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
importantly to prohibit the removal of in-stream woody debris that is critical to the habitat for trout. (Ltr#
98, Cmt# 1)
Subconcern # J
I recognize there are other recreational users, such as boaters, that do not share my value of solitude. I
believe the preferred Alternative 12, with clarifications, can provide a balance of recreational
opportunities on the upper Chattooga River. For these reasons, I support Alternative 12 with clarifications.
I am asking the Deciding Officer to clarify the following items by inclusion in the Response to
Comments:Clarify the means of enforcing the Decision. During monitoring, some recreational users may
be found performing activities that are outside the bounds of the Decision. Enforcement actions, such as
penalties, may be used as a direct measure in the management response. It is unclear what those penalties
will be and if those penalties will be sufficient to encourage recreational users to return to the activities
within the Decision. I encourage the Forest Service to set penalties appropriate for the activities done
outside the bounds of the Decision. Penalties should be set in such a way that those committing activities
outside the bounds of the decision will be highly discouraged from repeating that activity.Clarify the limits
of any additional management actions. Additional management actions may be taken when the agency
needs to address problems revealed through monitoring (Draft EA, pages 38-39). It is unclear as to
whether additional management actions can be only actions addressed in the effects analysis of the selected
alternative, or if the effects of the additional management actions can be addressed in alternatives not
selected by the Deciding Officer. A Deciding Officer chooses to not select an alternative because of its
effects. Therefore if an additional management action is addressed in an unselected alternative that action
would be outside the scope of the Decision. I encourage the Forest Service to restrict any additional
management action to only those that have been addressed in the effects analysis of the selected
alternative. Any additional action with effects not addressed in the selected alternative should require new
public involvement and a new Decision.Clarify the continuing need for the USGS water gauge located at
the Burrells Ford bridge. This gauge was placed in support of the first Draft EA, which had a preferred
alternative that included boating restrictions as determined by water flows. During that Draft EA’s second
comment period, this water gauge was recognized as new information and public support for its placement
was noted. Since the current Draft EA has a preferred alternative without the water flow restriction, it is
unclear as to whether or not the Burrells Ford water gauge will remain in place. However for the period of
December 1 through March 1, the gauge will be useful in determining when boating activities may occur. I
encourage the Forest Service to petition the USGS to keep the Burrells Ford water gauge in place as tool
to monitor recreation uses in the upper Chattooga River. By determining when boating may occur, I will be
able to use the gauge as a means to meet my desire for a boat-free recreational experience with solitude
during the December 1 through March 1 period.With appropriate enforcement measures, limiting
additional actions to only those addressed in the alternative’s effects analysis, and the continued use of the
water gauge at Burrells Ford bridge, I believe Alternative 12 will meet my desire of a recreational
experience with solitude on the upper segment of the Chattooga River. (Ltr# 103, Cmt# 3)
Subconcern # Q R
We would like to add that we do support those parts of Alternative 12 that would fix user-created trails,
decommission bad campsites, and educate the public to setting limits on group sizes, encounters, etc. (Ltr#
118, Cmt# 2)
Subconcern # Q R S
We would add that we do support those parts of Alternative 12 that would fix user-created trails,
decommission bad campsites, and educate the public to setting limits on group sizes, encounters, etc. … we
remain opposed to any additional boating on the headwater's of the Chattooga River. (Ltr# 138, Cmt# 2)
Subconcern # S
Accordingly, we urge the U.S. Forest Service to adhere to both the spirit and the full intent of the Wild and
Scenic River Act and the Wilderness Act, and to use its clearly authorized mandate to “zone” its land for
appropriate recreational uses by revising its preferred alternative to prohibit all boating on the Upper
Chattooga, year round. This zoning has worked well for more than 35 years to protect the river and the
low-impact, traditional uses that local people have come to enjoy and cherish. This decision would address
all the adverse consequences revealed in the EA which will happen if boating is allowed. (Ltr# 141, Cmt#
13)
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