Forest Scoping Notice
Forest Scoping Notice
December 14, 1999
Dear National Forest Shareholder:
The Pisgah Ranger District is proposing several water quality improvement projects in the North Fork Mills River watershed in Henderson County. We will be conducting an environmental study prior to undertaking the projects. Your comments, concerns, and suggestions are welcome during the study.
Water quality of the Mills River is very important to the aquatic life of the river and its tributaries and for outdoor recreation in the National Forest. Also, Hendersonville depends on the Mills River for its water supply. It has two intakes within the Forest (Bradley Creek and North Fork) and an intake below NC 280/191. Asheville recently brought on line a new water treatment plant and intake facilities to use water from the Mills River. It is located near the confluence of the Mills River and the French Broad River.
There is concern about the quality of water supplying these treatment plants. The Mills River Partnership was formed to work towards improving water quality at these plants. This partnership includes The Regional Water Authority of Asheville, Buncombe, and Henderson Counties; Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy; City of Hendersonville; Henderson County; Henderson County Soil and Water Conservation District; Land-of-Sky Regional Council; and the US Forest Service.
Emphasis for this partnership work is on the lower Mills River (all on private land) and in the North Fork Mills River drainage. In this drainage is Wash Creek which is located all within the National Forest. It is classified as being "impaired" due to sedimentation. Potential sources of sedimentation include trails, streamside camping sites, and gravel roads.
Funds have been secured from the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund and from a special Forest Service grant to finance the following watershed improvement projects.
Proposed Projects:
Heavy Trail Maintenance: Some of the trails in this area are becoming entrenched due to heavy use. They contribute runoff directly into the stream and are a chronic source of sediment. The Forest Service proposes to rehabilitate the entire 2.3 miles of the Spencer Creek Trail, approximately 0.7 miles of the Trace Ridge Trail, and about 1.0 mile of the Fletcher Creek Trail. See the attached map for locations. Waterbars will be constructed by hand or by machine depending on accessibility for equipment. These will divert runoff from the trail tread. Some sediment catch basins will be constructed to intercept the sediment before it reaches the watercourse.
Road Reconstruction and Maintenance: The Wash Creek Road (FS 5000) and the Yellow Gap Road (FS 1206) are two gravel roads open to public vehicular travel. These roads were constructed many years ago and before much consideration was given to water run-off control and sedimentation. It is proposed to replace or relocate some of the culverts on these roads. Sediment catch basins will be constructed to intercept the water carrying sediment before it reaches the streams. The first half mile of the Wash Creek Road will be paved. This steep section receives a high amount of traffic. It constantly washboards which adds to the sedimentation problem as well as creating safety hazard. In this section the drainage ditches will be re-constructed but the road width will remain as it is now.
Roadside Campsite Rehabilitation / Closing: Roadside camping is a very popular activity within the watershed. Many of the roadside campsites are close to the streams. Sediment washing off of the sites and human waste (there are no restroom facilities) add to the degradation of water quality. Many of the sites need to be rehabilitated by hardening. Some need to be closed and/or relocated away from the riparian area. An inventory will be completed on all roadside campsites within the project area to identify which sites should be closed or rehabilitated. Sites which are closed will be revegetated and blocked. Rehabilitation may include reshaping sites, defining parking, and hardening sites with gravel and wood chips.
Do you have any comments on this proposal? Are there issues or concerns that you suggest we consider? If so please let us know by January 18, 2000. Please send any comments to the Pisgah Ranger District, attention: Diane Bolt. Thank you for your interest.
Sincerely,
Art Rowe
ART ROWE
District Ranger
Enclosures: (2 maps)