Chattooga Headwaters Sample comments on Sumter Forest Plan July 2003
You may
cut and paste the text below into an email or you can download
a word document of the sample letter here and mail, fax or email the
letter.
It is very important that
you include your name, address, phone number etc. Also if you have the time to personalize your comments they can be more effective.
For example, here
are some excellent personal comments from Milt Aitken
to consider.
FAQ: Should I hand write my comments or just send an email?
Answer: What is most important is that you comment! So which ever you are more
willing to do is the best way. Certainly well thought out, specific, and
personal comments are best but don’t let that get in the way of commenting at
all.
FAQ: If I email my comments should I also mail a hardcopy?
Answer: A hard copy is not necessary, but if you would like to send one please
do. It can’t hurt.
++++++++++++++++++Sample
Email Starts Below +++++++++++++++++++++
Content Analysis Team
Fax : (801) 517-1015
Email: sumter@fs.fed.us
Re: Comments Regarding the
Proposed
Dear Content Analysis Team,
I wish to comment on the
proposed Sumter Forest Plan. After careful consideration I believe the Forest Service
should modify Alternative I (the proposed Forest Plan) to allow boating on the
Chattooga headwaters as described in Alternative E of Appendix H of the DEIS.
Only Alternative E in
Appendix H allows boaters the same “sense of place” afforded to other existing
user groups in this management area. The strong emotional attachment, deep
feeling of belonging and powerful connection that I feel for the
The Agency’s studies support
the fact that year round boating above Hwy 28 makes sense. Appendix H shows:
1) Boating is self regulating based on precipitation and
water levels.
2) There are very few days of available river use each
year so boating use would be minimal.
3) No negative ecological or biological impacts.
4) No significant capital expenditures for improvements is required.
5) Slightly impacts only one user group (non-back
country anglers) and that impact is stated in the document “that angler
solitude from interaction would not be as much of a concern” and any
interaction would be best measured in seconds.
Other studies also show that
back country anglers are less prone to fish at the higher flows that I would
prefer as a boater. Furthermore all river safety/rescue books and manuals state
“wading in water above ankle height, can lead to foot entrapment and death.” River levels above 2.0 feet at the Hwy 76
Bridge gauge would indicate those deadly conditions existed for wading in the
river above Hwy 28.
In addition to allowing
boating in the Chattooga headwaters I believe these other key points are
important in the final Forest Plan:
1) Shuttle permits on the Chattooga must be strictly
limited to two with strict number limitations and safety concerns met.
2) Any new bridges over the river should be worthy of a
National Wild and Scenic river of the Chattooga’s caliber.
3) Increases in Wilderness and Wilderness study areas,
greatly expanded riparian corridors, watershed restoration, more management for
old growth, wild and scenic area designations for eligible streams and less
timber harvest.
4) Increases in road less areas, focus on improved water
quality in the watershed, especially in the Stekoa Creek drainage.
5) Increased protection of rare plant communities and
specific forest habitats.
6) Promote black bear management areas as described in
Alternative B.
American Whitewater has done
a good job in stating the case for boating access in the Chattooga Headwaters
in their official comments to the Forest Service and I urge you to carefully
consider their analysis and open the river above highway 28. It is the right
thing to do.
Sincerely,
Include your Full
name, Mailing address, Phone Number and email