Regional Vision Plan A Collaborative Regional Vision for the Heart of the Plott Balsam Mountains 2018

Prepared by:

balance through proper planning

Prepared for:

PRESERVATION Conservation Recreation heritage tourism DRAFT DRAFT Table of Contents

Acknowledgments:

PLACEHOLDER

Project Lead

Waterrock Knob Regional Table of ContentsDRAFT Vision Plan How will this document What the aid the national park service Vision plan is: in future planning? A significant amount of lands addressed in this Vision Plan are or may be future National Park Service land. A vision plan that is REGIONAL, and not just a plan for conserved properties. The following is an outline of how the Vision Plan relates to decision-making within National Park Service Lands:

A compilation of stakeholder input, with Future decisions comply with THE Future decisions go through their direct statements reflected in the major GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN Implementation planning themes of this document.

The has a general management plan which This planning focuses on how to implement activities and An opportunity to study the formalization of clearly defines the direction for resource preservation and projects needed to meet the management plan’s objectives. a partnership of stakeholders and what work visitor use. The plan was developed in consultation with other Typically triggered when a project will be underway in 2-5 could be done collaboratively. agencies, tribal governments, stakeholders, and the general public. years, the plan will outline specifics to the project and analyze complex, technical, and sometimes controversial issues. Existing land or future land transfers to the National Park Service would fall Next under the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Management Plan which identifies this An evaluation of opportunities and steps if it area as a “Special Natural Resource” zone. This zone has the highest level complies challenges and the key themes for how to of protection on the Parkway. This zone is established for areas with rare or with the address them. endangered plant/animal species. Some management strategies of this zone mgmt. include: plan Future decisions go through Information that will aid the National Park Environmental analysis Service in future planning efforts. Natural Resource Protection:

• Close areas completely or seasonally to reduce impacts to flora and fauna. Environmental analysis can take place concurrent with implementation planning. Resolution of resource issues is • Modification of natural resources will only occur to restore habitat or mitigate . What the accomplished through environmental analysis, as part of the impacts caused by humans. There is an emphasis on research, inventory, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National vision plan monitoring, prescribed burns, pest/invasive species management. Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). • Timbering is not allowed on any National Park Service lands. is not: The National Park Service will gather input on the proposed Recreation/Visitor Use: action, the purpose and need, and other issues. While various aspects of planning may take place prior to initiating It is not prescriptive towards any specific • Visitor opportunities are limited to avoid human impacts on the ecosystem. the NEPA process, the appropriate level of NEPA review must be completed before the NPS takes an action that has the property, and does not call out any specific • Educate visitors on reducing their impact to the natural environment. improvements or changes. potential to affect the quality of the human environment. • Visitor access will be oriented towards those with higher levels of It is not a master plan, which typically backcountry skills and visitor use levels will be low. specifies site recommendations or actions • Hiking and backpacking is limited to designated trails only. that will take place. • Backcountry camping at designated sites will be considered. It is not a plan for federal lands; planning • No horseback riding, mountain biking, or motorized vehicles are allowed. of that nature requires compliance with the • Law enforcement will be prioritized for resource protection. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) • A limited number of unpaved trails provided in a manner that limits habitat and National Historic Preservation Act fragmentation and protects natural resources. (NHPA). • Existing developments that are not consistent with natural resource protection willDRAFT be removed. • Hunting is not allowed on any National Park Service lands. PLACEHOLDER

Waterrock Knob Regional Executive SummaryDRAFT Vision Plan 1 SECTION 2 / BACKGROUND

SECTION Introduction the vision plan Process: 2 The Waterrock Knob Planning Area within the Plott Balsam Region The Waterrock Knob and surrounding peaks in are one of the highest points along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and one of the most rare and Informal meeting of stakeholders biodiverse landscapes in the East. Elk, rare salamanders, flying squirrels, and Birth of interested in developing a Vision slowly disappearing high elevation spruce-fir forests all inhabit the breathtaking the idea Plan for the region B landscape of the Waterrock Knob Region—also known as the Plott Balsams. As the (2016) scenic ridgeline backdrop and outdoor playground to four mountain communities, Management Team formed to this region helps feed the engine of tourism that makes up a large component of oversee the Vision Plan Process local economies. Additionally, a large portion of the Waterrock Knob region serves A as the watershed for Maggie Valley’s drinking water supply. Stakeholder Online Survey Collaboration How This Vision Plan Came to Be and its Collaborative Partners (Fall 2017) Stakeholder Workshop (over 40+ C stakeholder organizations attended) Because of the unique and disappearing treasures of this landscape, and the provided more detailed input economic benefit of conserving its resources, a large collective of organizations have recently come together to conserve over 5,300-acres of contiguous land K surrounding Waterrock Knob (see page 4 to view these properties). As a joint Project Management Team review of draft Vision Plan effort of the National Park Service, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, The Review & input Stakeholder review of draft Vision Plan Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Southern Appalachian Highlands (2017-2018) Conservancy, the Conservation Trust for North Carolina, and Mainspring G Conservation Trust, an informal conservation collaborative has formed to identify partnering opportunities.. Other State and local government, non-profit, and Public Open House / Public Input tourism partners are eager to help sustain and promote the natural and recreation Public comment values of this region and have offered input and assistance in both this visioning Engaged and new stakeholder and the Early 2018 R process and beyond. ( ) general public were invited to this open house to provide input to the plan. How This Vision Plan Came to Be O In 2016, informal conversations with partners (coordinated by The Conservation Fund) led to the idea of developing a vision plan for the region, with the newly Finalize Vision Plan Finalized +/-5,000 acres as the centerpiece. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation agreed to (Early 2018) U lead the process of finding funding for the plan and guiding the planning process. N D

Waterrock Knob Regional 2 Background DRAFT Vision Plan SECTION 2 / BACKGROUND

Qualla Boundary Waterrock Knob Region Facts: 441 National Park The Waterrock/Plott Balsam Mountain region Parkway 19 is over 77 square miles Blue Ridge North Eaglenest 15 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway Mountain travels through this region

Plott There is over 12,511 acres Balsam Mount Lyn of conserved land, with over 19 Lowry Waterrock 25% of the Plott Balsams conserved Knob

Plott Balsams Mtn. Area Black 23/74 12 miles of the Mountain-to-Sea Rock Yellow 441 Face Trail runs through the region Pinnacle Nantahala Park National Forest Plott Balsams Mtn. Area Blue Ridge The Blue Ridge Parkway Parkway

23/74 Pisgah National 74 Forest VA Conserved Lands in the Region

The Nature The National Park Service Conservation Fund LANDS Conservancy (Blue Ridge Parkway) (Maggie Valley SLATED FOR Watershed) TRANSFER Southern Appalachian NantahalaPinnacle Park 23 TO THE Highlands National(Town Forest of Sylva) United States NC NATIONAL Conservancy Forest Service Nantahala PARK Conservation Trust of Haywood Community National Forest SERVICE North Carolina College (Raymond J Fowler Conservancy & Teaching Forest) The Waterrock THE WATERROCK REGION Knob Region

Waterrock Knob Regional Background DRAFT Vision Plan 3 SECTION 2 / BACKGROUND Long Branch Eva

Wycl ns Branch reek ALLOWED RESTRICTED e Fork ALLOWED RESTRICTED ts C PROPERTIES NOTES FOR PROPERTIES A-D PROPERTIES PUBLIC USES USES Maggie PUBLIC USES USES Wrigh Mitchell Cove Branch OWNERSHIP Jonathans Creek OWNERSHIP PROP ID NAME ACRES OWNER MANAGER PROP ID NAME ACRES OWNER MANAGER TYPE Properties B-D are slated to be transferred TYPE to the National Park Service(NPS)-Blue Valley Pigeon Cove Gaddis Branch SEE NOTES TO RIGHT Ridge Parkway. Wolf Laurel Creek Jonathans Creek 19 Development H LLC r East Fork Jenkins CreekCurrent use of NPS property and future Plott- o Rough Branch MOUN Campbell Creek Balsams 214.55 Easement SAHC Blue Ridge F l lands transfered into NPS ownership TA E Villages Of L IN Tracts T Parkway/ West Fork Jenkins Creek is guided by the Blue Ridge Parkway S- Plott Creek The National Fee TO B Lost Cove Branch - National 4,316 NPS rT Management Plan and the process S Land o E Mauney Cove Branch A Park Service Simple A Park ServiceBig Witch Creek outlined at the beginning of this TR HL document. A (NPS) I L Pine Tree Cove Creek Note: The property is in The F Maggie process of being purchased MineBranch Conservation Valley 346.19 Easement SAHC during the development F Fund LANDS SLATED FOR TRANSFER MAGGIE Watershed of this plan. Public access (TCF) TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE VALLEY would likely be restricted.

Johnson Branch Conservation WATERSHED Trust for Haywood The property is cur- North Fee Communi- B 370 CTNC CTNC BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY rently closed to public Carolina Simple ty College Eaglenest Creek £¤19 (NATIONAL PARK Haywood access and it utilized for (CTNC) Raymond J Fee SERVICE) G 328.9 Community HCC research. The College Property Fowler Con- Simple College may be open to discus- servancy & Soco Creek sion about future public Teaching Southern SEE A access. Southern Forest Appalachian Polecat Branch Appalachian Highlands Fee NOTES TO MAGGIE C 319 Highlands SAHC SOUTHERNPlott Creek Conservancy Simple VALLEY Plott Balsam Conservancy Plott Balsam APPALACHIAN F (SAHC) RIGHT WATERSHED BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY Mountains \ T To Cherokee (Elev. 6094 ft .) HIGHLANDS Property (NATIONAL PARK SERVICE) Waynesville CONSERVANCY Nantahala Unites States o r Cranberry Creek Hornbuckle Creek Fee l National 2,590 Forest Service USFS F H Simple and Creek Forest (USFS) JenkinsThe Creek B E H L Richl The Nature Nature Fee Conservancy 1,654 TNC D Conservancy Simple West Fork Campbell Creek Property Shut-in Creek (TNC) Cherry Orchard Branch J G Drift Branch East Fork Campbell Creek Nolen Creek F rl CONSERVATION Waterrock Knob HAYWOOD Hyatt Creek TRUST OF (Elev. 6292 ft .) Mount Lyn Lowry Hyatt Creek RoughBranch NORTH (Elev. 6246 ft .) COMMUNITY Pinnacle Town H L I 1082.8 CWMTF T CAROLINA LEARNING Park of Sylva Easement A H A FORESTS Hyatt Creek o Indian Creek (Pheasant Creek) YW B J O A OD CO B CK UNTY SON Open Branch IDGE COUNTY R P Little Branch A SOUTHERN E R U K L W B APPALACHIAN B A Blackrock Creek Y Washing HIGHLANDS E Winchester Creek Private- H T CONSERVANCY T easement ton Creek J Sons, LLC* 76.45 held by The Easement TCF Conservation C Fund (TCF) Yellow Face

Blackrock (Elev. 6037 ft .) Narrows Cove Branch Richland Creek Mountain (Elev. 6037 ft .) THE NATURE CONSERVANCY Plott Balsam North Fork Scott Creek Henry Creek D NANTAHALA Mountains NATIONAL PINNACLE PARK Woodfin Creek A 23£¤23 FOREST (SYLVA WATERSHED) BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY Redbank Branch East Fork Dicks Creek (NATIONAL PARK H I SERVICE) IL NANTAHALA RA Allen Creek -SEA T Cove Field Branch Fisher Creek NATIONAL FOREST TO S- N AI NT OU H M Unnamed Tributary to Fisher Creek

H A YW OO Rocky Branch D COUNTY Carson Branch

Dills Creek CONSERVATION LANDS ALLOWED PUBLIC USE/RESTRICTED USE BigBranch UnnamedTributary to Dills Creek Rocky Branch Buff Creek Jones Creek Lands recently or Yes/No Yes/No Blue Ridge Parkway Conservation Lands D potentially conveyed F F Hiking L L Off Highway Vehicles Major Roads Qualla Boundary Conserved lands to Federal ownership Trailhead Structures THE WATERROCKB B r r KNOBMinor RoadsREGION Allen Cree H H Mountain Biking Road Building Municipal Boundary T T k Kitchin Branch Dark Ridge Creek Peaks Above 6000-foot Elevation Steestachee Branch Scott Creek & Allowed uses Other conserved l l Fishing/Hunting o o Sustainable County Boundary LEGEND ParrisBranch I properties Horseback Riding Timber Harvesting [ Parkway Scenic Viewpoints Allens Branch \ \ Parcels

Monteith Branch Waterrock Knob Regional

Branch Long

4 Background Ochre Hill Creek Vision Plan Conserved LandsCabin &Creek Allowed Uses

Licklog Creek DRAFT Old Bald Creek Blanton Branch Cashie Br Sugarloaf Dills Branch WRRKanch K R V P Sylva Creek NCCGIA SECTION 3 / THE VISION

SECTION 3 THE THE VISION: The Waterrock Knob region balances preservation, resource conservation, and recreation. It has a regional collaboration that conserves rare ecosystems, provides sustainable recreation and tourism opportunities for regional trail connections and V backcountry experiences, and presents immersive opportunities into the rich Cherokee I and Appalachian cultural heritage of the region. S I O N Waterrock Knob Regional The Vision DRAFT Vision Plan 5 SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES PRESERVATION & Recreation Identify opportunities for a regionally connected trail system that Conservation is sustainably located to have minimal impact on natural systems. Continue to conserve lands and prioritize all future work through the Connect the local communities of Maggie Valley, Waynesville, and Sylva lens of its value to preservation. Prioritize all future work based on its to the mountain, through existing or planned greenway, trail, and on-road benefits to habitat connectivity, protection of rare and threatened species, connections. Analyze existing trails to understand whether they are sustainably protections of rare and threated water supply, and viewshed protection. located and built.

Identify opportunities to collaboratively manage the patchwork Identify opportunities to collaborate on a comprehensive recreation of public and private lands. Collaborate with federal, state, and local management strategy. Collaborate with federal, state, and local governments, non-profits, higher learning institutions, and landowners/ governments, and non-profits to determine how recreation resources can best landowner associations. Tackle preservation and conservation opportunities serve the public while minimizing the impact to natural systems and ensuring and threats related to habitat connectivity, invasive species, climate the region does not feel “over-run”. How were the change, land preservation, water supply protection, and sustainable timber management. Develop a collaborative monitoring and research strategy to Educate users on recreation opportunities along with interpretation that vision and themes support collaborative management decisions. encourages Leave No Trace principles and an understanding of the precious resources of the landscape. Use the region as a living laboratory. Collaborate with schools, non-profits, developed ? and others to educate both locals and visitors on the incredible resources of the Waterrock Knob region and the threats to it. Heritage Through a reiterative process, over 40+ stakeholders gave input on what Integrate Cherokee Indian heritage deeper into the story and outcomes and goals they would like Economic interpretation of the Waterrock Knob region. Work with the Eastern Band to see established for the region. of Cherokee to explore ways to interpret and include programming for visitors These were further vetted through a of the region. Interpret the deep significance this region has to the Cherokee. Development & workshop and public open house. Explore and further interpret early settler and Appalachian culture. Tourism Highlight the roots of hunting and agriculture heritage. Highlight the history Themes and statements under these of homesteading and the relationship between white settlers and other Develop a key message and compelling story. Look at what ties the region themes are direct stakeholders cultures. together and begin to tell a compelling and concise story about what makes comments paraphrased. this region unique from a natural and human perspective. Collaborate with the Explore a deeper history, looking beyond the typical “white settler” tourism partners to share the key message on conservation and recreation. history lens. Look at new education mediums that are remote, digital, and are at gateways to the region. Consider programming that ties the region together like self- Utilize existing heritage partners to help tell and promote the tapestry guided tours, utilizing current resources (phone apps, media etc.). of heritage. Highlight surrounding artisans, music, and historic landmarks.

Waterrock Knob Regional 6 Summary of Themes DRAFTSupporting the Vision Vision Plan SECTION 3 / THE VISION

Waterrock Knob Regional DRAFT Vision Plan 7 SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

SECTION Continue to preserve lands and prioritize Identify & Collaboratively Manage Threats. Themes and 4 all future work through the lens of its statements are PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR direct stakeholder values to preservation. FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION: comments paraphrased. key PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR Look at Ecozone mapping for support and planning. FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION: Restore Healthy Fire themes Regime in Applicable Collaborate with partners for prescribed fire opportunities. Viewshed Land trusts and regional/county planners collaborate on viewshed Landscapes Protection protection opportunities. Work with private landowners to achieve goals for prescribed P Collaboratively Work fire and invasive species. Spruce/Fir Forests/ Identify opportunities for spruce-fir and hemlock restoration as well to Control Invasive Look at means to collaboratively target invasive species like as opportunities to educate the public. the hemlock and balsam woolly adelgid. R Hemlocks Species

Look at dedicated sources of funding for headwaters protection. E Drinking Water Protect Campbell and Jonathan Creek watersheds. Engage Supply Lands municipalities and counties in continued and increased S collaborations. Target the protection and restoration of key species, including: E Natural • North Carolina flying squirrels Communities • Spruce/fir forests • Rare salamanders r That Are Rare, • Rock gnome lichen • Small whorled pogonia Threatened, or • Rusty patch bee Declining • Spruce fir moss spider v • Indiana bat • Gray bat (potential)

a Develop more Natural Heritage Program surveys and collaborate with partners to do collaborative surveys/bio-blitzes to determine t extent of these communities.

i Work with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to identify sacred Sacred Elements of waters, plants, and other elements that are sacred to the Cherokee. o the Natural World n

Waterrock Knob Regional 8 Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

SECTION Note: Timbering is not allowed Collaboratively Monitor & Develop a Manage Timber Sustainably. on National Park Service lands. Living Laboratory. 4 PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION: FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION: Collaborate on timber and resource harvesting activities to protect resources key Manage Timber and minimize impact to flora, fauna, and recreation. Ensure there is adequate Look at opportunities to monitor and collaborate on projects including: wildlife Sustainably Where erosion prevention and sediment control. cameras, citizen science, use of volunteer naturalists for species studies (i.e. flying squirrels, birds, salamanders, vegetation, etc.). Utilize I-Naturalist and other online themes It Is Allowed & Reach out to private landowners to provide assistance on obtaining Forest Identify programs. Connect with master naturalist programs to have them involved in projects. Work with Private Management Plans, and to aid them in understanding rules and regulations. Opportunities Work with land managers to Collaborate with the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center (AHSLC) at Landowners to ensure timbering does not WHAT IS GREEN for Collaborative Purchase Knob through coordination of research, citizen science projects, and c negatively impact adjacent INFRASTRUCTURE? Monitoring biodiversity inventories. Additionally, the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Adopt Forest public lands. staff can aid in inventories. Other research partners could be Western Carolina Management Plans Green infrastructure, as defined Regionally & University and Haywood Community College. by the Conservation Fund is “a o planned and managed network of Expand Surveys Work with Discover Life In America, a non-profit that collaborates on monitoring and natural lands, working landscapes bio-blitz projects. This organization can assist with this on both public and private Conserve an Interconnected and other open spaces providing of Natural lands. n many environmental benefits, Natural Network. including flood protection, cleaner Communities air and water, and connected Collaborate on natural community surveys (all taxa biodiversity inventories) to PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR wildlife habitats. Plans can help determine areas where current or future recreation may be best sited. Continue to s to restore and protect their top FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION: natural assets and support expand surveys beyond those areas. Consider doing surveys throughout several { economic development.” } seasons to obtain the most accurate information. e Develop A Regional Share GIS data across partners, collaborate on technical assistance, develop Explore opportunities to work with researchers and surrounding universities. Green Infrastructure and utilize a hub/linkages map that can be shared among partners. Work with NC Natural Heritage staff and other interested partners on green r Network Of infrastructure planning. Connected Land Collaborate on Education & Outreach. Establish a green infrastructure plan for the region, which includes all lands, v And Habitat not just public lands. Address climate change threats as part of this plan. PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION: Collaboratively assess the needs for elk habitat (i.e. early successional Study And Provide Work with Western Carolina University and Haywood Waterways on outreach to the a habitat) and weigh against conservation of rare or threatened natural public and schools about the value of the area to the water they drink. Connected Habitat communities. Educate Schools/ Connect with “gateway” communities of Sylva, Maggie Valley, and Waynesville to have t Suitable For The Analyze opportunities for safe crossing of larger game, with designs for elk Adjacent citizenry understand the benefit of the region to their daily lives. Reintroduction Of specifically. Landowners, & the Elk Reach out to adjacent landowners to build relationships and educate on pressing i General Public issues. Themes and statements are direct Develop curriculum in conjunction with NPS/AHSLC that can be shared with schools. o stakeholder comments paraphrased. n

Waterrock Knob Regional Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan 9 SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

Long Branch Ev

ansBranch ek Wycle Fork s CreViewshed Data Citation: Maggie Wright Equinox, 2017. Areas Visible From the Jonathans Creek Mitchell Cove Branch Blue Ridge Parkway-Viewshed Analysis. Valley 19 Wolf Laurel Creek Gaddis Branch The viewshed analysis represents all Jonathans Creek East Fork Jenkins Creek areas visible from the Blue Ridge Rough Branch Campbell Creek Parkway. This analysis does not West Fork Jenkins Creek

account for tree cover. Lost Cove Branch Mauney Cove Branch Big Witch Creek

Pine Tree Cove Creek

MAGGIE Mine Branch VALLEY WATERSHED

Johnson Branch

£¤1919 Eaglenest Creek

Soco Creek

Polecat Branch Plott Balsam MAGGIE Mountains Plott Creek VALLEY To Cherokee BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY Plott Balsam WATERSHED (Elev. 6094 ft .) (NATIONAL PARK SERVICE) SOUTHERN Waynesville Cranberry Creek Hornbuckle Creek APPALACHIAN

HIGHLANDS ichland Creek Jenkins Creek R CONSERVANCY

West Fork Campbell Creek

Shut-in Creek Cherry Orchard Branch Drift Branch

East Fork Campbell Creek Nolen Creek

Waterrock Knob Hyatt Creek HAYWOOD (Elev. 6292 ft .) Mount Lyn Lowry Hyatt Creek

Rough Branch (Elev. 6246 ft .) COMMUNITY LEARNING Hyatt Creek Indian Creek (Pheasant Creek) Qualla Boundary FORESTS CONSERVATION TRUST Open Branch OF NORTH CAROLINA Little Branch

Blackrock Creek Washingto Winchester Creek SOUTHERN

n Creek APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS CONSERVANCY Yellow Face

NarrowsCove Branch Richland Creek Blackrock (Elev. 6037 ft .) Mountain (Elev. 6037 ft .) THE NATURE North Fork Scott Creek Plott Balsam CONSERVANCY Henry Creek Mountains Woodfin Creek 2323 PINNACLE PARK £¤ (SYLVA WATERSHED)

Redbank Branch East Fork Dicks Creek

NANTAHALA Cove Field Branch Allen Creek NATIONAL Fisher Creek NANTAHALA FOREST NATIONAL FOREST

Unnamed Tributary to Fisher Creek

Rocky Branch

Carson Branch

Dills Creek

BigBranch Unnamed Tributary to Dills Creek Rocky Branch Buff Creek Views Visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway Jones Creek Conservation Lands Blue Ridge Parkway Major Roads Qualla Boundary VIEWSHED RESOURCES Minor Roads Municipal Boundary Allen Peaks Above 6000-foot Elevation Areas visible from Creek Kitchin Br Dark Ridge Cr County Boundary Steestachee Branch Scott Creek the blue ridge parkway [

LEGEND Parkway Scenic Viewpoints

anch Parris Branch eek Parcels Allens Branch

Monteith Branch Waterrock Knob Regional

10 Key(Areas Themes Viewable from th Parkway) Vision Plan Long Branch Ochre Hill Creek Viewshed Resources DRAFT Cabin Creek Licklog Creek

Old Bald Creek Blanton Branch WRRKCashie Branch K R V P WRRK K R V P Sugarloaf Creek Dills Branch Sylva NCCGIA SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES VIEWSHED PROTECTION

IMMEDIATE COLLABORATIVE KEY CONSIDERATIONS OPPORTUNITIES MOVING FORWARD

1) Identify lands most critical to viewshed protection for both the Blue Ridge Parkway and other conserved properties with public access. 2) Consider viewshed protection opportunities as part of green infrastructure planning and work with regional and county planning partners to identify opportunities for viewshed and visual resource protection.

Waterrock Knob Regional Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan 11 SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES Long Branch Eva

eek Wycle Fork nsBranch Data Citation: ights Cr Maggie Wr NC Division of Environmental Quality, 2013. Jonathans Creek Mitchell Cove Branch Biodiversity/Wildlife Habitat Assessment, Valley 19 North Carolina Conservation Planning Wolf Laurel Creek Gaddis Branch Jonathans Creek Tool. East Fork Jenkins Creek Rough Branch Campbell Creek

Equinox, 2017. Spruce-Fir Forest of the West Fork Jenkins Creek

Waterrock Knob Region (data digitized Lost Cove Branch Mauney Cove Branch from aerials). Big Witch Creek

Pine Tree Cove Creek North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, MAGGIE VALLEY Mine Branch 2017. Natural heritage Area Natural Areas. WATERSHED

Johnson Branch

£¤1919

Soco Falls Soco Creek Natural Area Campbell Lick Fed Cove Ridge Natural Area Plott Balsam Polecat Branch Natural Area MAGGIE VALLEY Mountains Plott Creek WATERSHED BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY Plott Balsam Eaglenest To Cherokee (NATIONAL PARK SERVICE) (Elev. 6094 ft .) SOUTHERN Waynesville Creek Cranberry Creek Hornbuckle Creek APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS

Jenkins Creek CONSERVANCY Richland Creek

West Fork Campbell Creek

Shut-in Creek Cherry Orchard Branch Waterrock Knob Drift Branch Natural Area East Fork Campbell Creek Nolen Creek Waterrock Knob HAYWOOD

Hyatt Creek (Elev. 6292 ft .) Mount Lyn Lowry COMMUNITY Hyatt Creek Rough Branch (Elev. 6246 ft .) LEARNING Mount Lyn Lowry/ FORESTS Western Plott Balsam Campbell Creek Hyatt Creek Indian Creek (Pheasant Creek) CONSERVATION TRUST Qualla BoundaryNatural Area Natural Area OF NORTH CAROLINA Open Branch SOUTHERN Little Branch APPALACHIAN

Blackrock Creek HIGHLANDS W ashington Creek CONSERVANCY Winchester Creek

Blackrock Yellow Face Mountain (Elev. 6037 ft .) NarrowsCove Branch Richland Creek (Elev. 6037 ft .) THE NATURE Pinnacle Ridge CONSERVANCY Plott Balsam North Fork Scott Creek and Redbank Woodfin Falls Natural Areas

Henry Creek Mountains Natural Area PINNACLE PARK Woodfin Creek 23 (SYLVA WATERSHED) £¤23

Redbank Branch East Fork Dicks Creek Balsam Gap NANTAHALA Natural Area NATIONAL NANTAHALA Cove Field Branch Allen Creek FOREST Fisher Creek NATIONAL FOREST

Unnamed Tributary to Fisher Creek

Rocky Branch

Carson Branch

Dills Creek

BigBranch Unnamed Tributary to Dills Creek Biodiversity/Wildlife Habitat Assessment Rocky Branch Buff Creek Natural Heritage Blue Ridge Parkway Jones CreekConservation Lands Most Rare & Highest Conservation Natural Areas Major Roads Qualla Boundary Value in the State of NC Spruce-Fir High Natural Peaks Above 6000-foot Elevation Al Elevation Forest Municipal Boundary len Creek Moderate to Lower Conservation Kitchin Bra Dark Ridge Cre ResourcesSteestachee Branch Value in the State of NC Scott Creek County Boundary LEGEND P Impervious Surface Parcels nch arris Branch ek Allens Branch

Monteith Branch Waterrock Knob Regional

12 Key Themes Vision Plan Long Branch Ochre Hill Creek Natural Resources Cabin Creek

DRAFTLicklog Creek

Old Bald Creek Biodiversity Habitat Rating Blanton Branch WRRKCashie Branch K R V P Sugarloaf Creek Dills Branch Sylva NCCGIA SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

IMMEDIATE COLLABORATIVE KEY CONSIDERATIONS OPPORTUNITIES MOVING Waterrock Knob lies within the Plott-Balsam Mountains that are so named for FORWARD their historic settlement (ca. 1750) by the Johannes Plott family and the dark

spruce-fir forests, known regionally as ‘balsams’, covering their highest peaks. 1) Consider forming an interdisciplinary collaborative working group of natural and cultural resource and recreation specialists These and other high-elevation forests in the area contain an abundance of and stakeholders to determine where recreational opportunities are unique flora and fauna.

appropriate and how to minimize the impact from existing or planned ∫ recreation amenities like trails. The federally endangered spruce-fir moss spider lives in dense moss mats on boulders under spruce-fir, while threatened saw-whet owls nest in the 2) Collaborate with Federal, State, and local governments, branches above. Rare pygmy and Weller’s salamanders forage on the moist conservation non-profits, and others to identify a “natural infrastructure plan” that identifies wildlife hubs and corridors. As forest floor and in crevices along cliffs where endangered rock gnome lichen part of this plan, develop strategies for conservation and preservation grows best. Endangered Carolina northern flying squirrels make their nests actions associated with priority resources (i.e. spruce/fir forest, rare and in yellow birch trees, and rock voles, smoky shrews, and long-tailed weasels threatened species). scurry amidst boulders and talus. ∫ 3) Bring researchers and universities to the table to collaborate on, and identify, research opportunities.

4) Investigate the potential for a working group of partners willing to collaborate on increasing natural survey/inventory data for the region.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Waterrock Knob Regional Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan 13 SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

The Waterrock Knob Region High Suitability

Low Suitability 2) Madison County Area 3) Haywood County Area The Plott Balsam- 4) Jackson County Area Waterrock Knob Region

This model was developed to indicate suitable habitat for elk as part of a statewide study

North Carolina State Habitat Suitability Index Source: Evaluation of the Feasibility of Establishing a Huntable Elk Population in North Carolina, 2014, RTI International

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the Conservation Fund, and others have been working to increase elk habitat just north of the Waterrock Knob region. In 2014, a state-supported study determined North Carolina State Habitat Suitability Index a portion of the Waterrock Region was suitable for increasing elk Source: Evaluation of the Feasibility of Establishing a Huntable Elk Population in North Carolina, 2014, RTI International populations. Recently, a 1,925-acre Game Land just north of the region was set aside to provide more habitat for elk and hopefully decrease elk-human conflict. Dialogue on the appropriateness Elk study areas in relation to land use of increasing elk habitat in the Waterrock Knob region has been minimal. Inter-agency and non-profit collaboration and dialogue on this topic could be a critical part of the development of a regional “green infrastructure plan.” ∫

Waterrock Knob Regional 14 Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

IMMEDIATE COLLABORATIVE KEY CONSIDERATIONS OPPORTUNITIES MOVING FORWARD

1) Analyze environmental impacts of elk expansion in the Waterrock Knob region. Develop a working group of federal, state, non-profit organizations (like land trusts or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation), and universities to weigh the positive and negative impacts. 2) Analyze visitor/tourism impacts expanded elk populations may bring to the Waterrock Knob region. Evaluate the negative and positive impacts of increased tourism. 3) Collaborate with partners to identify where safe crossing improvements can be made for elk (and other wildlife), especially around barriers like (Hwy 19) and the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway (Hwy 74/23).

In the past, herds of elk would roam across Waterrock Knob, grazing in grassy gaps between forested ridges; today those elk are returning thanks to long-term regional conservation efforts to improve and manage for their habitat. ∫ ELK HABITAT

Waterrock Knob Regional Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan 15 SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

Wycle Fork Data Citation: Maggie k Jonathans Creek Jonathans Cree All water resource data is from the North Valley 19 Carolina Department of Environmental Wolf Laurel Creek

Gaddis Branch Quality-Division of Water Quality ch

West Fork Jenkins Creek Campbell Creek East Fork Jenkins Creek Mine Branch Mauney Cove Bran

Big Witch Creek Pine Tree Cove Creek

Lost Cove Branch MAGGIE VALLEY WATERSHED Upper Jonathans

Creek Branch Johnson Watershed

Rough Branch 1919

Watershed Creek

Polecat Branch West Fork Campbell Creek Soco Creek Lower Richland Jenkins Creek MAGGIE Plott Creek VALLEY BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY To Cherokee Hornbuckle Creek WATERSHED (NATIONAL PARK SERVICE) SOUTHERN Waynesville Cranberry Creek APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS CONSERVANCY land Creek

Creek Watershed Rich Upper Richland Cherry Orchard Branch

Nolen Creek Drift Branch Hyatt Creek Blackrock Creek Little Branch

East Fork Campbell Creek Open Branch Rough Branch HAYWOOD Creek Watershed Upper Jonathans COMMUNITY LEARNING Hyatt Creek WashingtonCreek Hyatt Creek FORESTS CONSERVATION TRUST Qualla Boundary Winchester Creek To Cherokee OF NORTH CAROLINA

SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN Shut-in Creek HIGHLANDS CONSERVANCY Soco Creek Watershed Richland Creek Headwaters Upper Richland Creek Scotts Creek Watershed Narrows Cove Branch THE NATURE Watershed

BuffCreek CONSERVANCY North Fork Scott Creek

Conley Creek -TuckaseegeeWatershed River PINNACLE PARK Redbank Branch Fisher Creek 2323 Woodfin Creek

NANTAHALAEast Fork Dicks Creek NATIONAL NANTAHALA Cove Field Branch FOREST NATIONAL

Henry Creek FOREST

Scott Creek

Carson Branch Allen Creek Dills Creek

Rocky Branch Big Branch Big

Kitchin Branch

Jones Creek Steestachee Branch

ParrisBranch Scott Creek Allens Branch

Monteith Branch

Old Bald Creek Drinking Water Supply Watersheds Blue Ridge Parkway Conservation Lands anch WatershedOchre Hill Creek Boundaries (12 HUC) Major Roads Long Br Qualla Boundary Impaired Streams Cashie Bran water Minor Roads Cabin Creek LTN/Tuckasegee River Trout Streams Licklog Cr Municipal Boundary Aquatic Habitat Other streams Peaks Above 6000-foot Elevation resources Blanton Branch [ County Boundary LEGEND High Quality/Outstanding Resource Watersheds Parkway Scenic Viewpoints Su ch k RidgeCreek lls Branch WRRKWRRK K K R R V V P P garloaf Creek eek

Di Sylva

Dar NCCGIA Waterrock Knob Regional 16 Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

IMMEDIATE COLLABORATIVE Nearly 150 miles of pristine streams spring from and drain through the mountains KEY CONSIDERATIONS OPPORTUNITIES MOVING FORWARD of the Waterrock Knob Region; in fact, the peak was named as such because of a perennial

spring near the summit where hunters would refill their canteens.

1) Prioritize preservation of the headwaters of Maggie Valley’s ∫ drinking water supply (Campbell Creek watershed). 2) Partner to improve the quality of impaired waters like Scott and Locally important streams such as Campbell, Fisher, and Scott Creeks have headwaters Richland Creeks through collaboration on outreach, best management contained on conservation lands within the area. These waters support healthy practices, and preservation of headwaters. populations of Southern Appalachian brook trout, an ecologically and culturally 3) Collaborate on and utilize water resource funding opportunities significant fish. They also supply clean drinking water for the towns of Maggie like the Pigeon River Fund, and the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Valley and Sylva.

∫ ∫

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians consider waters draining westward from Waterrock Knob toward the Qualla Boundary to be sacred, even more so in the fall when the deciduous trees ‘return their medicine to the Long Man’.

Water Resources

Waterrock Knob Regional Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan 17 SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

SECTION Connected Resources and Collaborative Ensure User Impact are Not Detrimental to 4 Recreation Management. Recreation Experience or Natural Systems. PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION: FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION: key Connect the surrounding communities of Sylva, Waynesville, Maggie Themes and Collaborate on Valley, and Cherokee to the Waterrock Knob region. Identify Strategies to Look at strategies to manage waste, large user groups, parking statements are and other impact due to elevated recreation demand. Themes Opportunities to direct stakeholders Collaborate with local communities on their county/municipal trail Prevent Overuse and comments Consider identifying several designated backcountry camping Connect Trails and/or greenway plans and analyze the best connections to the Direct Users Into Less paraphrased. heart of the Waterrock Knob region. locations, possibly with permit requirements. Consider a And Communities Sensitive Areas permit system for other recreation uses. Regionally and Consider using the Mountains-to-Sea Trail as the spine of the regional trail systems that connects all communities. Build for future use, not today’s use, especially as it relates to r Identify Multiple trails. Identify how surrounding landowners access current trails and Points Of Access analyze if this access should be improved or relocated. Identify areas where access may not be provided due to e sensitive natural resources. Analyze and Look at county/regional plans for bicycle (on-road) routes and Promote On-road determine how these routes could be promoted as part of the Weigh All Recreation Work with natural resource professionals (like the NC Wildlife c recreation experience. Resources Commission and National Park Service) and natural Bicycle Routes Decisions on Their resource inventories/surveys to fully understand sensitive Level of Impact to areas where recreation amenities may need to be relocated or r avoided. Natural Resources Collaborate on Work collaboratively in planning with landowners, recreation Analyze existing trails (whether official or user created) volunteer groups, and trail building professionals to implement and Including Analysis of and determine if trail or portions of trail should be closed Planning, Trail maintain the trail system of the region. e Existing Recreation or relocated. Develop a plan for comprehensive trail Development, & improvements and management over time. Maintenance Infrastructure a Work collaboratively in planning with the surrounding community and land owners, trail building professionals, and potential volunteer maintainers. t Consider Mountain Analyze Pinnacle Park or any other areas where mountain biking may be feasible. Assess current and proposed mountain bike trails Ensure that trails are built to the most current sustainable trail Biking Where based on sustainable trail principles. standards. i Appropriate Engage with “South Identify where users want to go (i.e. 6,000-foot elevation peak Collaborate on Look at ways that recreation can be approached from a regional Beyond 6,000” Peak baggers) and determine solutions to minimize their impact. o level so that using trails across boundaries makes sense and creates Wayfinding & Other a seamless user experience. Collaborate on blazing and recreation Bagging Program Work with Carolina Mountain Club to determine how this maps. Work with trails clubs, university clubs, etc. on outreach and Regional Efforts to Understand the program should be promoted in the Waterrock Knob region trail maintenance. that has several 6,000 foot + elevation peaks. n Current Program

Waterrock Knob Regional 18 Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

Plan For A Variety of Recreation Uses and Themes and statements are Experiences. direct stakeholders comments paraphrased. PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION: Plan for Front Identify where front and backcountry experiences can occur, with recreation opportunities supplied for all abilities. Look to enhance Country & experiences for the automobile-based user, those with disabilities, front Backcountry country, and backcountry users. Experience Identify opportunities for expanded front country access and to provide multiple points of access to the backcountry to alleviate pressure on any specific access point.

Limit, but Allow Hunting/Fishing in Specific Areas. PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION: A NOTE ON UNOFFICIAL TRAILS Consider Outreach Reach out to outfitters (especially fishing) to share information on Unofficial trails are referenced throughout allowed uses and restrictions this document, including the recreation to & Restrictions on map on the following page. Unofficial Engage NC Wildlife Resources Commission Fish Biologists to survey trails are historic trails which have been Outfitters user created, and may potentially have streams for trout to develop an angler access plan. Engage NC negative impact on fragile ecosystems Natural Heritage Program as well. and/or may not be built sustainably. Identify and Provide Consider locals who have been hunting and fishing in this area and Unofficial trails under National Park receive feedback from them. Service (NPS) management, will be Outreach on Where analyzed as to whether they meet the objectives of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Hunting & Fishing Is Management Plan. Any NPS recommended changes will follow the process outlined at Allowed { the beginning of this document. }

Waterrock Knob Regional Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan 19 SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES Long Branch Eva

Wycl ns Branch reek e Fork sData C Citation: Maggie Wright Jonathans Creek Mitchell Cove Branch A NOTE ON National Park Service, 2017. Mountains-to- Valley Sea Trail & Parkway Scenic Viewpoints. Wolf Laurel Creek UNOFFICIALGaddis Branch TRAILS Jonathans Creek 19 East Fork Jenkins Creek PROPOSED/PLANNED: Unofficial trails are referenced throughout Other trails are a combination of USGS Rough Branch MOUN Greenway/trail connection Campbell Creek TA IN identified in the Southwest this document. Unofficial trails are historic Topo Map trails, trails found online through West Fork Jenkins Creek S-T O Commission 2013 Regional Lost Cove Branch -S trails which have been user created, and various trail sites, and the 2013 Southwest E Mauney Cove Branch A Trails Plan Big Witch Creek may potentially have negative impact on TR Commission Regional Trails Plan. A I fragile ecosystems and/or may not be built L Pine Tree Cove Creek MAGGIE sustainability.

MineBranch VALLEY WATERSHED Unofficial trails under National Park Johnson Branch Service (NPS) management, will be analyzed as to whether it meets the objectives of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s £¤1919 ManagementEaglenest Creek Plan. Any NPS recommended changes will follow the process outlined at

Soco Creek the beginning of this document.

Polecat Branch MAGGIE VALLEY Plott Balsam Plott Creek Plott Balsam WATERSHED BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY To Cherokee Mountains(Elev. 6094 ft .) (NATIONAL PARK SERVICE) Waynesville SOUTHERN Cranberry Creek Hornbuckle Creek UNOFFICIAL: APPALACHIAN and Creek Plott Balsam Trail, HIGHLANDS Jenkins Creek Richl promoted through CONSERVANCY multiple trail websites

West Fork Campbell Creek PROPOSED/PLANNED:

Shut-in Creek Cherry Orchard Branch Richland Creek Greenway, Drift Branch identified in the 2017

East Fork Campbell Creek Nolen Creek Richland Creek Greenway UNOFFICIAL: Waterrock Knob Feasibility Study HAYWOOD Hyatt Creek Black Rock Trail (Elev. 6292 ft .) Mount Lyn Lowry Hyatt Creek RoughBranch (Elev. 6246 ft .) COMMUNITY LEARNING H A FORESTS Hyatt Creek Indian Creek (Pheasant Creek) YW J O Qualla Boundary CONSERVATION TRUST A OD CO CK UNTY OF NORTH CAROLINA SON Open Branch IDGE COUNTY R P Little Branch A E R U K L W B A Blackrock Creek Y Washing E Winchester Creek SOUTHERN EXISTING: H T ton Creek PROPOSED/PLANNED: APPALACHIAN Waterrock Knob Trail Greenway/trail connection HIGHLANDS identified in the Southwest CONSERVANCY EXISTING: Commission 2013 Regional United States Trails Plan Yellow Face Blackrock Narrows Cove Branch Richland Creek PROPOSED/PLANNED: Forest Service Trail (Elev. 6037 ft .) Mountain Greenway/trail connection (Elev. 6037 ft .) identified in the Southwest THE NATURE Commission 2013 Regional CONSERVANCY North Fork Scott Creek Plott Balsam Trails Plan Henry Creek Mountains PINNACLE PARK Woodfin Creek 23£¤23 (SYLVA WATERSHED)

Redbank Branch East Fork Dicks Creek

NANTAHALA IL RA Allen Creek NATIONAL -SEA T Cove Field Branch Fisher Creek NANTAHALA TO FOREST S- EXISTING: NATIONAL N AI Pinnacle Park FOREST NT OU Mountain Biking Trails M Unnamed Tributary to Fisher Creek

H A YW OO Rocky Branch D COUNTY Carson Branch

Dills Creek BigBranch Mountains-to-Sea Trail UnnamedTributary to Dills Creek Blue Ridge Parkway Conservation Lands Rocky Branch Buff Creek Jones Creek Existing Trail Major Roads Qualla Boundary RECREATION Unoff icial Trails Minor Roads PROPOSED/PLANNED: Proposed Trail Connectors Municipal Boundary Allen Cree Greenway/trail connection (Per Previous Planning Studies) Peaks Above 6000-foot Elevation RESOURCES Kitchin Branch identified in the Southwest Dark Ridge Creek County Boundary Steestachee Branch k Scott Creek Commission 2013 Regional Proposed Greenway [ Parkway Scenic Viewpoints Parcels

Trails Plan Parr

LEGEND (Per Previous Planning Studies) & PLANS A llens Branch isBranch

Monteith Branch Waterrock Knob Regional

Long Branch

20 Key Themes Ochre Hill Creek Vision Plan Recreation ResourcesCabin Creek & Plans

Licklog Creek DRAFT Old Bald Creek Blanton Branch Cashie Branch Sugarloaf Creek Dills Branch Sylva WRRK K R V P NCCGIA SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

IMMEDIATE COLLABORATIVE KEY CONSIDERATIONS OPPORTUNITIES MOVING Recreation FORWARD The land, water, and habitats contained within the Waterrock Knob region are a massive draw for tourism and recreation. Tourists visiting surrounding cities often find refuge in the 1) Determine, through collaboration with the National Park Service natural landscape found along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Regionally-significant trails, including and public input, the future of “unofficial trails” by determining if extensive segments of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and well-traveled yet unofficial trails like they should be relocated, removed, rehabilitated, or remain as-is. Blackrock Trail and Plott-Balsam Trail, intersect at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Waterrock Knob Visitor Center. The Blackrock Trail extends southwestward towards Sylva’s Pinnacle Park, while 2) Develop a recreation working group that can provide feedback the Plott Balsams Trail tracks eastward along the and collaborate on planning for future recreation initiatives in the ridges and gaps between Waterrock Knob and Plott Balsam Knob; both trails offer stunning region. views of the surrounding landscape and 3) Collaborate on joint recreation public information materials traverse a wide range of natural habitats. that can be shared with the public, by Federal Agencies, Tourism Clean, cold creeks cascading down from the ridges entice anglers far and wide Development Authorities, published maps, online media, and on the to try their hand at hooking a brook tourism front-line (outfitters, visitor centers, etc.) trout.

Photo courtesy of Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

Waterrock Knob Regional Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan 21 SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

SECTION Interpret Layers of History for Outreach, Identify Important Historic Sites and Work to 4 Interpretation, and Heritage Tourism Opportunities. Preserve Them. PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION: FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION:

Key Work with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Share Historic Integrate Cherokee Indian place names into the interpretation of the region. National Park Service to identify important sites that are Themes Cherokee Indian Identify Important sensitive and should be protected. Survey and identify tribal Meaning, Value, Share traditional Cherokee Indian stories that relate to the landscape. Historic Sites and priorities/concerns through engaging elders. Uses, and Collaborate with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to provide Work to Conserve Identify and work with the National Park Service to list historic sites on the National Register of Historic Sites. Traditions programming at Waterrock Knob that celebrates traditions, crafts, etc. Them Support historic gems in the region that provide economic Tell stories of early European settlers and the music, craft, and culture value. H Integrate that has influenced American culture. Share what life was like as a European Settler/ homesteader. Tell stories of colorful or influential people. Example: share the story of Popcorn Sutton and bootleggers. Appalachian Folk Themes and Interpret heritage of other cultures that don’t have as much visibility, E History, African statements are like African American and other culture’s stories. Don’t shy away from American, and stories that may be “tough” to tell. direct stakeholders Latino History comments R paraphrased. Interpret Interpret heritage of hunting, including elk and bear. Integrate history of the Plott hound and Plott family. I Interdependence Interpret Cherokee Indian traditional uses of natural materials in the of Man & landscape. Environment- T Use of Natural Interpret local history of the lumber and railroad industry and its impact on the landscape. Resources by All Tell the story of the Blue Ridge Parkway and its relationship to A Cultures communities as an early history in land planning. Develop Heritage Use key heritage themes to build upon heritage driving tours. G Theme Tours Utilize and build upon the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s work E like their waysides, music trail, and artist studio and directory.

Waterrock Knob Regional 22 Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

IMMEDIATE COLLABORATIVE KEY CONSIDERATIONS OPPORTUNITIES MOVING FORWARD

1) Collaborate with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on further planning to interpret and reintegrate Cherokee heritage, stories, names, and meaning back into the landscape. 2) Develop themed heritage routes/tours within the region in collaboration with the Tourism Development Agencies, and other interested parties. 3) Consider development of a heritage working group to provide input of heritage-related planning work.

HERITAGE

Waterrock Knob Regional Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan 23 SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

Long Branch Ev ek Wycle Fork ans Branch Cre Maggie MAGGIE VALLEY Wrights Jonathans Creek Mitchell CoveVISITORS Branch CENTER Wheels Maggie Valley 19 Through Time Valley Opry House Wolf Laurel Creek Museum Gaddis Branch Jonathans Creek

East Fork Jenkins Creek Data Citation: Rough Branch Campbell Creek

West Fork Jenkins Creek NC State Historic Preservation Off ice,

2017. National RegisterLost Cove Branch of Historic A. Plott Log House Mauney Cove Branch Big Witch Creek Places.

www.gis.ncdr.gov/hpoweb/ Pine Tree Cove Creek MAGGIE

VALLEY MineBranch THE HISTORY OF THE WATERSHED NAME PLOTT BALSAM Johnson Branch MOUNTAINS £¤1919 Eaglenest Creek Excerpt taken from the Parkway’s Plott Balsam Overlook sign... Watershed “Before you lies the massive Plott Balsam Range. On one ofSoco Creek its eastern slopes Henry Plott, a German immigrant’s son, Polecat Branch Plott Balsam Mountains Lingamore Hotel made his home in the early 1800’s. In this game-filled frontier, MAGGIE Plott Creek hunting dogs were a prized possession. Here Henry Plott and his VALLEY BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY Plott Balsam To Cherokee WATERSHED (NATIONAL PARK SERVICE) (Elev. 6094 ft .) SOUTHERN Waynesville descendants developed the famous Plott Bear Hounds carefully Cranberry Creek Hornbuckle Creek APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS selecting for the qualities of stamina, courage, and alertness chland Creek Jenkins Creek CONSERVANCY Ri the breed possesses today.” >> The Plott Hound is now North John A. Plott House West Fork Campbell Creek Carolina’s off icial state dog Shut-in Creek (Determined Eligible for Cherry Orchard Branch Drift Branch National Historic Register)

East Fork Campbell Creek Waterrock Knob Nolen Creek (Elev. 6292 ft .) Mount Lyn Lowry HAYWOOD Hyatt Creek (Elev. 6246 ft .) Hyatt Creek RoughBranch COMMUNITY WATERROCK KNOB LEARNING FORESTS Hyatt Creek To CherokeeIndian Creek (Pheasant Creek) Qualla Boundary CONSERVATION TRUST VISITOR’S CENTER & OF NORTH CAROLINA OVERLOOK Open Branch Little Branch HAYWOOD COUNTY

Blackrock Creek Washingto SOUTHERN Winchester Creek REST AREA APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS n Creek CONSERVANCY

Yellow Face Blackrock

(Elev. 6037 ft .) Narrows Cove Branch Richland Creek Mountain (Elev. 6037 ft .) THE NATURE CONSERVANCY Plott Balsam North Fork Scott Creek

Henry Creek Mountains PINNACLE PARK Woodfin Creek 23£¤23

Redbank Branch East Fork Dicks Creek NANTAHALA NATIONAL NANTAHALA Cove Field Branch Allen Creek

FOREST Fisher Creek NATIONAL FOREST

Scott Creek Unnamed Tributary to Fisher Creek Balsam Mountain Inn and Balsam Historic District Rocky Branch

Carson Branch

Dills Creek

BigBranch UnnamedTributary to Dills Creek Rocky Branch Buff Creek Historic Sites (Non-Listed National Register of Historic Places) Blue Ridge Parkway Jones Creek Conservation Lands Listed Site-National Register of Historic Places Major Roads CULTURE, Qualla Boundary Minor Roads Visitor Centers/Visitor Information HERITAGE, & Allen C Peaks Above 6000-foot Elevation Municipal Boundary reek Kitchin Bra Dark Ridge Cree Steestachee Branch Scott Creek [ County Boundary

LEGEND Parkway Scenic Viewpoints

P

nch arrisBranch TOURISM k Allens Branch

Monteith Branch Waterrock Knob Regional 24 Vision Plan Long Branch Key ThemesCultural,Ochre Hill Creek Heritage, and Tourism Resources Cabin Creek

DRAFTLicklog Creek Old Bald Creek

Blanton Branch Cashie Branch Sugarloaf Creek Dills Branch Sylva NCCGIA SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

SECTION Collaborate on Opportunities with Promote this Area Through Media. 4 Tourism Partners. PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR PRIORITIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION: FOLLOWING: COLLABORATION: key Collaborate Develop a marketing approach for the Waterrock Knob region, with Determine key themes and messages and work with partners communities serving as major gateway destinations to the Blue Share this Region and on crafting a well balanced message about tourism/economic on Marketing Ridge Parkway. Consider consistent naming, like the Waterrock Knob development and conservation. Keep this message consistent. themes the Waterrock Recreation Area. Its Many Assets, with Collaborate on publishing stories in publications like North Region & Its Market as a hidden gem, whether natural or human created. Key Conservation Carolina Now, Our State, etc.. Messages Weaved T E Opportunities Collaborate on marketing materials like maps and driving tour itineraries. Include the marketing of gateway communities of this region, Throughout promoting Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Sylva, and Cherokee. O C Collaborate on the economic benefit of the region. Share data on U O visitation, visitor interests, economic impact, etc.

R N Inventory and utilize existing programs, like the Blue Ridge National I O Heritage Area’s programs, existing phone apps, etc. Themes and S M statements are Collaborate on Find ways to integrate “Leave No Trace” and natural resource messages M I into tourism partner’s marketing and information materials. Work with direct stakeholders Educating the partners to ensure accurate sharing of information regarding access to comments C trails and conserved lands. & Public About the paraphrased. Region and It’s Reach out to diverse user groups and tell users of all abilities and D interests on how they can enjoy this landscape. Provide opportunities E Resources for the beginner and expert explorer. V Develop heritage themes surrounding the marketing of elk and cultural E stories to attract younger generations of visitors. Haywood and Jackson County L Expand Heritage See actions in the Heritage “potential actions section.” Tourism Development Authorities O Tourism Collaborate on heritage tourism themes, wayfinding, and self-guided have a strong focus on promotion P Promotion tour itineraries for a variety of user groups. of natural, recreation, and heritage assets of their counties and are M Integrate Cherokee themes into heritage tourism and recreation development. I.e. Use Cherokee method of trail wayfinding (bending on the frontline of understanding E trees) , or other ideas for wayfinding or interpretation of the landscape. visitor needs as it relates to the N Waterrock Knob Region. Consider creative means beyond signage to tell the heritage story of the T region, like a heritage guide, or audio tour..

Waterrock Knob Regional Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan 25 SECTION 4 / KEY THEMES

tourism & IMMEDIATE KEY KEY CONSIDERATIONS CONSIDERATIONS MOVING FORWARD Economic 1) Work with Tourism Development Agencies (TDAs) to update Development recreation information as needed. Look for collaborative opportunities for land managers and TDAs to update and share recreation information to the public. 2) Identify opportunities within this Vision Plan where TDAs may want to provide staff or monetary support. 3) Establish a tourism working group to further identify projects, actions, and opportunities identified within this plan. 4) Engage the tourism industry in sharing key conservation, preservation, education, and recreation messages providing information on visitor centers, chambers, lodging, etc. Team to communicate and integrate the Leave No Trace ethic in communications and marketing.

Waterrock Knob Regional 26 Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan SECTION 5 / COLLABORATION

KEY CONSIDERATIONS the national park service & SECTION in formalizing large landscape collaboration Collaboration 5

IMMEDIATE KEY CONSIDERATIONS MOVING FORWARD: The National Park Service (NPS) has embraced their role in large landscape collaborations and is engaged in many collaborations across 1) Define Purpose, Vision, Goals, 5) Establish a Frequency of the country. and an Action Plan Collaboration C Two recent major statements of support for large landscape collaborations by the NPS are Use the core vision and themes of this Determine if it makes sense to convene all Scaling Up: Collaborative Approaches to Landscape Conservation and A Call to Action for vision plan as the basis for a well-defined partners once a year, semi-annually or just O collaboration that formalizes priorities and around specific projects. Preserving America’s Special Places in the Next Century. partnerships. 6) Define Means of L “A second-century National Park Service will manage parks 2) Define Leadership/ Communication Organization Structure as cornerstones in protecting broad natural and cultural L Determine who will communicate to partners Consider what partners may want to form and what communication medium is best landscapes. Threats unforeseen a century ago have emerged working groups to accomplish specific actions to keep partners in the loop on current and A and how leadership and decision making will proposed collaborative projects, updates, and beyond park boundaries and demand solutions that are be determined. success. large in scope and require collaboration with partners.” B 3) Defining What It Is & Isn’t 7) Collaborate on —A Call to Action for Preserving America’s Special Places in the Next Century Define whether the collaboration is for Implementation and O information sharing only, for technical input, Accomplishment Tracking or more formalized roles. While informal Goals of the call to action include: R collaboration may occur at first, more Determine the best means to track progress in formalized collaboration could be analyzed. collaborative planning and projects. • Manage the natural and cultural resources of the National Park System to increase resilience in the face A 4) Identify Staff & Funding of climate change and other stressors. Support • Cultivate excellence in science and scholarship as a T Determine if there is need for staff support foundation for park planning, policy, decision making, to facilitate the collaboration of partners and education. I and cross-pollination of collaborative work. • Achieve a standard of excellence in cultural and Collaborate on finding funding for specific collaborative projects and determine who will natural resource stewardship that serves as a model O be the project lead for staff or finding funding throughout the world. support. • Collaborate with other land managers and partners to create, restore, and maintain landscape-scale N connectivity.

Waterrock Knob Regional Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan 27 SECTION 5 / COLLABORATION COLLABORATION & MOVING FORWARD: how partners want to be involved Planning Assistance Technical Assistance moving forward $ Funding Assistance Outreach Assistance ••THEMES••

POTENTIAL COLLABORATIVE POTENTIAL FOR ASSISTANCE AND

PARTNERS RECREATION CONSERVATION ECONOMIC & DEVELOPMENT TOURISM HERITAGE COLLABORATION POTENTIAL COLLABORATIONS/INTERESTS ATTENDED STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP FEDERAL PARTNERS Work with partners for provided input on collaborative management. Plans to own core properties of the Waterrock Knob area. Collaborate with partners, working National Park Service ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ together beyond boundaries as part of a formal collaborative organization. ◆ Nantahala National Forest (USFS) ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center Collaborate with the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center (AHSLC) at Purchase Knob through coordination of research, citizen science projects, and biodiversity inventories. (AHSLC) at Purchase Knob ◆ TRIBAL PARTNER Re-establish the footprint and heritage of the Cherokee, to present in the landscape through place names and projects. Work to collaborate on conservation, heri- Eastern Band of Cherokee ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ tage, and education. Consider including this as part of EBCI “heritage corridor” planning efforts (Cowee/Nikwasi). ◆ STATE PARTNERS The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a State Trail. The Trails Program can provide signage for the trail and regional planning assistance for trail connectivity. The program NC Trails Program has funding, with over $1.5 million annually to fund trail projects. It also provides technical assistance by designing trails and improving existing trails for regional and ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ $ state trails.

This program provides funding for recreation improvements on property controlled by local government (PARTF funding). It also provides technical support for recre- NC Parks & Recreation Program ◆ ◆ ◆ $ ation planning undertaken by local governments. They would consider participating in work groups involved in green infrastructure and recreation planning. ◆ Collaborate in resource assessment (e.g., habitat and species surveys), habitat restoration, and the development of a broader conservation plan for the area. This NC Wildlife Resources Commission plan would incorporate a larger context of adjacent and nearby conservation lands (e.g. Silvers Game Land). NCWRC be able to serve on a task force to develop a ◆ ◆ recreation/management plan for the area. It will be essential for us to perform surveys for rare/ SGCN species and their habitats for planned infrastructure. Clean Water Management Trust Fund’s role will be to support protection/acquisition of additional lands, and to steward existing conservation easements surround- Clean Water Management Trust Fund ◆ ◆ $ ing the Waterrock core areas. CWMTF may help guide park/recreation development that is compatible with our resource protection framework. ◆ LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTNERS Haywood & Jackson County Tourism Create awareness and educate the traveling public while promoting the region. Has funding to help promote and can also support with volunteers. Development Authorities ◆ ◆ ◆ $ ◆ Interested in collaborating in conservation /management of the “region’s” natural resources, especially the headwater of the Maggie Valley water supply watersheds, Town of Maggie Valley ◆ ◆ ◆ promoting the connectivity in economic , cultural, and recreational systems. ◆ Jackson & Haywood County ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ Collaborate with local communities and partners to work on connectivity. ◆ Owner of Pinnacle Park, will continue to maintain Pinnacle Park trails. There is a recreational and tourism draw with visitors to the park and Sylva. The alternate Town of Sylva Mountains-to-Sea Trail goes through Pinnacle Park and travels to Sylva. There is future opportunity to develop Pinnacle Park-Town connections for this route. Town is ◆ ◆ ◆ supportive of protecting conserved lands, natural resources, important viewsheds, and steep slopes around Sylva’s city limits. ◆ Waynesville is a “gateway community” that can provide the resources for services to the area: hotels, map/access information, guide services, outfitters, etc. Town Town of Waynesville ◆ ◆ ◆ would be a supportive promotional partner and would be open to serving on an inter-agency planning group, if developed. ◆ The college is looking at developing loop trails within the Raymond J Fowler Conservancy & Teaching Forest or connecting to other trails outside of the property. Haywood Community College (Teaching Forest) The forest is open for research and in the past the school has done research on timber management and the Northern Flying Squirrel. School uses forest to instruct. ◆ ◆ Public access is not currently allowed, but may be considered in the future. Key Themes Waterrock Knob Regional 28 DRAFT Vision Plan SECTION 5 / COLLABORATION

COLLABORATION & MOVING FORWARD: how partners want to be involved Planning Assistance Technical Assistance moving forward $ Funding Assistance Outreach Assistance ••THEMES•• POTENTIAL COLLABORATIVE POTENTIAL FOR ASSISTANCE AND

PARTNERS RECREATION CONSERVA- TION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM HERITAGE COLLABORATION POTENTIAL COLLABORATIONS/INTERESTS ATTENDED STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP NON-PROFIT PARTNERS Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ $ Potential to sponsor, support, convene, and fund any future developments needed on-site or in a partnership with other groups. ◆ The Conservation Fund will continue to work with MUSD Sylva/ Pinnacle Park and NC Wildlife Resources Commission to conserve properties in the Plott Balsam The Conservation Fund Mountain and in Maggie Valley. The fund’s national capital investment fund could assist small natural resource businesses including outfitters, breweries, lodging and ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ $ restaurants. Collaborate in conservation/protection of properties surrounding the existing conserved properties included in this area. Participate in the development of a sus- ◆ ◆ ◆ tainable trail system within the area to promote and facilitate recreational access, particularly as the area becomes more of a destination and the trails receive more Main Spring Conservation Trust $ use. Work to protect the quality of the land, which goes hand-in-hand with development of a sustainable trail system. Establishing a working group of stakeholders to ◆ collaborate on comprehensive recreation, trail and conservation management, and utilizing best management practices, should be future priority. Advising on fire and forest management, supporting BRPs efforts to restore fire acquisition of adjacent properties. Forest resource management, sustainable hemlock The Nature Conservancy management, management of non-native species, climate change resilience, making sense of how to manage properties for future resilient forests, and utilizing ◆ ◆ ◆ $ Nature Conservancy mapping data that can help inform planning efforts. Continue and expand land conservation to preserve scenic views and to help expand boundaries of conserved lands. Collaborate to prioritize lands to pre- Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy ◆ ◆ ◆ serve-working with NPS, CTNC, TCF, Mainspring, and others. Educate local communities about the park. SAHC has and Equity, Diversity and Inclusiveness initiative $ - good opportunity to get involved in local, diverse communities. ◆ Continue to protect land in the region through acquisition and conveyance to NPS and conservation easements on privately owned land. Continue to collaborate with NPS (BRP), TNC, TCF to preserve more land in the region for multiple uses and benefits. CTNC’s NC Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is available to construct ◆ Conservation Trust for North Carolina ◆ ◆ $ trails in the region. CTNC will also continue to promote benefits and opportunities associated with conservation lands around Waterrock Knob and beyond through various avenues to the public and funders and politicians.

Southwestern Resource Conservation and Primarily working on collaborative planning and working with bordering landowners to promote wise resource management, preserve agriculture/timber/etc. indus- Development Council ◆ ◆ ◆ $ try and heritage, and preserve viewscapes. Connecting those landowners to technical expertise, resources to achieve wise management. ◆ Promotion of the Waterrock Knob region as a recreational and natural resources. Collaborate with “Get to know your watershed” program. Helping public understand Haywood Waterways Association where their water comes from, headwater protection, and watershed protection. Can provide grant assistance for land acquisition as well as volunteers. Currently ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ $ collaborate with the TDA, municipalities,and county. Blue Ridge National Heritage Area ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ $ ◆ OTHER POTENTIAL PARTNERS TO COLLABORATE WITH: FEDERAL PARTNERS STATE/LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTNERS TRIBAL UNIVERSITIES/HIGHER LEARNING NON-PROFITS OTHER

State Historic Office, NC Forest Service, Cham- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, NC Neighboring Landowners, Cycling Organizations, Southern bers of Commerce, County Parks and Recreation Mountain Heritage Center (Western Car- Wildlife Federation, Trout Unlimited Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA), Motorcycle User Groups, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Smoky The Cherokee Museum and the Cherokee Departments,NC Department of Transportation, olina University), Haywood Community (Local Chapters), Audubon Chap- Local Bicycle Shops and Other Type of Outfitters, Recreation Mountains National Park, Heritage Foundation Elected Officials, Tourism Development Authority College Forest Management Program ters, Open Space Institute (climate User Groups, Angler and Hunting Groups, Church and Youth Board Members resiliency) Groups (Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts)

Waterrock Knob Regional Key Themes DRAFT Vision Plan 29