Resource Name (Heading 1) - USDA Forest Service - US ...

Summary of Public Comments - Managing Recreation Uses in the
Upper Segment of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River Corridor EA
Chattooga WSR for a discussion of the rationale why boating is not allowed in section 1 of the
Chattooga River for any of the alternatives.
H) See Environmental Assessment, Managing Recreation Uses in the Upper Segment of the
Chattooga Wild and Scenic River, Chapter 3 Section 3.2.1 Recreation ORV, I. Affected
Environment, C. Conditions as They Exist Today, 4. Use and Capacity for a discussion on
how the user capacity analysis was developed for each alternative. Appendix D of the EA
discusses how the encounters were calculated.
I) Indirect and direct measures are discussed in Chapter 2, Section 2.3 Monitoring and
Adaptive Management and how they are used to meet the desired condition.
Sample Public Comment(s) for PC 6:
Subconcern # A
Alternate 12 is unacceptable as are any of the alternatives that include a goal of preserving boater-free
visitor opportunities for non-boating users. Such a goal is blatantly discriminatory and contrary to the
letter and spirit of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Alternate 8 is the only acceptable Alternate in the study.
(Ltr# 1, Cmt# 2)
Subconcern # A
As a boater, I know I'm supposed to urge you to allow unlimited boating on the upper reaches. But I do
appreciate fishermen's desire for boat-free days. If it were up to me, I'd probably say when the flow's over
xxx you can boat but not fish and when it's under xxx you can fish but not boat. But your alternative 8 is
simpler and a way to give boaters good access to the river. So (I know I'll be called a turncoat by my peers)
I say, "Go for it. Alternative 8." (Ltr# 2, Cmt# 1)
Subconcern # A
There is no lower impact recreation than floating on the water under muscle power. I urge you to allow
equal access to the upper Chattooga for those of us who will fight long and hard to protect the wild nature
of this and all rivers. Alternative 8 should be adopted for the entire upper Chattooga. (Ltr# 28, Cmt# 1)
Subconcern # A
I am writing today to indicate my disappointment of the United States Forest Service's (USFS) support of
Alternative 12. I support Alternative 8 for the following reasons: Although the USFS has literally spent
millions of taxpayers dollars trying many times over the last fifteen years, they have failed to justify the
decision to continue an unlawful ban on paddling the Wild and Scenic Upper Chattooga River. Although
they have been ordered by the court system twice to conduct an Environmental Assessment (EA), they have
failed to do a lawful, meaningful one that properly reflects the potential environmental impact of allowing
paddling and other uses. The reason for this is obvious. They realize that paddling is an extremely low
impact recreational activity and any on point EA would reflect that. (Ltr# 156, Cmt# 1)
Subconcern # A C
I think it is ridiculous to ban one party from using the upper and lower sections of the river. Since the
Chattooga is designated as a wild and scenic river, everyone should have access including paddlers.
During the times when the upper section water level is high enough to allow paddling, chances are
fisherman would not even be fishing. I know I don't trout fish when the water levels are high. Please do not
allow this to pass, it would be a detriment to all sporting activities. Alternative 8 is the best solution but
should include paddling on the entire upper Chattooga section and its tributaries. Paddlers should not be
singled out and discriminated against when it comes to access to the Upper Chattooga River. (Ltr# 45,
Cmt# 1)
Subconcern # A C
The only Alternative that is even close to fair is Alternative 8 and even that should be revised to include
being able to float the entire river and tributaries, even overnight if desired. (Ltr# 58, Cmt# 2)
Subconcern # A C
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