David Holle
Vice President, BRBC
Background: The Forest Service has revised the Environmental Assessment for the Bent Creek Complex. The revised EA is available online from the National Forests in North Carolina web site at http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/.
Most now seem to think that the Proposed Road should be accepted. I think we should advocate for Alternative 3 in the Environmental Assessment. This alternative calls for no action, no change. I don't believe anyone needs a forest road where the best single track trail in Best Creek is, namely Side Hill. Nor do we need clear cutting. With the diminished forest resources that are left on the East Coast, there are relatively few logging opportunities.
Furthermore, softwood has lost demand because of recycling. The remaining forest industry is focused on hardwood. For these reasons, I think the importance of the Experimental Forests can be downgraded. The money the government spends on staffing the Bent Creek Experimental Forest should be redirected to environmental groups dedicated to saving our dwindling forest reserves, in a way that is harmonious with recreational use.
Bent Creek, because of its proximity to Asheville and its popularity as a biking and hiking destination, should be allowed to revert to its most natural state, maintaining the trail system for recreational use.
If the various study groups continue to visit the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, let them walk or bike in. Many of these people are students, environmentalists, and various outdoor enthusiasts who should not mind walking. The Bent Creek Study Group could perhaps keep some mountain bikes on hand for the use of these visitors.
The discussion emphasizes that only 1.3 miles of trail will be permanently affected. However two more miles of access road will take many years to revert to its original state. And the adjacent forests which are logged to pay for the road will be a great loss.
I urge the BRBC to join with me in advocating Alternative 3 of the Environmental Assessment.
© Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Inc. 2004