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 Post subject: USDA Forest Service Chattahoochee NF Road System Study
PostPosted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 11:28 pm 
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http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/conf/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5356191

Road System Study to Begin on the Chattahoochee National Forest

USDA Forest Service seeks public input before April 13

(Gainesville, Ga.) – The USDA Forest Service is beginning a study of the road system on the Chattahoochee National Forest, and wants to know which national forest roads are important to visitors and why. Anyone may provide comments now through April 13.

“The Forest Service is committed to balancing the needs for public access to the Chattahoochee National Forest with our responsibility to sustain a productive, diverse and healthy national forest,” said Forest Supervisor George Bain. “As part of this commitment, we must address crucial concerns about the future sustainability of the national forest road system.”

The three Ranger Districts that make up the Chattahoochee National Forest are scheduled to complete transportation studies this year. A study on the Oconee Ranger District was completed last year. This is a nationwide initiative, with all national forests completing studies by 2015. The transportation studies identify roads needed for safe and efficient travel and for the protection, management, and use of national forests. At the same time, the studies offer an opportunity to identify roads that are no longer needed.

According to Forest Service officials, the number of overdue road maintenance projects continues to grow, while a greater number of visitors are using the road system. Roads that cannot be adequately maintained can be dangerous to visitors and threaten forest health. They can increase sedimentation into rivers and streams, degrading water quality and impacting fish and wildlife.

“The study will help us prioritize our limited resources,” said Bain. “It will lead us to finding better ways to manage our roads for visitors while protecting sources of clean water.”

Nearly everyone who uses the national forest will be affected by possible future road management decisions, making it important to work together today to identify a sustainable road system. Some possible options that may be considered in the transportation study include maintaining individual roads at current standards; changing the level of access from passenger cars to high clearance vehicles; adding new or greater seasonal restrictions; changing management jurisdiction; implementing year-long closures; or removing some roads entirely.

The Forest Service will analyze the level of access needed to efficiently manage a healthy forest. Desires of the public, potential risks to visitor safety and forest health, and agency road maintenance costs will be among other important considerations. The transportation study is not a proposal or decision, but it is intended to help with road management planning. Before any future actions are taken, the Forest Service will provide additional opportunities for the public to participate in the decision making process.

Anyone may view maps of roads on the national forest and provide input through an online comment form on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/conf. Hardcopy planning maps and comment forms are also available for review at the Ranger District offices and the Forest Supervisor’s office.

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests Supervisor’s Office
1755 Cleveland Highway
Gainesville, GA 30501
Phone: 770 297-3000
Office hours: Tuesday - Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-4:00pm

Blue Ridge Ranger District Office
2042 Highway 515 West
Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: 706 745-6928
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00-11:30am and 12:30-4:30pm

Chattooga River Ranger District Office
9975 Highway 441S
Lakemont, GA 30552
Phone: 706 754-6221
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-4:30pm

Conasauga Ranger District Office
3941 Highway 76
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: 706 695-6736
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-4:30pm



The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Encompassing around 867,000 acres across 26 counties, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests provide the finest outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources in Georgia. Featuring nearly 118,000 acres of designated wilderness, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities, these lands are rich in natural scenery, history and culture. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is part of the Southern Region, with the Forest Supervisor’s office in Gainesville, Georgia, managing four District units in Blairsville (Blue Ridge District), Lakemont (Chattooga River District), Chatsworth (Conasauga District), and Eatonton (Oconee District).

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