Doug Adams PO Box 65 Rabun Gap, GA 30568 January 20, 2011 To: Chattooga Planning Team U.S. Forest Service 4931 Broad River Road Columbia, S.C. 29212
[email protected]. Subject: The re-initiated NEPA process on recreation uses analysis on the Chattooga North Fork Thank you for the opportunity to provide new information at this time. It has been over 29 months since the closure of the last public comment period. “Throughout this process, the public has expressed agreement on their desire to protect and enhance the outstandingly remarkable values of the Chattooga River (geology, biology, scenery, recreation and history); maintain a sense of solitude away from modern life; offer a remote wilderness experience; preserve the spectacular scenery and setting; and protect the natural resources of the North Fork of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River that make this area a special and unique place. In the NEPA process, these goals collectively are called a “desired condition.”“ (quote from the Scoping Package dated 8/14/2007) In the Forest Service news release on 12/9/2010, Paul Bradley was quoted as saying: “More specifically, we are asking for new information on proposed management actions that would allow for boating opportunities above S.C. Highway 28, use separation strategies to mitigate conflict, and establish visitor use capacities to manage use during peak-use times of the year,” emphasized Bradley. “We’re also seeking any new details on management actions that would limit overnight camping to designated campsites and incorporate adaptive management measures that will help us maintain desired use levels.” (underline added) In this document I will attempt to address the above underlined topics with the following: 1.