Big South Fork Alert

Posted as a Courtesy to Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning, TCWP, and National Parks Conservation Association, NPCA both core members of Tennessee Paddle

BIG SOUTH FORK: URGENT ALERT

            The future of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area will be determined by major decisions being made very soon by the National Park Service (NPS).  Because of huge pro-development pressures being exerted on NPS by some politicians and certain user groups, it is vital that those of us who want to  preserve unspoiled the natural resources of the Area be heard from in large numbers.  We have two opportunities to do so:

            (1) with written comments, due by May 15 (see below for address to send), and

            (2) by attending meetings ("Open Houses") to be held between 4/17 and 4/27 (specifics below; the closest for many of us will be in Oak Ridge on April 20, 6-9 p.m., Civic Center A&B).

            NPS has two planning documents in the works:  (1) a General Management Plan (GMP), which is already published in draft form, and (2) a Roads & Trails Management Plan (RTMP) for which NPS is eliciting ideas (there is nothing in writing yet).  For the GMP, written comments are due by 5/15/00. The Open Houses provide opportunities for commenting (orally and/or in writing) on both the GMP and RTMP.  Below are brief outlines for talking points.  If you have questions contact us (see Specifics, below, #4).

            Background

            The legislation that created the BSFNRRA defined two zones: the Gorge Area, with several restrictions on use (no new roads, no motorized traffic, no timber cutting), and the Adjacent Area (all remaining lands).  The draft GMP proposes only the Gorge Area (which already has some legislative protection) as a "Primitive" Recreation Unit. For the Adjacent Area, it proposes a mix of "Backwoods" and "Enhanced" Recreation Units.  However, these Units are described in such broad terms that they potentially permit virtually all existing recreational uses.  Under Alternative A, a somewhat larger acreage would be designated "Backwoods" than under Alternative B.

            Comments for the GMP

               Alternative A is clearly preferable to B, but even A does not well enough protect the valuable resources of the BSFNRRA.  It fails to designate even a single portion of the  Adjacent Area (the gorge rims and plateaus) as a Primitive Recreation Unit. This must be done.  Also, the Gorge Area needs protections beyond the minimum ones specified by the legislation.

               The GMP has not demonstrated which recreation uses can be accommodated and to what extent.  It is essential for NPS to set criteria and guidelines that prevent or minimize visitor‑use impacts on the fragile environments, and that preserve the quality of the visitor experience.  (The draft GMP in fact acknowledges damages from current over uses, yet it appears to grandfather all existing uses)

            RTMP talking points

               Already, there are 600 miles of roads and trails in the BSFNRRA -- a staggering mileage for a park of only slightly over 100,000 acres

               Prior to completing the RTMP, the Park Service needs to conduct studies on soils, hydrology, vegetation, wildlife, and cultural resources in order to determine where best to place trail systems for differing recreational uses. Cumulative impacts must be considered.  NPS also needs to study visitor experience ‑ what sights, sounds, and other conditions can spoil the experience that people hope to find in the park?

                Existing trails should not pre-determine the future trail system.  Some private landowners have requested (and exerted pressure) that roads developed to the park boundary from the outside be continued into the park.  In several cases, this has been done. That's no way to plan a system!

               Unnecessary or high-impact trails must be closed.  Design criteria for all trails must avoid adverse impacts on all natural features.

                If All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs, ORVs, etc.) are to be allowed in the park, the area must be limited and chosen consistent with full protection of park resources (as evaluated by the studies enumerated above).  Use of a permit system should be considered. Monitoring of  resource conditions will be essential.

                   The former O&W railbed (along North Whiteoak Creek, Big South Fork, Pine Creek) should be developed as a path for conventional bicycles. There are no other facilities for such bicycles within the park (only for mountain bikes), and the popularity of this sport is growing. An extensive 3 stage study (1977-81) by the Corps of Engineers clearly ruled out use of the O&W for motorized vehicles. Stage 1 of the Corps study, as well as a re-study in 1991, recommended bicycle use, and NPS concurred in this recommendation. Restoration of railroad service was also considered by the Corps but ruled out as too expensive ($40 million, even in 1982).

            Specifics

            1.  Your comments need not be long.  hey are due by May 15 and should be mailed to:

                    Big South Fork NRRA ‑ GMP Planning Team
                    Southeast Regional Office
                    National Park Service
                    1924 Building
                    100 Alabama St, SW, Suite 6R10
                    Atlanta, GA  30303‑9725

                    e-mail: biso_superintendent@nps.gov

2.  Location of Roads & Trails "Open Houses."  All meetings start at

            6 p.m. local time.  (Note that Fentress County is on Central Time.)

            For further details, call 423‑569‑9778.

Date            County        Town or area                  Location

4/17/00         Fentress          Mt. Helen area          Garrett's Store

4/18/00         Scott               Winfield                   City Hall

4/20/00         Anderson          Oak Ridge   Civic Center, Rooms A&B

4/24/00         Fentress          Jamestown              York Institute

4/25/00         Scott               Huntsville                County Bldg

4/27/00         McCreary        Stearns    BSF Scenic Railway Depot

3.                   To request a copy of the Draft GMP, call 423‑569‑9778, or e-mail:  biso_superintendent@nps.gov

4.                   Let us know whether you have sent comments and/or attended a meeting.  Also, if you wish to continue to be informed about BSF issues.  Contact Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning russelllb@sprynet.com , russelllb@ornl.gov) or National Parks Conservation Association danielle@tngreen.com, danielle@tcwn.org

            Thank You for Your Help,

            Liane B. Russell
            Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning