The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are in the process of revising the Forest Plan that will provide a strategic framework for managing the Forests, including Panthertown, over the next 10-15 years. The plan includes desired conditions that describe what the public wants the Forests to be in the future and objectives that describe the actions that the Forest Service will take.
While the Forest Plan is being developed, the U.S. Forest Service has been gradually releasing pieces of the pre-draft to provide an opportunity for the public and partners to see building blocks of the plan as they are being developed
The U.S. Forest Service will hold open houses across the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests from late June to early August to provide the public with opportunities to talk with Forest Service staff about local issues, district projects, and the Nantahala and Pisgah Forest Plan revision.
“Public attendance at meetings like these helps us to understand your needs, concerns, and values and helps you understand Forest Service programs and activities,” explains Allen Nicholas, Forest Supervisor for National Forests in North Carolina.
The open houses allow the public to talk directly with Forest Service staff one-on-one. Each District Open House will highlight the areas within that district. District rangers and members of the Forest Plan revision team will be available to discuss the materials, including as they relate to Panthertown, on each of the following days and locations:
- July 11, 6-8 pm: Nantahala Ranger District at Tartan Hall, 26 Church St., Franklin
- July 13, 6-8 pm: Pisgah Ranger District Office, 1600 Pisgah Hwy, Brevard
Download a plan summary: Nantahala and Pisgah Forest Plan Revision Readers Guide
Nantahala Ranger District To Host Forest Plan Revision Open House – July 11, 2017
Franklin, N.C., — The Nantahala Ranger District will be conducting an open house on July 11 at Tartan Hall, 26 Church Street in Franklin from 6-8 PM. The public may drop in at any time during these hours to learn about the Forest Plan Revision Process on the Nantahala Ranger District, and to informally ask questions on any other local National Forest management issues.
There will be a 15-minute presentation, repeated as necessary, covering current district activities, as well as a brief overview of Geographic Areas before proceeding to one on one discussions. Subjects included in the current Forest Plan include Geographic Areas, Special Interest Areas, and a starting point for Interface, Matrix, and Back Country Management Areas. Those attending will find it helpful to review the current Forest Plan Revision website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/nfsnc/nprevision.
Panthertown is part of the “Highland Domes” Geographic Area:
How can I provide feedback?
Send comments to NCplanrevision@fs.fed.us with the subject line: “Geographic and Management Area building blocks,”or by mail at the following address:
Attn: Plan Revision Team Leader,
National Forests in North Carolina
160 Zillicoa St., Suite A
Asheville, NC 28801
In order to provide strongest input for the draft, comments will be most useful when received by August 31, 2017.
You may also direct your specific Panthertown comments or questions to: friends@panthtertown.org
How can I help?
Attend an open house.
Send in your comments.
