This Land, Your Land

If you are interested in influencing the Proposed Land and Resource Management Plan for the Uwharrie National Forest, make plans to attend a public hearing at 6 p.m. August 18 at the Garner Conference Center, 211 Burnett St. in Troy.

The plan, which is available for review online, will guide management of the 50,814-acre forest for the next 15 years.

"The plan works to fulfill the Forest Service’s mission of managing national forests for multiple uses," a news release says. "The major themes of the draft management plan for the Uwharrie National Forest are: restoring the forest to a more natural ecological condition; better management of cultural resources; and providing outstanding and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities, with excellent trails and facilities."

Planners anticipate increased use of the Uwharrie in coming years as nearby state roads and interstate highways are widened to four lanes, and as Fort Bragg continues to grow, the plan says.

"More effective management of recreation, especially dealing with the many trails that are in poor condition, could help accommodate the expected increase in use," the plan says.

"Several new or improved developed recreation sites were constructed over the past two decades. The focus for the foreseeable future could be on maintenance rather than new construction, so that more resources could be used toward bettering the management of dispersed recreation."

Comments on the plan are being accepted until September 24 at comments-southern-north-carolina@fs.fed.us or Uwharrie Plan Revision, National Forests in North Carolina, 160-A Zillicoa Street, Asheville, N.C. 28801; or to 828-257-4263 by fax. Put "Proposed Uwharrie Plan Revision" in the subject line of email.

The National Forest Service recently announced its plan to increase or establish fees at several day-use sites in each of the four National Forests in North Carolina.

"Public input is welcomed, and will be evaluated by a regional advisory board this fall before any changes are approved by the Regional Forester," news releases from the Forest Service say. "Fee changes are being considered due to the increasing costs of operating and maintaining recreation facilities, and to enable the Forest Service to add amenities requested by forest visitors at various recreation sites."

In addition to individual day-use areas, the Forest Service is proposing a change in the cost of seasonal passes for OHV trail complexes in all national forests within North Carolina.

News releases for the individual forests (below) detail the amount of the fee increases. Approved changes would go into effect for the 2011 recreation season.

The site in the Croatan National Forest being considered for a fee increase is Black Swamp OHV Trail Complex.

Sites in the Nantahala National Forest being considered for fee increases include Wayehutta OHV Trail Complex, Dirty John Shooting Range, Panthertop Shooting Range and Jackrabbit Recreation Area (swimming beach). New fees are being proposed at Moss Knob Shooting Range and Wine Spring Horse Camp.

Sites in the Pisgah National Forest being considered for fee increases are Brown Mountain OHV Trail Complex, Sliding Rock Recreation Area and Roan Mountain Recreation Area. A new restroom is being installed at Wolf Ford Recreation Area, with a new fee being proposed there.

Sites in the Uwharrie National Forest being considered for fee increases include Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex and Canebrake Horse Camp. Some trails at Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex are being improved with Recovery Act funds, but will still have significant and recurring maintenance needs.

Comments should be mailed by July 30 to USDA Forest Service, National Forests in North Carolina, ATTN: Recreation Fee Proposals, 160A Zillicoa Street, Asheville NC 28801, or e-mailed to comments-southern-north-carolina@fs.fed.us with “Recreation Fees” in the subject line.