Forest Scoping Notice

March 25, 1999

Dear Interested Citizen:

The Schenck Job Corps Center (SJCC) is proposing to construct two new dormitories on the Job Corps site.  Currently, the SJCC houses approximately 230 resident students (total residential capacity of 240) in four dormitory buildings.

As a result of recent health and safety evaluations, the existing dormitories have been rated substandard and need to be replaced. The dorms are approximately 25 years old and require a great deal of maintenance time and money and have features no longer acceptable for a dormitory. A preliminary design indicates two new dorms would increase slightly current housing capacity (264 residents) and update all of the substandard features. After the new dorms are constructed and open for occupancy, the old dorm buildings would be removed from the site.

The new dorms will be constructed within the existing administrative site. One location currently is cleared and the other location will require some clearing of trees to locate a dorm and create a yard, approximately 2.0 acres. Additionally, an arched culvert will be placed along 134 feet of Joel Branch to facilitate pedestrian movement across the existing yard. Plant, aquatic, and wildlife surveys indicate no threatened, endangered or sensitive species are within the project area. An archeological survey will be conducted for the site.

If you have concerns about this project or have information about the area that may help us further evaluate this proposal please let us know. Your comments would be most helpful if they are received by April 26, 1999. Comments may be sent to the Pisgah Ranger District, 1001 Pisgah Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, attn. Marella Buncick. We appreciate your time and interest in the Pisgah Ranger District.

Sincerely,

ART ROWE

District Ranger