Resource Name (Heading 1) - USDA Forest Service - US ...
Resource Name (Heading 1) - USDA Forest Service - US ...
Resource Name (Heading 1) - USDA Forest Service - US ...
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Summary of Public Comments - Managing Recreation Uses in the<br />
Upper Segment of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River Corridor EA<br />
parking should remain at the Whiteside Cove Road. The ORVs of the Chattooga Cliffs segment are too<br />
sensitive and unique to provide easier access. (Ltr# 193, Cmt# 550)<br />
Public Concern 72<br />
The <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Service</strong> should disclose how the restrictions on boating at the Slide<br />
Rock Swimming Area will continue under the new management plan.<br />
Response to PC 72<br />
Boating is not proposed through the Sliding Rock area in any of the alternatives analyzed in the<br />
Environmental Assessment, Managing Recreation Uses in the Upper Segment of the Chattooga<br />
Wild and Scenic River.<br />
Sample Public Comment(s) for PC 72:<br />
I have heard that through closure orders, the Slide Rock Swimming Area has been protected from boats<br />
interfering with those who swim and play there. I am thankful that <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Service</strong> management has<br />
restricted boating at Slide Rock and at the Pisgah <strong>Forest</strong> sliding rock swimming area. The safety of the<br />
children is of primary importance. This local swimming opportunity is way more enjoyable for families and<br />
visitors when they are assured of that safety. Will boating at the Slide Rock Swimming Area remain<br />
restricted following the new Environmental Assessment currently proposed by the <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Service</strong>? Please<br />
advise as to how the restrictions on boating at the Slide Rock Swimming Area will continue under the new<br />
management plan. (Ltr# 134, Cmt# 1)<br />
Public Concern 73<br />
The <strong>Forest</strong> <strong>Service</strong> should evaluate the impacts to swimming compared to<br />
existing impacts and ensure the safety of swimmers regardless of season or time<br />
(all comments from 2009 EA comment period).<br />
Response to PC 73<br />
Effects to recreation users are analyzed in Environmental Assessment, Managing Recreation Uses<br />
in the Upper Segment of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River, Chapter 3, Section 3.2.1<br />
Recreation ORV.<br />
Sample Public Comment(s) for PC 73:<br />
#29- Page 97 of the Assessment included “swimmer-boater” in the definition of ON-river encounters.<br />
Alternative #5 and #8 which allow summer boating would result in swimmer-boater encounters. Adding<br />
swimmers into the encounter calculation similar to anglers is appropriate. (Ltr# 193, Cmt# 23)<br />
#216- The agency’s final decision should ensure the safety of swimmers in the Upper Chattooga and should<br />
insure that the desired conditions from all users collected in 2005 during the LAC be incorporated into the<br />
final EA. (Ltr# 193, Cmt# 207)<br />
#263- On page 102 you indicate that "some swimmers anticipate goal interference from boaters". I have<br />
NEVER encountered a swimmer on the headwaters or on Overflow Creek and the idea that they would be<br />
endangered by boaters is absurd. After thirty four years of intensive boating and swimming activity at the<br />
Bull Sluice rapid on Section III I know of no incidence where a swimmer was ever injured by a boater.<br />
Please don't waste out time on this kind of junk. (Ltr# 193, Cmt# 254)<br />
#282- Swimming is mentioned but not assessed. Alternatives #5 and #8 could have catastrophic<br />
consequences to swimmers on the Upper Chattooga. Hunters were mentioned without any full discussion.<br />
Scenic Boating was defined as an activity based on rapid difficulty not flow levels during warmer seasons.<br />
Boating on the Upper Chattooga did not consider tubing, rafting or motorized craft. (Ltr# 193, Cmt# 273)<br />
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