The U.S. Forest Service – National Forests in North Carolina is asking for the public’s involvement during the Nantahala and Pisgah Forest Plan revision process, which includes Panthertown Valley and surrounding forests.
Panthertown Valley protects the healthy headwaters of the Tuckasegee River. This precious watershed has been identified as having potential Outstandingly Remarkable Values and may be eligible for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
North Carolina has approximately 37,853 miles of river, of which 144.5 miles are designated as Wild & Scenic — less than 4/10ths of 1% of the state’s river miles. Currently, those rivers include the Chattooga River, Horsepasture River, Lumber River, New River, and Wilson Creek.
If this identified segment of the Tuckasegee is designated Wild & Scenic, Friends of Panthertown will continue to work with the U.S. Forest Service to be good stewards of its headwaters, which include outstanding and pristine Panthertown Creek and Greenland Creek. Current recreational usages would remain permitted and protected. Only about 1/4 of 1% of our nation’s rivers are protected under the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System.
Public meetings scheduled:
Monday, November 9 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Tartan Hall
First Presbyterian Church
26 Church Street, Franklin, N.C.
and
Monday, November 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Mountain View Room
Wilma M. Sherrill Center & Kimmel Arena
University of North Carolina, Asheville
Find out more about the forest plan and more opportunities to get involved:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/home/?cid=stelprdb5397660
