Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA)
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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. -
NATIONAL FORESTS Forest Service Celebrates Weeks
2011 Recreation Guide to the National Forests in North Carolina www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc Forest Service celebrates Weeks Act PHOTO BY MARY NOEL From the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Green Knob Overlook, drivers can view the Burke-McDowell Tract, the first land purchased for eastern national for- ests through the 1911 Weeks Act. Known as the Curtis Creek tract, the land is part of the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. which solidified ownership with one A century of entity and allowed the government to buy the land without a cloud on conservation: the title. Over the last 100 years, North 1911-2011 Carolina has become home to the by Mary Noel Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie and magine if no national forests Croatan national forests, which existed in North Carolina. encompass more than 1.2 million This was reality in the early acres — about 4 percent of North 20th century. Early national Carolina’s land. forests in the West were These North Carolina national Iestablished from public lands by forest lands now include: 1909. However, the U.S. government l 11 congressionally designated needed to purchase land from wilderness areas. private landowners if national forests PHOTO COURTESY OF FOREST SERVICE l Three research experimental were to exist in the East. THE LANDS NOBODY WANTED: Most lands acquired in the early 1900’s were stripped of trees and excessively eroded from farming. forests (Bent Creek, Coweeta and With strong public support, the Blue Valley) Weeks Act became law on March 1, a price of just over $7 per acre. Later often had only a general idea of l Three National Wild and Scenic 1911, under the leadership of Rep. -
Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA)
Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA) 10/01/2013 to 12/31/2013 National Forests In North Carolina 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:03/2014 04/2014 James Knibbs Access Notice of Initiation 07/24/2013 803-561-4078 EA Est. Comment Period Public [email protected] *NEW LISTING* Notice 01/2014 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. Limits of Stay at Appalachian - Recreation management In Progress: Expected:10/2013 10/2013 Michelle Mitchell National Scenic Trail Shelters Comment Period Public Notice 404-347-1749 and Designated Campsites 08/16/2013 [email protected]. EA Est. Objection Period Legal us Notice 09/2013 Description: The Southern Region of the Forest Service is proposing to change its limits of stay at shelters and designated dispersed campsites along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail on several forests of the Southern Region. -
Official Fly Fishing Museum/Outdoor Festival
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2017 SESSION LAW 2018-11 HOUSE BILL 414 AN ACT DESIGNATING SWAIN COUNTY AS THE HOME TO THE FLY FISHING MUSEUM OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS AND THE NORTH CAROLINA OUTDOOR FESTIVAL HELD IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY AS THE OFFICIAL NORTH CAROLINA OUTDOOR FESTIVAL. Whereas, Swain County is home to hundreds of miles of wild fish streams and scores of different streams, ranging from those accessible with a short walk to others that are more remote; and Whereas, Swain County holds 52% of the entire acreage of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and also holds over several hundred miles of trout fishing within the National Park; and Whereas, Swain County holds within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park the legendary streams of both Hazel Creek and Deep Creek and the complete length of the Oconaluftee River and its tributaries; and Whereas, it is generally acknowledged that for stream-bred fish the streams of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide a scenic and wild destination unmatched in the eastern United States; and Whereas, virtually all of Swain County's wild fish waters are available to the general public due to being located in the Nantahala National Forest or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; and Whereas, the lower end of the Nantahala River and the Nantahala Gorge are entirely in Swain County and enjoy the rare attribute of being wadeable during times of power generation as well as when upstream dam gates are shut and also enjoy year-round levels of water; and Whereas, the tailwaters -
Uwharrie National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Southern Region Uwharrie National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan National Forests in North Carolina R8-MB 140A May 2012 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Uwharrie National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan May 2012 Responsible Agency: USDA Forest Service Responsible Official: Elizabeth Agpaoa Regional Forester 1720 Peachtree Road NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-347-4177 For more information contact: Forest Supervisor National Forests in North Carolina 160A Zillicoa Street Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 257-4200 The Purpose of the Plan This publication explains how the USDA Forest Service proposes to manage the Uwharrie National Forest (Uwharrie NF) over the next 15 years. Information is provided that describes what activities will be implemented, what public benefits are anticipated, and what will be the long-term conditions of the national forest as a result of implementing the plan. -
Huckleberry Knob Hike
Huckleberry Knob – Nantahala National Forest, NC Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping 1.8 mls N/A Hiking Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes with 30 minutes of breaks Elev. Gain: 370 ft Parking: There is space for only a few cars at the Huckleberry Knob Trailhead. 35.31391, -83.99098 If this lot is full, overflow parking is available on the grassy shoulder of the Cherohala Skyway west of the entrance. By Trail Contributor: Zach Robbins Huckleberry Knob, at 5,580 feet, is the highest peak in the remote Unicoi Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The bald summit is reached by an easy hike from the Cherohala Skyway. Suitable for all levels of hiking experience, the grassy bald provides fantastic 360° views of the Unicoi, Great Smoky, Cheoah, Snowbird, Nantahala, Valley River, Tusquitee, and Cohutta Mountain ranges of southwestern North Carolina, northeastern Georgia, and southeastern Tennessee. This is one of the finest viewpoints in the region, only rivaled by Gregory Bald, Rocky Top, and lookout towers on Shuckstack and Wesser Bald. This is a wonderful spot for a picnic or lazy backcountry camping. While in the area, consider including other nearby trails along the Cherohala Skyway for a full day of short hikes. Mile 0.0 – There is space for only a few cars at the Huckleberry Knob Trailhead. If this lot is full, overflow parking is available on the grassy shoulder of the Cherohala Skyway west of the entrance. The Huckleberry Knob Trail [419] follows a forest road track through beech and maple forests. Mile 0.4 – Follow the shoulder of Oak Knob through wide open grassy fields. -
{PDF EPUB} Smokies Chronicle a Year of Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Ben Anderson National Parks Traveler
Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} Smokies Chronicle A Year of Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Ben Anderson National Parks Traveler. Buildings, statues, monuments, parks, roads – many of their names (or structures) have been removed or subject to intense scrutiny in recent years, even before the racial-justice movement gained greater urgency in 2020. In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the long-ago naming of some prominent natural landmarks, as opposed to edifices, could in turn be questioned because of individuals’ personal histories, beliefs or affiliations. Let’s look at three such Smokies landmarks – two of which are especially well known and inherently controversial – and the men for whom they are named. The stigma of these place names isn’t dimmed by their predating the Lost Cause mythology/Jim Crow reality that spurred the lionization of scores of Confederates and segregationists well beyond the Smokies. Although likely unfamiliar to most park visitors, Thomas Divide is a major part of the Smokies’ unruly terrain. In fact, if the North Carolina side of the park has a geographic heart and soul, perhaps it can be found in this particular landform. A long, crescent-shaped ridge that extends from near Newfound Gap to the Deep Creek area just north of Bryson City, North Carolina, Thomas Divide loftily separates the watersheds of two lovely streams that eventually flow into the Tuckasegee River just outside the park: Deep Creek and the Oconaluftee River. Thomas Divide Trail, one of the park’s longer paths at nearly 14 miles, traces most of the divide’s crest that rises to roughly a mile high and dips to just over 2,000 feet elevation. -
Bicycle Randolph County
Bicycling Bicycle Laws The Routes Randolph County In North Carolina, the bicycle has the legal status of a BICYCLING vehicle. This means that bicyclists have full rights and responsibilities on the roadway and are subject to the The following route descriptions provide and the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness in the Uwharrie ROUTE 6: 31 MILES From its ancient mountains to its swift rivers, Randolph regulations governing the operation of a motor vehicle. the information you need to help you National Forest. Other points of interest include the This route is a portion of the 200-mile cross-state County melds its interesting history and current vitality Under North Carolina law, bicyclists are required to: Randolph plan your rides. Whether you’re cycling • Ride on the right in the same direction as other traffic old Pisgah Covered Bridge, the NC Aviation Museum Piedmont Spur Route, from Morganton to Snow to offer diverse attractions from a historic covered bridge for an hour, a day, or longer, each of and the town of Seagrove, headquarters for the area’s to the North Carolina Zoological Park. • Obey all traffic signs and signals COUNTY Camp. Peaceful and rural, this section of the route • Use hand signals to communicate intended movements these routes gives you a variety of places pottery industry. curves through the eastern edge of Randolph County Located in the Piedmont region, Randolph County • Equip bicycle for night riding with a front lamp visible to ride and sights to see. On the road, For most of its distance, this route follows lightly traveled with its rolling hills of verdant farmland interspersed offers an abundance of peaceful roads that are great for from 300 feet and a rear reflector that is visible from look for signs like the one shown here a distance of 200 feet. -
Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Area
NARRATIVE AND HISTORY OF THE All trails within the Wilderness are BIRKHEAD MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS designated hiking trails, and are blazed in white paint. Travel by horse, motorized WILDERNESS The Birkhead Mountain Wilderness was established vehicles, or bicycles are prohibited. A by the 1984 North Carolina Wilderness Act. The detailed map of the Wilderness is available at goals are to protect and preserve its natural resources and wilderness character and provide for public use. the District Ranger’s Office. The Wilderness includes 5,160 acres at the northern end of the Uwharrie Mountains. These Mountains are considered to be the oldest on the Northern American Continent. Evidence of early Indians date back over 12,000 years. The Catawba Indians and small tribes inhabited the area when the Europeans began exploring the region in the late 1600’s. By 1760, explorers and traders began to exploit the area, some eventually settling in the surrounding area. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origins, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs and marital or The Birkhead family raised a son, John Watson familial status. (Not programs.) Persons with disabilities who (Watt), who was born in 1858. The 3,000 acres that he require alternative means for communication of program acquired over the years were made up of many small National Register Thornburg Farmstead information (Braille, large print, audio tapes, etc.) should contact the USDA office of communication (202) 720-2791 (voice). To file a tenant farms. Thus the mountain range became known complaint, with the secretary of Agriculture Department of locally as the “Birkhead Mountains”. -
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. -
Uwharrie National Forest Recreation Guide
United States Department of Agriculture Recreation Guide Uw Discover the Uwharrie Ho ha National Forest, one of four me rri of the e N national forests in North Carolina. The forest Hike Uwh ati is named for the Uwharrie Mountains, known short or long arrie on Natio al F st as the oldest range in North America. The sections of the 20-mile Uwharrie nal Re ore prevalence of metavolcanic rocks has led National Recreation Trail (UNRT) to creation Trail geologists to surmise that a chain of volcanoes experience Uwharrie’s interior forest. The created the area’s mountains, once much higher heavily wooded trail is marked with white purchase property to re-establish UNRT to its but eroded over time into 1,000-foot peaks. blazes. It is open all year, and the difficulty original length of 50 miles. Archeologists have found human habitation level is rated from easy to moderate. in the Uwharrie Mountains spanning more The trail crosses several access points. Camping than 10,000 years. In 1790-1791, explorer John From south to north, look for trailhead There are several dispersed sites along the Lawson chronicled Native American tribes, parking at: route. Groups and individuals can camp at Yates plants, animals and geology in his journals, • NC Highway 24/27 Trailhead, 10 miles Place. There is a 0.25-mile connector trail to later published as A New Voyage to Carolina. He west of Troy the UNRT. Visitors looking for a campground called the river “Heighwaree,” and later explorers • Yates Place Camp on Dusty Level Road can try West Morris Mountain Campground, called it “Uharie.” (State Route (SR) 1146) which has individual tenting or camper sites, In 1931, the federal government began • NC Highway 109 Trailhead, eight miles with picnic tables, lantern posts and fire rings. -
Audio Tour of the Uwharrie Trail Final Script – May 16 2014
Audio Tour of the Uwharrie Trail Final Script – May 16 2014 1. Tot Hill Trailhead: The Lost Trail. GPS Location: -79.904635, 35.636377 Among the vast forest, which cloaks the ridges and valleys of the ancient Uwharrie Mountains in central North Carolina, lies the quivering Uwharrie Trail. The trail perforates The Uwharrie National Forest, one of the smallest, youngest and most fragmented of our national forests. The Uwharrie National Forest was originally Bought in the 1930s during the Great Depression and was designated as part of the National Forest System By John F. Kennedy in 1961. Joe Moffitt, the son of a local trapper, was the original trailBlazer of the Uwharrie Trail. Forty years ago Joe envisioned a path through the Uwharries that would be a source for kids to learn about the woods. Although the property exchanged Between puBlic and private land, Joe was able to Begin Building the trail through his community connections. Under his leadership, local Boy Scout troops and volunteers Blazed the Uwharrie Trail until it was 53 miles long. Many sections of the original trail that were closed as private properties were sold or left to heirs who moved. But in recent years, conservation partners including The Land Trust for Central North Carolina, the U.S. Forest Service, the N.C. Zoo, and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission have helped restore many of these lost sections. Thanks to more than 15 years of conservation work, the Uwharrie Trail is now closer than ever to being reconnected and can now be hiked in its 40-mile entirety.