and having read other related research, I do have concerns. In this article, I will share my thoughts about preserving the beauty and diversity of this spectacular region. These two National Forests cover over a million acres of forest land and some of the best displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, kalmia, and wildflowers in the Southern Appalachians. It includes Roan Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, the Linville Gorge, and Hooper Bald just to name a few. The plan does not include Gregory Bald since it is in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park and not part of the National Forests. Overview The following four headings summarize my main points but I will explain those assertions in greater detail later in the discussion portion of this document. 1. Biodiversity and Endangered Species Although the plan claims to be addressing biodiversity and rare species, I feel that some of the assumptions are simplistic. The Southern Appalachians have an extremely rich ecosystem. Besides the eighteen Federally endangered species referenced by the document, there are many other unique plant and animal communities in those forest lands that seem to be ignored. Many are quite rare and could be threatened even though they may not have made the endangered species list.
    [Show full text]