National Forests in North Carolina

Randall Burgess, District Ranger 828-877-3265 Pisgah Ranger District 1001 Pisgah Highway Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

TRAVEL ANALYSIS PROCESS

For

ANALYSIS AREA 03

USDA Forest Service Pisgah Ranger District Pisgah National Forest

May 2011

Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Step I: Setting up the Analysis ............................................................................................................................................................. 3

1.1 Interdisciplinary Team Members ............................................................................................................................................... 3 1.2 Data Needs ................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 1.3 Scope of Travel Analysis ........................................................................................................................................................... 4 1.4 Scale of Travel Analysis ............................................................................................................................................................ 4 1.5 Inventory of Roads and Motorized Trails in the Travel Analysis Area ..................................................................................... 4 1.6 Appropriate Depth for this Analysis .......................................................................................................................................... 5 1.7 Opportunities to Integrate this Travel Analysis with any Watershed or Landscape Assessment .............................................. 6

STEP II: DESCRIBING THE SITUATIOn ......................................................................................................................................... 6 2.1 Current Land and Travel Management Direction ...................................................................................................................... 6 2.2 Analysis Area ............................................................................................................................................................................ 7

2.2a Map of Analysis Area .......................................................................................................................................................... 7 2.2b Inventory of Roads and Trails used for Motorized Travel .................................................................................................. 7 2.2c Assessment of Motorized and Non-Motorized Uses ......................................................................................................... 10 2.2d Description of Public and Administrative Needs .............................................................................................................. 10 2.2e Assessment of Motorized Recreation Opportunities ......................................................................................................... 10 2.2f Information about Environmental, Social, and Other Issues .............................................................................................. 10 2.2g Summary of Existing Travel Management Decisions ....................................................................................................... 11 2.2h Assessment of Available Resources to Maintain and Operate the Forest Transportation System .................................... 11 2.2i Summary of Available Applicable Accident and Law Enforcement Data ......................................................................... 11

2.3 Motor Vehicle Use on the Part of the Forest Transportation System Under Analysis and on the Adjacent or Connecting Authorized Transportation Systems ............................................................................................................................................... 12 2.4 Effects of Motor Vehicle Use on the Portion of the Forest Transportation System Under Analysis ....................................... 12

2.4.1 General Criteria for Roads, Trails, and Areas .................................................................................................................. 12 2.4.2 Specific Criteria for Trails and Areas ............................................................................................................................... 13 2.4.3 Specific Criteria for Roads ............................................................................................................................................... 13

3.1 Identify Key Issues Affecting the Portion of the Forest Transportation System Under Analysis ............................................ 14 3.2 To Identify Key Issues, Determine in the Context of the Analysis .......................................................................................... 14

3.2a Primary Public Concerns Related to Travel Management ................................................................................................. 14 3.2b Primary Management Concerns Related to Travel Management ...................................................................................... 14 3.2c Legal Constraints on Travel Management ......................................................................................................................... 14 3.2d Resources and Skill Available to Conduct Analysis ......................................................................................................... 14

3.3 Data Needed To Analyze Key Issues ....................................................................................................................................... 15 STEP IV: ASSESSING BENEFITS, PROBLEMS, AND RISKS .................................................................................................... 15

4.1 Major Uses and Environmental, Social, and Economic Impacts ............................................................................................. 15 4.1.1 Financial and Economic Values ....................................................................................................................................... 15

4.3 General Criteria for Designating NFS Roads, Trails, and Areas ............................................................................................. 22 STEP V: DESCRIBING OPPORTUNITIES AND SETTING PRIORITIES ................................................................................... 28

5.1 Management Opportunities and Proposals .............................................................................................................................. 29 5.2 Current and Desired Motorized Use ........................................................................................................................................ 38 5.3 Unauthorized Roads and Trails Considered for Designation ................................................................................................... 38

STEP VI: REPORTING ..................................................................................................................................................................... 38 6.1 List of Key Issues .................................................................................................................................................................... 38 6.2 Prioritized List of the Risks and Benefits ................................................................................................................................ 38 6.3 Prioritized List of Opportunities for Addressing those Risks and Benefits ............................................................................. 38 6.4 Prioritized List of Actions or Projects that would Implement the Minimum Road System ..................................................... 38 6.5 List of Proposed Changes Including Additions and Deletions ................................................................................................ 38

Appendix A: Applicable Land and Travel Management Direction ................................................................................................... 40 Appendix B: Generalized Road Maintenance Costs, Pisgah Ranger District .................................................................................... 45 Appendix C: Maps ............................................................................................................................................................................. 46

INTRODUCTION

Process Pursuant to Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 7709.55, Chapter 20, the Travel Analysis Process (TAP) is a six-step process. The steps are designed to be sequential with the understanding the process may require feedback and iteration among steps over time as an analysis matures. The amount of time and effort spent on each step differs by project based on specific situations and available information. The process provides a set of possible issues and analysis questions, the answers for which are intended to inform choices about road system management. Decision makers and analysts determine the relevance of each question, incorporating public participation as deemed necessary. Additional information about the Transportation Analysis Process can be found in FSM 7700. Travel Analysis Steps:

Step 1: Setting up the Analysis Step 2: Describing the Situation Step 3: Identifying Issues Step 4: Assessing Benefits, Problems, and Risks Step 5: Describing Opportunities and Setting Priorities Step 6: Reporting

Products The product of a Travel Analysis is a report for decision makers and the public that documents the information and analyses used to identify opportunities and set priorities for the future management of the National Forest Roads System. Included in the report is a map displaying the inventoried road system for the analysis area and the risks and opportunities for each road or road segment, identification of the minimum road system needed for safe and efficient travel and for administration, utilization, and protection of National Forest System (NFS) lands [36 CFR 212.5(b)(1)], and designation of roads, trails and areas for motor vehicle use [36 CFR 212.51]. A report may also include other maps and tables necessary to display specific priorities and changes in a road system, and may be updated as needed. There are two types of TAPs – those done at the Forest-level and those done at a smaller level including the sub-watershed and project-level. This Report This report documents the travel analysis for Analysis Area 03 (AA03). AA03 consists of Compartments 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 44, and 45 in the Pisgah Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest, and is located in Henderson and Buncombe counties in North Carolina. Only National Forest System (NFS) roads and other roads which occur on NFS lands are considered. All road lengths in this analysis are derived from GIS and are approximate.

STEP I: SETTING UP THE ANALYSIS

The purpose of this step is to: 1. Establish an Interdisciplinary Team (ID team) that includes specialists from relevant disciplines; 2. Develop a list of data needs, and a schedule for completing the analysis; 3. Identify the appropriate scope of analysis. The scope of analysis refers to the range of potential actions to be considered, for

example, whether only additions to the existing forest transportation system will be considered, whether only the existing forest transportation system will be analyzed, or whether only motorized trails will be considered for changes;

4. Identify the appropriate scale of analysis; 5. Establish a complete and accurate inventory of NFS roads and NFS trails managed for motor vehicle use in the portion of the

forest transportation system under analysis; 6. Identify the appropriate depth for travel analysis based on the skills and resources available and the complexity and scope of

the issues prompting the analysis; 7. Consider opportunities to integrate travel analysis with any watershed analysis or landscape assessments.

1.1 Interdisciplinary Team Members The Travel Analysis was conducted by an Interdisciplinary Team (ID Team). The ID Team consisted of the following members:

• Ted Oprean (Silviculturalist) • Brady N. Dodd (Hydrologist) • Lorie Stroup (Aquatic Biologist) • David Danley (Botanist) • Michael N. Hutchins (NEPA Coordinator) • Scott Ashcraft (Archeology)

• Karl Buchholtz (Engineer) • Joshua Martin (NEPA trainee) • Matthew Keyes (Timber Management Assistant) • Sheryl Bryan (Forest Fish and Wildlife Biologist)

1.2 Data Needs Data needed for the analysis include:

• Forest Plan Direction for roads and motorized trails in the AA; • Inventory of all National Forest System Roads (NFSRs) and motorized use National Forest System Trails (NFSTs) within

the AA; • Determinations and locations of unauthorized or temporary roads where opportunities to improve compliance with the

Forest Plan exist; • Determination of future needs for access to the area.

1.3 Scope of Travel Analysis Pursuant to FSH 7709.55, Chapter 20, the objective of this travel analysis is to “conduct travel analysis to inform decisions related to:

a. Identification of the minimum road system needed for safe and efficient travel and for administration, utilization, and protection of NFS lands per 36 CFR 212.5(b)(1);

b. Designation of roads, trails and areas for motor vehicle use per 36 CFR 212.51.” It is not within the scope of this analysis to produce a comprehensive list of every unauthorized or temporary road within the AA. Only authorized roads and those roads which present an opportunity for management action are included. The scope of this analysis includes:

• Identification of authorized roads, trails, and areas designated for motorized use • Identification of the risks and benefits associated with the current authorized Forest transportation system • Identification of areas of special sensitivity or unique resource value that may require specific road management. • Identification of opportunities to improve compliance of the Forest transportation system with the Forest Plan, including:

o Opportunities to add existing temporary and unauthorized roads to the Forest transportation system; o Opportunities to decommission existing authorized, unauthorized, and temporary roads; o Opportunities to change Road Maintenance objectives, access levels, and seasonal access restrictions; and o Opportunities to add, improve, or remove Forest transportation facilities (gates, parking lots, bridges, culverts, etc.);

and • Prioritization of recommended changes, based on available resources, existing management direction, and reasonably

foreseeable activities within the Analysis Area.

1.4 Scale of Travel Analysis Pursuant to FSH 7709.55, Chapter 21.1, the responsible official must “Determine the appropriate scale [for the TAP] based on the issues to be addressed.” In order to thoroughly analyze the AA03 Travel Analysis Area and provide detailed information about the existing transportation system to facilitate future management decisions, it was determined that a Travel Analysis on a sub-watershed scale was appropriate. By focusing on the AA, a 15,215 acre area, the TAP can provide more detailed and specific data than a watershed- district- or Forest-wide analysis. 1.5 Inventory of Roads and Motorized Trails in the Travel Analysis Area See Table 1.1: Inventory of Roads and Motorized Trails within Analysis Area 03, Section 2.2b: Inventory of Roads and Trails Used for Motorized Travel, and Appendix B: Maps. There are no motorized trails in the Analysis Area. Table 1.1: Inventory of System Roads in AA03 Road ID

Name Begin End RMO Access Maint. Level

Surface * Lanes Length (Miles)

1206 Yellow Gap Road SR 1345

US 276 A1 Open 5 Pav Double 0.92

B1 Open 4 Agg Single 3.17 1206A Yellow Gap Spur 1206 Dead End D1 Closed 1 Nat Single 0.38 1206B Allan Cove Road 1206 Dead End D1 Closed 1 Nat Single 1.10 1206C Mince Cove Road 1206 Dead End D1 Closed 1 Nat Single 0.33 142 Hendersonville

Reservoir Road 5000 Hendersonville

Reservoir C2 Closed 3 Agg Single 1.28

C3 Open 3 Agg Single 0.49 294 North Mills River 1206 North Mills River A1 Restricted 5 Pav Single 0.37

Road ID

Name Begin End RMO Access Maint. Level

Surface * Lanes Length (Miles)

Recreation Area Road Recreation Area 294A South Loop A 294 294 A1 Restricted 5 Pav Single 0.26 294B North Loop B 294 294 A2 Restricted 5 Pav Single 0.20 5000 Wash Creek Road 1206 BRP A1 Open 5 Pav Single 0.27 B1 Open 4 Pav Single 5.45 5000A Kramer's Vista Road 5000 Dead End D5 Closed 1 Nat Single 0.54 5000B Ferrin Knob Road 5000 Dead End D1 Closed 1 Nat Single 1.39 5000C Moore Cove Road 5000 Dead End D1 Closed 1 Nat Single 0.87 5001 Seniard Ridge Road 5000 Dead End D1 Closed 1 Nat Single 3.60 D5 Closed 1 Nat Single 1.50 5001A Double Creek 5001 Dead End D5 Closed 1 Nat Single 1.22 5026 Foster Creek Road SR

1347 Dead End D1 Closed 1 Nat Single 1.19

Open 1 Nat Single 0.32 5050 Rocky Fork Road 1206 Dead End D1 Closed 1 Nat Single 2.28 5050A Rocky Fork Spur 5050 Dead End D1 Closed 1 Nat Single 0.67 5051 Laurel Ridge Road 5050 Dead End D3 Closed 1 Nat Single 2.25 5097 Fletcher Creek Road 142 Outside AA C2 Closed 3 Agg Single 2.59 5097A Trace Ridge Spur 5097 Dead End D5 Closed 1 Nat Single 1.20 Total System Roads 33.84

* Nat=native, Agg=aggregate, Pav=Paved Table 1.2: Inventory of Non-system Roads in AA03 Road ID

Name Begin End RMO Access Maint Level

Surface *

Lanes Length (Miles)

A Bog Road 5026 Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.54 B Rush Branch Road 294 Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.21 C Dog Ridge Road 5000A Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.19 D Bear Ridge Road 5000C Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.54 E Bear Ridge Spur D Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.26 F n/a E Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.12 G n/a Private Private n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.48 H Brushy Ridge Road 5001 Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 1.18 I Bear Branch Road 5001 Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 1.17 L Chestnut Cove Road BRP Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 1.18 M Chestnut Cove Spur L Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.31 N Fannie Ridge Road L Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.89 P n/a N N n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.69 Q n/a L Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.21 R n/a M Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.15 U Seniard Mountain Spur 5001 Dead End n/a Closed 0 Nat Single 0.08 V Ferron Creek Road 5000 Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.13 W Ferron Creek Spur V Dead End n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.15 X North Mills River Recreation

Area Parking 294A Campsites n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.06

Y Humphrey's Road 5026 Private n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.79 Z Wash Creek Horse Camp

Road 5000 Wash Creek Horse

Camp n/a Closed n/a Nat Single 0.06

Total Nonsystem Roads 9.40 * Nat=native, Agg=aggregate, Pav=Paved 1.6 Appropriate Depth for this Analysis The TAP is conducted at a sufficient depth to adequately identify the minimum road system needed for safe and efficient travel and for administration, utilization, and protection of National Forest System (NFS) lands [36 CFR 212.5(b)(1)], and designation of roads, trails and areas for motor vehicle use [36 CFR 212.51]. According to FSH 7709.55, Chapter 21.1, the Responsible Official will:

“Identify the appropriate depth for travel analysis based on the skills and resources available and the complexity and scope of the issues prompting the analysis. For less complex and comprehensive questions, analysis may consist of no more than a judgment by the interdisciplinary team on the issues presented. At other times, the complexity, scope, and scale of the issues or the potential severity of effects may be sufficient to justify using the latest analytical tools. Interdisciplinary teams should conduct travel analysis that is as simple and cost-effective as possible and still produces sufficient information for decision-making.”

For this TAP, analysis consists of a GIS analysis of previously mapped roads, trails, streams, administrative boundaries, topography, and Forest Service management units (Management Areas, Compartments, and Stands). Previously unmapped temporary and unauthorized roads, and roads whose locations the ID team believed were not accurately represented in the spatial dataset, were verified by GPS. The current and potential future uses, risks, and benefits of each system and non-system road were analyzed by the ID team to find opportunities to improve compliance with the Forest Plan.

1.7 Opportunities to Integrate this Travel Analysis with any Watershed or Landscape Assessment The TAP can be integrated with the Brushy Ridge Project Analysis, as the analysis areas are the same. The AA was included in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forest Roads Analysis Process Report, 2003, and that report is incorporated by reference. No other travel analyses or Watershed/Landscape Assessments are being conducted in the vicinity at this time.

STEP II: DESCRIBING THE SITUATION

The purpose of this step is to: 1. Summarize current land management and travel management direction; 2. For the portion of the forest transportation system under analysis, produce:

a. A map; b. An inventory of NFS roads and NFS trails and areas on NFS lands managed for motor vehicle use; c. An assessment of motorized and non-motorized uses; d. A description of public and administrative access needs; e. An assessment of motorized recreation opportunities; f. Information about environmental, social and other issues; g. A summary of existing travel management decisions; h. An assessment of available resources to maintain and operate the forest transportation system; i. A summary of available applicable accident and law enforcement data;

3. Consider motor vehicle use both on the part of the forest transportation system under analysis and on adjacent or connecting authorized transportation systems;

4. Consider the effects of motor vehicle use on the portion of the transportation system under analysis, using the general and specific criteria for designating NFS roads, trails, and areas on NFS lands for motor vehicle use (36 CFR 251.55; FSM 7715.5).

2.1 Current Land and Travel Management Direction Current land management and travel management direction includes the Land and Resource Management Plan; Amendment 5; Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Management Areas (MAs), Road Maintenance Levels, and Road Maintenance Objectives (RMOs). See Appendix A: Applicable Land and Travel Management Direction for details, road management definitions, and Management Area standards. The following table displays current road densities in the AA with Forest Plan direction (Total distance here is less than the total mileage of Forest roads in the TAP because some road segments are not in a management area): Table 2.1: Comparison of Current Road Density and Forest Plan Direction within AA**

mi mi/mi^2 mi mi/mi^22a 0.65 2.00 3.29 5.09 4.41 6.823b 4.86 0.50 4.47 0.92 15.91 3.284a 0.97 0.25 1.00 1.03 2.52 2.604c 2.39 0.25 0.65 0.27 1.05 0.444d 2.65 0.25 0.17 0.07 8.24 3.11

11.52 9.58 32.14

MA* Area (mi^2)

Forest Plan Standard for Open Road Density (mi/mi^2)

Open NFSRs All NFSRs

* For MAs 3 and 4, the Forest Plan states: “Where existing open road densities exceed [Forest Plan standard] miles per square mile, and, if closure of existing roads is prohibitive for administrative or legal reasons, then document these exceptions to the standard and investigate strategies to reduce the open road density” (Forest Plan, page III-76 and III 87). ** “Some standards are stated as approximations or desired densities…However, some latitude is given to allow for on – the – ground decisions necessary to implement the standard in an economically and environmentally sound manner” (Forest Plan, p. III-8)

2.2 Analysis Area The boundaries of the AA are described in section 1.4, above. See Figure 2.1: AA03 Travel Analysis Area Vicinity Map, below, and Appendix C: Maps. 2.2a Map of Analysis Area See Appendix C: Maps for detailed maps of the Analysis Area. Figure 2.1: AA03 Travel Analysis Vicinity Map with Compartments

2.2b Inventory of Roads and Trails used for Motorized Travel See Appendix A for the definitions of each type of road. These road types are established by 36 CFR 212.1. This section discloses information about current road conditions; recommended changes are disclosed in Steps 5 and 6 of the TAP. National Forest System Roads (NFSRs) These roads are part of the Forest Transportation System, and receive regular maintenance according to their assigned RMO. Yellow Gap (NFSR 1206): This 13.2 mile road between State Route (SR) 1345 (North Mills River Road) and US 276 is a major access route within the Forest. In the AA, it accesses the North Mills Recreation Area and several roads and trails. Outside the AA, it accesses additional roads, trails, and parking areas as well as the Cradle of Forestry. The road has an RMO of A1 and is open to public vehicle access for the first 1.0 miles (starting from SR 1345), and has an RMO of B1 and is open to public vehicle access from 1.0 miles to 13.2 miles. Only the first 4.09 miles are within AA03. It provides access for recreation and management activities. Yellow Gap Spur (NFSR 1206A): This 0.38 mile road has an RMO of D1, and is closed with a tank trap and managed as a linear wildlife opening. It provides access for dispersed recreation, future timber harvest, and management activities. Allan Cove (NFSR 1206B): This 1.10 mile road has an RMO of D1 and is closed with a gate and managed as a linear wildlife opening. It provides access for dispersed recreation, future timber harvest, and management activities. Mince Cove (NFSR 1206C): This 0.33 mile road has an RMO of D1 and is closed with a gate and managed as a linear wildlife opening. It provides access for dispersed recreation, future timber harvest, and management activities. Hendersonville Reservoir (NFSR 142): The first 0.5 miles of this road are open to public vehicle access and have an RMO of C3. From mile 0.5 to mile 1.77 it is closed with a gate and has an RMO of C2. The road provides administrative access to Hendersonville Reservoir, and access for dispersed recreation and management activities.

North Mills River Recreation Area (NFSR 294): This 0.37 mile seasonal access road has an RMO of A1 and accesses the North Mills River Recreation Area and water treatment plant. South Loop A (NFSR 294A): This 0.26 mile seasonal access road has an RMO of A1 and is part of the North Mills River Recreation Area. North Loop B (NFSR 294B): This 0.20 mile seasonal access road has an RMO of A1 and is part of the North Mills River Recreation Area. Wash Creek (NFSR 5000): The first 0.27 miles of this road have an RMO of A1. The remainder of the road has an RMO of B1. The road is open to public vehicle use and is one of the main access routes in the AA. It runs between FSR 1206 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, and provides access to roads, trails, and parking areas, and for dispersed recreation, future timber harvest, and management activities. Kramer’s Vista (NFSR 5000A): This 0.54 mile closed road has an RMO of D5 and is managed as a linear wildlife opening. It provides access for dispersed recreation, future timber harvest, and management activities. Ferrin Knob (NFSR 5000B): This 1.39 mile road has an RMO of D1. It is closed to public vehicle access with a gate and provides access for dispersed recreation, future timber harvest, and management activities. Moore Cove (NFSR 5000C): This 0.87 mile road has an RMO of D1 and is managed as a linear wildlife opening. It is closed to public vehicle access with a gate and provides access for dispersed recreation, future timber harvest, and management activities. Seniard Mountain (NFSR 5001): This 5.10 mile road has an RMO of D1 from mile 0.0 to mile 3.6 and an RMO of D5 from mile 3.6 to mile 5.1. It is closed to public vehicle access with a gate and provides access for dispersed recreation, future timber harvest, and management activities. The last 1.5 miles are managed as a linear wildlife opening. Double Creek (NFSR 5001A): This 1.22 mile road is closed to public vehicle access and has an RMO of D5. It is managed as a linear wildlife opening and provides access for dispersed recreation and management activities. Foster Creek (NFSR 5026): The first 0.32 miles of this road has an RMO of C3 and is open to public vehicle access; the remainder of the 1.51 mile road has an RMO of D1 and is closed to public vehicle access. The road provides access to private property, the Foster Creek Trail, and for dispersed recreation and management activities Rocky Fork (NFSR 5050): This 2.28 mile closed road has an RMO of D1 and provides access for dispersed recreation and management activities. Rocky Fork Spur (NFSR 5050A): This 0.67 mile closed road has an RMO of D1 and provides access for dispersed recreation and management activities. It is used to maintain the University of Tennessee and North Carolina State Cooperative Oak Enrichment Plantings. Laurel Ridge (NFSR 5051): This 2.25 mile road is closed to public vehicle access and has an RMO of D3. It provides access for dispersed recreation and management activities. Fletcher Creek (NFSR 5097): This road is closed with a gate and has an RMO of C2 from mile 0.0 to mile 9.1; an RMO of D1 from mile 9.1 to 9.6; and an RMO of D5 from mile 9.6 to mile 12.1. Only first 2.59 miles of the road is within the AA. The road provides access for dispersed recreation and management activities in the western part of the AA. Trace Ridge Spur (NFSR 5097A): This 1.20 mile closed road has an RMO of D5 and is managed as a linear wildlife opening. It provides access for dispersed recreation and management activities. Unauthorized and Temporary Roads As part of the Transportation Analysis Process, unauthorized and temporary roads with recommended changes were assigned temporary identifying letters/numbers for use during the analysis. These designations are not permanent, and roads which are later incorporated into the Forest transportation system will be assigned permanent names and road numbers. Road A (Bog Road): This 0.54 mile road originating from FSR 5026 provides access for recreation and management activities, and is expected to be used for future timber harvest. Road B (Rush Branch Road): This 0.21 mile road originating from FSR 294 provides access for recreation and management activities, and is expected to be used for future timber harvest.

Road C (Dog Ridge Road): This 0.19 mile road originating from FSR 5000A provides access for recreation and management activities, and is expected to be used for future timber harvest. Road D (Bear Ridge Road): This 0.54 mile road originating from FSR 5000C provides access for recreation and management activities, and is expected to be used for future timber harvest. Road E (Bear Ridge Spur): This 0.26 mile road originating from road D provides access for recreation and management activities, and is expected to be used for future timber harvest. Road F: This 0.12 mile road originating from road D provides access for recreation and management activities. Road G: This 0.48 mile road intersects with FSR 5001 and provides access for recreation and management activities. Road H (Brushy Ridge Road): This 1.18 mile road originating from FSR 5001 provides access for recreation and management activities, and is expected to be used for future timber harvest. Road I (Bear Branch Road): This 1.17 mile road originating from FSR 5001 provides access for recreation and management activities, and is expected to be used for future timber harvest. Road L (Chestnut Cove Road): This 1.18 mile road runs between SR 3496 (Avery Creek Road) and the Blue Ridge Parkway. It provides access for recreation and management activities, and is expected to be used for future timber harvest. Currently, the Forest Service does not have access to this road from the Avery Creek side; a right of way needs to be established through the Avery Creek community in order to use this road as a haul route. Road M (Chestnut Cove Road): This 0.31 mile road originating from road L provides access for recreation and management activities, and is expected to be used for future timber harvest. Currently, the Forest Service does not have access to this road from the Avery Creek side; a right of way needs to be established through the Avery Creek community in order to use this road as a haul route. Road N (Fannie Ridge Road): This 0.89 mile road originating from road L provides access for recreation and management activities, and is expected to be used for future timber harvest. Currently, the Forest Service does not have access to this road from the Avery Creek side; a right of way needs to be established through the Avery Creek community in order to use this road as a haul route. Road P: This 0.69 mile road originating from road L provides access for recreation and management activities. Road Q: This 0.21 mile road originating from road L provides access for recreation and management activities. Road R: This 0.15 mile road originating from road M provides access for recreation and management activities. Road U (Seniard Mountain Spur): This 0.08 mile road originating from FSR 5001 provides access for recreation and management activities, and is expected to be used for future timber harvest. It also accesses a wildlife field. Road V (Ferrin Creek Road): This 0.13 mile road originating from FSR 5000 provides access for recreation and management activities, and is expected to be used for future timber harvest. Road W (Ferrin Creek Spur): This 0.15 mile road originating from road V provides access for recreation and management activities, and is expected to be used for future timber harvest. Road X (North Mills River Recreation Area Parking): This paved 0.06 mile road is the fee parking area for North Mills River Recreation Area. Road Z (Wash Creek Horse Camp Road): This 0.06 mile gated road accesses Wash Creek Horse Camp, a fee use area. Other Forest Roads This section discloses public or private roads which legally cross National Forest Service lands by way of an easement, permit, or other method. Road Y (Humphrey’s Road): This 0.79 mile road accesses private land from FSR 5026.

2.2c Assessment of Motorized and Non-Motorized Uses Motorized: The following motorized uses are present in the AA:

• Public access to trails and facilities within the AA, particularly Wash Creek Horse Camp and North Mills River recreation area;

• Access to private property located adjacent to the AA; • Administrative access for management activities, including timber, wildlife, and fire protection; • Access for commercial timber sales; • Public access to recreation opportunities throughout the AA; • Access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Bent Creek Experimental Forest; and • Commercial use by outfitters and guides.

Non-Motorized: The following non-motorized uses are present in the AA:

• Hiking, biking, and equestrian use; • Dispersed recreation activities, including hunting, fishing, and camping; • Gathering firewood and permitted forest products; and • Commercial use by outfitters and guides.

2.2d Description of Public and Administrative Needs Public Needs The following public access needs are present in the AA:

• Access to recreation opportunities on NFS lands, including trails, campgrounds, parking, day use, and dispersed recreation areas;

• Access to Wash Creek Horse camp and North Mills River Recreation Area; • Access to adjacent private property; and • Access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Bent Creek Experimental Forest.

Administrative needs: The following administrative access needs are present in the AA:

• NC Wildlife Resource Commission access to Federal/State Game Lands for enforcement and wildlife habitat management;

• Forest Service access for resource management activities, which may include: o Commercial timber harvest or non-commercial vegetation management; o Maintenance of roads, structures, wildlife openings, or other facilities; o Management of wildlife, fish, plant, or bird populations or habitat; o Identification or inventory of resources; o Wildfire prevention or prescription burning; o Law enforcement; o Other management activities consistent with the Forest Plan, Forest Service directives, and applicable laws and

regulations. 2.2e Assessment of Motorized Recreation Opportunities There are no trails or areas designated for motorized recreation use within the AA. 2.2f Information about Environmental, Social, and Other Issues Environmental, social, and other issues in the AA include:

• The Forest Transportation System provides access to the Wash Creek Horse Camp, a popular location for equestrian users;

• The AA is used for hunting and fishing by local residents; • Horseback riding is common throughout the AA and many National Forest System and non-system roads are currently

used; • Roads and trails in the AA are used for hiking, biking, and horse riding; • Roads and trails are used to access opportunities for dispersed use, including hunting, fishing, camping, and gathering of

firewood and other permitted forest products.

2.2g Summary of Existing Travel Management Decisions • January 13, 2003, Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Road Process Report evaluated all 424 open roads in the

current Forest System for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. • January 01, 2008, Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) shows the National Forest System roads, National Forest System

trails, and the areas on NFS lands in the Pisgah National Forest that are designated for motor vehicle use pursuant to 36 CFR 212.51. The MVUM also contains a list of those designated roads, trails, and areas and enumerates the types of vehicles that are allowed on each route and in each area, and any seasonal restrictions that apply on those routes and in those areas.

2.2h Assessment of Available Resources to Maintain and Operate the Forest Transportation System There are several methods for performing road maintenance and operation on roads within AA 03:

• Annual Road Maintenance Funds: Annual maintenance funding (CMRD) is used to maintain roads with maintenance level 3-5. Funds are used for road grading, aggregate replacement, culvert replacement, ditching, mowing, brushing, gate installation and maintenance, signage and to fund program staffing for the Pisgah District.

• Coop Roads Funds from Timber Sale receipts: These funds are generated from timber sales receipts to cover maintenance of Nation Forest System Roads not included to be maintained in the timber sale contract. Funds are used for aggregate replacement, road blading, culverts replacement, mowing and signage.

• Coop Wildlife Funds: Funds generated from the sale of Federal Game Lands tags and are used to enhance wildlife habitat including maintaining roads with Road Management Objective of D5 (permanent grass/forb opening). Funds are used on roads closed to public vehicle traffic, bicycles and horse use.

In addition to the above resources the Pisgah Ranger District has staff and equipment capable of doing light road maintenance such as dozer grading, aggregate spreading, ditch cleaning, culvert cleaning, gate installation, and signage. Road surfacing is not done for entire road lengths each year; road is spot graveled where needed as surfacing costs exceed yearly road maintenance budget. See Section 4.1, Table 5.4, and Appendix B for additional information regarding road maintenance costs. 2.2i Summary of Available Applicable Accident and Law Enforcement Data Law Enforcement data for the Brushy Ridge Area by Road and Year Yellow Gap Road (FSR 1206) 2007: 11 cases of alcohol related violations, 4 traffic related violations, 2 drug offenses 2008: 1 case alcohol, 5 traffic, 1 drug offense 2009: 1 case alcohol, 1 traffic, 3 drug offenses 2010: 1 drug offense, 25 incidents of campsite theft Wash Creek Road (FSR 5000) 2007: 1 case alcohol, 5 traffic 2008: 5 traffic, 4 drug offenses 2009: 2 alcohol, 1 traffic, 4 drug offenses 2010: 2 drug offenses Hendersonville Reservoir Road (FSR 142) 2007: No known violations to report 2008: No known violations to report 2009: Campsite theft, violators captured 2010: No known violations to report Fletcher Creek (FSR 5097) 2007-10: No known violations to report Allen Cove Road (FSR 1206B) 2007-10: 1 suicide Seinard Mountain Road (FSR 5001) 2007-10: illegal ATV activity Rocky Fork (FSR 5050) 2007-10: No known violations to report

Foster Creek Road (FSR 5026) 2007-10: 1 off road violation, 1 damage to natural resource, 1 damage to government property Other Issues Ongoing ATV use in the Avery Creek area. 2.3 Motor Vehicle Use on the Part of the Forest Transportation System Under Analysis and on the Adjacent or Connecting Authorized Transportation Systems The following motor vehicles uses occur on the Forest Transportation system:

• Access between the Blue Ridge Parkway and state, local, and other federal roads; • Access to private property adjacent to the AA; • Access to Bent Creek Experimental Forest; • Open system roads throughout the AA are used by the public for recreation and access to private property; • Many closed roads within the AA are used as trails and/or wildlife openings; • Open and closed roads within the AA are used by the Forest Service to provide access for management actions; • Access to improved sites, such as North Mills River Rec. Area and Wash Creek Horse Camp; and • Access for commercial timber sales.

2.4 Effects of Motor Vehicle Use on the Portion of the Forest Transportation System Under Analysis In designating NFS roads, NFS trails, and areas on NFS lands for motor vehicle use, consider, as applicable, both the general and specific criteria in 36 CFR 212.55(a) through (c). The general criteria in 36 CFR 212.55(a) apply to roads, trails, and areas. The specific criteria in 36 CFR 212.55(b) apply to trails and areas. The specific criteria in 36 CFR 212.55(c) apply to roads (FSM 7715.5). See Appendix A: 2.4.1 General Criteria for Roads, Trails, and Areas 2.4.1.a: In designating NFS roads, NFS trails, and areas on NFS lands for motor vehicle use, consider effects on NFS natural and cultural resources, public safety, provision of recreation opportunities, access needs, conflicts among uses of NFS lands, the need for maintenance and administration of roads, trails, and areas that would arise if the uses under consideration are designated, and availability of resources for maintenance and administration.

Natural and Cultural Resources: All National Forest Service system roads are assigned an RMO which corresponds to management direction in the Forest Plan for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. To protect cultural resources, Heritage Resource inventories are conducted before any major reconstruction or realignment of system roads takes place. This is done by an Archeologist and reviewed by the NC State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Public Safety: All NFSRs in the NFs-NC are maintained under Federal Highway Administration regulations, which provide standards for road design and signage. Roads are designated with RMOs which allow for them to be maintained in a manner consistent with their intended use. Provision of Recreation Opportunities: Several NFSRs within the AA are maintained as open to the public for access to the North Mills River Recreation Area and other recreation opportunities (see section 2.2b, above). Various roads within the AA provide access for hiking, biking, and equestrian use, and dispersed recreation in accordance with management area direction from the Forest Plan.

Access Needs: The Forest transportation system in the AA provides access to adjacent private land, adjacent areas of the Pisgah National Forest, and access for recreation and management within the AA.

Conflicts among Users of National Forest System Lands: The transportation system in the AA is designed to meet management objectives spelled out in the Forest Plan with open road management for recreation areas and closed road management for resource areas. Conflict between different user types (i.e. equestrian and hiking users on the same trail) is minimized by the appropriate use of RMOs to meet the intended uses of the transportation system. The need for Maintenance and Administration of Roads, Trails, and Areas that would arise if the uses under consideration are designated: Each Forest system road is currently maintained for the use designated by the assigned RMO in accordance with the Forest Plan. For recommended RMO changes and RMOs for roads recommended to be added to the system, see Tables 5.1 through 5.5. For generalized maintenance cost estimates, see Appendix B: Generalized Road Maintenance Costs, Pisgah Ranger District.

2.4.1.b: Consider combinations of uses (such as motorized and non-motorized, different vehicle classes, and highway-legal and non-highway-legal vehicles) on NFS roads and NFS trails. The best way to minimize conflicts among uses may be to provide

separate routes for each use. A decision to allow motorized mixed use on an NFS road must be informed by engineering analysis (FSH 7709.55, ch. 30).

The Forest transportation system in the AA contains both roads that are open to public vehicle use, and roads that are closed to public vehicle use. Each road is assigned an RMO consistent with its intended use. There are no roads, trails, or areas designated for Off Road Vehicle (ORV) use within the AA. All NFS roads in the AA allow hiking use, and many allow other non-motorized uses, including biking and horse riding.

2.4.1.c: While important, the scarcity or abundance of resources to maintain and administer designated roads, trails, and areas should not be the only consideration in developing travel management proposals. In accordance with FSM 7709.20 and 36 CFR 212.5(b)(1), this TAP “[Identifies the] minimum road system needed for safe and efficient travel and for administration, utilization, and protection of National Forest System (NFS) lands.”

For information regarding maintenance costs and funding, see Tables 5.4 and 5.5, and Appendix B: Generalized Road Maintenance Costs, Pisgah Ranger District.

2.4.2 Specific Criteria for Trails and Areas In addition to the general criteria in FSM 7715.5, paragraph 1, when analyzing motor vehicle use on NFS trails and areas on NFS lands, consider the effects on the following, with the objective of minimizing:

a. Damage to soil, watershed, vegetation, and other forest resources. Consider best management practices (BMPs) established by states as a standard for considering effects on these resources;

b. Harassment of wildlife and significant disruption of wildlife habitats; c. Conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses on NFS lands or neighboring federal lands; d. Conflicts among different classes of motor vehicle uses on NFS lands or neighboring federal lands. e. Compatibility of motor vehicle use with existing conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and

other factors, such as traffic-generated dust and the proximity of residences, parks, and schools. There are no motorized National Forest System trails or areas within the AA, nor does the TAP recommend any for future designation. 2.4.3 Specific Criteria for Roads In addition to the general criteria in FSM 7715.5, paragraph 1, consider the following for NFS roads: 2.4.3.a: Speed, volume, composition, and distribution of traffic on roads Speed, volume, composition, and distribution of traffic on NFS roads within the AA are managed by each road’s RMO. Open roads are provided with signage in compliance with Federal Highway Administration regulations. Closed roads are used by USDA Forest Service and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission personnel for management and law enforcement. Contractors also use closed roads for resource work such as timber hauling, reforestation, and timber stand improvement activities. These users must have current driver licenses; vehicles must meet contract specifications; and they are required to post signage along the section of road impacted by their work. 2.4.3.b: Compatibility of vehicle class with road geometry and road surfacing.

• Consider existing road management objectives before making designations that would add vehicle classes. • NFS arterial and collector roads (at Operational Maintenance Level 3, 4, or 5) may provide primary access to NFS lands

for passenger cars and commercial haulers. It may not be appropriate to make some of these roads part of an NFS road or NFS trail loop that has off-highway vehicle recreation as a primary objective (FSH 7709.55, ch. 30).

All system roads within the AA are assigned RMOs consistent with their intended uses and Forest Plan direction. All roads which are being considered for designation or changes in access or maintenance in this TAP would also be assigned RMOs consistent with their new intended uses.

STEP III: IDENTIFYING ISSUES The purpose of this step is to:

1. Identify key issues affecting the portion of the Forest Transportation System under analysis. Use appropriate public involvement to identify these issues. 2. To identify key issues, determine in the context of the analysis:

a. The primary public concerns related to travel management; b. The primary management concerns related to travel management; c. The primary legal constraints on travel management; d. The amount of resources and skills available to conduct the analysis;

3. Determine the data needed to analyze the key issues and whether the data are available or must be obtained. 3.1 Identify Key Issues Affecting the Portion of the Forest Transportation System Under Analysis Issues identified by public and ID team involvement are disclosed in Sections 3.2a and 3.2b below. Public scoping for the Brushy Ridge Vegetation Management Project was conducted by mail on June 09, 2009, and the project was listed in the Schedule of Proposed Actions beginning in January 2010. All responses will be considered in formulating issues for the Transportation Analysis. 3.2 To Identify Key Issues, Determine in the Context of the Analysis Individuals of the ID Team participated in gathering information and in developing draft and final reports. Required information was gathered through field visits, collective knowledge of ID Team members, review of GIS data, individual Road and Trail Management Plans, and past Road and Trail Assessments. Road management issues that surfaced during public scoping for the Brushy Ridge Proposal are considered in this analysis. Scoping for the project resulted in the following issues related to motorized use in the AA: 3.2a Primary Public Concerns Related to Travel Management

A. Concern about maintenance costs for system roads. B. Concern that system and non-system roads contribute to sedimentation and non-native invasive plant dispersal. C. Concern that constructing additional roads may be detrimental to plant and animal species. D. Concern about adequate access for recreational activities and to private property.

3.2b Primary Management Concerns Related to Travel Management

E. Concern that the Forest transportation system does not provide adequate access for current and future management activities, including timber harvest.

F. Concern that existing system and non-system roads do not meet Forest Plan standards for road density. G. Concern that non-system roads do not sufficiently protect soil, water, and other resources. H. Concern that existing non-system roads allow opportunities for unauthorized access. I. Concern that some roads in the AA currently have RMOs which are inconsistent with their use.

3.2c Legal Constraints on Travel Management

J. Applicable laws and regulations. K. Existing agreements with private landowners, including rights-of-way and easements. L. Lack of authorized access through the Avery Creek community to the Avery Creek area.

3.2d Resources and Skill Available to Conduct Analysis Resources available to conduct the analysis include:

• The ID team for the TAP is identified in section 1.1, above; • NFs-NC INFRA reports, to provide needed information on National Forest system roads, including:

o RMO; o Maintenance Level; o Mileage; o Beginning and ending points to determine connectivity with other transportation systems;

o Current road condition (open or closed); • An ArcGIS specialist capable of producing maps and performing geospatial analysis of the AA transportation system; • Field technicians on the Pisgah Ranger District with GPS skills who are available to field check non-system roads within

the AA; • Pisgah Zone Special Uses Specialist to provide needed information on permits, easements, and rights-of-way within the

AA.

3.3 Data Needed To Analyze Key Issues Data needed to analyze key issues include:

• An inventory of existing system roads and their uses within the AA; – Obtainable from INFRA and existing GIS data;

• An inventory of existing temporary and unauthorized roads within the AA, their condition, and suitability for future management and recreation access;

– Obtainable from GIS data, specialist knowledge, and satellite/aerial imagery; • Cost of maintenance of current NFS roads within AA;

– Annual maintenance costs estimated from NFs-NC Engineering generalized road work data and specialist knowledge;

• Knowledge and location of any wildlife or plant species that may be affected by new road construction and/or reconstruction;

– Obtained from Biological Evaluation by wildlife, aquatic, and botanical specialists; • Impacts to possible Historic sites;

– Obtained from assessment by archeology specialist.

STEP IV: ASSESSING BENEFITS, PROBLEMS, AND RISKS

The purpose of this step is to: 1. Examine the major uses and environmental, social, and economic effects of the portion of the Forest transportation system

under analysis. Analyze the risks and benefits associated with the current situation. 2. Consider the general criteria for designating NFS roads, NFS trails, and areas on NFS lands (36 CFR 212.55(a); FSM

7715.5, para. 1). Consider, with the objective of minimizing, the effects of motor vehicle use on the specific criteria for designating NFS trails and areas on NFS lands (36 CFR 212.55(b); FSM 7715.5, para. 2), and consider the specific criteria for designating roads (36 CFR 212.55(c); FSM 7715.5, para. 3).

4.1 Major Uses and Environmental, Social, and Economic Impacts Table 4.2 summarizes the major uses, social and economic effects, and risks and benefits of each road in the AA. Economic effects are described in more detail below. 4.1.1 Financial and Economic Values Expenses Table 4.1, below, shows the estimated annual maintenance funding per mile needed to maintain Forest system roads, based on cost estimates in the Forest Service publication Administrative National Forest System Roads; Annual Maintenance (2001). Total annual funding requirements for the Forest road system in the AA are displayed in Table 5.4, in section 5 below. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forest Roads Analysis Process Report (2003) found that the Forest receives only 21% of the funding needed to meet its annual road maintenance needs. Unfunded maintenance obligations accrue as Deferred Maintenance. Table 4.1: Average Annual Road Maintenance Costs by Maintenance Level* Maintenance Level

1 2 3 4 5 Cost/Mile $500 $1,000 $4,500 $7,700 $9,400 Given that the Forest does not receive sufficient funding each year to meet its maintenance obligations, several methods to reduce maintenance needs are available:

• Decommissioning roads; • Converting roads to trails; and • Decreasing maintenance levels on roads.

Decommissioning roads Decreasing the total number of system road miles will reduce annual maintenance costs. Decommissioning roads often involves an up-front cost to block access and stabilize the road to prevent erosion or other ongoing resource damage. Conversion of Roads to Trails The conversion of roads to trails would reduce the number of miles of roads within the forest and minimize maintenance needs. Converting roads to trails maintains non-motorized access and the associated recreational values, while reducing costs and limiting resource impacts.

Decrease Maintenance Levels Maintenance levels (ML) are determined by considering a variety of factors including; resource program needs (recreation, timber, etc), environmental and resource protection requirements, user safety, composition of traffic (volume, type, class), surface type, and user comfort and convenience. The higher the maintenance level the higher the user comfort and required costs for upkeep. Reducing maintenance levels is one way to reduce the cost of the current system of roads. The greatest cost savings per mile are achieved by reducing ML 3 and 4 roads to 2 and 3, respectively. Annual maintenance does not include the cost of responding to emergencies or one-time events, such as storm damage. Revenues Timber Analysis Area 03 contains 5,840 acres of Forest land managed for timber production, which is the Forest’s main source of revenue in the AA. The road system provides access to this timber, and additional timber in adjacent AAs. Timber sale revenues are generally disclosed in the project NEPA documents. North Mills River Recreation Area The road system provides access to the North Mills River Recreation Area, a fee-use developed campsite. The North Mills River Recreation Area has 16 campsites, with a fee of $17/night. Other Economic Benefits Forest Service roads support activities including logging, harvesting forest products, recreation, fishing, hunting, firefighting and other land management practices, which often benefit the local economy by providing jobs and attracting visitors who will patronize local businesses. These benefits are difficult to quantify at a project scale because they occur over large areas, and are more properly addressed in a District or Forest level TAP Table 4.2: Risks and Benefits of Current System and Unauthorized roads, AA03

Road ID 1206 Road Name Yellow Gap Road Major Use Yellow Gap Road is the main access route in the analysis area, and to adjacent Forest land. It also

accesses the North Mills River Recreation Area. Social Effects This road provides access to Forest land for a variety of uses, including developed and

undeveloped camping, hunting, fishing and dispersed recreation, timber harvest, and other management opportunities.

Economic Effects Provides income to regional economy from tourism, timber and permitted forest products, hunting, and fishing.

Risks High risk of resource damage, high maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency response costs due to public access.

Benefits Administrative access for management activities. Access for a wide variety of recreational opportunities.

Road ID 1206A Road Name Yellow Gap Spur Major Use Non-motorized trail. Access for hunting, fishing, and dispersed recreation opportunities. Access for

management activities. Linear Wildlife Opening Social Effects Multiple use non-motorized trail (hiking, biking, equestrian). Provides public access for hunting

and fishing, and dispersed recreation opportunities. Economic Effects Provides income to regional economy from tourism, hunting, fishing, gathering of permitted forest

products, and timber harvest. Risks Low risk, low maintenance Benefits Administrative access for management activities. Recreational access. Wildlife opening. Road ID 1206B Road Name Allan Cove Road Major Use Non-motorized trail. Access for hunting, fishing, and dispersed recreation opportunities. Access for

management activities. Linear Wildlife Opening Social Effects Multiple use non-motorized trail (hiking, biking, equestrian). Provides public access for hunting

and fishing, and dispersed recreation opportunities. Economic Effects Provides income to regional economy from tourism, hunting, fishing, gathering of permitted forest

products, and timber harvest. Risks Low risk, low maintenance Benefits Administrative access for management activities. Recreational access. Wildlife opening.

Road ID 1206C Road Name Mince Cove Road Major Use Non-motorized trail. Access for hunting, fishing, and dispersed recreation opportunities. Access for

management activities. Linear Wildlife Opening Social Effects Multiple use non-motorized trail (hiking, biking, equestrian). Provides public access for hunting

and fishing, and dispersed recreation opportunities. Economic Effects Provides income to regional economy from tourism, hunting, fishing, gathering of permitted forest

products, and timber harvest. Risks Low risk, low maintenance Benefits Administrative access for management activities. Recreational access. Wildlife opening. Road ID 142 Road Name Hendersonville Reservoir Road Major Use Management access to Hendersonville Reservoir. Social Effects Management and maintenance of Hendersonville Reservoir, which provides water and recreation

opportunities to the local community. Economic Effects Revenue to regional economy from recreation and fishing at Hendersonville Reservoir. Risks Low risk, low maintenance Benefits Administrative access for management activities. State/county/local access to Hendersonville

Reservoir for maintenance and management, including stocking. Road ID 294 Road Name North Mills River Recreation Area Road Major Use Provides access to the North Mills River Rec. Area. Social Effects Provides opportunities for developed camping. Economic Effects North Mills River Rec. Area is a fee use area and generates revenue for the Forest Service. Also

provides revenue to the regional economy from tourism. Risks High risk of resource damage, high maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency response costs

due to public access. Benefits Provides opportunities for developed camping. Road ID 294A Road Name South Loop A Major Use Provides access to the North Mills River Rec. Area. Social Effects Provides opportunities for developed camping. Economic Effects North Mills River Rec. Area is a fee use area and generates revenue for the Forest Service. Also

provides revenue to the regional economy from tourism. Risks High risk of resource damage, high maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency response costs

due to public access. Benefits Provides opportunities for developed camping. Road ID 294B Road Name North Loop B Major Use Provides access to the North Mills River Rec. Area. Social Effects Provides opportunities for developed camping. Economic Effects North Mills River Rec. Area is a fee use area and generates revenue for the Forest Service. Also

provides revenue to the regional economy from tourism. Risks High risk of resource damage, high maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency response costs

due to public access. Benefits Provides opportunities for developed camping. Road ID 5000 Road Name Wash Creek Road Major Use Access to a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking and equestrian trails,

hunting and fishing, and dispersed recreation. Access for management activities. Travel route between FSR 1206 and the BRP.

Social Effects Provides public access for hiking and equestrian trails, hunting and fishing, and dispersed recreation opportunities.

Economic Effects Provides income to regional economy from tourism, timber and permitted forest products, hunting, and fishing.

Risks High risk of resource damage, high maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency response costs due to public access.

Benefits Administrative access for management activities. Access for a wide variety of recreational opportunities.

Road ID 5000A Road Name Kramer’s Vista Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest. Social Effects Multiple use non-motorized trail (hiking, biking, equestrian). Provides access for hunting, fishing,

dispersed recreation activities, and permitted forest products gathering. Economic Effects Revenue to regional economy from timber sales and permitted forest products gathering. Risks Low risk, low maintenance Benefits Access for recreational and management activities. Road ID 5000B Road Name Ferrin Knob Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest. Social Effects Multiple use non-motorized trail (hiking, biking, equestrian). Provides access for hunting, fishing,

dispersed recreation activities, and permitted forest products gathering. Economic Effects Revenue to regional economy from timber sales and permitted forest products gathering. Risks Low risk, low maintenance. Benefits Access for recreational and management activities. Road ID 5000C Road Name Moore Cove Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest .Linear wildlife opening Social Effects Multiple use non-motorized trail (hiking, biking, equestrian). Provides access for hunting, fishing,

dispersed recreation activities, and permitted forest products gathering. Economic Effects Revenue to regional economy from timber sales and permitted forest products gathering. Risks Low risk, low maintenance. Benefits Access for recreational and management activities. Linear wildlife opening. Road ID 5001 Road Name Seniard Mountain Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest. Linear wildlife opening Social Effects Multiple use non-motorized trail (hiking, biking, equestrian). Provides access for hunting, fishing,

dispersed recreation activities, and permitted forest products gathering. Economic Effects Revenue to regional economy from timber sales and permitted forest products gathering. Risks Low risk, low maintenance. Benefits Access for recreational and management activities. Linear wildlife opening. Road ID 5001A Road Name Double Creek Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest. Linear wildlife opening Social Effects Multiple use non-motorized trail (hiking, biking, equestrian). Provides access for hunting, fishing,

dispersed recreation activities, and permitted forest products gathering. Economic Effects Revenue to regional economy from timber sales and permitted forest products gathering. Risks Low risk, low maintenance. Benefits Access for recreational and management activities. Linear wildlife opening. Road ID 5026 Road Name Foster Creek Road Major Use Non-motorized trail. Access for hunting, fishing, and dispersed recreation opportunities. Access for

management activities. Accesses private land. Social Effects Multiple use non-motorized trail (hiking, biking, equestrian). Provides access for hunting, fishing,

dispersed recreation activities, and permitted forest products gathering. Accesses private land. Economic Effects Revenue to regional economy from timber sales and permitted forest products gathering. Risks High risk of resource damage, high maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency response costs

due to public access. Benefits Access for recreational and management activities. Accesses private land. Road ID 5050 Road Name Rocky Fork Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest. Linear wildlife opening. Multiple use trail. Social Effects Multiple use non-motorized trail (hiking, biking, equestrian). Provides access for hunting, fishing,

dispersed recreation activities, and permitted forest products gathering. Economic Effects Revenue to regional economy from timber sales and permitted forest products gathering. Risks Low risk, low maintenance. Benefits Access for recreational and management activities.

Road ID 5050A Road Name Rocky Fork Spur Major Use Access for future timber harvest. Social Effects Multiple use non-motorized trail (hiking, biking, equestrian). Provides access for hunting, fishing,

dispersed recreation activities, and permitted forest products gathering. Economic Effects Revenue to regional economy from timber sales and permitted forest products gathering. Risks Low risk, low maintenance. Benefits Access for recreational and management activities. Road ID 5051 Road Name Laurel Ridge Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest. Social Effects Multiple use non-motorized trail (hiking, biking, equestrian). Provides access for hunting, fishing,

dispersed recreation activities, and permitted forest products gathering. Economic Effects Revenue to regional economy from timber sales and permitted forest products gathering. Risks Low risk, low maintenance. Benefits Access for recreational and management activities. Road ID 5097 Road Name Fletcher Creek Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest. Linear wildlife opening Social Effects Multiple use non-motorized trail (hiking, biking, equestrian). Provides access for hunting, fishing,

dispersed recreation activities, and permitted forest products gathering. Economic Effects Revenue to regional economy from timber sales and permitted forest products gathering. Risks Low risk, low maintenance. Benefits Access for recreational and management activities. Linear wildlife opening. Road ID 5097A Road Name Trace Ridge Spur Major Use Access for future timber harvest. Linear wildlife opening Social Effects Hiking trail. Provides access for hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation activities, and permitted

forest products gathering. Economic Effects Revenue to regional economy from timber sales and permitted forest products gathering. Risks Low risk, low maintenance. Benefits Access for recreational and management activities. Linear wildlife opening. Road ID A Road Name Bog Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest and management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects Provides income to regional economy from recreation and future timber sales. Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID B Road Name Rush Branch Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest and management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects Provides income to regional economy from future timber sales. Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID C Road Name Dog Ridge Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest and management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects Provides income to regional economy from future timber sales. Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID D Road Name Bear Ridge Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest and management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects Provides income to regional economy from future timber sales.

Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID E Road Name Bear Ridge Spur Major Use Access for future management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID F Road Name N/A Major Use Access for future management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID G Road Name N/A Major Use Access for future management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID H Road Name Brushy Ridge Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest and management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID I Road Name Bear Branch Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest and management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID L Road Name Chestnut Cove Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest and management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID M Road Name Chestnut Cove Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest and management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID N Road Name Fannie Ridge Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest and management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities

Road ID P Road Name N/A Major Use Access for future management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID Q Road Name N/A Major Use Access for future management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID R Road Name N/A Major Use Access for future management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID U Road Name Seniard Mountain Spur Major Use Access for future timber harvest and management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID V Road Name Ferrin Creek Road Major Use Access for future timber harvest and management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID W Road Name Ferrin Creek Spur Major Use Access for future timber harvest and management activities. Social Effects None Economic Effects None Risks Risk that insufficient maintenance will result in resource damage or hazards to public safety. Benefits Administrative access for management activities Road ID X Road Name North Mills River Rec. Area Parking Major Use Provides access to the North Mills River Rec. Area. Social Effects Provides opportunities for developed camping. Economic Effects North Mills River Rec. Area is a fee use area and generates revenue for the Forest Service. Also

provides revenue to the regional economy from tourism. Risks High risk of resource damage, high maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency response costs

due to public access. Benefits Provides opportunities for developed camping. Road ID Y Road Name Humphrey’s Road Major Use Accesses private property Social Effects Accesses private property Economic Effects Accesses private property Risks High risk of resource damage, high maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency response costs

due to public access.

Benefits Access for recreational and management activities. Access to private property. Road ID Z Road Name Wash Creek Horse Camp Road Major Use Provides access in wash Creek Horse Camp. Social Effects Provides access in wash Creek Horse Camp. Economic Effects Provides revenue to the regional economy from tourism. Risks High risk of resource damage, high maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency response costs

due to public access. Benefits Provides opportunities for developed camping with horses.

4.3 General Criteria for Designating NFS Roads, Trails, and Areas General and specific criteria for designating roads, trails, and areas are disclosed in section 2.4. See Table 4.3: General Criteria for Designating Roads, below. Table 4.3: General Criteria for Designating Current System and Unauthorized Roads, AA03

Road ID 1206 Road Name Yellow Gap Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Access for management activities. Access to the North Mills River Rec. Area and other recreation opportunities.

Public Safety Open gravel/paved road with turnouts, signed to FHA standards Recreation Opportunities Driving, biking, hiking, horse riding, hunting, fishing, designated camping, other

dispersed recreation. Access Needs Access to private property, Hendersonville Reservoir, North Mills River Recreation

Area. Local access for management and recreation. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 1206A Road Name Yellow Gap Spur Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Provides access management activities, including future timber harvest. Maintained as a linear wildlife opening to provide a source of permanent grass/forbs for wildlife.

Public Safety No public vehicle access. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, equestrian, biking, dispersed recreation. Access Needs Local recreation and management access. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 1206B Road Name Allan Cove Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Provides access management activities, including future timber harvest. Maintained as a linear wildlife opening to provide a source of permanent grass/forbs for wildlife.

Public Safety No public vehicle access. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, equestrian, biking, dispersed recreation Access Needs Local recreation and management access. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 1206C Road Name Mince Cove Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Provides access management activities, including future timber harvest. Maintained as a linear wildlife opening to provide a source of permanent grass/forbs for wildlife.

Public Safety No public vehicle access. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, equestrian, biking, dispersed recreation

Access Needs Local recreation and management access. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 142 Road Name Hendersonville Reservoir Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Access for management activities including timber, wildlife, and fire management. Administrative access to Henderson Reservoir.

Public Safety Open gravel road with turnouts, signed to FHA standards Recreation Opportunities Biking, hiking, horse riding, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation. Access Needs Access to Hendersonville Reservoir. Local access for management and recreation. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 294 Road Name North Mills River Recreation Area Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Access to the North Mills River Rec. Area.

Public Safety Open paved road with turnouts, signed to FHA standards. Recreation Opportunities Designated camping. Access Needs Access to camp sites at North Mills River Rec. Area. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 294A Road Name North Mills River Recreation Area South Loop A Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Access to the North Mills River Rec. Area.

Public Safety Open paved road with turnouts, signed to FHA standards. Recreation Opportunities Designated camping. Access Needs Access to camp sites at North Mills River Rec. Area. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 294B Road Name North Mills River Recreation Area North Loop B Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Access to the North Mills River Rec. Area.

Public Safety Open paved road with turnouts, signed to FHA standards. Recreation Opportunities Designated camping. Access Needs Access to camp sites at North Mills River Rec. Area. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 5000 Road Name Wash Creek Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Access for management activities and recreation

Public Safety Open gravel/paved road with turnouts, signed to FHA standards. Recreation Opportunities Driving, biking, hiking, horse riding, hunting, fishing, other dispersed recreation. Access Needs Access to camp sites at North Mills River Rec. Area. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 5000A Road Name Kramer’s Vista Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Provides access management activities, including future timber harvest. Maintained as a linear wildlife opening to provide a source of permanent grass/forbs for wildlife.

Public Safety No public vehicle access. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Local recreation and management access.

Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use and resource management.

Road ID 5000B Road Name Ferrin Knob Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Provides access management activities, including future timber harvest.

Public Safety No public vehicle access. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, equestrian, biking, dispersed recreation Access Needs Local recreation and management access. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 5000C Road Name Moore Cove Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Provides access management activities, including future timber harvest. Maintained as a linear wildlife opening to provide a source of permanent grass/forbs for wildlife.

Public Safety No public vehicle access. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, equestrian, biking, dispersed recreation Access Needs Local recreation and management access. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 5001 Road Name Seniard Mountain Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Provides access management activities, including future timber harvest. Maintained as a linear wildlife opening to provide a source of permanent grass/forbs for wildlife.

Public Safety No public vehicle access. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, equestrian, biking, dispersed recreation Access Needs Local recreation and management access. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 5001A Road Name Double Creek Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Provides access management activities, including future timber harvest. Maintained as a linear wildlife opening to provide a source of permanent grass/forbs for wildlife.

Public Safety No public vehicle access. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Local recreation and management access. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 5026 Road Name Foster Creek Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Access for management activities.

Public Safety Part open dirt road with turnouts, signed to FHA standards. Part closed. Recreation Opportunities Driving, biking, hiking, horse riding, hunting, fishing, designated camping, other

dispersed recreation. Access Needs Access to private property. Local access for management and recreation. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 5050

Road Name Rocky Fork Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Access for management activities.

Public Safety No public vehicle access. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, equestrian, biking, dispersed recreation Access Needs Local recreation and management access. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 5050A Road Name Rocky Fork Spur Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Provides access for management activities, including future timber harvest.

Public Safety No public vehicle access. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, equestrian, biking, dispersed recreation Access Needs Local recreation and management access. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 5051 Road Name Laurel Ridge Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Provides access management activities, including future timber harvest.

Public Safety No public vehicle access. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, equestrian, biking, dispersed recreation Access Needs Local recreation and management access. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 5097 Road Name Fletcher CreekRoad Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Provides access management activities, including future timber harvest. Linear wildlife opening.

Public Safety No public vehicle access. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, equestrian, biking, dispersed recreation Access Needs Local recreation and management access. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID 5097A Road Name Trace Ridge Spur Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Provides access for management activities, including future timber harvest. Linear wildlife opening

Public Safety No public vehicle access. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Local recreation and management access. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID A Road Name Bog Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities, including timber harvest.

Conflicts Among Users None known Road ID B Road Name Rush Branch Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities, including timber harvest. Conflicts Among Users None known Road ID C Road Name Dog Ridge Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities, including timber harvest. Conflicts Among Users None known Road ID D Road Name Bear Ridge Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities, including timber harvest. Conflicts Among Users None known Road ID E Road Name Bear Ridge Spur Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities, including timber harvest. Conflicts Among Users None known Road ID F Road Name N/A Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities. Conflicts Among Users None known Road ID G Road Name N/A Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities. Conflicts Among Users None known Road ID H Road Name Brushy Ridge Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities, including timber harvest. Conflicts Among Users None known Road ID I Road Name Bear Branch Road

Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities, including timber harvest. Conflicts Among Users None known Road ID L Road Name Chestnut Cove Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities, including timber harvest. Conflicts Among Users Need to establish access agreements with local landowners. Road ID M Road Name Chestnut Cove Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities, including timber harvest. Conflicts Among Users Need to establish access agreements with local landowners. Road ID N Road Name N/A Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities, including timber harvest. Conflicts Among Users Need to establish access agreements with local landowners. Road ID P Road Name N/A Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities. Conflicts Among Users Need to establish access agreements with local landowners. Road ID Q Road Name N/A Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities. Conflicts Among Users Need to establish access agreements with local landowners. Road ID R Road Name N/A Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities. Conflicts Among Users Need to establish access agreements with local landowners. Road ID U Road Name Seniard Mountain Spur Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities, including timber harvest. Conflicts Among Users None known Road ID V Road Name Ferrin Creek Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities, including timber harvest. Conflicts Among Users None known Road ID W Road Name Ferrin Creek Spur Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Possibility of resource damage resulting from lack of maintenance.

Public Safety Risk of unauthorized public vehicle access. Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Access for management activities, including timber harvest. Conflicts Among Users None known Road ID X Road Name North Mills River Rec. Area Parking Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Access to the North Mills River Rec. Area.

Public Safety Open paved road with turnouts, signed to FHA standards. Recreation Opportunities Designated camping. Access Needs Access to camp sites at North Mills River Rec. Area. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID Y Road Name Humphrey’s Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife.

Public Safety No public vehicle access except for permitted land owners. Potential access for administrative vehicles in an emergency.

Recreation Opportunities Hiking, hunting, fishing, dispersed recreation Access Needs Accesses private property. Local recreation and management access. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management. Road ID Z Road Name Wash Creek Horse Camp Road Effects on Natural And Cultural Resources

Potential for erosion, non-native invasive species dispersal, and impacts to local plants and wildlife. Access to the North Mills River Rec. Area.

Public Safety Open gravel road with turnouts, signed to FHA standards. Recreation Opportunities Designated camping with horses. Access Needs Access to camp sites at Wash Creek Horse Camp. Conflicts Among Users Potential for conflict between different recreational uses, or between recreational use

and resource management.

STEP V: DESCRIBING OPPORTUNITIES AND SETTING PRIORITIES

The purpose of this step is to: 1. Identify management opportunities and priorities, and formulate proposals for changes to the forest transportation system that

respond to the issues, risks, and benefits identified in the preceding steps; 2. Compare motor vehicle use of the portion of the forest transportation system under analysis with desired conditions established

in the applicable land management plan, and describe options for modifying the forest transportation system that would achieve desired conditions;

3. Identify any unauthorized roads and trails that should be considered for designation based on the analysis in paragraph 2.

Issues identified in Step III, above: A. Concern about maintenance costs for system roads B. Concern that system and non-system roads contribute to sedimentation and non-native invasive plant dispersal. C. Concern that constructing additional roads may be detrimental to plant and animal species. D. Concern about adequate access for recreational activities and to private property. E. Concern that Forest transportation system does not provide adequate access for current and future management activities,

including timber harvest. F. Concern that existing roads do not meet Forest Plan standards for road density. G. Concern that unauthorized roads do not sufficiently protect soil, water, and other resources. H. Concern that existing unauthorized roads allow opportunities for unauthorized access. I. Concern that some roads in the AA currently have RMOs which are inconsistent with their use. J. Applicable laws and regulations. K. Existing agreements with private landowners, including Rights-of-Way and Easements. L. Lack of access through the Avery Creek community to the Avery Creek area.

5.1 Management Opportunities and Proposals Inventory of AA03 using ArcGIS and field reconnaissance shows that the following unauthorized roads (Table 5.1) exist within the AA. These unauthorized roads present opportunities for changes to the Forest Transportation System to improve compliance with the Forest Plan and Forest Service management directives, and respond to the issues, risks, and benefits identified in the preceding steps. All NFS roads for which no changes are recommended would stay on the Forest Transportation System at their current RMOs (see section 2.2b, above). Recommended changes to the transportation system are assigned a priority from 3, lowest, to 1, highest, based on its importance for resource protection and upcoming projects within the AA. Table 5.1: Inventory of Existing Unauthorized and Private Roads, with Recommended Changes, and Recommended New Road Construction Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) A D1 Closed Bog Road 1 E, G, H 0.54 Action: Add road to system as NFSR 5027 (Bog Road) to provide access for future management activities. This road

would be used to access suitable stands in the Brushy Ridge Project. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D1 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) B D1 Closed Rush Branch Road 1 E, G, H 0.21 Action: Add road to system as NFSR 294C (Rush Branch) to provide access for future management activities. This road

would be used to access suitable stands in the Brushy Ridge Project. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D1 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) C D5 Closed Dog Ridge Road 3 E, G, H 0.19 Action: Add road to system NFSR 5025 (Dog Ridge Road) to provide access for future management activities and as a

wildlife opening. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D5 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production.

Benefit Road provides grass/forb habitat for wildlife. Importance Moderate; maintained linear wildlife openings are an important source of permanent grass/forb habitat in the

AA. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) D D5 Closed Bear Ridge Road 3 E, G, H 0.54 Action: Add road to system NFSR 5039 (Bear Ridge Road) to provide access for future management activities and as a

wildlife opening. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D5 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Benefit Road provides grass/forb habitat for wildlife. Importance Moderate; maintained linear wildlife openings are an important source of permanent grass/forb habitat in the

AA. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) E D5 Closed Bear Ridge Spur 3 E, G, H 0.26 Action: Add road to system NFSR 5028 (Bear Ridge Spur) to provide access for future management activities and as a

wildlife opening. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D5 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Benefit Road provides grass/forb habitat for wildlife. Importance Moderate; maintained linear wildlife openings are an important source of permanent grass/forb habitat in the

AA. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) F None N/A 3 A, B, G, H .012 Action: Decommission Risk Road will no longer be available for recreation and management use. Importance Low; Recreational use on the road is minimal, and the road is not required for management activities or to

access suitable timber. Benefit Decommissioning non-system roads prevents resource damage from lack of maintenance or illegal access. Importance Low; Ongoing and potential resource damage from lack of maintenance is low. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) G None N/A 2 A, B, G, H 0.48 Action: Decommission Risk Road will no longer be available for recreation and management use. Importance Low; Recreational use on the road is minimal, and the road is not required for management activities or to

access suitable timber. Benefit Decommissioning non-system roads prevents resource damage from lack of maintenance or illegal access. Importance Low; Ongoing and potential resource damage from lack of maintenance is low. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance Low; Road is not needed for management access or harvest. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) H D5 Closed Brushy Ridge Road 2 E, G, H 1.18 Action: Add road to system as NFSR 5048 (Brushy Ridge Road) to provide access for future management activities and

as a wildlife opening. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D5 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA.

Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Benefit Road provides grass/forb habitat for wildlife. Importance Moderate; maintained linear wildlife openings are an important source of permanent grass/forb habitat in the

AA. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) I D1 Closed Bear Branch Road 2 E, G, H 1.17 Action: Add road to system as NFSR 5052 (Bear Branch Road) to provide access for future management activities. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D1 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) J D1 Bad Fork Road 1 E .55 Action: Construct and add to system as NFSR 5053 (Bad Fork Road) to provide access for future management activities. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D1 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Risk New road construction can have detrimental impacts to other resources, including sedimentation of streams,

invasive species dispersal, and habitat fragmentation. Importance Moderate; road is short, and maintained to a low standard. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) K D5 Trace Ridge Spur 1 E .49 Action: Construct and add to system as part of NFSR 5097A (Trace Ridge Spur) to provide access for future

management activities. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D1 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Risk New road construction can have detrimental impacts to other resources, including sedimentation of streams,

invasive species dispersal, and habitat fragmentation. Importance Moderate; road is short, and maintained to a low standard. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) L D1 or D5 Closed Chestnut Cove Road 3 E, G, H 1.18 Action: Add road to system in conjunction with non-system road M as NFSR 5024 (Chestnut Cove Road) to provide

access for future management activities and as a wildlife opening. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D5 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already esist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Benefit Road provides grass/forb habitat for wildlife. Importance Moderate; maintained linear wildlife openings are an important source of permanent grass/forb habitat in the

AA.

Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) M D1 or D5 Closed Chestnut Cove Road 3 E, G, H 0.31 Action: Add road to system in conjunction with non-system road L as NFSR 5024 (Chestnut Cove Road) to provide

access for future management activities and as a wildlife opening. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D5 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Benefit Road provides grass/forb habitat for wildlife. Importance Moderate; maintained linear wildlife openings are an important source of permanent grass/forb habitat in the

AA. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) N D1 or D5 Closed Fannie Ridge Road 3 E, G, H 0.89 Action: Add road to system in conjunction with O as NFSR 5070 to provide access for future management activities and

as a wildlife opening. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D1 or D5 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Benefit Road provides grass/forb habitat for wildlife. Importance Moderate; maintained linear wildlife openings are an important source of permanent grass/forb habitat in the

AA. Benefit Road provides grass/forb habitat for wildlife. Importance Moderate; maintained linear wildlife openings are an important source of permanent grass/forb habitat in the

AA. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) O D1 or D5 Closed Fannie Ridge Road 3 E 0.10 Action: Construct and add to system in conjunction with N as NFSR 5070 to provide access for future management

activities. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D1or D5 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Risk New road construction can have detrimental impacts to other resources, including sedimentation of streams,

invasive species dispersal, and habitat fragmentation. Importance Moderate; road is short, and maintained to a low standard. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) P None N/A 3 A, B, G, H 0.69 Action: Decommission after access through Avery Creek community is secured. Risk Road will no longer be available for recreation and management use. Importance Low; Recreational use on the road is minimal, and the road is not required for management activities or to

access suitable timber. Benefit Decommissioning non-system roads prevents resource damage from lack of maintenance or illegal access. Importance Low; Ongoing and potential resource damage from lack of maintenance is low. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) Q None N/A 3 A, B, G, H 0.21 Action: Decommission after access through Avery Creek community is secured. Risk Road will no longer be available for recreation and management use.

Importance Low; Recreational use on the road is minimal, and the road is not required for management activities or to access suitable timber.

Benefit Decommissioning non-system roads prevents resource damage from lack of maintenance or illegal access. Importance Low; Ongoing and potential resource damage from lack of maintenance is low. R None N/A 3 A, B, G, H 0.15 Action: Decommission after access through Avery Creek community is secured. Risk Road will no longer be available for recreation and management use. Importance Low; Recreational use on the road is minimal, and the road is not required for management activities or to

access suitable timber. Benefit Decommissioning non-system roads prevents resource damage from lack of maintenance or illegal access. Importance Low; Ongoing and potential resource damage from lack of maintenance is low. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) U D1 Closed Seniard Mountain Spur 3 E, G, H 0.08 Action: Add road to system as NFSR 5064 (Seniard Mountain Spur) to provide access for future management activities. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D1 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) V D1 to D5 Closed Ferrin Creek Road 1 E, G, H 0.13 Action: Add road to system as NFSR 5065 (Ferrin Creek Road) to provide access for future management activities and

as a wildlife opening. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D5 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already esist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Benefit Road provides grass/forb habitat for wildlife. Importance Moderate; maintained linear wildlife openings are an important source of permanent grass/forb habitat in the

AA. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) W D1 or D5 Closed Ferrin Creek Spur 1 E, G, H 0.15 Action: Add road to system as NFSR 5066 (Ferrin Creek Spur) to provide access for future management activities and

as a wildlife opening. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D5 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Benefit Road provides grass/forb habitat for wildlife. Importance Moderate; maintained linear wildlife openings are an important source of permanent grass/forb habitat in the

AA. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) X A1 Restricted North Mills River Rec Area

Parking 3 D 0.06

Action: Add to system as NFSR 294D (North Mills Recreation Area South Spur) as a fee parking area for North Mills River Rec. Area.

Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; While an RMO of A1 requires a high standard of maintenance, the road is relatively short. Benefit This road is already in use as a fee parking area; designating it as a system road help ensure proper maintenance

occurs. Importance Moderate; Maintaining roads at the proper RMO helps ensure proper distribution of road maintenance funds and

that the road is maintained to appropriate standards to protect resources and public safety. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) Y D1 Closed Humphrey’s Road 3 E, G, H, K 0.79 Action: Add road to system as NFSR 5067 (Humphrey’s Road) to access private property. Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Moderate; an RMO of D1 requires a low standard of maintenance. Benefit Provides access to the public for a variety of non-motorized uses. Importance Low; many alternative non-motorized recreation opportunities already exist in the AA. Benefit Provides access for future management activities, including timber harvest. Importance High; Forest Plan requires that the road system be planned to progressively access all lands suitable for timber

production. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) Z C2 Restricted Wash Creek Horse Camp Road 3 D 0.06 Action: Add to system as NFSR 5068 (Wash Creek Horse Camp Road) to access Wash Creek Horse Camp Risk Adding roads to the Forest Transportation System increases maintenance costs. Importance Low; While an RMO of C2 requires a moderate standard of maintenance, the road is relatively short. Benefit Provides access to the Wash Creek Horse Camp fee use area. Importance High; Wash Creek Horse Camp is a popular site for equestrian users. Table 5.2: Inventory of Existing Authorized Roads with Recommended Changes Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 1206 A2, B1 Open Yellow Gap 2 I 4.09 Action: Change the RMO of the paved part of this road from A1 to A2, consistent with being open year round. Leave

the rest of the road in the AA as B1. Risk RMO no longer supports seasonal closure of the road. Importance Low; Road is intended for year round use. Benefit RMO is consistent with current year round use. Importance Moderate; Maintaining roads at the proper RMO help ensure proper distribution of road maintenance funds and

that the road is maintained to appropriate standards to protect resources and public safety. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 1206A D1 Closed Yellow Gap Spur 2 E 0.38 Action: Replace the tank trap blocking access to this road with a gate. Benefit Gate provides improved accessibility for management actions compared to a tank trap. Importance High; access to this area is necessary to complete actions proposed in the Brushy Ridge Proposal, and well as to

meet Forest Plan standards for accessing suitable timber. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 1206B D1 Closed Allan Cove n/a E 1.10 Action: No changes are recommended to this road. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 1206C D1 Closed Mince Cove n/a E 0.33 Action: No changes are recommended to this road. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 142 C3, D1 Open/ Closed Hendersonville Reservoir 3 A, I 1.77 Action: Change the RMO of the closed part of this road from C2 to D1. Leave the open part of the road as C3. Risk Lowering the RMO to D1 makes the road less accessible to low clearance vehicles. Importance Low; since the road is closed, the only motorized use on the road is from Forest Service vehicles and

county/local vehicles accessing Hendersonville Reservoir, and these agencies are already using high clearance vehicles.

Benefit Reduces road maintenance cost. Importance Moderate; Maintaining roads at the proper RMO help ensure proper distribution of road maintenance funds and

that the road is maintained to appropriate standards to protect resources and public safety. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 294 A1 Restricted North Mills River Rec. Area n/a E 0.37 Action: No changes are recommended to this road. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles)

294A A1 Restricted South Loop A n/a E 0.26 Action: No changes are recommended to this road. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 294B A2 Restricted North Loop B n/a E 0.20 Action: No changes are recommended to this road. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 5000 A2, B1 Open Wash Creek 3 I 5.45 Action: Change the RMO of the paved part of this road from A1 to A2, consistent with being open year round. Leave

the rest of the road in the AA as B1. Risk RMO no longer supports seasonal closure of the road. Importance Low; Road is intended for year round use. Benefit RMO is consistent with current year round use. Importance Moderate; Maintaining roads at the proper RMO help ensure proper distribution of road maintenance funds and

that the road is maintained to appropriate standards to protect resources and public safety. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 5000A D5 Closed Kramer’s Vista n/a E 0.54 Action: No changes are recommended to this road. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 5000B D1 Closed Ferrin Knob n/a E 1.39 Action: No changes are recommended to this road. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 5000C D5 Closed Moore Cove 3 I 0.87 Action: Change the RMO from D1 to D5, consistent with use as a linear wildlife opening, hiking only. Risk Road no longer allows bike and horse traffic. Importance Low; This road is not part of a connecting or loop trail, and many other bike and horse trails are present in the

AA. Benefit Road provides higher quality grass/forb habitat for wildlife. Importance Moderate; maintained linear wildlife openings are an important source of permanent grass/forb habitat. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 5001 D1/D5 Closed Seniard Ridge n/a E 5.10 Action: No changes are recommended to this road. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 5001A D5 Closed Double Creek n/a E 1.22 Action: No changes are recommended to this road. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 5026 C3, D1 Open/ Closed Foster Creek 3 I 1.51 Action: Upgrade the open part of this road to C3, and maintain the closed part at the current RMO of D1. Risk Increasing the RMO of a road increases maintenance cost. Importance Low; The road segment being suggested for upgrade is relatively short. Benefit Provides improved access to Foster Creek Trail (FST 610) and private property. Importance Low; recreational use on the trail is low, and private property owners are able to access property at the existing

RMO. Benefit Encourages bike and horse use on the portion of the Foster Creek Trail which overlaps Foster Creek Road. Importance Moderate; Maintaining roads at the proper RMO help ensure proper distribution of road maintenance funds and

that the road is maintained to appropriate standards to protect resources and public safety. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 5050 C2 Restricted Rocky Fork 3 D, I 2.28 Action: Upgrade from current RMO of D1 to C2, consistent with use as a multiple use trail. Risk Increasing the RMO of a road increases maintenance cost. Importance Low; The road segment being suggested for upgrade is relatively short. Benefit Encourages bike and horse use on the portion of the Foster Creek Trail which overlaps Foster Creek Road. Importance Moderate; Maintaining roads at the proper RMO helps ensure proper distribution of road maintenance funds and

that the road is maintained to appropriate standards to protect resources and public safety. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 5050A D1 Closed Yellow Gap Spur 2 E 0.67 Action: No changes are recommended to this road. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles)

5051 D1 Closed Laurel Ridge n/a E 2.25 Action: Change the RMO of the road from D3 to D1 Risk Lowering the RMO to D1 makes the road less accessible to low clearance vehicles. Importance Low; the road is not intended for public motorized access. Benefit Reduces road maintenance cost. Importance Moderate; Maintaining roads at the proper RMO help ensure proper distribution of road maintenance funds and

that the road is maintained to appropriate standards to protect resources and public safety. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 5097 D3 Closed Fletcher Creek 2 A, I 2.59 Action: Downgrade the part of the road in the AA with a current RMO of C2 to D3. Consider the remainder of the road,

which is outside the AA, for similar action. Benefit Decreasing the RMO of a road decreases maintenance cost. Importance Low; The road segment being suggested for upgrade is relatively short. Benefit Encourages bike and horse use on the portion of the Foster Creek Trail which overlaps Foster Creek Road. Importance Moderate; Maintaining roads at the proper RMO help ensure proper distribution of road maintenance funds and

that the road is maintained to appropriate standards to protect resources and public safety. Road ID Proposed RMO Road Name Priority Issues Addressed Length (Miles) 5097A D1 Closed Trace Ridge Spur n/a E 1.20 Action: No changes are recommended to this road. Table 5.3, below, shows the total miles of road which are recommended for addition to the Forest transportation system, decommissioning, construction, or other changes. Table 5.3: Summary of Recommended Changes, AA03 Miles of existing road recommended to add to system 7.74Miles of recommended new road construction 1.05Miles of system road recommended to decommission 0.00Miles of non-system road recommended to decommission 1.66Miles of system road recommended for RMO changes 8.53 Table 5.4, below, shows the estimated annual maintenance needs of the current and recommended transportation systems. Table 5.5 shows the estimated cost of new road construction to meet the recommended road system. Table 5.4: Estimated Road Maintenance Costs on Current and Recommended Forest Transportation System, AA03 Current Recommended Road #

RMO Mtnc. Level

Annual Mtnc. Cost/Mile

Miles Total Cost

RMO Mtnc. Level

Annual Mtnc. Cost/Mile

Miles Total Cost

1206 A1 5 $9,400 0.92 $8,644 A2 5 $9,400 0.92 $8,644 1206 B1 4 $7,700 3.17 $24,433 B1 4 $7,700 3.17 $24,433 1206A D1 1 $500 0.38 $189 D1 1 $500 0.38 $189 1206B D1 1 $500 1.10 $548 D1 1 $500 1.10 $548 1206C D1 1 $500 0.33 $166 D1 1 $500 0.33 $166 142 C3 3 $4,500 0.49 $2,197 C3 3 $4,500 0.49 $2,197 142 C2 3 $4,500 1.28 $5,766 D1 3 $4,500 1.28 $5,766 294 A1 5 $9,400 0.37 $3,524 A1 5 $9,400 0.37 $3,524 294A A1 5 $9,400 0.26 $2,399 A1 5 $9,400 0.26 $2,399 294B A2 5 $9,400 0.20 $1,839 A2 5 $9,400 0.20 $1,839 5000 A1 5 $9,400 0.27 $2,572 A2 5 $9,400 0.27 $2,572 5000 B1 4 $7,700 5.45 $41,987 B1 4 $7,700 5.45 $41,987 5000A D5 1 $500 0.54 $269 D5 1 $500 0.54 $269 5000B D1 1 $500 1.39 $695 D1 1 $500 1.39 $695

Current Recommended Road #

RMO Mtnc. Level

Annual Mtnc. Cost/Mile

Miles Total Cost

RMO Mtnc. Level

Annual Mtnc. Cost/Mile

Miles Total Cost

5000C D1 1 $500 0.87 $433 D5 1 $500 0.87 $433 5001 D1 1 $500 3.60 $1,801 D1 1 $500 3.60 $1,801 5001 D5 1 $500 1.50 $751 D5 1 $500 1.50 $751 5001A D5 1 $500 1.22 $609 D5 1 $500 1.22 $609 5026 D1 1 $500 0.32 $162 C3 1 $500 0.32 $162 5026 D1 1 $500 1.19 $594 D1 1 $500 1.19 $594 5050 D1 1 $500 2.28 $1,138 C2 1 $500 2.28 $1,138 5050A D1 1 $500 0.67 $337 D1 1 $500 0.67 $337 5051 D3 1 $500 2.25 $1,126 D1 1 $500 2.25 $1,126 5097 C2 3 $4,500 2.59 $11,646 D1 1 $500 2.59 $1,294 5097A D5 1 $500 1.20 $601 D5 1 $500 1.20 $601 A D1 1 $500 0.54 $272 B D1 1 $500 0.21 $105 C D5 1 $500 0.19 $96 D D5 1 $500 0.54 $269 E D5 1 $500 0.26 $129 F 0 0 $0 0.12 $0 G 0 0 $0 0.48 $0 H D5 1 $500 1.18 $589 I D1 1 $500 1.17 $585 J D1 or D5 1 $500 0.55 $277 K D1 or D5 1 $500 0.49 $246 L D1 or D5 1 $500 1.18 $589 M D1 or D5 1 $500 0.31 $157 N D1 or D5 1 $500 0.89 $444 O D1 or D5 1 $500 0.10 $52 P 0 0 $0 0.69 $0 Q 0 0 $0 0.21 $0 R 0 0 $0 0.15 $0 U D1 or D5 1 $500 0.08 $40 V D1 or D5 1 $500 0.13 $63 W D1 or D5 1 $500 0.15 $77 X A1 5 $9,400 0.06 $569 Y D1 1 $500 0.79 $395 Z C2 3 $4,500 0.06 $276 Total $34 $114,425 44.39 $109,303

Table 5.5: Estimated Cost of Recommended New Road Construction, AA03* Road ID New RMO New ML Length (Miles) Cost/Mile Total CostJ D1 or D5 1 0.55 $18,031 $9,993K D1 or D5 1 0.49 $18,031 $8,889O D1 or D5 1 0.10 $18,031 $1,887Total 1.15 $20,768 *See Appendix B for additional information on estimated construction costs 5.2 Current and Desired Motorized Use See Table 2.1, above. Current mileage of open FS Roads in Management Areas 2A, 3B, 4A, 4C, and 4D exceed Forest Plan desired road density. The Forest Plan directs that “Where existing open road densities exceed [Forest Plan] miles per square mile, and, if closure of existing roads is prohibitive for administrative or legal reasons, then document these exceptions to the standard and investigate strategies to reduce the open road density” (Forest Plan, page III-76 and III 87).

5.3 Unauthorized Roads and Trails Considered for Designation All known unauthorized roads and trails, including those considered for designation or decommissioning, are disclosed in Table 5.1, above.

STEP VI: REPORTING

The purpose of this step is to document travel analysis in a report including: 1. A list of the key issues; 2. A prioritized list of the risks and benefits associated with changing the part of the forest transportation system under analysis; 3. A prioritized list of opportunities for addressing those risks and benefits; 4. If applicable, a prioritized list of actions or projects that would implement the minimum road system; 5. If applicable, a list of proposed changes to the current travel management direction, including proposed additions to or

deletions from the forest transportation system. The report provides the basis for developing proposed actions to implement the minimum road system and/or to change existing travel management decisions. These proposals are subject to appropriate public involvement and environmental analysis under NEPA before travel management decisions are made. Site specific environmental analysis should build on and incorporate relevant information developed during travel analysis. 6.1 List of Key Issues For a list of key issues, see section 3.2.

6.2 Prioritized List of the Risks and Benefits For a prioritized list of risks and benefits for each action, see Tables 5.1 and 5.2. Risks and benefits are rated by importance to the affected resource as Low, Moderate, or High.

6.3 Prioritized List of Opportunities for Addressing those Risks and Benefits See Section 5.1, above, for a prioritized list of management opportunities. 6.4 Prioritized List of Actions or Projects that would Implement the Minimum Road System See Section 5.1, above, for a prioritized list of actions. These actions would implement the minimum road system, in compliance with the Forest Plan and applicable travel management regulations. 6.5 List of Proposed Changes Including Additions and Deletions See Section 5.1, above, a list of proposed changes, including additions and deletions

Table 6.1: Recommended Minimum Road System, AA03 Old Road ID

New Road ID

Name New ML

New RMO

Surface Access Length (Miles)

1206 1206 Yellow Gap Road 4 B1 Agg Open 3.17 5 A2 Pav Open 0.92 1206A 1206A Yellow Gap Spur 1 D1 Nat Closed 0.38 1206B 1206B Allan Cove Road 1 D1 Nat Closed 1.10 1206C 1206C Mince Cove Road 1 D1 Nat Closed 0.33 142 142 Hendersonville Reservoir Road 3 C3 Agg Open 0.49

Old Road ID

New Road ID

Name New ML

New RMO

Surface Access Length (Miles)

D1 Agg Closed 1.28 294 294 North Mills River Recreation Area

Road 5 A1 Pav Restricted 0.37

294A 294A South Loop A 5 A1 Pav Restricted 0.26 294B 294B North Loop B 5 A2 Pav Restricted 0.20 5000 5000 Wash Creek Road 4 B1 Pav Open 5.45 5 A2 Pav Open 0.27 5000A 5000A Kramer's Vista Road 1 D5 Nat Closed 0.54 5000B 5000B Ferriin Knob Road 1 D1 Nat Closed 1.39 5000C 5000C Moore Cove Road 1 D5 Nat Closed 0.87 5001 5001 Seniard Ridge Road 1 D1 Nat Closed 3.60 D5 Nat Closed 1.50 5001A 5001A Double Creek 1 D5 Nat Closed 1.22 5026 5026 Foster Creek Road 1 C3 Nat Open 0.32 D1 Nat Closed 1.19 5050 5050 Rocky Fork Road 1 C2 Nat Closed 2.28 5050A 5050A Rocky Fork Spur 1 D1 Nat Closed 0.67 5051 5051 Laurel Ridge Road 1 D1 Nat Closed 2.25 5097 5097 Fletcher Creek Road 1 D1 Agg Closed 2.59 5097A 5097A Trace Ridge Spur 1 D5 Nat Closed 1.20 A 5027 Bog Road 1 D1 Nat Closed 0.54 B 294C Rush Branch Road 1 D1 Nat Closed 0.21 C 5025 Dog Ridge Road 1 D5 Nat Closed 0.19 D 5039 Bear Ridge Road 1 D5 Nat Closed 0.54 E 5028 Bear Ridge Spur 1 D5 Nat Closed 0.26 H 5048 Brushy Ridge Road 1 D5 Nat Closed 1.18 I 5052 Bear Branch Road 1 D1 Nat Closed 1.17 J 5053 Bad Fork 1 D1 or D5 Nat Closed 0.55 K 5097A Trace Ridge Spur 1 D1 or D5 Nat Closed 0.49 L 5024 Chestnut Cove Road 1 D1 or D5 Nat Closed 1.18 M 5069 Chestnut Cove Spur 1 D1 or D5 Nat Closed 0.31 N 5070 Fannie Ridge Road 1 D1 or D5 Nat Closed 0.89 O 5070 Fannie Ridge Road 1 D1 or D5 Nat Closed 0.10 U 5064 Seniard Mountain Spur 1 D1 or D5 Nat Closed 0.08 V 5065 Ferrin Creek Road 1 D1 or D5 Nat Closed 0.13 W 5066 Ferrin Creek Spur 1 D1 or D5 Nat Closed 0.15 X 294D North Mills River Recreation Area

Parking 5 A1 Nat Closed 0.06

Y 5067 Humphrey's Road 1 D1 Nat Closed 0.79 Z 5068 Wash Creek Horse Camp Road 3 C2 Nat Closed 0.06 Total 42.73

APPENDIX A: APPLICABLE LAND AND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT DIRECTION

Selected Definitions (36 CFR 212.1) • Designated road, trail, or area. A National Forest System

road, a National Forest System trail, or an area on National Forest System lands that is designated for motor vehicle use pursuant to §212.51 on a motor vehicle use map.

• Forest road and trail funds. Funds authorized or appropriated for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of section 205 of the Act of August 27, 1958 (72 Stat. 907), as amended; 23 U.S.C. 205.

• Forest road or trail. A road or trail wholly or partly within or adjacent to and serving the National Forest System that the Forest Service determines is necessary for the protection, administration, and utilization of the National Forest System and the use and development of its resources.

• Forest transportation atlas. A display of the system of roads, trails, and airfields of an administrative unit.

• Forest transportation facility. A forest road or trail or an airfield that is displayed in a forest transportation atlas, including bridges, culverts, parking lots, marine access facilities, safety devices, and other improvements appurtenant to the forest transportation system.

• Forest transportation system. The system of National Forest System roads, National Forest System trails, and airfields on National Forest System lands.

• Maintenance. The upkeep of the entire forest transportation facility including surface and shoulders, parking and side areas, structures, and such traffic-control devices as are necessary for its safe and efficient utilization.

• Motor vehicle. Any vehicle which is self-propelled, other than: – A vehicle operated on rails; and – Any wheelchair or mobility device, including one that is

battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion, and that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area.

• Motor vehicle use map. A map reflecting designated roads, trails, and areas on an administrative unit or a Ranger District of the National Forest System.

• National Forest System. As defined in the Forest Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act, the “National Forest System” includes all National Forest lands reserved or withdrawn from the public domain of the United States, all National Forest lands acquired through purchase, exchange, donation, or other means, the National Grasslands and land utilization projects administered under title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tennant Act (50 Stat. 525, 7 U.S.C. 1010–1012), and other lands, waters or interests therein which are administered by the Forest Service or are designated for administration through the Forest Service as a part of the system.

• National Forest System road. A forest road other than a road which has been authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a State, county, or other local public road authority.

• Off-highway vehicle. Any motor vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or immediately over land, water, sand, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain.

• Road. A motor vehicle route over 50 inches wide, unless identified and managed as a trail.

• Road construction or reconstruction. Supervising, inspecting, actual building, and incurrence of all costs incidental to the construction or reconstruction of a road.

• Road Decommissioning. Activities that result in the stabilization and restoration of unneeded roads to a more natural state.

• Temporary road or trail. A road or trail necessary for emergency operations or authorized by contract, permit, lease, or other written authorization that is not a forest road or trail and that is not included in a forest transportation atlas.

• Trail. A route 50 inches or less in width or a route over 50 inches wide that is identified and managed as a trail.

• Travel management atlas. An atlas that consists of a forest transportation atlas and a motor vehicle use map or maps.

• Unauthorized road or trail. A road or trail that is not a forest road or trail or a temporary road or trail and that is not included in a forest transportation atlas.

Management Areas Land and Resource Management Plan; Amendment 5; Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests Management Area 2 (Forest Plan p. III-63)

Emphasis is on providing pleasant scenery for people who experience the forest by driving (or boating) through it. These areas are intended as scenic travelways through the forest. Secondarily, this management area provides an environment of older forests combined with timber management activities designed to manage the scenery. Open roads through a scenic forest is the desired condition. Forest management activities should not be as apparent as in Management Area 1. Wildlife that are compatible with or that benefit from these conditions, such as songbirds, grouse, and grey squirrel are likely to be present. Since many of these areas are along well-traveled roads, the visitor is likely to encounter numerous other people and their vehicles. Management Area 2A Management Area 2A provides visually pleasing scenery for forest visitors. Roads are generally open with adjacent forest land managed to provide that pleasing visual experience. Timber production is permitted, but modified to meet visual quality objectives. Management Ares 2C Management Area 2C also provides visually pleasing scenery. Roads are generally open with adjacent forest land managed to provide a quality visual experience. This land is not suitable for timber production because either timber activities could not be conducted in a manner to assure a highly visual experience, or the land is not cost effective in the long term for timber production. The area, providing for motorized recreation, will favor wildlife species which prefer older forest conditions and yet can tolerate some human disturbance.

General Direction for Management Area 2: • Manage most arterial, collector, and Traffic Service Level

C local roads as open to public vehicular use except for seasonal closures and closures for resource protection as determined by site specific analysis

• Close all Traffic Service Level D roads to public vehicular use when management activities are complete except those roads designated for ORVs.

• Plan and construct the transportation system to provide access for timber and public motorized recreation use.

• Provide four-wheel-drive ways that utilize terrain features to provide varying degrees of difficulty and challenge to riders and protect water quality.

• Maintain roads to accommodate the intended use and to protect resources.

Specific Forest Plan Standards for MA 2: • Consider changing only upland hardwood, productivity

class IV sites from hardwood to mixed pine hardwood forest type. Allow such a change of forest type only to meet visual quality or wildlife habitat needs.

• Manage approximately 2 acres of Traffic Service Level C road per square mile as open to public vehicular use.

• Sign all routes designated for use by ORVs • Plan the road system to widely disperse harvest units in

Management Area 2A • Locate all roads on stable locations to protect adjacent

resources and to most effectively serve access needs. • Maintain open Traffic Service Level C roads to a minimum

maintenance level 3 • Maintain open Traffic Service Level D roads to a minimum

maintenance level 2 • Maintain four-wheel-drive ways to maintenance level 2 • Maintain all closed system roads to maintenance level 1

Management Area 3B (Forest Plan p. III-71)

Emphases is on providing for a sustainable supply of timber but with few open roads and without the disturbance associated with motorized vehicles. The area provides habitat needs of wildlife that will benefit from a managed forest with limited motorized access. Manage in a Roaded Natural 2 condition with emphasis to provide opportunities for non-motorized uses on closed system roads, such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, access for fishing and hunting. General Direction for Management Area MA 3B: • Provide limited access for motorized vehicles. • Close all Traffic Service Level D roads to public vehicular

use when management activities are complete except those roads designated as four-wheel drive ways.

• Plan and construct the transportation system to provide access for timber.

• Maintain roads to accommodate the intended use and to protect resources. Identify where existing designated four-wheel drive ways do not meet water quality standards and develop strategies to bring them into compliance unless physical conditions preclude complete correction and the road cannot be legally closed.

Specific Forest Plan Standards for MA 3B: • Manage access through an approximate density of 0.5 miles

of open road per square mile. • Sign all routes designated as four-wheel drive ways. • Plan the road system to progressively access all lands

suitable for timber production. • Locate all roads on stable locations to protect adjacent

resource, and to most cost effectively serve access needs. • Maintain open Traffic Service Level C roads to a minimum

maintenance level 3. • Maintain open Traffic Service Level D roads to a minimum

maintenance level 2. • Maintain four-wheel-drive ways to maintenance level 2. • Maintain all closed system roads to maintenance level 1. • Seed maintenance level 1 roads with appropriate seed

mixtures to provide linear strip openings. • Seed temporary logging roads and skid roads (unclassified

roads) with appropriate seed mixture to provide temporary linear strip openings, with a goal of restoring these to forest conditions.

Management Area 4 (Forest Plan p. III-77) In Management Area 4 most roads are closed to motor vehicles, and a somewhat remote setting is provided, but with some timber management in 4A and 4D. In management areas 4A and 4C, emphasis is on managing for quality scenery. In Management Area 4D, emphasis is on providing high quality wildlife habitat, particularly for black bear. The preferred habitat for black bear includes freedom from the disturbance of motorized vehicles, some areas of older forest, a sustained supply of hard mast (such as acorns from oaks) and den trees, and small, widely dispersed openings providing the soft mast (fruits and berries) typically found in very young forest. Timber management activities should be designed to provide these conditions. Management Area 4C tends to be fairly steep, rugged, often inaccessible terrain usually seen only from a distance by forest visitors. This land is unsuitable for timber production but can provide a scenic backdrop for people viewing the forest from a distance, while also providing wildlife habitat. The variety of wildlife likely to be present in the management area include ovenbird, black bear, and cerulean warbler. The visitor using these areas for recreation may occasionally encounter other people. Forest management activities are less likely to be encountered than in Management Areas 1 or 3.

Management Area 4A (Forest Plan p. III-77)

In Management Area 4A, permit timber production, modified to emphasize visual quality and wildlife habitat.

Management Area 4C (Forest Plan p. III-77) In Management Area 4C, emphasize visually pleasing scenery and habitats for wildlife requiring older forests. This land is not suitable for timber production at this time in order to meet visual quality objectives, or the lands are not cost efficient for timber production.

Management Area 4D (Forest Plan p. III-78) In Management Area 4d, emphasize high quality habitats for wildlife requiring older forests and freedom from disturbance from motorized vehicles. Allow small widely dispersed

openings throughout the management area. Close roads to motorized vehicles. Early successional habitat is provided in conjunction with managing suitable timber land in these areas. General Direction for Management Area MA 4: • Provide limited access for motorized vehicles. • Close all Traffic Service Level D roads to public vehicular

use when management activities are complete except those roads designated as four-wheel-drive ways.

• Plan and construct the transportation system to provide access for timber in Management Areas 4A and 4D. In Management Area 4C, plan and construct the transportation system to provide access for activities to meet management area objectives.

• Maintain roads to accommodate the intended use and to protect resources. Identify where existing designated four-wheel drive ways do not meet water quality standards and develop strategies to bring them into compliance unless physical conditions preclude complete correction and the road cannot be legally closed.

Specific Forest Plan Standards for MA 4: • Manage access through an approximate density of 0.25

miles of open road per square mile. Include four-wheel-drive ways in this density. Where existing open road densities exceed 0.25 miles per square mile, and, if closure of existing roads is prohibitive for administrative or legal reasons, then document these exceptions to the standard and investigate strategies to reduce the open road density.

• Sign all routes designated as four-wheel drive ways. • Plan the road system to widely disperse harvest units in

Management Areas 4A and 4D • Locate all roads on stable locations, to protect adjacent

resources and to most cost effectively serve access needs. • Maintain open Traffic Service Level C roads to a minimum

maintenance level 3. • Maintain open Traffic Service Level D roads to a minimum

maintenance level 2. • Maintain four-wheel drive ways to maintenance level 2 • Maintain all closed system roads to maintenance level 1

Management Area 14 (Forest Plan p. III-163) This management area consists of the Appalachian National Scenic Train and its foreground zone as mapped with the Visual Management System. The Trail generally follows the crest of the Appalachian Mountains and is characterized by a predominantly natural appearing environment. Management emphasis for this area is in accordance with the National Trails System Act (Public Law 90-543) to protect the Trail for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, and cultural qualities of the land through which the Trail passes.

General Direction for Management Area 14: • Evaluate proposed roads paralleling or crossing the Trail for

potential undesirable impacts on the Trail and the hiker. Specific Forest Plan Standards for MA 14: • Analyze all new roads crossing or paralleling the trail

within one mile. Consider:

o Noise levels which would occur at points along the Trail o Character of the Trail in proximity to the proposed road o Standards and management of the road o Trail use in the area o Experience level Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS

class) established for the Trail in this area o Cost of alternatives o Potential for uncontrolled and unlawful motorized access o Mitigation measures

• Minimize the number of roads within 0.5 miles of the Trail • Allow road locations that are the only feasible and prudent

alternative after all impacts have been minimized.

Road Maintenance Levels Maintenance Level 1: Basic custodial maintenance is performed to protect the road investment and to keep damage to adjacent resources to an acceptable level. Drainage structures and runoff patterns are maintained. Generally no blading is needed except to remove ruts. Shoulder maintenance is not required. Routine or intermittent removal of brush and small trees is not included at this level of maintenance. Slides may remain if they do not interfere with drainage. Vegetative cover to prevent soil erosion is required. Inspect and repair only those structures that cannot be deferred. Physical closure devices and appropriate signing are in place and functional. Maintenance Level 2: Maintenance is performed to allow limited passage of traffic. Blading is only performed as necessary to provide for planned, limited traffic and to maintain drainage. Maintain shoulders only to provide passage to planned traffic. Routine or intermittent removal of brush and small trees is not included at this level of maintenance. Slides blocking traffic are removed. Vegetative cover to prevent soil erosion is required. All structures are adequately maintained to provide for safe passage of planned traffic. All route markers, regulatory and warning signs and devices are in place and usable. Maintenance Level 3: Requires that the road be open and maintained for safe travel by a prudent driver in a passenger car. However, user comfort and convenience is not considered a priority. Perform surface blading as necessary to provide for safe travel. Some roughness is tolerated. Replace base course material as necessary, to provide adequate structural support and provide minimum depth for economical blading. Shoulders are maintained during blading operation. Control brush to provide safe site distance. Repair all slides and slumps. Maintain existing vegetative cover. Remove hazard trees. All structures are currently repaired and maintained as needed for safe passage. Route markers and warning, directional, informational, and regulatory signs and traffic control devices are in place, neat in appearance, and functional. Maintenance Levels 4 and 5: These levels are assigned to provide respectively a moderate and high degree of user comfort and convenience. Road Maintenance Objectives (RMOs)

A2 Paved Road; 2 lanes; culverts/ditches. Maintain paved surface. Maintain shoulders and drainage. Install and maintain route markers, warning, regulatory, and guide signs. Remove hazard trees and clean up litter. Renew centerlines, edge stripes, and other pavement and curb markings. Provide safe travelway for all vehicles. Very High use (250+ ADT). Design speed between 30-50 mph. Double lane. Compatible with management areas 2A and 2C. Open to all traffic. Provide and maintain as access route for timber harvesting and treatments. Provide for high degree of user comfort and convenience. C3 Moderate gravel (4”); one lane with turnouts; culverts/ditches; blade twice a year. Brush once every 2 years. Maintain shoulders and drainage. Maintain turnarounds suitable for fire equipment at the end of dead-end roads. Install and maintain route markers, warning, regulatory, and guide signs. Remove hazard trees and clean up litter. Use as 2-WD access for timber harvesting and fire protection. Compatible with Management Areas 1B, 2A, 2C, and 9. By exception compatible with MA 14. Open to all traffic. Provide and maintain as access route for timber harvesting and treatments (entry twice each decade). Encourage motorized use for recreationists. D1 Dirt, seeded; one lane with outslope/dips; maintain as Linear Wildlife Opening. Mow roadbed annually. Brush shoulders once every three years. Maintain turnarounds suitable for fire equipment at the end of dead-end roads. Install and maintain route markers, warning, regulatory, and guide signs. Scarify, seed, and fertilize roadbed. Provide access for future timber operations and for fire protection. Compatible with Management Areas 3B, 4A, 4C, 4D, 14, 15, and 17. By exception compatible with MA 5. Closed with a gate or other structure. Allow occasional access for mowing operations and administrative use and fire protection. Create and maintain as wildlife habitat. Future access for timber harvesting. Discourage non-motorized use but do not prohibit. D2 Dirt, Rutted; one lane with outslopes/dips; maintain as open. Maintain drainage and silt traps to minimize environmental damage. Maintain road prism only to the extent to provide passage for high clearance vehicles. Brush once every 3 years. Install and maintain route markers, warning, regulatory, and guide signs. Use to provide a 4-WD experience. Compatible with Management Areas 1B, 2A, 2C. By exception compatible with Areas 3B and 4A. Closed with a gate or other structure. Restricted most of the year. Access can be allowed seasonally for hunting and other public/administrative activities and fire protection.. Access route for wildlife habitat management. Provide and maintain as access route for timber harvesting and treatments. Entry once each decade. Encourage non-motorized use such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. D3 Spot gravel; one lane with outslope/dips/silt traps; blade once a year. Brush once every three years. Maintain shoulders and drainage. Maintain turnarounds suitable for fire equipment at the end of dead-end roads. Install and maintain route markers,

warning, regulatory, and guide signs. Remove hazard trees. Use as 2-WD access for administrative, timber harvesting, and fire protection. Compatible with Management Areas 1B and 4A. By exception compatible with MA 3B. Closed with a gate or other structure. Restricted most of the year. Access can be allowed seasonally for hunting and other public/administrative activities and fire protection. Seasonally open for hunting. Access route for wildlife habitat management. Provide and maintain as access route for timber harvesting and treatments (entry once each decade). Encourage non-motorized use such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. D5 Dirt/seeded; one lane with outslope/dips; maintain as Linear Wildlife Opening. Mow roadbed annually and brush shoulders once every three years as funds are available. Maintain turnarounds suitable for fire equipment at the end of dead-end roads. Install and maintain route markers, warning, regulatory, and guide signs. Scarify, seed, and fertilize roadbed. Provide access for future timber operations and for fire protection. Compatible with Management Areas 3B, 4A, 4C, 4D, 14, 15, and 17. By exception compatible with MA 5. Closed with a gate or other structure. Allow occasional access for mowing operations and administrative use and fire protection. Create and maintain as wildlife habitat. Future access for timber harvesting. Prohibit bikes and horse traffic. Criteria for Designating Roads and Trails FSM 7715.5 – Criteria In designating NFS roads, NFS trails, and areas on NFS lands for motor vehicle use, consider, as applicable, both the general and specific criteria in 36 CFR 212.55(a) through (c). The general criteria in 36 CFR 212.55(a) apply to roads, trails, and areas. The specific criteria in 36 CFR 212.55(b) apply to trails and areas. The specific criteria in 36 CFR 212.55(c) apply to roads.

1. a. In designating NFS roads, NFS trails, and areas on NFS lands for motor vehicle use, consider effects on NFS natural and cultural resources, public safety, provision of recreation opportunities, access needs, conflicts among uses of NFS lands, the need for maintenance and administration of roads, trails, and areas that would arise if the uses under consideration are designated, and availability of resources for maintenance and administration.

General Criteria for Roads, Trails, and Areas.

b. Consider combinations of uses (such as motorized and non-motorized, different vehicle classes, and highway-legal and non-highway-legal vehicles) on NFS roads and NFS trails. The best way to minimize conflicts among uses may be to provide separate routes for each use. A decision to allow motorized mixed use on an NFS road must be informed by engineering analysis (FSH 7709.55, ch. 30). c. While important, the scarcity or abundance of resources to maintain and administer designated roads, trails, and areas should not be the only consideration in developing travel management proposals.

2. Specific Criteria for Trails and AreasIn addition to the general criteria in FSM 7715.5, paragraph 1, when analyzing motor vehicle use on NFS trails and areas on

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NFS lands, consider the effects on the following, with the objective of minimizing:

a. Damage to soil, watershed, vegetation, and other forest resources. Consider best management practices (BMPs) established by states as a standard for considering effects on these resources; b. Harassment of wildlife and significant disruption of wildlife habitats; c. Conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses on NFS lands or neighboring federal lands; and d. Conflicts among different classes of motor vehicle uses on NFS lands or neighboring federal lands. In addition, consider: e. Compatibility of motor vehicle use with existing conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors, such as traffic-generated dust and the proximity of residences, parks, and schools. 3. Specific Criteria for RoadsIn addition to the general criteria in FSM 7715.5, paragraph 1, consider the following for NFS roads:

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a. Speed, volume, composition, and distribution of traffic on roads; and

b. Compatibility of vehicle class with road geometry and road surfacing. (1) Consider existing road management objectives before making designations that would add vehicle classes. (2) NFS arterial and collector roads (at Operational Maintenance Level 3, 4, or 5) may provide primary access to NFS lands for passenger cars and commercial haulers. It may not be appropriate to make some of these roads part of an NFS road or NFS trail loop that has off-highway vehicle recreation as a primary objective (FSH 7709.55, ch. 30).

7715.6 – Other Considerations In addition to the general and specific criteria in FSM 7715.5, the following should be considered in designating roads, trails, and areas:

1. Existing and future needs of motor vehicle users. 2. Uses on adjacent federal, state, and private lands. 3. Uses exempt from designations, including use by over-snow vehicles. 4. Non-motorized uses. 5. Unauthorized routes, as appropriate. 6. The Forest Service’s ability to administer and maintain the routes and areas under consideration. 7. Changes in motor vehicle technology.

APPENDIX B: GENERALIZED ROAD MAINTENANCE COSTS, PISGAH RANGER DISTRICT

Table B.1: Generalized Road Maintenance Costs, Pisgah Ranger District Generalized Costs for Road Work Public

Works Timber Sale

Work Cost/Mile Cost/Mile Road Construction (Balanced Section) (Includes Clearing, Grubbing, Earthwork, Grading, EC & Seeding)

$20,034 $18,031

Road Reconstruction (Includes Clearing, Grubbing & Grading) $6,946 $6,251 Road Maintenance (Includes Mowing & Grading) $1,970 $1,773 Roadway surfacing (1") $14,878 $13,390 Roadway surfacing (2") $28,929 $26,036 Roadway surfacing (3") $42,980 $38,682 Roadway surfacing (4") $56,890 $51,201 Roadway surfacing (6") $84,922 $76,430 Ditch Construction & Culvert Installation (500' int.)(Includes extra Clearing, Earthwork & Seeding) $15,709 $14,138 Armoring Dips only if road is not otherwise surfaced $11,217 $10,095

APPENDIX C: MAPS

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