The draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the new forest plan that affects the Chattooga River was scheduled to be mailed on February 28. Interested AW members who had their name added to the USFS mailing list for the Forest Plan should be receiving the document any day now.
Two of the alternatives evaluated in the DEIS include boating access on the Chattooga headwaters above the Highway 28 bridge. This is the first time the USFS has publicly evaluated the closure of the headwaters, thanks in large part to the many dedicated AW members who submitted comments to the USFS on Amendment 14 during the past few years.
Following the release of the DEIS there will be a 90 day public comment period along with several public meetings. It will take significant boater comment to achieve our goal of legal access above Highway 28.
This is our big chance to gain legal access to this wonderful whitewater resource. Once we have reviewed the DEIS we will post more information so please stay tuned!