Chattooga Headwaters Sample comments on Sumter Forest Plan July 2003

June 24, 2003

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June 24, 2003

 

Sumter National Forest

Content Analysis Team

PO Box 221150
Salt Lake City, UT  84122
.

 

Fax :    (801) 517-1015

 

Email:             sumter@fs.fed.us

 

Re: Comments Regarding theProposed Sumter Forest Plan and DEIS

 

Dear Content Analysis Team,

 

I wish to comment on theproposed Sumter Forest Plan. After careful consideration I believe the Forest Serviceshould modify Alternative I (the proposed Forest Plan) to allow boating on theChattooga headwaters as described in Alternative E of Appendix H of the DEIS.

 

Only Alternative E inAppendix H allows boaters the same “sense of place” afforded to other existinguser groups in this management area. The strong emotional attachment, deepfeeling of belonging and powerful connection that I feel for the Chattooga Rivernever seems to be given the same consideration by the Agency as that of otherusers. The Chattooga’s headwaters are an important whitewater resource and I should havethe ability to legally enjoy this beautiful place.

 

The Agency’s studies supportthe fact that year round boating above Hwy 28 makes sense. Appendix H shows:

 

1)     Boating is self regulating based on precipitation andwater levels.

2)     There are very few days of available river use eachyear 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-backcountry anglers) and that impact is stated in the document “that anglersolitude from interaction would not be as much of a concern” and anyinteraction would be best measured in seconds.

 

Other studies also show thatback country anglers are less prone to fish at the higher flows that I wouldprefer 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 76Bridge gauge would indicate those deadly conditions existed for wading in theriver above Hwy 28.

 

In addition to allowingboating in the Chattooga headwaters I believe these other key points areimportant in the final Forest Plan:

 

1)     Shuttle permits on the Chattooga must be strictlylimited to two with strict number limitations and safety concerns met.

2)     Any new bridges over the river should be worthy of aNational 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 forold growth, wild and scenic area designations for eligible streams and lesstimber harvest.

4)     Increases in road less areas, focus on improved waterquality in the watershed, especially in the Stekoa Creek drainage.

5)     Increased protection of rare plant communities andspecific forest habitats.

6)     Promote black bear management areas as described inAlternative B.

 

American Whitewater has donea good job in stating the case for boating access in the Chattooga Headwatersin their official comments to the Forest Service and I urge you to carefullyconsider their analysis and open the river above highway 28. It is the rightthing to do.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

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