Waterrock Knob Regional Vision Plan A Collaborative Regional Vision for the Heart of the Plott Balsam Mountains North Carolina 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 Blue Ridge Parkway 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 Western North Carolina 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: Great Smoky Mountains 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 Qualla Boundary 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 W RR Kanch 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 W RR KCashie Branch K R V P W RR K 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