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
for in considering possible additional erosion in the Chattooga corridor. At least one boater access trail
does not currently exist. If constructed, it must adhere to BMPs for trails along with all other affected
access trails. (Ltr# 107, Cmt# 2)
Subconcern # D K L P
If you are bound and determined to approve Alternative 12 please amend it as follows: Amend the area for
boating from January 15 to March 1 to from Burrell’s Ford Bridge to the downstream edge of the Gorge
area at the falls where the Thrift Lake parking area trail in South Carolina reaches the Chattooga; Add a
rule that at no time will boaters approach within 30 feet of fishermen, hikers, or other boaters who are
already floating the river unless those already in the river (such as those who are capsized or have fallen
out of their boats) are in distress and need rescuing. If they don’t want to wait for others to finish fishing a
run and clear the water before continuing downstream they may portage around them. This will ensure the
safety of wading fishermen and hikers, or boaters who are also resting or fishing and also provide less
disruption to fishermen; and Please add a specific description of how you will address the current law
enforcement needs and future increase in law enforcement needs on the Chattooga River above the
Highway 28 bridge if boating is allowed. (Ltr# 135, Cmt# 5)
Subconcern # D K M N O
We suggest the following if Alternative #12 is implemented: Strict enforcement of all regulations to include
significant increases in fines for all violations. More personnel are needed to patrol the river. In addition,
all citizens should be provided with information to report suspected violations. Consider "reversing" the
planned dates for boating to better avoid possible conflicts. Continue to monitor woody debris especially in
the "newly designated" boating sections to insure that the health of the river is maintained. Closely monitor
road and parking conditions during boating periods. Heavy road use during wet periods and limited
parking space can lead to increases in sediment run off. (Ltr# 112, Cmt# 1)
Subconcern # E
I support Option 12 put forward by the USDA Forest Service for the Chattooga River. This is the fairest
option for all concerned and has both fishers and boaters making sacrifices. (Ltr# 53, Cmt# 1)
Subconcern # E G
I believe the legislation governing the river supports a management regime that allows for significant
providence of boater-free angling. Therefore, I support Alternative 12, as presented in the 2011 Draft
Environmental Assessment. I believe it is a reasonable and lawful compromise that will allow both
paddlers and anglers to enjoy this unique and beautiful reach. Further, I welcome the efforts to manage all
uses in the river to reduce the impacts from social trails and camping areas. (Ltr# 105, Cmt# 2)
Subconcern # E-I
A key goal for many was protecting the solitude and wilderness experience as the current zoning for foot
travel only above Highway 28 has for over 30 years. The SC Council of TU supports the many members
and chapters that prefer that this successful zoning be continued (Alternative #3). However, the SC Council
finds Alternative #12 from the USFS study as an acceptable compromise that is fair to all stakeholders and
should not harm the fisheries. We hope that other resource users will join TU in support of Alternative #12
to help the USFS resolve this controversial issue and move on to more productive efforts. ...Establishing
backcountry capacities to minimize encounters between boaters and anglers, reducing campsite density to
maximize opportunities for a solitude experience for all, and providing boaters opportunities to float the
upper river when flow levels are best suited for their interests are all well thought out solutions supported
in Alternative #12. Equally important, is the wise prohibition of removal of large woody debris from the
river which is very important to the health of the fishery as an integral part of the intricate food chain.
Valuing the fishery over navigability concerns is to be commended as it is in keeping with the many years
of work to improve the fishery by the USFS and others working together in the ‘Chattooga Coalition’ which
has met annually since formation during the 3 year macro-invertebrate study in the late 1980s that TU was
a major participant in, including providing funding and manpower. (Ltr# 127, Cmt# 1)
Subconcern # F-I
While most of our members would have preferred the continued operation with Alterative #3, we can
accept the Alternative # 12, which will establish backcountry capacities to minimize encounters between
boaters and anglers, reduce campsite density to maximize opportunities for a solitude experience for all,
provide boaters floating the upper river when flow levels are best suited for their interests and most
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