FOURTH QUARTER 2013 Quarterly News Bulletin and Hike Schedule P.O. Box 68, Asheville, NC 28802 • www.carolinamountainclub.org • e-mail: [email protected] The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forest Plan Revision By Ruth Hartzler and Hermann Gucinski tance trails), trail construction, trail main- in the plan. The Forest Service is currently in tenance, safety, multiple-use, viewsheds, CMC members are invited to check the process of revising the Pisgah and ambience, and ecology. CMC’s website periodically and check Nantahala National Forests Management The Forest Service is seeking user the eNews for information on opportu- Plan. The management plan will set for- input and is encouraging user groups with nities for them to let the Forest Service est policy for 15 years and will be the differing needs to collaborate on elements know what they, as individuals, would basis for decisions on logging, recreation, of the management plan. One formative like in the Pisgah/Nantahala manage- special use, old growth and other ecologi- collaborative that CMC has participated ment plan, and for information on cal designations, and scenic preservation. in includes representatives from moun- CMC’s activities. CMC has developed For the Carolina Mountain Club, this is tain bikers, horsemen, timber interests, a preliminary list of attributes that we an opportunity to seek improvements in and more. How should CMC participate? want in the revised management plan: aspects of the forests related to hiking, Should we communicate independently • Preserve the natural appeal and soli- and a challenge to prioritize what needs with the Forest Service, participate in the tude that hikers enjoy on the forest protection. Changes to the management Collaborative as an observer, or formally trails. plan may affect trail configuration and join the Collaborative? Whatever we do, • Provide a logical system of hiking location (loop trails, new trails, long dis- we need to set priorities for what we want trails that includes loop hikes and long distance hikes, as well as access to points of interest and a wide vari- ety of scenery and habitats. • Accommodate the growing demand for recreation in Pisgah and Nantahala Forests due to population growth in WNC area, the growing number of visitors to the area, and increasing interest in outdoor recreation. • Protect the trail environment from timbering, erosion and other distur- bance of these natural areas. Are we in? Photos by Hermann Gucinski. Are we out? continued on page 7 COUNCIL CORNER As we enter the ers will have an opportunity to marvel, And there’s more to come as we head last quarter of CMC’s not just the views from the Trail, but the into our 91st year. Under the leader- 90th Anniversary effort and work(wo)manship that went ship of our Conservation Committee I can’t help but be into building it. we expect to play a meaningful role in proud of the Club’s CMC members participated in mak- development of the Forest Service’s accomplishments. ing the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Land Management Plan. Our Education In just this past year Biennial Conference in Cullowhee a major Committee will be offering the first offi- our trail builders have success. Under our own Lenny Bernstein’s cial CMC "family-friendly" hikes along almost completed the leadership, yeoman efforts by Bruce Bente with a map and compass course. And, of most challenging sec- (hikes) and Danny Bernstein (excursions), course, we will offer our usual array of tion of the Mountains to Sea Trail over and many, many other CMC volunteers, hikes while our maintaining crews and Waterrock Knob. And because of this attendees from across the country had section maintainers ensure the trails are dedication we expect the State to commit an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the ready for all hikers. to a MST route that ensures through hik- Western North Carolina mountains. – Marcia Bromberg 1 CMC Volunteers impact 2013 ATC Biennial By Stuart English hiking. History of the A.T. hikes I led, featuring spectacular For the first time since 2005 the Appalachian Trail Conservancy views at Albert Mountain and Siler Bald, emphasized the held its Biennial Conference in Western North Carolina and many contribution of the Rev. Dr. Rufus Morgan, (1885-1983), of us took advantage of the proximity. Sixty-two CMC members led founder of the Nantahala Hiking Club. The “Prehab for hikes, led excursions, sat at information tables, helped with food, Hiking 50+” workshop presenter Sue Williams, 65, a housing, camp- fibromyalgia patient for her first forty years, was a wealth ing, and were of information about exercises for improving balance, instrumental flexibility and core strength as we age. Two photography on the Steering workshops, Better Photography On and Off the Trail, and Committee that Waterfalls by the guru himself, Kevin Adams, taught the was responsible use of many photo tools. The WCU campus itself afforded for the entire enjoyable visits to the library, bookstore, and the museum event. that featured Horace Kephart and the early days of the Here are the Smoky Mountains National Park." impressions of Bruce Bente (Co-leader of Biennial Hiking Committee): some volun- "One thousand, seven hundred and forty-nine hikers over teers: seven days on 150 hikes. A lot of work but a lot of fun Bev McDowell: "I so enjoyed my first too. Very satisfying because experience of an A.T. Biennial Conference. the hikes went well and eve- Everything was super organized with ryone had fun and enjoyed plenty of informed, friendly volunteers. I themselves. I have a feel- roomed with a neat lady from Delaware, a ing of personal satisfaction through hiker. We have corresponded post that all my hard work paid conference ... a new friend made! (She lec- off. Glad that the weather tured on cooking on trail.) I took fabulous was good (mostly). Only a classes myself: Wildflowers of A.T.), Trails few showers in the first few to the Classroom, days, then dry weather. No and Section Hiking days of solid rain (which we the A.T. I partici- were worrying about, con- pated in two fire sidering what is happening this summer) A chance tower hikes led by to be part of a well-organized team where everyone our own Barbara was pulling his/her weight and doing his/her job. It Morgan & Tish was successful because everyone was working hard Desjardins. It was on his/her assignments. I was pleased that the 2015 fun to hike with Hikes Committee team worked with us closely. This folks from other will help them to produce a successful 2015 confer- places. One person ence. HOORAY, WE DID IT!!!!!" I hiked with had Danny Bernstein (Excursions): "Excursions been giving finan- ranged from cially to the ATC active ones for years and was there to see the cause she had been like ziplin- supporting. I also hiked with the executive director of ing to cultural the ATC, Steve Paradis. Well, needless to say, I have ones like an art put July17-July 20, 2015, on my calendar. If my 2002 walk through Suburban bus is still running then perhaps some of Asheville. you will ride with me to Shenandoah University in We were able Winchester, Virginia!" to show off a Barbara Morgan: "The campus picnic area turned couple of areas out to be a surprisingly good campground, with over that can't be 100 sites designated, and 70-80 in use at any one time. replicated any- It was especially nice enjoying morning coffee on the where else. banks of the bordering stream!" From the top: excursion goers enjoy wine tasting at The Biltmore Ashok Kudva: "During the hikes I led, ten-year old the Biltmore Estate; Hikers at Cable Cove Shelter Estate, the larg- Anabelle impressed me with her love for nature, and on the A.T.; Art walk in downtown Asheville; People est private 94-year old Jack was inspiring with his enthusiasm for wait at Departure Zone for hike/excursion. continued on page 7 2 email the hike leader. [email protected] TRAIL MAINTENANCE See the Hike Schedule on the CMC website for All members are encouraged to participate *Form carpools at Westgate and meet leader at more complete and timely information, including in trail maintenance activities. Non-members Ingles parking lot off Exit 64 of I-40 at 8:20 AM. scout reports, at www.carolinamountainclub.org. are invited to try it a few times before deciding The trip is an almost steady climb of 2950 ft on a if they want to join the Club and be a regular good trail that we share with mountain bikes, start- part of a crew. We train and provide tools. CHALLENGE PROGRAMS ing 500 feet past Brookside Church and ending at Below is a general schedule of work days. SB6K For hiking all 40 peaks above 6000’. the BRP. Great views from Bernard's Rock (named Exact plans often are not made until the last Contact Peter Barr, [email protected] for Bernard Elias) looking down on the valley and minute, so contact crew leaders for details. P400 For hiking every trail in Pisgah Ranger the railroad tracks disappearing into the tunnels Crews marked with an * are currently seeking District. Contact Dave Wetmore, dwetmore@cit- of the area from the first ridge. Great views of new members. MST and AT section maintain- com.net Greybeard, Rocky Knob and Blue Ridge Pinnacle ers work on their own schedule. 900M For hiking every trail in GSMNP. Contact as the trail follows the ridgeline for a large part of Monday Dave Wetmore, [email protected] the hike. Topo(s): Old Fort, Montreat, NatGeo map Barth Brooker, [email protected] LTC For hiking all 24 lookout towers in WNC.