Great Opportunity to Protect NC Streams
The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are updating their management plans which include the list of streams they protect as "eligible" for Wild and Scenic designation. To be eligible a stream reach must be undammed and have at least one rare, unique, or exemplary value that is regionally or nationally significant. No one knows WNC's streams like paddlers, and this marks an incredible opportunty for our community to protect our favorite runs from dams and other impacts.
Their are almost 400 dams in WNC, and only 3 designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Forest Service currently protects a great list of 10 additional rivers as "eligible" for Wild and Scenic. American Whitewater asked them to consider adding 20 additional specific eligible streams during this planning process. They are analyzing these streams, and in fact are asking for public comment on a total of 53 WNC rivers and creeks.
You can help make a case for protecting a WNC river or creek from dams and other impacts by filing a comment with the Forest Service highlighting the stream's special values. Explore this interactive map of the potentially eligible streams and use the "Submit a Comment" links to file comments on specific streams. You can also opt to just file a comment directly. Comments due by 12/15.
You may also want to attend a public meeting on Monday, 11/16/19 in Asheville to learn more about how the planning process could protect rivers as eligible for Wild and Scenic designation or as recommended Wilderness. Come talk with AW staff at the Wild and Scenic River table at the meeting. While focused on designated areas right now, future meetings and comment opportunities will be open to the full range of forest planning issues.
American Whitewater is participating in the Nantahala Pisgah Forum, a collaborative approach to resolving conflicts and developing consensus recommendations for the new Forest Plan. We have high hopes that the new plan will protect rivers and their enjoyment and be a model for how the Forest Service can provide for sustainable recreation.