After eight years of research, analysis, and public involvement, the draft management plan for the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests has been released. The plan will guide forest management of 1.1 million acres of North Carolina’s forest land for the next 15 or more years, including logging, resource extraction, and recreation. This is a big deal for paddlers because numerous rivers run through these forests, including the Nantahala, Hiwassee, Little Tennessee, Tuckasegee, Pigeon, Nolichucky, and French Broad.
It is crucial that the Forest Service hear from people who use the national forests for recreation and who value our forests for the many natural services they provide like clean water, wildlife habitat, and natural carbon storage. The Forest Service is taking public comment on the plan through the extended deadline of June 29, and a final plan will be adopted sometime next year.
A good map of the area is available from the Forest Service. Background about the plan and how to submit a comment is available from the environmental advocacy organization Appalachian Voices, and an article that appeared in the Smoky Mountain News.