DOCSLIB.ORG

Upper Creek Project Environmental Assessment (EA) Within the Grandfather Ranger District, Burke and Caldwell Counties

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Upper Creek Project Environmental Assessment (EA) Within the Grandfather Ranger District, Burke and Caldwell Counties United States Forest National Forests in North Carolina 109 E Lawing Dr Department of Service Pisgah National Forest Nebo, NC 28761-9827 Agriculture Grandfather Ranger District 828-652-2144 File Code: 1950-1 Date: February 1, 2006 Dear Interested Citizen: I have signed the Decision Notice (DN) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Upper Creek Project Environmental Assessment (EA) within the Grandfather Ranger District, Burke and Caldwell Counties. The DN discusses in detail my decision and rationale for reaching it. Copies of the DN and FONSI are enclosed. The November 2005 EA has been modified and clarified to correct typographic errors and address issues and concerns raised by members of the public during the 30-day notice and comment period and to be more responsive to new information. The January 2006 EA is the result of this effort and is available on our web site (http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/nepa/nepa.htm) or upon request. This decision is subject to appeal pursuant to 36 CFR 215.11. A written appeal, including attachments, must be postmarked or received within 45 days after the date this notice is published in The McDowell News. The Appeal shall be sent to National Forests in North Carolina, ATTN: Appeals Deciding Officer, PO Box 2750, Asheville, North Carolina 28802. Appeals may be faxed to (828) 257-4263. Hand-delivered appeals must be received within normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appeals may also be mailed electronically in a common digital format to: [email protected]. Those who meet content requirements of 36 CFR 215.13 may appeal this decision. Appeals must meet content requirements of 36 CFR 215.14. For further information on this decision, contact Greg Van Orsow, Project Leader, Grandfather Ranger District at 828-652-2144 or Michael Hutchins, Pisgah National Forest NEPA Coordinator at 828-682-6146. Thank you for your continued interest in management of the Pisgah National Forest. Sincerely, /s/Joy W Malone JOY W. MALONE District Ranger Enclosure Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled Paper Upper Creek Project Decision Notice United States Department of And Agriculture Southern Region Finding Of No Significant Impact Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest Burke and Caldwell Counties, North Carolina February 2006 Upper Creek Project Decision Notice & Finding of No Significant Impact Upper Creek Project USDA Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest Burke and Caldwell Counties, North Carolina Decision and Rationale prohibits it or where no-harvest standards for perennial or intermittent stream crossings occur. Decision Following harvest, revegetate roadbed into alternating patches of clover/warm season Based upon my review of the alternatives, I have vegetation to restore the grass/forb condition. decided to select a modified Alternative C (Selected ¡ Plant individuals or groups of persimmons Alternative) of the Upper Creek Project and/or native crabapple trees in log landings and Environmental Assessment (EA – see Section 2.2.3, in the existing/expanded wildlife field adjacent to Chapter 2) on the Grandfather Ranger District, Stand 95-27. Pisgah National Forest and the Project Design ¡ Utilize native plants in wildlife habitat Features listed in Section 2.4, Chapter 2 and improvement and roadside erosion control; Appendix F of the Upper Creek Project EA. The ¡ Maintain holly, black gum, and dogwood soft Selected Alternative will: mast species during timber stand improvement; ¡ Retain white oak, red oak, and hickory hard mast ¡ Harvest about 345 acres using the two-age species within harvest stands where present; and regeneration harvest prescription and 40 acres ¡ Use Glyphosate herbicide to control a total of using the clearcut with reserve tree prescription. about five acres or less of the following invasive ¡ Construct about 0.25 mile of temporary road. exotic (non-native) plants along the following ¡ Use and maintain the existing road system. roads prior to disturbance activities: ¡ Designate 296 acres of small patch old growth by compartment and an estimated 475 acres of Table DN-1: Location of Invasive Exotic Plants Control – medium patch old growth near Horsepen Creek. Selected Alternative ¡ Site preparing and subsequent release, if needed, Japanese Tree-of- Princess in all stands being regenerated using herbicides Forest plume grass heaven tree and manual methods. Service (Miscanthus (Ailanthus (Paulownia ¡ Prescribe burn approximately 350 acres within Road sinensis) altissima) tomentosa) Compartment 90, and a portion of stand 107-02 4096 X X if weather conditions allow. 4099 X X ¡ Following harvest activities create one vernal 299 X X pond off the Little Chestnut Mountain Road. 986 X X X ¡ Anchor large woody debris into about one mile Old Way X X X of streambank along Timbered Branch Creek to Ridge enhance aquatic habitat by balancing the 4101 X X X pool:riffle ratio. 982 X ¡ Expand existing one acre wildlife field adjacent to The EA disclosed in Section 2.2.3 for Alternative C Stand 95-27 to 2.5 acres. that: “Hemlock four inches to eight inches in diameter not ¡ Daylight to create a feathered edge of early affected by the hemlock wooly adelgid within stands 93-02, 94- successional habitat for an average additional 02, and 94-01, would be retained during harvest and stand width of 15 feet on each side of FSR 299. This improvement activities to maintain winter roost habitat for daylighting would be done along much of the many bird species, including ruffed grouse”. I have decided length to within 30 feet of the private in-holding not to implement this action and am modifying the but would not be done where topography Decision Notice 2 Upper Creek Project Selected Alternative to now retain all hemlock in the Other Alternatives Considered activity areas. Rationale In addition to the Selected Alternative, I considered two other alternatives in detail: Alternative A – No As stated in Section 1.4 of the EA, the purpose and Action and Alternative B – Proposed Action. A need (objectives) for the proposal is to: comparison of these alternatives can be found in ¡ Balance age-class distribution, improve timber Sections 2.2.1 and 2.5 of the EA. stand conditions, and provide for a continuous supply of timber using silvicultural prescriptions Alternative A – No Action that favor red oak, white oak, and hickory tree Under Alternative A, current management plans, such species where they occur; as wildlife suppression, general road maintenance, and ¡ Reduce competition and improve species special use permit operations, would continue to composition in existing and proposed harvest guide management of the project area. I did not units through herbicide use and manual methods; select this alternative for several reasons. This ¡ Control non-native invasive species through alternative would not have balanced age-class herbicide use; distribution, improved timber stand conditions, or ¡ Improve conditions for wildlife by creating provided for a continuous supply of timber; reduced additional early-successional habitat and competition and improved species composition; enhancing existing fields; reduced non-native invasive species; improved ¡ Reduce existing fuel levels and improve habitat conditions for wildlife; reduced existing fuel levels; and timber stand conditions through prescribed nor enhanced aquatic habitat. I believe it is important fire near Brown Mountain; and these actions be implemented to move the area ¡ Enhance aquatic habitat by balancing the towards the Forest Plan’s desired future condition. pool:riffle ratio along a reach of Timbered Branch Creek. Alternative B – Proposed Action I believe the Selected Alternative will move the In November 2004, Alternative B was designed to resources in the project area towards the desired meet the project’s objectives and identified as the future condition, achieving the purpose and need for proposed action. However, I did not select this the project while addressing the publics concerns. alternative because it would not have designated as (See Appendix H for public comment highlights and much medium patch old growth habitat or wildlife the Agency’s response.) habitat as the Selected Alternative. I believe for this In reaching my decision, I began by once again project area, it is appropriate to designate medium reviewing the purpose and need for the project and patch old growth in the Horsepen Creek area. The all of the alternatives presented in the Environmental purpose of medium patch old growth is to serve as Assessment (EA). I then carefully weighed the permanent reservoirs of biological diversity with the effects analyses of the alternatives analyzed in detail intent to allow restoration of functioning old growth and the public comments received on the EA. The ecosystems at the landscape and Forest scales (Forest Upper Creek Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) conducted Plan, page III-27). The majority of this medium field surveys, database queries and other localized patch is within Management Area 4C, which is research in order to determine the effects the designated as unsuitable for timber production alternatives analyzed in detail could have on the area’s (Forest Plan, page III-77). ecology, including threatened and endangered species. During their analysis, they took a hard look at past, Other Alternatives Not Considered present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions Section 2.3 of the EA disclosed two alternatives I that could
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Cmc Annual Meeting Packed with Information, People
    FIRST QUARTER 2004 Quarterly News Bulletin and Hike Schedule P.O. Box 68, Asheville, NC 28802 • www.carolinamtnclub.org • e-mail: [email protected] CMC ANNUAL MEETING PACKED WITH INFORMATION, PEOPLE club is grateful for his efforts. After a treasurer’s report detailing contin- ued losses, Pres. Don Walton said a dues increase would be likely next year despite the very welcome contributions many members have made in addition to their dues. As of this writing, we have collected just over $2000 in extra revenues. Awards presented were: Bernard Elias and Tom Bindrim-- honorary Pisgah 400 members (to kick off the new category); Lenny and Danny Bernstein—Award of Appreciation; Danny Bernstein is seen here accepting the and Les Love—Distinguished Service Award. Award of Appreciation for herself and her Members elected were: President: Don husband, Lenny, from Carroll Koepplinger. Walton, Vice President: Gerry McNabb, Park Superintendent Phil Francis addresses club Secretary: Lenny Bernstein, Treasurer: Bente, Les Love, Linda Blue, Bill Ross, Piet at annual meeting. Carroll Koepplinger, Councilors: Bruce Bodenhorst and Stuart Tauber. Special thanks were given to Joe Cirvello, Becky n extra 35 or so members attended Smucker, and Brad Van Diver, who are leav- this year’s annual meeting, held in ing the Council, for their service to the Club. Athe Grove Park Inn’s Country Club For complete details, see the CMC website. facilities. Featured speaker was acting GSMNP Superintendent Phil Francis. His talk was very informative about issues the New Pisgah 400 category park is facing -- from traffic congestion in the and SB6K referenced in Cades Cove area to the very immediate threat to the park’s hemlock trees from infestation.
    [Show full text]
  • Pisgah District Trails
    PISGAH RANGER DISTRICT TRAILS Table of Contents: Trail Name Length Rating Trail Use Page # Andy Cove Nature Trail 0.7mi Easy Hiking 3 Art Loeb Spur 0.6mi Difficult Hiking 4 Art Loeb Trail–Section 1 12.3mi Difficult Hiking 5 Art Loeb Trail-Section 2 7.2mi Difficult Hiking 6 Art Loeb Trail-Section 3 6.8mi Difficult Hiking 7 Art Loeb Trail-Section 4 3.8mi Difficult Hiking 8 Avery Creek 3.2mi Medium Hiking/Biking 9 Bad Fork 2.0mi Difficult Hiking 10 Bennett Gap 2.9mi Medium Hiking/Biking(seasonal) 11 Big Creek 4.9mi Difficult Hiking/Sections open to bikes& horses 12 Biltmore Campus 0.9mi Easy Hiking/ wheelchair accessible 13 Black Mountain 9.8mi Difficult Hiking/Biking 14 Boyd Branch 0.7mi Easy Hiking/Biking 15 Bradley Creek 5.1mi Medium Hiking/Biking/Horses 16 Buck Spring 6.2mi Medium Hiking 17 Buckeye Gap 3.1mi Difficult Hiking 18 Buckhorn Gap 5.2mi Medium Hiking/Biking/Horses 19 Buckwheat Knob 1.5mi Medium Hiking/Biking 20 Butter Gap 3.4mi Medium Hiking/Biking 21 Caney Bottom 4.6mi Medium Hiking/Sections open to biking 22 Case Camp Ridge 1.7mi Difficult Hiking 23 Cat Gap Bypass 0.4mi Easy Hiking 24 Cat Gap Loop 4.4mi Medium Hiking/Sections open to biking(seasonal) 25 Chestnut Cove 0.2mi Medium Hiking 26 Clawhammer Cove 1.5mi Medium Hiking 27 Club Gap 0.8mi Medium Hiking/Biking 28 Cold Mountain 1.4mi Difficult Hiking 29 Coontree Loop 3.7mi Medium Hiking/Sections open to biking(seasonal) 30 Courthouse Falls 0.3mi Easy Hiking 31 Cove Creek 0.7mi Easy Hiking/Biking 32 Daniel Ridge Loop 4.0mi Medium Hiking/Biking 33 Deer Lake Lodge 1.4mi Medium
    [Show full text]
  • Trail-Map-GSMNP-06-2014.Pdf
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 T E To Knoxville To Knoxville To Newport To Newport N N E SEVIERVILLE S 321 S E E 40 411 R 32 I V 441 E R r T 411 r Stream Crossings re e CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST r y Exit L T m a itt ) A le in m w r 443 a a k e Nearly all park trails cross small streams—making very wet crossings t 1.0 C t P r n n i i t a 129 g u w n P during flooding. The following trails that cross streams with no bridges e o 0.3 n i o M u r s d n ve e o se can be difficult and dangerous at flood stage. (Asterisks ** indicate the Ri ab o G M cl 0.4 r ( McGhee-Tyson L most difficult and potentially dangerous.) This list is not all-inclusive. e s ittl 441 ll Airport e w i n o Cosby h o 0.3 L ot e Beard Cane Trail near campsite #3 Fo Pig R R ive iv r Beech Gap Trail on Straight Fork Road er Cold Spring Gap Trail at Hazel Creek 0.2 W Eagle Creek Trail** 15 crossings e 0.3 0.4 SNOWBIRD s e Tr t Ridg L Fork Ridge Trail crossing of Deep Creek at junction with Deep Creek Trail en 0.4 o P 416 D w IN r e o k Forney Creek Trail** seven crossings G TENNESSEE TA n a nWEB a N g B p Gunter Fork Trail** five crossingsU S OUNTAIN 0.1 Exit 451 O M 32 Hannah Mountain Trail** justM before Abrams Falls Trail L i NORTH CAROLINA tt Jonas Creek Trail near Forney Creek le Little River Trail near campsite #30 PIGEON FORGE C 7.4 Long Hungry Ridge Trail both sides of campsite #92 Pig o 35 Davenport eo s MOUNTAIN n b mere MARYVILLE Lost Cove Trail near Lakeshore Trail junction y Cam r Trail Gap nt Waterville R Pittman u C 1.9 Meigs Creek Trail 18 crossings k i o h E v Big Creek E e M 1.0 e B W e Mt HO e Center 73 Mount s L Noland Creek Trail** both sides of campsite #62 r r 321 Hen Wallow Falls t 2.1 HI C r Cammerer n C Cammerer C r e u 321 1.2 e Panther Creek Trail at Middle Prong Trail junction 0.6 t e w Trail Br Tr k o L Pole Road Creek Trail near Deep Creek Trail M 6.6 2.3 321 a 34 321 il Rabbit Creek Trail at the Abrams Falls Trailhead d G ra Gatlinburg Welcome Center 5.8 d ab T National Park ServiceNational Park U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Great Smoky Mountains NATIONAL PARK Great Smoky Mountains NATIONAL PARK Historic Resource Study Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Service National Park Great Smoky Mountains NATIONAL PARK Great Smoky Mountains NATIONAL PARK Historic Resource Study Resource Historic Park National Mountains Smoky Great Historic Resource Study | Volume 1 April 2016 VOL Historic Resource Study | Volume 1 1 As the nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering sound use of our land and water resources; protecting our fish, wildlife, and biological diversity; preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historic places; and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to ensure that their development is in the best interests of all our people by encouraging stewardship and citizen participation in their care. The department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration. GRSM 133/134404/A April 2016 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK HISTORIC RESOURCE STUDY TABLE OF CONTENTS VOLUME 1 FRONT MATTER ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................. v EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Delinquent Current Year Real Property
    Delinquent Current Year Real Property Tax as of February 1, 2021 PRIMARY OWNER SECONDARY OWNER PARCEL ID TOTAL DUE SITUS ADDRESS 11 WESTVIEW LLC 964972494700000 1,550.02 11 WESTVIEW RD ASHEVILLE NC 1115 INVESTMENTS LLC 962826247600000 1,784.57 424 DEAVERVIEW RD ASHEVILLE NC 120 BROADWAY STREET LLC 061935493200000 630.62 99999 BROADWAY ST BLACK MOUNTAIN NC 13:22 LEGACIES LLC 967741958700000 2,609.06 48 WESTSIDE VILLAGE RD UNINCORPORATED 131 BROADWAY LLC 061935599200000 2,856.73 131 BROADWAY ST BLACK MOUNTAIN NC 1430 MERRIMON AVENUE LLC 973095178600000 2,759.07 1430 MERRIMON AVE ASHEVILLE NC 146 ROBERTS LLC 964807218300000 19,180.16 146 ROBERTS ST ASHEVILLE NC 146 ROBERTS LLC 964806195600000 17.24 179 ROBERTS ST ASHEVILLE NC 161 LOGAN LLC 964784681600000 1,447.39 617 BROOKSHIRE ST ASHEVILLE NC 18 BRENNAN BROKE ME LLC 962964621500000 2,410.41 18 BRENNAN BROOK DR UNINCORPORATED 180 HOLDINGS LLC 963816782800000 12.94 99999 MAURICET LN ASHEVILLE NC 233 RIVERSIDE LLC 963889237500000 17,355.27 350 RIVERSIDE DR ASHEVILLE NC 27 DEER RUN DRIVE LLC 965505559900000 2,393.79 27 DEER RUN DR ASHEVILLE NC 28 HUNTER DRIVE REVOCABLE TRUST 962421184100000 478.17 28 HUNTER DR UNINCORPORATED 29 PAGE AVE LLC 964930087300000 12,618.97 29 PAGE AVE ASHEVILLE NC 299 OLD HIGHWAY 20 LLC 971182306200000 2,670.65 17 STONE OWL TRL UNINCORPORATED 2M HOME INVESTMENTS LLC 970141443400000 881.74 71 GRAY FOX DR UNINCORPORATED 311 ASHEVILLE CONDO LLC 9648623059C0311 2,608.52 311 BOWLING PARK RD ASHEVILLE NC 325 HAYWOOD CHECK THE DEED! LLC 963864649400000 2,288.38 325 HAYWOOD
    [Show full text]
  • Mountains and Meadowlands Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
    Mountains and Meadowlands Mountains and Meadowlands Along the Blue Ridge Parkway Text and photos by William A. Bake Office of Publications National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 1975 A Prologue to the Past 1 The Blue Ridge Parkway Rolling into the distance like "the great distance like breakers and swells Ocean itself," the Blue Ridge dips into a means mountains—the highest deep cove at Wildcat Rocks in Doughton frozen in time. of them mantled with trees and Park (Milepost 240), then swells toward the horizon. Their time, in fact, began long wildflowers uniquely their own. ago, even in geologic terms. The It also means meadows—some Blue Ridge Mountains—indeed, for farming, others that beckon all the Appalachians—are an­ visitors to wander and explore. cient mountains. Rounded in This booklet introduces both form and subdued in height, the mood and substance of the they are nevertheless a rugged Parkway's highest peaks and lot whose wrinkles and crannies, sweeping meadowlands. Though Indian pipe, a small but conspicuous saphrophyte, pushes past the clover-like cliffs and gorges are often hid­ designed to be read quickly, it leaves of wood sorrel. den from easy view. remains to be re-examined when­ ever mountains and meadow- Like so many of the Earth's lands return to mind or presence. mountains, the Appalachians were created in a very complex An "Ocean of Woods swelled manner. It is sufficient to say, and depressed with a waving rather than going through the Surface like that of the great complexities, that what remains Ocean itself wrote an early is a range of mountains which visitor as he sought a way to begins in the Canadian maritime describe the Blue Ridge Moun­ provinces near the Atlantic and tains.
    [Show full text]
  • Geologic Map of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Region, Tennessee and North Carolina
    Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service Geologic Map of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Region, Tennessee and North Carolina By Scott Southworth, Art Schultz, John N. Aleinikoff, and Arthur J. Merschat Pamphlet to accompany Scientific Investigations Map 2997 Supersedes USGS Open-File Reports 03–381, 2004–1410, and 2005–1225 2012 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior KEN SALAZAR, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Marcia K. McNutt, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2012 For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment, visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1–888–ASK–USGS. For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod To order this and other USGS information products, visit http://store.usgs.gov Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report. Suggested citation: Southworth, Scott, Schultz, Art, Aleinikoff, J.N., and Merschat, A.J., 2012, Geologic map of the Great Smoky Moun- tains National Park region, Tennessee and North Carolina: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 2997, one sheet, scale 1:100,000, and 54-p. pamphlet. (Supersedes USGS Open-File Reports 03–381, 2004–1410, and 2005–1225.) ISBN 978-1-4113-2403-9 Cover: Looking northeast toward Mount Le Conte, Tenn., from Clingmans Dome, Tenn.-N.C.
    [Show full text]
  • The High Peaks and Asheville—MST Segment 3
    1 | Mountains-to-Sea Trail Last Updated 1/1/2017 Approaching Blackstock Knob Photo by Jeff Clark www.internetbrothers.org The High Peaks and Asheville—MST Segment 3 PISGAH INN TO BLACK MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND By Jim Grode Segment 3 is where Asheville comes to play. It is the most heavily used part of the MST within the mountains, and you are likely to encounter hikers, dog walkers, and trail runners at any time throughout the year. Virtually all of it is easily accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP), and there are road crossings every few miles for most of the length. Don’t let its accessibility and popularity fool you, however: With eleva- tions ranging from 2,000 feet at the French Broad River to over 6,600 feet at the summit of Mount Mitchell, this segment is quite rugged. Indeed, the Segment 3 | 2 section just west of Asheville hosts the infamous Shut-In Ridge Trail Run, an 18-mile trail run that annually humbles racers from around the country. Complementing the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in this area is the vibrancy of Asheville, a city of 80,000 nestled in the French Broad River valley, which regularly makes lists of the top 10 cities in the United States. Crammed with restaurants, shops, art galleries, and brew- eries, Asheville offers something for nearly everyone and is well worth a layover in your hiking schedule. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE • The views atop 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River • The Shut-In Trail, which follows the old carriage road from the Biltmore House to George Vanderbilt’s hunting lodge on Mount Pisgah (which no longer stands, but a few remnants of which are still visible) • The cultural and scientific displays at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center & Headquarters near Asheville • The fine collection of southern art and crafts at the Folk Art Center also near Asheville.
    [Show full text]
  • Winter Driving in the Mountains Use Caution When Driving Park Roads in Winter As Temperatures and Conditions Can Change Rapidly
    SMOKIESThe official newspaper of Great Smoky Mountains GUIDE National Park • Winter 2017-18 In this issue 2 • Smokies trip planner 4 • Great sights to see 5-7 • GSMNP news briefs 6 • National Park news 8-9 • Winter driving map 10 • The winter larder 11 • The great indoors 12 • Handy digital resources 13 • Winter wildlife adaptations 14 • Partners protecting the park 15 • Ella Costner, poet laureate 16 • Visitor information Horses graze in the open frosty fields in Cades Cove. Image by Bill Lea Winter Driving in the Mountains Use caution when driving park roads in winter as temperatures and conditions can change rapidly he 33-mile-long Newfound Gap periods of hazardous driving conditions. When driving on snow-covered TRoad (U.S. 441) is the main auto- For the safety of motorists, the Park roads, reduce your speed and avoid mobile route through Great Smoky Service imposes certain restrictions on sudden braking. Leave extra space Mountains National Park. It crosses winter driving. Typically, Newfound between you and the vehicle in front Look closely… the crest of the Smoky Mountains at Gap Road is temporarily closed 15-20 of you. Use lower gears or brake very Winter is the time when Newfound Gap (elevation 5,046’) to times each winter. For deciduous trees have dropped connect the towns of Gatlinburg, TN, alternate routes when When driving on snow-covered roads, their leaves and many things in and Cherokee, NC. Driving time is Newfound Gap Road is the park suddenly become visible. typically one hour. closed, see the back page reduce your speed and avoid sudden Watch for wildlife, including At Newfound Gap, where the road of this newspaper.
    [Show full text]
  • Foundation Document, Great Smoky Mountains
    NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Foundation Document Great Smoky Mountains National Park North Carolina and Tennessee October 2016 Foundation Document To Knoxville To Knoxville To Newport SEVIERVILLE y 321 a w Exit Litt rk 129 le a 443 CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST 411 441 32 P Pig eon R ls McGhee Tyson iv il er h Airport Cosby ot L it o n t F le o e R ig iv P e 416 r W ALCOA Facility Closures es t R P PIGEON FORGE iv TENNES Roads, campgrounds, trails, backcountry campsites r e SEE o r Exit 451 n and shelters, and other park facilities may be closed g 32 NORT L H CA as environmental conditions or operational capabilities itt C ROLINA 441 le o P s ig b change. For current information, check the park e Pittman y Mount o MARYVILLE n website www.nps.gov/grsm. Center Cosby Cammerer 73 321 C Big Creek R 321 r i e 321 v e 40 e k 321 r Gatlinburg Welcome Center National Park Information Center k e e Big r Walland TN C M 129 E V 411 O Greenbrier ay Wear Valley C w Little rk Mount a Greenbrier Sugarlands Sterling To Chattanooga P GATLINBURG School Visitor Center M Mount Guyot Waterville 321 iddle s Park Headquarters Prong Lake l l i h B t Townsend A o Visitors Center L S o Roaring Fork A ek F re d M C a Motor Nature Trail o W 73 R (closed in winter) e er l M e Townsend iv s hia i R t ac n e Little l O a a h P U p r c SU r p T N o d GA o a Great Smoky n A T o PISGAH N R R Mount l I I o L g A a C R Mountains A A ) H Elkmont L N I t r Le Conte T it N NATIONAL e tl D a N t M Institute at e n L 6593ft Cataloochee C U i ittl FOREST
    [Show full text]
  • Old Growth in the East, a Survey
    Old Growth in the East (Rev. Ed.) Old Growth in the East A Survey Revised edition Mary Byrd Davis Appalachia-Science in the Public Interest Mt. Vernon, Kentucky Old Growth in the East (Rev. Ed.) Old Growth in the East: A Survey. Revised edition by Mary Byrd Davis Published by Appalachia-Science in the Public Interest (ASPI, 50 Lair Street, Mount Vernon, KY 40456) on behalf of the Eastern Old-Growth Clearinghouse (POB 131, Georgetown, KY 40324). ASPI is a non-profit organization that makes science and technology responsive to the needs of low-income people in central Appalachia. The Eastern Old-Growth Clearinghouse furthers knowledge about and preservation of old growth in the eastern United States. Its educational means include the Web site www.old-growth.org . First edition: Copyright © 1993 by the Cenozoic Society Revised edition: Copyright © 2003 by Mary Byrd Davis All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the author. ISBN 1-878721-04-06 Edited by John Davis. Design by Carol Short and Sammy Short, based on the design of the first edition by Tom Butler Cover illustration by William Crook Jr. Old Growth in the East (Rev. Ed.) To the memory of Toutouque, companion to the Wild Earthlings Old Growth in the East (Rev. Ed.) C O N T E N T S Introduction 5 Northeast Connecticut 7 Maine 9 Massachusetts 19 New Hampshire 24 New Jersey 32 New York 36 Pennsylvania 52 Rhode Island 63 Vermont 65 Southeast Alabama 70 Delaware 76 Florida 78 Georgia 91 Maryland 99 Mississippi 103 North Carolina 110 South Carolina 128 Tennessee 136 Virginia 146 Ohio Valley Indiana 156 Kentucky 162 Ohio 168 West Virginia 175 Southern Midwest Arkansas 179 Kansas 187 Louisiana 189 Missouri 199 Oklahoma 207 Texas 211 Northern Midwest Illinois 218 Iowa 225 Michigan 227 Minnesota 237 Wisconsin 248 Appendix: Species Lis t 266 Old Growth in the East (Rev.
    [Show full text]
  • Bearwallow Mountain/Blue Ridge Pastures Hike
    Bearwallow Mountain/Blue Ridge Pastures, North Carolina Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping 2.4 mls N/A N/A Bearwallow Mountain Hiking Time: 1 hour with 15 min of breaks Elev. Gain: 740 ft 4.9 mls N/A N/A Hiking Time: Trombatore Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures Elev. Gain: 2.5 hours with 30 min of breaks 1,410 ft 7.3 mls N/A N/A Hiking Time: Combined Hikes Elev. Gain: 3.5 hours with 45 min of breaks 2,150 ft Parking: Park on either side of Bearwallow Mountan Rd. 35.46042, -82.36845 By Trail Contributor: Zach Robbins Two of the newest trails in the Hickory Nut Gorge region provide stunning views with minimal effort. From lofty Bearwallow Gap on the Eastern Continental Divide you can choose the short hike to the popular bald summit of Bearwallow Mountain or the longer hike along the Trombatore Trail to a small bald known as Blue Ridge Pastures. From Bearwallow Mountain you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Western North Carolina while Blue Ridge Pastures offers a unique view down the rugged Hickory Nut Gorge. Both mountains provide excellent northern views of the Swannanoa Mountains, Black Mountains and Great Craggy Mountains. This page describes both hikes which make an excellent half day excursion or choose one for a picnic on a sunny day. Mile 0.0 – There is ample parking on both sides of Bearwallow Mountain Road after the road crests Bearwallow Gap and turns to pavement. At the gap the Bearwallow Trail begins on the east side while the Trombatore Trail begins on the west side.
    [Show full text]