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Environment & Access Chattooga in the Balance
Environment & Access Chattooga in the Balance
| Chattooga in the Balance |
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| Written by Paul Sanford |
| Tuesday, 21 August 2007 09:44 |
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Since 1976, the upper 21 miles of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River have been closed to paddlers. Recently, the American Canoe Association joined the efforts of American Whitewater and other organizations to open this river to whitewater paddling. Their efforts led to the first authorized test runs of the river (Eight Men In) in many years, and contributed a decision by the U.S. Forest Service to revise its management plan for the river. The Forest Service is now in the middle of its management review process. As part of that process, the Forest Service has released a scoping document setting forth six alternatives for management of the river corridor. By the end of 2007, the Forest Service will select one of these alternatives, or another alternative offered by the public, to govern the management of the river for the next 15 to 20 years. The Forest Service’s choice of plans will determine whether paddlers will be able to run the upper sections of the river. The Forest Service’s decision in this case could have far-reaching implications nationwide. The Chattooga is a Wild and Scenic River protected by Congress because of its recreational value. The Forest Service should not be allowed to selectively exclude certain types of recreational use from such a river, particularly when there is no evidence that the excluded group has greater adverse impacts than other users. Now is the time to send a message to the Forest Service that the paddling community will object to such a decision whenever and wherever it is made. All six of the management alternatives proposed by the Forest Service have significant flaws. Paddlers need to speak out and urge the Forest Service to correct these deficiencies, and formulate a plan that treats all recreational users of the Chattooga River corridor fairly. Paddlers need to submit comments to the Forest Service by September 13. American Whitewater has posted an article on its website with instructions on how to submit comments. The ACA urges all its members to review the article and submit comments. Paddlers will have additional opportunities to comment on the Forest Service management proposals later this year. See the AW article for dates, put them on your calendar, and plan to submit more comments as the process moves forward. |
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