Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan

TRANSMITTTRANSMITT TRANSMITTTRANSMITT TRANSMITTALAL ALAL AL

February 14, 2003

Dr. Phil McKnelly, Director Division of Parks and Recreation

North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1615 Mail Service Center Raleigh NC 27699-1615

Dear Dr. McKnelly:

On behalf of all the staff members on the HadenStanziale HadenStanziale HadenStanziale HadenStanziale HadenStanziale project team, I am pleased to submit to you the Master Plan Report for Gorges State Park. It documents a process that we feel has been extensive and thorough while being responsive to the Gorges State Park site, adjacent development, Transylvania County and the potential park users. We are very confident this report and the master plan will be a useful guidance tool in the implementation of the proposed State Park facilities and the development and management of the park over the next several years.

Obviously, it has been a collaborative effort. The Gorges Park staff; the Division of Parks and Recreation; the Parks Advisory Committee; constituent groups and the concerned public all deserve our thanks for providing input and direction throughout the master planning process.

It has been our pleasure to participate in this challenging master planning assignment. We look forward, with enthusiasm to the ongoing challenges of implementing the plans and guidelines for what is bound to be a jewel in the North Carolina State Park system.

Respectfully, submitted, HadenStanziale HadenStanziale

Jonathan D. Wood, ASLA Senior Associate

Gorges State Park Master Plan

The North Carolina state parks system exists for the enjoyment, education, health and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the state parks system is to conserve and protect representative examples of the natural beauty, ecological features and recreation resources of statewide significance; to provide outdoor recreational opportunities in a safe and healthy environment; and to provide environmental education opportunities that promote stewardship of the state’s natural heritage.

North Carolina State Parks System Mission Statement

It shall be the policy of this State to conserve and protect its lands and waters for the benefit of all its citizenry, and to this end it shall be a proper function of the State of North Carolina and its political subdivision to acquire and preserve park, recreation and scenic areas, to control and limit the pollution of our air and water, to control excessive noise, and in every other appropriate way to preserve as a part of the common heritage of this state its forests, wetlands, estuaries, beaches, historical sites, open land, and places of beauty.

North Carolina Constitution, Article XIV, Section 5

It shall be the continuing policy of the State of North Carolina to conserve and protect its natural resources and to create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony. Further, it shall be the policy of the State to seek, for all its citizens safe, healthful, productive and aesthetically pleasing surroundings; to attain the widest possible range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, risk to health or safety; and to preserve the important historic and cultural elements of our common interitance. (G.S. 113A-3)

North Carolina Environmental Policy Act of 1971

Gorges State Park Master Plan

EXECUTIVE SUMMAREXECUTIVE SUMMAREXECUTIVE SUMMAREXECUTIVE SUMMAREXECUTIVE SUMMARYY YY Y

HadenStanziale HadenStanziale was charged by the Division of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to prepare a master plan for the Gorges State Park property to be used as a guide and tool for implementing development within the park in a respectful and meaningful manner. The objective of the plan was to determine recreational and eco-tourism uses that would be appropriate for the park. The planning process included physical and environmental inventory and analysis; a constituent and public involvement process; preliminary master planning; and final master planning.

HadenStanziale HadenStanziale began by assembling base data in order to prepare thorough and accurate physical mapping of the park environs. The team familiarized themselves with the existing conditions of the park property and surrounding context. Elements inventoried included: topography, slope and soils limitations; adjacent land use; significant physical features and interim development plans. In addition, independent consultants, state agencies and college interns conducted several inventories and studies on the site’s ecology, flora, fauna and wildlife. These studies were reviewed and mapped in a composite manner to determine sensitive habitats within the park property. All of the elements were reviewed for their influence or potential influence, either positive or negative, on the master planning process. Representative plans that best reflect influential elements on potential development are included in the Site Inventory and Analysis section. The information gathered was analyzed for the suitability and sensitivity to support public activities based on both ecological and physical constraints and opportunities.

Utilizing the site inventory and analysis data, the planning team then sought input from DPR, the park staff, the Gorges Park Advisory Committee (PAC), constituent groups as well as the general public. Preliminary concept plans (4 alternatives) were prepared to initiate dialogue with the above groups. The input was gathered during the course of several meetings and public workshops, as well as through a web page devoted to the master planning process. The participants in the input process helped to verify and provide additional base mapping information, voice public concerns and assist in establishing the framework for recreational activities within the state park.

Preliminary master plans (2 alternatives) were then prepared for Gorges locating recreational features that were identified through the input received during the public involvement process. Particular attention was given to the relationships and interfacing with existing development and facilities, park programs and site constraints. Special concern was given to relationships between existing uses, both on and off site and their effects on the potential programming for this park. Proposed design solutions were also reviewed with regard to potential influence on and by adjacent lands and land uses.

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

A final master plan was prepared that combined the features of the preliminary master plan alternatives and is presented here as the direction for which Gorges State Park should be developed. Main elements of the master plan include:

West Side -- Grassy Ridge Access

•New 281 entrance

•Visitor center (2-story) with overlooks

•Paved loop road with pull-outs

•Trailhead parking areas

•Expansion of primitive camping area

•Group camping area (13 camping sites)

•Family camping area with bath house (30 tent sites, 14 RV/trailer sites, plus campground host)

•Picnic areas (2) with shelters

•Expanded maintenance facility

•Seasonal barracks

•Ranger residences (2)

East Side -- Frozen Creek Access

•New parking area for backpackers, day hikers and picnicking

•Existing lot to be used for equestrian staging

•Picnic area

•Primitive campsites (6 -- for late arrivals, one night only)

•New landing zone

•Ranger residence (1)

•Satellite maintenance / vehicular storage

An order of magnitude budget estimate has been provided, using 2002 construction numbers, to assist in establishing funding and phasing for the implementation of the park development. The proposed development of the park is of a low-impact nature that allows visitors and users to experience the uniqueness of Gorges State Park. The master plan is a tool, which can help protect and preserve the environment of Gorges State Park for the public’s education and enjoyment for present and future generations.

Gorges State Park Master Plan

PREFPREF PREFPREF PREFACEACE ACEACE ACE

HISTORHISTOR HISTORHISTOR HISTORYY YY Y

Established in April, 1999, Gorges State Park is the newest state park in North Carolina’s system. Part of a 10,000 acre purchase from Duke Energy Corporation, the park is comprised of 7,092 acres. The remaining 2,900 acres forms a gameland managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and Gorges State Park. Access to the gamelands is currently through Gorges via Auger Hole Road.

Prior to the Flood of 1916, the Gorges tract was comprised of several large parcels of land owned by local citizens. Singer Sewing Machine Company owned the property and used it for logging purposes in the 1920s and 1930s. Due to its steep topography and high levels of annual rainfall, the Gorges tract and surrounding lands were appealing to Duke Energy Corporation because they offered opportunities for the development of hydropower projects in the region. Duke purchased the property between 1940 and 1960.

In the late 1970s, Duke began conducting conservation studies and limited access to the property to protect the environment. Lake Jocassee, a hydroelectric pumped storage area was created in 1973. Nearly 275 acres of the Gorges property (currently in the park) was placed on the North Carolina Registry of Natural Heritage Areas in 1982 due to its numerous rare species.

By the late 1990s, Duke Energy had determined that it no longer needed large areas of the Gorges property and offered the land for sale to Natural Resource Agencies in both North and South Carolina. A 32,000-acre piece of the Jocassee Gorges in Pickens and Oconee Counties was purchased by South Carolina; and North Carolina purchased 10,000 acres in Transylvania County.

PROPERPROPER PROPERTYLIMITSTYLIMITS TYLIMITSTYLIMITS TY LIMITS

The park property is bounded on the west side by NC Highway 281 and U.S. Forestry and N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission property and on the south side by the gamelands, Lake Jocassee and the South Carolina line. The park abuts US 64 in two areas in the northwest and Frozen Creek Road in the northeast corner. Private property and development borders the north side of the park. Private property along with The Wilds Christian Conference Center/Church Camp borders the eastern side. A 650foot wide Duke Energy owned transmission line R.O.W., constructed in 1989-90, bisects the property from the northwest corner to the south. Approximately 150 feet of the R.O.W. is currently cleared on the east side for the existing 230 kv transmission line. Duke Energy maintains access to each of the 15 transmission towers within the R.O.W. Bearwallow Creek and the Toxaway River also bisect the park.

TRAILS AND ROADSAND ROADS ROADS

As part of an agreement for constructing Lake Jocassee and Bad Creek (another pumped storage project to the west), Duke Energy agreed to build a hiking trail across the region. As a result, the 80-mile long Foothills Trail was born, just to the southeast

Bearwallow Valley/Buckberry Ridge Trails

Grassy Ridge access parking area

Grassy Ridge access off NC 281

Foothills Trail bridge over Toxaway River

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February

at Caesar’s Head and Table Rock State Parks in South Carolina. The Foothills Trail (maintained by Duke Energy) crosses the southern portion of the park for about 6.7 miles of strenuous hiking. In addition to the Foothills, other signed hiking trails within the state park include:

Auger Hole (moderate, 6.0 miles); Bearwallow Falls (strenuous, 1.6 miles); Bearwallow Valley (moderate, 1.25 miles); Buckberry Ridge (easy, 0.75 miles); Canebrake (strenuous, 5.0 miles); Ray Fisher Place (moderate, 2.7 miles)

Several old county roads and logging roads traverse the property but are not blazed or advertised for public use. All trails are for hiking use only except for Auger Hole, which also allows equestrian and mountain bike use. Under the current agreement between DPR and WRC, vehicular use along Auger Hole Road is limited to hunters accessing the gamelands who have registered with the park office. This creates incompatible uses between vehicles, horses and hikers. In addition, firearms are prohibited, with the exception of the rangers and wildlife resource commission officers, on the Gorges property. (GS113-35,Title15,subchapter12B,NCAC.0901 “Nopersonexceptauthorizedparkemployees,theiragents,orcontractors,orofficers ofthestateshallcarryorpossessfirearms,airguns,bowsandarrows,slingshots,or lethalmissilesofanykindwithinanypark”).

INTERIM DEVELOPMENTINTERIM DEVELOPMENT

Some interim development has occurred since the park’s inception in April 1999 through monies from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. The Grassy Ridge Access Area is a gated entrance off of NC 281 into a gravel parking lot that serves approximately 80 vehicles. Construction began on this access on September 23, 2000, and the access was opened to the public on April 9, 2001. There are portable toilet and picnicking facilities at the access area. Just north of the parking area is a gated maintenance/vehicle storage area for the park. Covered maintenance and a workshop are located at the park office on US 64. This entrance serves as the trailhead for Bearwallow Falls, Bearwallow Valley, Ray Fisher Place and Buckberry Ridge Trails. Registration for six primitive camping sites at Ray Fisher Place also occurs at this location. The six primitive camping sites are served by a pit toilet. There is no running water within the park at this time.

Bearwallow Falls and Bearwallow Valley Trails lead to overlooks. The Buckberry Ridge Trail is a self-guided interpretive nature trail focusing on plant identification. There is also a gated entrance and parking area off Frozen Creek Road on the east side of the park. Construction began on the Frozen Creek Road Access Area on April 10, 2001, and it was opened to the public on July 30, 2001. This access area serves as a trailhead for hikers and equestrian users and is the most proximate access to the Canebrake and Foothills Trails. There are portable toilet and picnicking facilities at this access area as well. There is backcountry camping along the Foothills Trail. Registration for overnight camping on the Foothills Trail occurs at the Frozen Creek Road Access.

Primitive campsite at Ray Fisher Place

Footbridge over Frozen Creek at Frozen Creek Road access

Southeast corner of Gorges State Park as viewed from Round Mountain

Upper Bearwallow Falls

Bearwallow Falls Overlook

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February

STST STST STAFFINGAFFING AFFINGAFFING AFFING

Currently, the park employs five permanent full-time staff: Park Superintendent, Ranger I, Ranger II, Maintenance Mechanic and an Office Assistant. There are also seasonal positions: 2 park attendants from March to November; 1 general utility worker from April to September; and 2- 6 college interns at various times during the year. In addition, a tremendous number of hours have been volunteered since the park’s existence (Note that 2,080 hours equals one full-time position):

1999 – 716 volunteer hours

2000 – 4,529 volunteer hours

2001 – 4,702 volunteer hours

2002 – 1,900 volunteers hours (through July 31, 2002)

VISITVISIT VISITAA AA ATIONTION TIONTION TION

Visitation continues to increase. There were several weekends during this past summer (2002) when the Grassy Ridge Access Area was at capacity and was subsequently closed for periods of time. Visitation records to date are as follows:

1999 – Not recorded

2000 – 90,462 (estimated)

2001 – 119,005 (Jan.-Mar. estimated, Apr.-Dec. actual)

2002 – 278, 571 (Jan.-July)

Gorges State Park continues to gain in popularity as word spreads of its uniqueness in the North Carolina State Parks system. It was apparent at the beginning of this master planning process that the final plan was to maintain the experience and not sacrifice the land to accommodate for every possible visitor.

State Park Master Plan

SITE INVENTORSITE INVENTORSITE INVENTORSITE INVENTORSITE INVENTORY AND ANALY AND ANALY Y AND ANALYSISYSIS YSISYSIS YSIS

HadenStanziale HadenStanziale HadenStanziale HadenStanziale HadenStanziale began the process by assembling base data in order to prepare a thorough and physical mapping of the entire study area. Much of the information had never been jointly overlaid before this exercise. The team familiarized themselves with the existing conditions of the site and surrounding context. Elements inventoried included: topography, soils, slopes, site ecology, adjacent land use, significant physical and environmental features as well as several independent studies that were conducted by other consultants and interns in regards to the ecology, geology, flora and fauna of Gorges.

GEOLOGYGEOLOGY GEOLOGYGEOLOGY GEOLOGY

The area around Gorges State Park forms the sudden transition from the Highlands Plateau of substantial altitude to the rolling hills of the South Carolina piedmont. This abrupt transition, along with the high levels of annual rainfall and a large drainage area, produces the abundance of waterfalls which visitors seek throughout the park.

Toxaway Gneiss is a granite-like rock formation that covers most of the northwest park area. Henderson Gneiss covers the southeast corner. Two smaller zones: Tallulah Falls formation and The Brevard Fault Zone extend southwest to northeast between the Gneisses. A mineral resource inventory determined that granite, marble, mica and talc had either been found or mined on or near the park property from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.

SOILSSOILS SOILSSOILS SOILS

Using the Soil Sur vey of Transylvania County (latest edition, 1974), all of the soil communities and types found on the Gorges State Park property were mapped. The soils at Gorges are comprised of 19 different soil communities made up of over 35 different soil types. Approximately twenty-two (22) of the soil types are considered fair for development and construction of road systems. Seven (7) soil types are suitable for campsite development with the main determinant being the slope conditions for those soils. Thirteen (13) soil types have slight or moderate limitations for construction of buildings and only four (4) soil types are moderately suitable for septic field development. Eighty (80) percent of the site exhibits soils that are primarily conducive to remain as woodland and wildlife habitat. Except for the soils in the interim development areas, soils on the Gorges site have remained undisturbed for generations.

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

SLOPESLOPE SLOPESLOPE SLOPE

Since slopes in the Gorges area are extreme to begin with, the slope inventory was divided into two categories: slopes less than 25% and slopes greater than 25%. These two categories are equally distributed throughout the site.

An inventory of slope movements shows that many have occured over time throughout the park but all appear to be past active with no obvious signs of movement, revegetated scarps and indistinct margins. Most slope movements occured along water channels.

Many boulder and cobble deposits have been identified along an 8,000-foot reach of the Toxaway River, attributed to the debris flow from an earthen dam failure at Lake Toxaway during the hurricane of July 1916.

ELEVELEV ELEVAA AA ATIONSTIONS TIONSTIONS TIONS

There is a drop of approximately 2,400 feet from western edges of Gorges along Highway 281 to the southeast edge of the park along Lake Jocassee. Elevation ranges from 1000 to 3400 feet above sea level. This elevation drop occurs in a little over three miles. Views into South Carolina from the Bearwallow Valley observation deck can reach up to 20 miles on clear days.

Located on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, Gorges is home to several major ridges, including: Grassy Ridge, Chestnut Mountain and Grindstone Mountain.

Bearwallow Valley Overlook

View to Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee from the Bearwallow Valley Overlook

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

FLORA AND FFLORA ANDFLORA AND FFLORA ANDFLORA AND FAUNAAUNA AUNAAUNA AUNA

Several grant-funded studies were started in May 1999 covering various aspects of the Gorges property. A few studies are continuing as this report is prepared. The inventories and studies that were compiled and reviewed for this master plan included:

Rare Vascular Plants

Timber Rattlesnakes

Amphibian Survey

-Fish Community Survey and Stream Habitat Assessment

-Vegetation Communities

-Fungi Survey

-Bat Inventory

-Terrestrial Mollusk Survey

-Bird Point Count Surveys

Brief summaries are as follows:

RareVRareV Rare V ascular Plantsascular Plantsascular

A survey of rare vascular plants was undertaken between May 1999 and November 2000. There are more rare plant species within Gorges State Park than in any other area of comparable size in the state of North Carolina. The high rainfall, escarpment gorges, turbulent streams and numerous waterfalls provide suitable habitats for these species. There are 15 vascular plant species found in or near Gorges that are listed as rare in the state of North Carolina. Five of these species are relatively abundant in the state park: Oconee Bells – Most of its global population is found here and just across the South Carolina state line. The plant grows along many of the area streams and especially in narrow, steep sized gorges.

Ash-Leaved Golden Banner – Occurs only along the Blue Ridge escarpment in North Carolina. The plant likes mid to high elevations on slopes with partial or filtered sun, thrives in relatively open woods, but also occurs along edges of unpaved roads.

Large Witch Alder – Grows on the crest and upper slopes of low ridges and favors the north face.

Dwarf Filmy Fern – Moss sized plants that grow on the shady sides of boulders and outcrops.

Blue Ridge Bindweed – A perennial vine that favors open, sunny spots especially along edges of unpaved roads.

In addition to the 15 rare species, there have been 16 more plant species identified that are included on the North Carolina watch list. In addition, there is an area of Fraser’s Loosestrife along the south side of Grassy Ridge near NC 281. Fraser’s Loosestrife is a perennial herb that is listed as “Endangered” in the state of North Carolina and is a species of federal concern. Fraser’s Loosestrife occurs in light gaps and other openings along streams and rivers, near rock outcrops and along roadsides.

Lower Bearwallow Falls

Augerfork Falls

Upper Bearwallow Falls

Paw Paw Falls

Gorges State Park Master Plan --

TT TT T imber Rattlesnakes Rattlesnakesimber Rattlesnakes Rattlesnakes

The timber rattlesnake is currently listed as a “Species of Special Concern” in the state of North Carolina. A series of rock outcrops were surveyed in July 1999 on the southwest side of Grassy Ridge and have been identified as gestation sites for timber rattlesnakes. These sites contain special thermal characteristics; provide protection from predators and refuge from excessive heat and inclement weather. These sites are ancestral, and are therefore, used year after year by the snake population, some returning every year for the past ten years or so.

Amphibian SurAmphibian Amphibian SurAmphibian Amphibian Sur veyvey vey

Both aquatic and terrestrial habitats were surveyed throughout the state park property from late August 1999 through September 2000. The survey identified existence of 21 different species of amphibians (12 types of salamanders, 1 type of Newt, 2 types of Toads and 6 types of Frogs and Peepers). It was noted that the abundance of species and numbers of each had significantly diminished since a previous study had occurred in 1965. The most notable of the amphibians is the Green Salamander, which was classified as “Endangered” in North Carolina in 1990. Most of the waterways across the state park have provided habitat one way or another for these various amphibians with the lower gorges south of Grindstone Mountain being favorable for the Green Salamander.

Fish Community SurFish SurFish Community SurFish Sur vey and Stream Habitat Assessmentvey and Stream Habitat Assessmentvey and Stream Habitat Assessmentvey and Stream Habitat Assessment Assessment

A field survey was conducted between February and September 2000 within the Toxaway, Horsepasture and Bearwallow watersheds. A total of 22 fish species were identified as well as 7 fish that were unidentified at the end of the study. The highest fish community richness was discovered in the lower elevation sites of all three sampled watersheds. It has been presumed that the combination of impassible falls and extreme topographic relief have restricted the upstream dispersal of species. Trout was discovered in Frozen Creek, Auger Fork, Bearwallow Creek, Milksick Branch and Toxaway Creek as well as Indian Creek, and the Toxaway and Horsepasture Rivers. Two of four species of fish, recognized as rare within the Upper Savannah River drainage are present at Gorges. Both the redeye bass and the turquoise darter were documented during the survey. The other two rare fish species, yellowfin shiner and rosyface darter were not documented on the park property, but have been recorded in nearby streams recently. The presence of the margined madtom, a species not previously recorded in the Savannah River drainage basin was also discovered during the study. A continuation into habitat-fish community associations is ongoing and has not been released as of this writing.

VV VV V egetation Communities Communitiesegetation Communities Communities

A field assessment was conducted in 2000 to update previous plant community studies and a predictive modeling prepared to help characterize the current vegetation communities of Gorges State Park. During this assessment, 16 different vegetation community types have been identified. Those communities are defined as:

Acidic Cove Forest Canada Hemlock Forest

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

Chestnut Oak Forest (4 subtypes)

Montane Cliff (2 subtypes)

Montane Oak-Hickory Forest (2 subtypes)

Pine Oak Heath

Rich Cove Forest

Rocky Bar Spray Cliff

Swamp Forest Bog Complex

White Pine Forest

The unique environment and habitat characteristics of Gorges State Park allow for this abundance of diversity in vegetation communities.

FungiSurFungiSur FungiSurFungiSur Fungi Sur veyvey vey

An inventory of fungi present in Gorges State Park was done in 2000. Over 84 species of fungi were identified in the park. None of the fungi species were determined to be rare.

BatInventorBatInventor BatInventorBatInventor Bat Inventor yy

A survey was conducted in July and September 2000 in the areas of Bearwallow Creek and the Toxaway River near Auger Hole Road in both Acidic Cove and Hemlock Forests. There were five species of bat caught and identified, two of which are uncommon. The Northern Long-eared Bat is a “Species of Special Concern” in the state of North Carolina while the Little Brown Bat is a “Watch List” species. Both of these species may use tree cavities, loose bark, caves and man-made structures as roosts.

TT TT Terrestrial Mollusk Surerrestrial Molluskerrestrial Mollusk Surerrestrial Molluskerrestrial Surveyvey veyvey vey

Field studies were undertaken from late August 1999 to mid-July 2000 from ten natural vegetation communities in the Toxaway, Horsepasture and Bearwallow gorges. Nineteen species of terrestrial mollusks were identified during the inventory, however, none of the species identified were considered rare. The Rich Cove Forests exhibited the greatest species diversity.

Bird Point Count SurBird Count SurBird Point Count SurBird Count Sur veysveys veys

Bird counts were conducted in June 2000 at 137 different plots throughout the state park. Forty-five different species were identified that could be considered breeding residents within the park. The few rare species that were observed during the count were thought to be only transient in the park and not breeding residents. There is a large Neotropical migrant population within the park, which is an indicator of the quantity and quality of the interior forest habitat in the park.

Sensitive habitats for each of the inventories and studies were located and mapped on a composite site analysis.

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan --

HYDROLOGY HYDROLOGY HYDROLOGY HYDROLOGY HYDROLOGY

Additionally, the composite analysis shows over 20.6 miles of rivers and creeks that traverse the Gorges State Park property. The two longest waterways are the Toxaway River, 5 miles in length, and Bearwallow Creek, 4.5 miles in length. There are 15 other named creeks and branches that comprise 10.6 miles and a few unnamed water sources that comprise 0.5 miles. There is a spring fed pond at Ray Fisher Place. The park property is comprised of three drainages: Toxaway, Horspasture and Bearwallow, with the entire area being a part of the Savannah Drainage Basin.

Waterfalls are Gorges’ main attraction. Several waterfalls, named and unnamed, exist throughout the park, and the waterways of Gorges offer some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area: Bearwallow Creek: Cathy/Upper Bearwallow Falls; Paw Paw Falls; Indian Branch Falls; Lower Bearwallow Falls. Toxaway River: Wintergreen Falls; Chubline Falls; Step Around Falls. Auger Fork Creek: Auger Fork Falls. Numerous unnamed falls exist along these waterways and some of the smaller branches.

The USFS and gamelands also have Drift, Rainbow, Stairway, Sidepocket and Windy Falls located along the Horsepasture River. High Falls and Great Falls are located on Toxaway Creek, just to the east of the park.

Waterfalls and the surrounding areas provide some of the richest habitats for flora and fauna.

CULCUL CULCUL CULTURAL RESOURCESTURAL TURAL RESOURCESTURAL TURAL

Several nodes of local history can be found throughout the Gorges State Park property. The Will Chappell, a fiddling legend who lived to be 100 years old, corn mill site occurs in the southeast corner of the property. Raymond Fisher Place, the site of the current primitive camping area at the pond still had some old foundation materials on the site. At least two cemetery areas have been identified: Dodgen Cemetery, just north of Raymond Fisher Place and an unnamed cemetery, just north of Graveyard Ridge on the Foothills Trail. Several homestead fields remain: Clyde Chappell Fields near Raymond Fisher; Julie Chappell Place; Lunar Cantrell Fields near the mouth of the Toxaway River; Robinson Fields on Chestnut Mountain and Ellis Galloway Fields off Frozen Creek. There are no structure remains at any of the fields. There is an old sawmill site just south of Indian Branch.

The park is rich in flavorful names that help tell the history of previous landowners and trades and succession of the land. Some of the names include: Persimmon Tree Gap; Turkey Pen Gap; Lime Kilns; Jim Up Place; Bean Patch Cove; Beech Bottoms; Holly Pen Fields; Mica Mine; Dead Oaks and Meatskin.

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

There are approximately 43 miles of old county roads and trails that traverse the site. Grassy Ridge Road, 4.4 miles in length and Auger Hole Road, 4.6 miles in length are the longest followed by Bearwallow Creek Road, 3.2 miles in length, CCC Road, 1.8 miles in length and Old Cow Trail, 1.6 miles in length. Sixteen of the 42.5 miles are unnamed. Many of these roads are old logging roads that dead-end. Many of these trails and roads also extend offsite into the gamelands, U. S. Forest Service lands or private lands surrounding the park.

PRELIMINARPRELIMINAR PRELIMINARY MASTER PLANNINGY MASTER PLANNINGY MASTER PLANNINGY MASTER PLANNINGY MASTER PLANNING

PRELIMINARPRELIMINAR PRELIMINARPRELIMINAR PRELIMINAR Y CONCEPT PLANSY CONCEPT PLANSY CONCEPT PLANSY CONCEPT PLANSY

Using the inventory and analysis information gained through our review of the various studies, discussions with some of the consultants, meetings with the park staff and the PAC site selection criteria and on-site reconnaissance, four preliminary concept plans were developed in order to begin dialogue with the Gorges State Park staff, Parks Advisory Committee, the Division and the public.

Site Selection CriteriaSite CriteriaSite Selection CriteriaSite CriteriaSite Selection Criteria

Gorges State Park is: rugged terrain, scenic waterfalls and streams, forested slopes, Transylvania County history; a wilderness within the Blue Ridge Escarpment. The master plan for Gorges State Park needs to address this unique environment that has created the abundance and diversity of flora and fauna that flourish within the gorges while attracting more and more visitors to the fast developing region.

Upon reviewing the numerous inventories and studies and viewing many areas of the property first hand, several factors and recommendations from the studies have been incorporated into criteria for developing the master plan.

-Since the environment that has made Gorges State Park a haven for these species also attracts the many visitors to the park, the master plan needs to take this environment into account in order not to adversely affect the many rare plants and their habitats. Therefore, development should be discouraged along Auger Fork, Maple Branch, Lower Bearwallow and the Lime Kilns. Additionally, any proposed development along Grassy Ridge should be cautiously planned and coordinated with those who have worked on the rare vascular plants inventories and studies.

-If the timber rattlesnake gestation sites are disturbed, the population cannot maintain viability. Active protection of these sites will preserve these timber rattlesnake populations.

-As the populations of amphibians have already diminished in the last decade, care must be taken in the future development of the park to protect these waterways and habitats so to as minimize any further decline and hopefully encourage a rise in the populations. Any campsite development along the Foothills Trail should occur on the dry ridges and retain sizable buffers around rock outcrops.

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

-Placement of future facilities should avoid disturbance of older forest stands. Hiking trails and campgrounds should be located away from possible bat roosts in rock outcrops. Furthermore, trails should be constructed away from cavity bearing trees and hollow snags, which could be a safety factor in time for hikers, but serve as roosts for bats.

-Fragmentation of the forest should be minimized during development of the park. For the purposes of the bird count study, it is recommended that facility development occur at the northwest and northeast peripheries of the park, which would limit disturbance to avian communities.

-The park facilities and programs should be designed for the visitor “experience” and not the anticipated numbers of visitors.

-The use of existing established roadbeds with appropriate upgrade as vehicular circulation routes within the park should be encouraged.

-The plan should embrace the state legal mandates (See Appendix) that currently guide park management.

-Less is more.

-Monitoring and management practices will be critical to the development of facilities at the park.

PreliminarPreliminar PreliminarPreliminar Preliminar y Concept 1y Concept 1y Concept 1y Concept 1y 1

The main entrance remains in its current location off NC 281 with the main road following Grassy Ridge and looping to the east just below the existing overlook. The entire loop would be approximately three miles of paved asphalt. Camping would be located adjacent to the existing primitive sites near Clyde Chappell Fields. A visitor center is proposed behind the existing Bearwallow Valley overlook. Trails would be extended to proposed waterfall overlooks for Upper Bearwallow and Paw Paw Falls. The Frozen Creek Road Access would also remain. A ranger residence would be introduced at this access as well as a primitive camping area for late arrivals. Auger Hole Road would remain as a gated/restricted access to vehicular traffic to the gamelands. An additional landing zone is proposed for the east side of the park along Auger Hole Road. Several nature preserves are proposed throughout the park that could provide educational opportunities for programming. These preserves would encompass some of the sensitive habitat areas identified in the studies. New primitive backcountry camping areas are proposed along Grassy Ridge and the Foothills Trail.

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan --

2003

PreliminarPreliminar PreliminarPreliminar Preliminar y Concept 2y Concept 2y Concept 2y Concept 2y 2

The main entrance shifts up to US 64 and creates a shorter loop than Concept 1 (about 2.3 miles) as it passes the tent and trailer camping inside the loop, and a visitor center outside the loop adjacent to the existing Bearwallow Valley overlook. The maintenance facility stays in its current location and uses the existing entrance for access. Three primitive camping areas are proposed for the west side. Waterfall overlooks and nature preserves are also proposed, as in Concept 1. An additional landing zone, to the one proposed in Concept 1, is proposed at the intersection of Auger Hole Road and the Canebrake Trail. The proposed features at Frozen Creek Road Access are the same as proposed in Concept 1.

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

PreliminarPreliminar PreliminarPreliminar Preliminar y Concept 3y Concept 3y Concept 3y Concept 3y 3

This concept reflects the same proposed features as shown in Concept 1 with the exception of a proposed property acquisition northeast of the Frozen Creek Road Access. This acquisition would help protect Frozen Creek and provide the opportunity for a ranger residence and satellite park office for the east side. A new primitive camping area is proposed along Auger Hole Road.

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan

PreliminarPreliminar PreliminarPreliminar Preliminar y Concept 4y Concept 4y Concept 4y Concept 4y 4

This concept combines the proposed development for the west side from Concept 2 with the proposed development for the east side from Concept 3.

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

PUBLIC WORKSHOPS AND INPUTPUBLIC WORKSHOPS AND INPUTPUBLIC WORKSHOPS AND INPUTPUBLIC WORKSHOPS AND INPUTPUBLIC WORKSHOPS AND INPUT

Three public workshops were held on November 12 and 13, 2001. We had 31 participants attend the workshop in Rosman on November 12 at the high school; 7 participants at a Parks Advisory Committee meeting on November 13 at the Gorges park office and finished with only 5 participants at the public library also on November 13 in Cashiers. Participants represented Transylvania and Jackson Counties as well as interests in South Carolina. The four preliminary concepts were presented along with the analysis and inventory maps to date. In addition, a survey was prepared (See Appendix) for all attendees to fill out.

The four preliminary concept plans remained on display in the Gorges State Park office for two months after the public workshops. Surveys continued to be given to park visitors. In addition, a website was established to introduce the master planning process for the park, present the four preliminary concepts and ask for feedback from site visitors. We received 50 completed surveys along with several emails and letters expressing viewpoints, desires and concerns. The survey responses are summarized below:

Based on the surveys, the most popular characteristics or facilities within the current state park are: •waterfalls, •wilderness/natural areas, •hiking/trails, •views/overlooks and rugged terrain/wilderness, •isolation/remoteness and rivers/streams.

The top five items that the public would like to change within the park include: •create loop trails, •minimize the environmental impact with minimal development, •create more foot trails with trailhead parking, •create more access to the interior of the park via roads, and •add better trail signage.

The public stated that they would participate in the following additional activities or facilities if they were made available: •comprehensive trail network with trail signs & paint blazes, •guided nature tours/hikes (announced in advance and scheduled), •welcome center, •camping /designated campsites and walking trails, and •picnic areas.

All of the comments from the tabulated survey responses can be found in the appendix.

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

PRELIMINARPRELIMINAR PRELIMINAR Y MASTER PLANSY MASTER PLANSY MASTER PLANSY MASTER PLANSY MASTER PLANS

Using the comments gathered during the public input process and subsequent reviews with the PAC, and the Division of Parks and Recreation, the four preliminary concept plans were narrowed down to two preliminary master plans. These two schemes were presented to the PAC on February 12, 2002. Major features presented were:

SchemeASchemeA SchemeASchemeA Scheme A WestSide–GrassyRidgeAccess

The main entrance remains at its present location off of NC 281. The current picnic area and associated parking is expanded. The main road follows Grassy Ridge to the bend where it dead-ends into the family camping area. The family camping area will have 50 tent sites along with a bathhouse. Group camping will occur just to the south and the primitive camping area will be expanded. A large visitor center (similar to Hanging Rock and Hammocks Beach) is located adjacent to the existing overlook. Parking for 75 cars is allotted for at the visitor center. A separate access is proposed further north on NC 281 and off US 64 to service a relocated maintenance facility, a ranger’s residence and a seasonal barracks for visiting staff or interns. An interior road connection from these locations to the visitor center is proposed.

Interior

Minimal development interior to the park reflects only six backcountry campsites along Bearwallow Creek and Grassy Ridge Roads and trail connections to create more loop trail opportunities. A trail extension and overlook is proposed for Paw Paw Falls.

East Side – Frozen Creek Access Development on the east side is also low impact. It is proposed that the 80-acre tract across Frozen Creek Road be acquired. A ranger’s residence and satellite office, near Ellis Galloway Fields, are proposed for the east side at the Frozen Creek Road Access. The parking area remains in its current location with expansion capabilities. Permanent restrooms are proposed for the parking area. Six primitive campsites, with no facilities are proposed just down Canebrake Trail from Auger Hole Road. These sites are designed for one night use only and are meant for late arrivals that plan to backpack on the Foothills Trail. Six more primitive campsites are proposed about two miles down Auger Hole on the knoll above Auger Hole Creek. Auger Hole would be improved with grading and gravel for better compaction from Frozen Creek Road to a small parking area for the new primitive sites. A bridge is proposed over the Toxaway River for the Auger Hole crossing. A new landing zone is proposed along Auger Hole Road on the knoll east of Chestnut Branch. Two new backcountry camping sites are proposed along the Canebrake Trail near Jim Up Place.

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

SchemeBSchemeB SchemeBSchemeB Scheme B

WestSide–GrassyRidgeAccess

The main entrance remains at its present location off of NC 281. The current picnic area and associated parking is expanded. The main road follows Grassy Ridge to the second landing zone where it turns north to lead to a smaller visitor center (similar to Stone Mountain) and a fifty car parking area. The maintenance facility stays in its current location. The primitive camping area at Ray Fisher Place expands from 6 to 18 sites. A group camping area is proposed north of the visitor center. A ranger’s residence is proposed at the north end with a separate access off US 64.

Interior

The same minimal development is proposed as was reflected in Scheme A.

East Side - Frozen Creek Access

The only development proposed for the east side is a ranger’s residence and a primitive camping area for late arrivals. The primitive camping area will only have six campsites with no facilities. The existing parking area will remain.

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

SchemeCSchemeC SchemeCSchemeC Scheme C

The Division of Parks and Recreation reviewed the above two schemes and submitted comments for review. A third scheme was prepared that addressed the comments and combined portions of Schemes A and B. This scheme was displayed during the Gorges Appreciation Day held on May 4, 2002 at the park. Main features of Scheme C include:

WestSide–GrassyRidgeAccess

-The main entrance shifts north on NC 281 to the interim maintenance entrance location.

-Current main entrance closes.

-Main road follows the Grassy Ridge Road alignment.

-Visitor Center is located at landing zone number 2.

-Picnic area is located north of the knob near the Bearwallow Valley observation deck.

-Maintenance area relocates to the current interim parking area location. -Ranger residences (2) and a seasonal barracks are located on the west side of the park.

-Two-lane road from the main entrance to the visitor center and from the visitor center to the picnic area.

-Single lane, one-way road from the visitor center to the campgrounds and on to the picnic area.

-Tent and trailer campground located at the Clyde Chappell Field. Separate tent and trailer areas with electric hook-up available for trailers only. Central bathhouse is proposed.

-Add group camping near the primitive campsites.

East Side – Frozen Creek Access

-Picnic area near the existing parking area.

-Add a satellite maintenance/vehicle storage area.

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February

FINAL MASTER PLANFINAL MASTER PLANFINAL MASTER PLANFINAL MASTER PLANFINAL MASTER PLAN

MASTER PLANMASTER PLAN PLAN

Comments on preliminary master plan scheme C were received from the Division in June, 2002. These comments were incorporated into a final draft master plan. This draft plan was then reviewed again onsite two more times and adjusted before a final presentation to the PAC on September 10, 2002. The PAC endorsed the draft master plan at that meeting. The Division reviewed the same draft plan and submitted final comments on September 20. These comments were incorporated into the final draft master plan. This plan was presented to the Division of Parks and Recreation on October 7, 2002 with comments being addressed in the final master plan presented in this report as follows:

WestSide–GrassyRidgeAccess

Main features include:

-Relocated maintenance facility (at interim parking area) with maintenance shop (2,250 SF), vehicular storage (2,500 SF) and office/restrooms (2,025 SF). Additional storage has been added for more road maintenance equipment and four wheel drive vehicles than are usually present in the state parks due to the severe terrain at Gorges.

-Seasonal barracks (2,500 SF) with a gravel parking area at site of interim maintenance facility.

-Main entrance now at location of current maintenance access.

-NC 281 widened at entrance to allow turn lanes, deceleration/acceleration lanes. New park sign on west side of NC 281.

-Main road from NC 281 to visitor center to be asphalt paved (2” I-2 over 8” base) 2-lane, 20’ wide with 4’ shoulders and drainage ditches each side, where feasible.

-Ranger residence located north side of knob. Park access from main entrance road and private access to county road. This drive will be used as emergency exit via gate with pressure pad to be located between the residence and the main park entrance road.

-Interim entrance and gravel road to be closed.

-Visitor Center (7,500 SF/two-story) at landing zone 2. A 50-car paved parking area will continue to serve as landing zone. Observation deck/ overlook off main level. Main level to include: reception area, meeting rooms, classroom/auditorium, workroom, exhibits hall, restrooms. Lower level to include: superintendent’s office, office equipment, break room, open office space (3-4 work spaces), storage, conference room.

-Overflow gravel parking area for 50 cars located east of visitor center.

-Trail from visitor center to picnic areas and existing overlooks.

-New overlooks with gravel parking down Grassy Ridge from visitor center. These overlooks would be ADA accessible from the overlook parking area. A trail will also connect the overlook to the visitor center.

-Secondary road from visitor center to new overlook parking and picnic areas to be asphalt paved (2” I-2 over 8” base) 2-lane, 18’ wide with 4’ shoulders

View to Lake Jocassee from proposed visitor center site on Grassy Ridge

View south on NC 281 at new main entrance location

View north on NC 281 at new main entrance location

Main entrance road (new corridor)

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

and drainage ditches each side, where feasible.

-Loop road from new overlook parking to campground areas to be asphalt paved (2” I-2 over 8” base) 1-lane, one way, 12’ wide with 4’ shoulders and drainage ditches each side, where feasible.

-Gravel parking area for primitive camping, group camping and trailhead use at the intersection of Grassy Ridge (Landing Zone 3) and the old county road for up to 120 cars. Further expansion of the parking area is still possible.

-Expansion of primitive camping area from the 6 existing campsites to 10 campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern hook. 3 campers per site. Pit toilets to remain. No running water available in the primitive area.

-Group camping (13 campsites shown). Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern hook. 8 campers per site. Two restroom facilities are provided. No showers are proposed, but a water source is proposed.

-Family camping area has 30 tent sites around one loop and 14 RV/trailer sites around a second loop. A bathhouse (1,500 SF) is located between the two loops. Bathhouse has 4 showers and 4 toilets each side for men and women. Large sinks are proposed for laundering capabilities. A campground host site is located adjacent to the bathhouse on the RV/trailer loop. A dump station is located adjacent to the bathhouse parking area (11 cars). One ADA accessible campsite is located adjacent to the bathhouse on each loop and is connected via a paved walkway to the bathhouse.

-Tent sites (600 SF, 30’ x 25’) have a 12’ x 30’ minimum access drive, tent pad, picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring and trash receptacle. Water is provided for every 4-6 sites. The ADA accessible campsite has ADA specified furnishings.

-RV/trailer sites (600 SF, 30’ x 25’) have a 12’ x 30’ minimum access drive, area pad, picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring and trash receptacle. Water is provided for every 4-6 sites. The ADA site has ADA specified furnishings. Each site has electric hook-up. The RV/trailer sites are limited to units 25 feet in length maximum, including tow vehicle.

-Loop road from campground areas to picnic areas to be asphalt paved (2” I2 over 8” base) 1-lane, one way, 12’ wide with 4’ shoulders and drainage ditches each side, where feasible. Pull-outs and overlook areas are located along loop road.

-Rain shelters (10’ x 10’) located near the existing Bearwallow Valley and Bearwallow Falls overlooks.

-Two picnic areas on north side of knoll with shelters (1,500 SF each), restroom facilities and tables. Each of the large shelters also has a fireplace. Each picnic area has parking for 50 cars in addition to pull-offs for trailers. All tables, not under a shelter would be installed on gravel pads. Both shelters and at least six picnic tables in each area will meet ADA standards.

-A ranger residence is located just west of the power line R.O.W. with rear access to the north property line.

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Visitor Center area of the Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Frozen Creek Road Access Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

East Side - Frozen Creek Access

Main features include:

-Existing gravel parking area remains for equestrian users and staging, and overflow from backpack lot. Access Auger Hole Road via trail north side of knob across pedestrian bridge over Frozen Creek.

-New gravel parking area created southwest of the knob for backpackers, day hikers and picnicking. Parking sized for 55 cars. Restrooms (10’ x 10’) located adjacent to the new parking area.

-Ranger residence located just inside park from Frozen Creek Road.

-Public to use south access only. Vehicular bridge added over Frozen Creek.

-Satellite maintenance/vehicular storage building with small staff office and staff restrooms. (1,800 SF is proposed)

-Picnic area with tables and rain shelter adjacent to parking area.

-Six primitive campsites (no facilities) located one-half mile down Auger Hole Road at Canebrake Trail.

-Introduce a landing zone for the east side of the park at the intersection of Auger Hole Road and Canebrake Trail.

As mentioned in the Preface, this master plan is based on the rugged site conditions and their limitations as well as the experience that visitor to Gorges State Park will take home with them. This plan is not based on an anticipated or expected number of visitors.

The total numbers of vehicles allotted for in this plan in the public areas are as follows*:

Visitor Center 50

Visitor Center Overflow50

Picnic Area #150

Picnic Area #250 Trail Head @ Grassy Ridge75 Trail Head Expansion45

Group Camping20

Bathhouse 11

Campground (2/site @ 44)88

Frozen Creek Backpack Lot 55

TOTAL 494

* DoesnotincludeexistingparkinglotatFrozenCreekRoadAccess,asnumberof vehicleswillbevariabledependingonnumberofequestriantrailerunitsvs.overflow fromhikersandbackpackers.

Distances and Asphalt Paved Road Summar

Distances Asphalt Paved Road SummarDistances and Asphalt Paved Road SummarDistances Asphalt Paved Road Summar y**y** y**y** y**

NC 281 to Visitor Center – 3,850 LF (approx. 0.75 miles)

Visitor Center to Picnic Area – 3,750 LF (approx. 0.75 miles)

Visitor Center to Family Camping – 3,900 LF (approx. 0.75 miles)

Camping Area to Picnic Area – 4,500 LF (approx. 0.85 miles)

Loop Road – 12,150 LF (approx. 2.3 miles)

NC 281 around loop back to NC 281 – 19,850 LF (approx. 3.8 miles)

Two-way Road (20’) – 4,200 LF (approx. 0.8 miles)

Gorges State Park Master Plan --

Two-way Road (18’) – 4,900 LF (approx. 0.9 miles)

One-way Road (12’) – 7,950 LF (approx. 1.5 miles)

One-way Road (12’) – 4,900 LF (approx. 0.9 miles) (Family Camping area) **Measuredinplanonly,doesnottakeintoaccountverticalelevation

Several other issues will continue to be addressed as the master plan reaches the implementation phase:

-Auger Hole Road is represented in this master plan as a gated, but open road for public use. Based on the current agreement, Auger Hole Road will remain open until a more suitable route to the gamelands can be established. Until that time, the following suggestions from a Risk Assessment for theGorgesStateParkMemorandum should be considered to help lessen user conflicts:

“1.Speed limit signs for drivers.

2.Mark hiker, biker, and horseback crossings for drivers to see.

3.Install dirt berms to protect area from erosion. This will also act as a speed bump and slow down drivers.

4.On marked trail put warning signs when getting close to road about crossing vehicle used road/trail.

5.At beginning of trail, have warning that trail combines with a vehicle used road and stress staying on marked trail or they will cross through a road that will be heavily traveled.

6.Make sure area where road and trail are the same is wide enough to accommodate all possibilities of users at once.

7.Post signs that all weapons are going to be unloaded while the person is driving through our property.

8.Mark very plainly where our property starts and stops so the hunters will not bring loaded weapons on our property.

9.At 2 points along this road, it crosses Toxaway River and Bear Wallow Creek. When it rains, this river and creek can become very deep and swift. So we are now faced with people trying to cross the area in a very dangerous situation. We need additional signage, for now, making people aware of the danger of crossing a deep and swift moving creek and river. We will need to address a more stable, safe, and permanent solution to crossing the creek and river OR find another access point for people to use.

I

would also suggest we let DOT look at the crossing of Toxaway River and Bear Wallow Creek to see if they can make some suggestions on decreasing our risk at these points.”

-The location of the main road from the Grassy Ridge access is flexible as it nears known habitats of Fraser’s Loosestrife. As the master plan moves into implementation, the boundaries of the Loosestrife area need to be surveyed so that the road alignment can shift accordingly. Currently, the site conditions warrant a road alignment shift to the west of the Fraser’s Loosestrife area. A monitoring and management plan needs to be put in place.

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

-Trail locations should be determined in the field by the Gorges park staff based on need and use. The staff is currently looking at trail alignments to potential overlooks for Wintergreen and Paw Paw Falls. In addition, a trail is being considered through Indian Camp. There will be no trail nor an overlook planned to Lower Bearwallow Falls.

-Ideally, it is recommended that the Division of Parks and Recreation work out an agreement to assume management and control of the U.S Forest Service parcel to the southwest that encompasses the Horsepasture River and subsequently, Turtleback, Rainbow and Stairway Falls. “The environmental damage being caused by poor trails, uncontrolled use and the lack of maintenance in the area is having dramatic negative effects on the Horsepasture River and the surrounding lands (RiskAssessmentforthe GorgesStateParkMemorandum).” The proposed trailhead parking areas along Grassy Ridge are located adjacent to potential trail alignments that could take park visitors to potential overlooks for these falls.

-Gorges Park Staff will continue to review and assess the existing roads within the park and will close those roads that will not be developed or will not be necessary for park operations.

MONITORING AND MANAGEMENTMONITORING AND MANAGEMENT

The establishment of management practices and the continued monitoring of the environment within Gorges State Park will be critical to the implementation and phasing of the master plan. The primary reasons for acquiring the Gorges property and as stated by the legal mandates are to protect, maintain, restore and enhance the high diversity of flora and fauna found throughout the park. These reasons also become the primary management objectives for the park.

Some of the studies had begun to identify management recommendations, which when completed, can be incorporated into this master plan. The study for timber rattlesnakes mentioned the potential development of a management plan for the gestation areas to begin as soon as possible. The inventory for Fraser’s Loosestrife did present monitoring and management recommendations, as follows:

General Management RecommendationsGeneral Management Recommendations

Plants growing on roadsides or in other rights-of-ways are vulnerable to management practices, which disrupt their reproduction when mowing occurs at the time of flower or fruit development, to grading that scrapes the plants up or buries them and to improper use of herbicides. However, the plants can persist or even thrive when management practices are used which eliminate competition from shrubs and maintain the open sunny conditions that Fraser’s loosestrife needs to survive and reproduce.

A prescribed fire done on Round Mountain near a USFS population of Fraser’s loosestrife doubled the number of stems in the population, but did not produce any new plants off the roadside. Continued fires over several years may be needed before an expansion of the population is noted.

Gorges State Park Master Plan --

Monitoring and Management RecommendationsMonitoring and Management Recommendations

Monitoring and Management RecommendationsMonitoring and Management RecommendationsManagement Recommendations

At a minimum, the presence or absence of Fraser’s loosestrife should be noted and reported to the Natural Heritage Program each year. The next level of monitoring would be to count the number of stems and note how many stems are flowering or fruiting. A notable decrease in number of plants will need to be evaluated to determine if a change in management is needed.

Any roadside mowing or bush-hogging of encroaching trees or shrubs should be done during the dormant season for Fraser’s loosestrife, generally between October 31 and March 31.

Because the GORG population already has a few stems occurring in the woods near the Grassy Ridge roadside population, a prescribed fire in a burn unit encompassing the population should increase the number stems and promote flowering and fruiting off the roadside.

The continued development of monitoring and management practices should be continued and encourgaed

UTILITIESUTILITIES UTILITIESUTILITIES UTILITIES

WW W ater Supply and Distribution Systemater Supply Distribution Systemater Supply and Distribution Systemater Supply Distribution System

Water supply for use by park visitors at the proposed facilities will be from drilled wells on site. No public water supply or water system exists that could serve the site(s) in a cost effective manner. In discussions with the Division of Public Health, Public Water Supply Section regional office in Asheville, a water system for use in state park facilities similar to those proposed at Gorges would be classified as “transient non-community,” meaning the system does not regularly serve at least 25 of the same persons over six months of the year. Water system standards for this classification would require wells to be constructed in accordance with state guidelines (15A NCAC 18C .0200; .0400). In addition, some minor monitoring requirements will need to be followed. The Parks system currently follows these monitoring and reporting requirements in several of its other parks.

Because the proposed facilities are spread out over a large area of the park, serving the various campsites, ranger stations, and picnic areas may require that several wells be constructed. The distances and elevation differentials between the different use areas would make construction of a centralized well and distribution system more expensive than construction of individual wells in the separated use areas of the park.

(We have received information from local water well contractors to ascertain the depths and yields of wells that can be anticipated in the area. Recent well depths are being drilled at depths of 300 feet or more).

Gorges State Park Master Plan --

WW WW W astewaterTastewaterT astewaterTastewaterT astewater Treatment and Disposalreatment and Disposalreatment and Disposalreatment and Disposal Disposal

The most cost-effective method of wastewater treatment and disposal for the various park facilities is septic tank and drainfield systems. As with the water supply and distribution systems, individual systems near each of the use areas will be more costeffective than an area-wide collection and centralized treatment facility. The elevation changes between facilities and shallow depths to rock would require many pump stations and force main systems.

Analysis of the Soil Survey of Transylvania County indicates a very limited amount of soils listed as suitable for septic tank systems. However, the soils mapping units are general in nature and there may be isolated pockets of suitable soils that are small enough such that they would not show up in this level of mapping. We have sent maps of the proposed park facilities to the Transylvania County Environmental Health Department, the local agency responsible for issuing septic tank permits, for their review and recommendations. In discussions with James Boyer, Environmental Health Supervisor of Transylvania County Health Department, it has been determined that the park as a whole will be permitted as one design unit through the state Division of Environmental Health, On-Site Wastewater Section (OSWW). Thus all individual septic systems in the park will be approved through this one permit. Any facilities that have public access (toilets, bathhouses, visitor center, etc.) will be reviewed and permitted through the Raleigh office of OSWW, while small “non-public” (ranger residences, maintenance facilities) may be reviewed and approved by the Transylvania County Environmental Health Department, and listed as components of the overall state permit for the park.

The design process for a large design unit permit, such as the park, requires a sitespecific analysis of the soils and groundwater conditions prior to design of the system by a licensed professional engineer. (Flowcharts of the application, design, approval and construction and operation processes are included in the Appendix for reference.)

It is anticipated that each ranger residence will have its own well and septic system, as would the visitor center, seasonal barracks, family camping bathhouse and dump station.

The primitive camping area at Ray Fisher Place currently has a pit toilet only (no water supply). The interim parking and picnic areas at both Grassy Ridge and Frozen Creek access areas have portable-type toilet units. We are also investigating possible use of vault toilets or composting toilets for facilities in areas that may not have suitable soils for septic tank system installation.

Electrical SystemElectrical Electrical SystemElectrical

Haywood Electric provides the current electrical service to the interim maintenance area. It was installed as a construction feed, but is a buried line. Research into possible electric feeds from the transmission line traversing the site continues, but has not been finalized with potential options for service at this writing.

Pit toilet building at Ray Fisher Place

Gorges State Park Master Plan

BUDGET ESTIMABUDGET ESTIMA ESTIMATES AND PHASINGTES AND PHASING

ORDER OF MAGNITUDE BUDGET ESTIMAORDER OF BUDGET ESTIMA ESTIMATETE TETE TE

Maintenance Area AreaMaintenance Area Area

ItemItem ItemItem Item

UnitUnit UnitUnit Unit QtyQty QtyQty Qty.. CostCost Cost TT TT Totalotal otalotal otal

Office/RestroomSF2,025100202,500.00

Vehicle ShedSF2,50075187,500.00

Maintenance BuildingSF2,250 100225,000.00

Gravel Lot (8”)SY 4,000832,000.00

Gravel Drive (8”)SY450 83,600.00

EarthworkCY2,5001025,000.00

ClearingAC.259,0002,250.00

Maintenance Area Total $677,850.00

Main EntranceMain Entrance

ItemItem ItemItem Item

UnitUnit UnitUnit Unit QtyQty QtyQty Qty CostCost CostCost Cost

TT Totalotal otalotal otal

281 WideningSY 2,5002050,000.00

Sign RelocationLS11,5001,500.00

Gate RelocationLS1 2,0002,000.00

Pressure PadLS110,00010,000.00

EarthworkCY8001512,000.00

ClearingAC.59,0004,500.00

Main Entrance Total $80,000.00

RoadwaysRoadways Roadways

ItemItem ItemItem Item

UnitUnit UnitUnit Unit

QtyQty Qty.. CostCost Cost

TT Totalotal otalotal otal

20’ wideSY 9,33320186,660.00

18’ wideSY 9,80020196,000.00

12’ wideSY 8,83320176,660.00

Gravel (8”)SY 15,1558121,240.00

EarthworkCY16,67515250,125.00

ClearingAC2.59,00022,500.00

Roadways Total $953,185.00

Seasonal BarracksSeasonal Barracks

ItemItem Item

UnitUnit Unit

CostCost Cost

Totalotal otalotal otal

BuildingSF2,500150375,000.00

Gravel LotSY500 84,000.00

Gravel DriveSY17581,400.00

EarthworkCY1,0001010,000.00

ClearingAC.259,0002,250.00

Seasonal Barracks Total $392,650.00

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

Visitor CenterVisitor CenterVisitor CenterVisitor Center

ItemItem ItemItem Item UnitUnit UnitUnit QtyQty QtyQty Qty.. CostCost Cost

TT TT Totalotal otalotal otal

BuildingLS12,500,0002,500,000.00

OverlooksSF6,800125850,000.00

Main ParkingSY 2,0602041,200.00

Overflow ParkingSY 2,155817,240.00

Overlook ParkingSY 1,07088,560.00

ClearingAC49,00036,000.00

Concrete PavingSF 3,500517,500.00

EarthworkCY7,70015115,500.00

Visitor Center Total $3,586,000.00

TT TT Trail Head Parkingrail Head Parking Parking

ItemItem ItemItem Item UnitUnit UnitUnit Unit QtyQty QtyQty Qty CostCost CostCost Cost

TT TT Totalotal otalotal otal

Lot #1SY1,360810,880.00

Lot #2SY2,575820,600.00

EarthworkCY1,3001519,500.00

ClearingAC19,0009,000.00

Trail Head Parking Total $59,980.00

Ranger ResidencesRanger ResidencesRanger ResidencesRanger Residences

ItemItem ItemItem Item UnitUnit UnitUnit QtyQty Qty.. CostCost CostCost Cost

TT TT Totalotal otalotal otal

House and CarportEA 3200,000600,000.00

Gravel DriveSY 5,450843,600.00

EarthworkCY2,0501530,750.00

ClearingAC29,00018,000.00

Ranger Residences Total $692,350.00

Family CampingFamily Family CampingFamily

ItemItem ItemItem Item UnitUnit UnitUnit QtyQty QtyQty Qty.. CostCost Cost

TT TT Totalotal otalotal otal

Bath houseEA1350,000350,000.00

Tent SitesEA30 15,000450,000.00

RV/TrailerEA1515,000225,000.00

Dump StationEA1 75,00075,000.00

SidewalksSF1,20033,600.00

RoadsSY5,44420108,880.00

EarthworkCY3,7351556,025.00

ClearingAC39,00027,000.00

Family Camping Total $1,295,505.00

Group Camping CampingGroup Camping CampingGroup Camping

ItemItem ItemItem Item

UnitUnit UnitUnit QtyQty QtyQty Qty.. CostCost Cost

TT TT Totalotal otalotal otal

CampsitesEA1315,000 195,000.00

Gravel ParkingSY 5,450843,600.00

Restroom BuildingEA2 125,000250,000.00

Primitive SitesEA45002,000.00

EarthworkCY2,4001024,000.00

ClearingAC.59,0004,500.00

Group Camping Total $519,100.00

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February

FrozenCreekFrozenCreek FrozenCreekFrozenCreek Frozen Creek

ItemItem ItemItem Item

UnitUnit UnitUnit Unit

QtyQty QtyQty Qty.. CostCost Cost TT TT Totalotal otalotal otal

Gravel ParkingSY 4,500836,000.00

Primitive SitesEA65003,000.00

Restroom BuildingEA1 125,000125,000.00

Storage BuildingSF1,800100180,000.00

Rain ShelterEA1 30,00030,000.00

Vehicular BridgeEA160,00060,000.00

FurnishingsLS15,0005,000.00

EarthworkCY1,6501524,750.00

ClearingAC1.259,00011,250.00

Frozen Creek Total $475,000.00

Picnic FacilitiesPicnic Picnic FacilitiesPicnic

ItemItem ItemItem Item

UnitUnit UnitUnit Unit QtyQty Qty.. CostCost CostCost Cost TT TT Totalotal otalotal otal SheltersEA2100,000200,000.00

Restroom BuildingEA2 125,000250,000.00

ParkingSY3,0002060,000.00

FurnishingsEA175,00075,000.00

Rain ShelterEA2 30,00060,000.00

EarthworkCY1,8501527,750.00

ClearingAC19,0009,000.00

Picnic Facilities Total $681,750.00

UtilitiesUtilities UtilitiesUtilities Utilities ItemItem ItemItem Item

UnitUnit UnitUnit Unit QtyQty QtyQty Qty.. CostCost Cost TT TT Totalotal otalotal otal

Well & PumpEA96,50058,500.00

WW SF SystemEA9 5,00045,000.00

1,000 gpd SystemLS1 10,00010,000.00 5,000 gpd SystemLS1 25,00025,000.00

Electric U/GLS1 100,000100,000.00

TelephoneLS130,00030,000.00

Utilities Total $268,500.00

Subtotal

TOTTOT

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

The development of Gorges State Park can be implemented in phases. Ideally, and if the necessary funding was available, the park improvements could all occur at once. However, this will probably not be the case, so DPR should strive to provide as much variety in facility offerings and develop future phases with minimal disruption to the facilities already in place. One recommended phasing is as follows:

Phase One (Grassy Ridge Side) $7,663,678.00

($9,518,288.00 w/contingency & design fees)

Main Entrance

Park Loop Road

Visitor Center

Overlooks

1 Picnic Area

1 Trailhead Parking Area

Primitive Campsite Expansion

6 Group Camping Sites w/restroom facilities

Family Campground with Bathhouse

1 Ranger Residence (Grassy Ridge Access)

Maintenance Facility Relocation

All Utilities (for Grassy Ridge side)

Phase Two (Frozen Creek Access)$759,483.00

($943,278.00 w/contingency & design fees)

New Parking Area

Picnic Area

Primitive Campsites

Restroom Building

Satellite Office/Vehicular Storage

1 Ranger Residence Landing Zone

Vehicular Bridge

All Utilities (for Frozen Creek side)

Phase Three (Grassy Ridge Access)$1,258,709.00

($1,563,317.00 w/contingency & design fees)

Seasonal Barracks

Parking Expansion for Trailhead, if needed

7 Group Camping Sites w/restroom facilities

1 Ranger Residence (near picnic area)

1 Picnic Area

Additional StaffingAdditional StaffingAdditional StaffingAdditional StaffingAdditional Staffing

PositionsPositions PositionsPositions Positions

Phase IPhase IPhase (Positions are based on having the Maintenance/ Operation Center in Phase I)

PermanentStaff

Office Assistant III

Park Ranger III Park Ranger II Park Ranger I Maintenance Mechanic IV

Maintenance Mechanic II Automotive Mechanic IV

*Upgrade Superintendent Level to Park Superintendent III

SeasonalStaff

Seasonal General Utility Worker (2)

Seasonal Assistant Ranger

PhaseIIPhaseII PhaseIIPhaseII Phase II

PermanentStaff

Park Ranger II Maintenance Mechanic I

SeasonalStaff

Seasonal General Utility Worker

PhaseIIIPhaseIII PhaseIIIPhaseIII Phase III

PermanentStaff

Park Ranger II

SeasonalStaff

Seasonal General Utility Worker

Gorges State Park Master Plan --

ROLE OF THE PROLE OF THE PROLE OF THE PROLE OF THE PROLE OF THE PARK IN THE REGIONARK IN THE REGIONARK IN THE REGIONARK IN THE REGIONARK IN THE REGION

In its short time as a state park, Gorges has already established itself as a highly respected eco-tourism destination in Transylvania County. The visitation numbers continue to increase as do the number of volunteer hours spent in developing and maintaining facilities within the park. The park staff has done an excellent job of establishing and maintaining good neighborly relationships with adjacent landowners, public agencies and vendors throughout the county and region.

Gorges State Park must continue to be a respected steward in the region and continue to be a destination for not only recreational, but educational purposes as well. The park must be regional, yet community oriented. The experience is what potential visitors and users will want to take away from Gorges State Park. This master plan will help support the role that Gorges must maintain as a respected steward, neighbor and leader in Transylvania County. The minimal impact development and expansion of recreational and educational facilities will help bring more tourism to the region, thus benefiting other destinations as well. Gorges has already begun this venture through its hosting of local music festivals at the park. The Gorges Appreciation Day and Barbeque held in May 2002, attended by over 150 volunteers, state employees, vendors and others is proof that Gorges has established a following that will only increase.

Even before the master planning process began, the state took a proactive approach to the park property by initiating the various studies to understand the environment within Gorges. Gathering the information from the beginning allowed the master plan to respond to any fragile areas early in the process. No other state park in the system has undergone such an extensive study and research into the plants, animals and geology prior to development. The role Gorges has assumed is one of protection of the environment, while still being able to provide more information to visitors about the natural beauty of Gorges State Park. The state’s approach to stewardship on Gorges property will be well regarded throughout the region.

Gorges Appreciation Day -- May 4, 2002

Members of Boy Scout Troop 701 working on campsites along the Foothills Trail

Gorges Appreciation Day -- May 4, 2002

Gorges State Park Master Plan --

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

HadenStanziale HadenStanziale HadenStanziale wishes to acknowledge, with gratitude and appreciation, the assistance, guidance and information received from the following:

Gorges State Park StaffGorges State Park Staff

Steve PaganoMike Lambert

Tanya PallottaBrodus Jones

Cindy Mercure

Gorges State Park – Park AdvisorGorges State Park – Park AdvisorGorges State Park – Park AdvisorGorges State Park – Park Advisor yCommitteeyCommittee yCommitteeyCommittee y Committee

Bill Thomas Tom Thomas

Bob Hoxit

Erin Bronk

Larry RagsdaleRick Pangle

Bill McNeely David Guice Eddie Lance

North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, especially:North Carolina Division of Parks and especially:Division especially: Alan Eakes Bayard Alcorn

John AmorosoWalt Gravely Dwayne StutzmanAllen Jeffreys

Sue Regier

Duke Energy Corporation, especially:Duke Energy Corporation, especially: especially: Steve Cromer

TT TT Transylvania County Health Departmentransylvania County Health Departmentransylvania ransylvania Health

Jim Boyer

Allan Smith

All of the concerned individuals who attended the public meetings.

All of the who attended the public meetings.

All of the concerned individuals who attended the public meetings.All of the who attended the public meetings. meetings.

Their contributions, cooperation and patience have been most helpful and appreciated.

HadenStanziale HadenStanziale HadenStanziale Project Team

Jonathan D. Wood, Project Manager

Dan Blackman

Tonya Swartzendruber

Dan Latta

Robyn Dickinson

Gorges State Park Master Plan

RESOURCESRESOURCES RESOURCESRESOURCES RESOURCES

InventorInventor InventorInventor Inventor y/Studies of Gorges State Parkof Gorges Parky/Studies of Gorges State Parkof Gorges Parkof

“Amphibian Survey of the Toxaway, Horsepasture and Bearwallow Gorges”, Lambiase, Seth J., September 2000.

“Asplenium Moranthes”, Shaw, Allison, August 2001.

“Bats (Chiroptera) Inventory of North Carolina State Parks 1999-2000, Clark, Mary Kay, Gatens, Lisa J. and Lambiase, Seth J., September 2000.

“Classification and Predictive Modeling of Plant Communities in the Gorges State Park and Gamelands, North Carolina”, Phillips, Ross Johnson, 2000.

“Fish Community Survey and Stream Habitat Assessment in Jocassee Gorges, North Carolina”, Rand, Peter J. and Robinson, Jason L., January 2001.

“Fraser’s Loosestrife Management Recommendations for Gorges State Park”, Amoroso, Jame, May 2002.

“Fungi Survey of Gorges State Park”, North Carolina State University, July 2000.

“Geologic Mapping and Slope Assessment of Gorges State Park”, Carter, Mark, Merschat, Carl E. and Wooten, Rick, 2002.

“Jocassee Gorges Bird Point Count Surveys”, June 2000.

“Preliminary Geologic Observations Along Grassy Ridge, Gorges State Park, Transylvania County, North Carolina”, Carter, Mark, Merschat, Carl E. and Wooten, Rick, February 2000.

“Rare Vascular Plants in and around Gorges State Park”, Ivey, Mike and Pittillo, J. Dan, December 2000.

“Risk Assessment for the Gorges State Park”, Cowherd, Steve, July 2001.

“Small Mammal Inventory of Gorges State Park”, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, September 2000.

“Terrestrial Mollusk Survey of the Toxaway, Horsepasture, and Bearwallow Gorges”, Lambiase, Seth J., September 2000.

“Timber Rattlesnakes of Gorges State Park”, Sealy, John, July 1999.

ReferencesReferences ReferencesReferences

North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Plan 1995-2000, Division of Parks and Recreation, September 1995. Park Design Guidelines, North Carolina Parks & Recreation, October 1990.

Planning Parks for People, Cottrell, Richard L., Hultsman, John and Zales-Hultsman, Wendy, 1987.

Soil Sur vey of Transylvania County, North Carolina, Bacon, Daniel D., King, John M. and Turpin, John W., January 1974. The North Carolina Sierra Club’s Guide to the Jocassee Gorges Horsepasture, Bearwallow & Toxaway Region, Thomas, Bill, 1998.

Resource Management Plan for Jocassee Gorges Property, Oconee and Pickens Counties, South Carolina, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, Rankin, Daniel M. ed. May 8, 1998.

SurSur Sur vey Informationvey Informationvey Informationvey Informationvey

Boundary information supplied by: NCDENR-Division of Parks and Recreation, Raleigh, NC, April 2001.

Parcel information compiled from: Composite Survey prepared by Duke Energy Corporation, April 1999.

Aerial information supplied by: Spatial Data Consultants, Inc., High Point, NC, April 2001.

Topographic survey information supplied by: Spatial Data Consultants, Inc., High Point, NC, July 2001.

Gorges State Park Master Plan

APPENDIXAPPENDIX APPENDIX

GORGESSTGORGESST GORGESSTGORGESST GORGES STAA AA A TE PARK PROTECTION PLAN*PARK PROTECTION PLAN*TE PARK PROTECTION PLAN*PARK PROTECTION PLAN*PARK

On April 29, 1999, thanks to a partnership of industry, the environmental community and the state of North Carolina 10,000 acres of the Jocassee Gorges in Transylvania County were placed in public ownership to be conserved for future generations of North Carolinians. The property was purchased by the state from Duke Energy Corporation, and the transaction created Gorges State Park and an adjacent game land managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission containing 2,900 acres.

Gorges State Park contains 7,092 acres and protects biological, geological, and scenic resources. It contains deep gorges, waterfalls, sheer rock walls, rare plants and animals, and diverse natural communities. The elevation rises 2,000 feet in only three miles and rainfall exceeds 80 inches per year. This rare combination of conditions supports a temperate rain forest and a number of waterfalls.

Land Protection PlanningLand ProtectionLand Protection PlanningLand ProtectionLand Protection Planning

The objectives for creating the Gorges State Park are the protection of the unique natural resources, buffering these resources and visitor activities, protecting scenic views, and providing appropriate public recreational use. In accord with these objectives, the adjacent lands have been reviewed and this plan addresses the future protection needs of the Gorges State Park.

Several factors are considered to determine what property should be included in a protection plan. Properties that contain or buffer rare species, natural communities, high water quality, and natural features are given the highest priority. Data from surveys of the properties, the Natural Heritage Program, and the Division of Water Quality are used as information sources for locating the resources in need of protection. Threats to these properties can be logging, development, and sedimentation from upstream development as well as other forms of irreparable damage.

Providing land for the construction of park facilities and that buffer visitor activities also are reasons to include property within the protection plan. The North Carolina State Parks System exists to serve the park visitors in many capacities. Providing the necessary space to carry out recreational and educational activities is part of the Division’s mission and is a key reason to include property in a protection plan. This also applies to properties that protect scenic elements of the landscape. One purpose of the park is to maintain natural beauty for the public to see.

The provision of safe access and clear and simple boundaries are also factors in determining which properties are included in the protection plan. Public access to parkland is key for a park to be viable. If the public and staff are unable reach the park resources, the park does not fulfill its purpose. In order to properly manage and enforce regulations, park boundaries need to be easily accessed and identifiable.

*Prepared by NC Division

and Recreation

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

Land Protection IssuesLand Protection IssuesLand Protection IssuesLand Protection Issues

The total acreage identified as future needs for the Gorges State Park is 2,549 acres. During the planning process for protection needs for Gorges State Park, three levels of priority were established.

Priority1:Priority1: Priority1:Priority1: Priority 1: Properties identified as priority one are those properties that are vital to the current and future operation of Gorges State Park. This includes control of access to the site and the protection of two gorges and waterfalls. These properties are shown as red hatch on the map and they total 413 acres.

The properties east of the Duke Power Company transmission line and adjacent to the park boundary as it stretches up to Highway 64 are included for access control to Bear Wallow Falls. Also identified in this area are properties to protect the water quality of Bear Wallow Creek as it enters the park just above Bear Wallow Falls and to protect the views from Bear Wallow Creek and Falls area. If these properties were developed adverse scenic impacts would occur.

The properties from the base of the Toxaway Falls to the park boundary and to the west are included to protect the water quality of the Toxaway River. These properties include the river and adjacent drainage to the ridge on the west.

On the east side of the park, Frozen Knob is included in priority one. This property will provide water quality protection for Frozen Creek, better access control, boundary management, and viewshed protection at the park’s eastern access site.

Priority 2: 2:Priority 2: The second level of priority encompasses the properties that contain natural resources, buffer waterways, or provide better access to existing park resources. These are shown as orange hatch on the map and the total area is 716 acres.

On the north side of the park, additional land is needed to protect the water quality of the Toxaway River, Panther Branch, and Indian Creek. These properties run from the east portion of the Toxaway River to where the Continental Divide meets the park boundary. All of these streams flow through the core of the park into Lake Jocassee and provide vital habitat for many rare plants and animals.

Priority3:Priority3: Priority3:Priority3: Priority 3: The properties identified as third level of priority are those that are in the watershed for Lake Jocassee and would provide additional land for the development of park facilities. These properties are shown as pink hatch on the map and the total area 1,420 acres. The acquisition of the properties identified in this priority should occur on a willing-seller basis as funding allows.

The Division would like to protect the Frozen Creek watershed as well as much the Toxaway Creek and Rock Creek watersheds. Natural heritage data show that several significant natural communities exist along these streams. The land within in this area would also provide excellent natural buffer to the park. The planned future needs boundary along Flat Creek Road will provide a clearer boundary for park management.

Gorges State Park Master Plan --

One park management issue is the lack of public access to Turtleback Falls and Rainbow Falls on the US Forest Service land adjacent to Gorges State Park. The falls are a very popular destination for many visitors for their scenic value and as a water recreational opportunity. The Division would like to see this area managed to allow the general public better access to these resources, to decrease emergency response time, and to improve visitor services. If in the future the US Forest Service would be willing to divest themselves of this property, the Division would like to obtain it in fee simple for inclusion in the park.

Protection SummarProtection SummarProtection SummarProtection Summar yTyT yTyT y Tableable ableable able

Current size of park (2002)7,092 acres

Priority One needs413 acres

Priority Two needs716 acres

Priority Three needs 1,420 acres

Total planned needs 2,549 acres 2,549 acres

TT TT Total planned size of the parkotal planned size of the parkotal planned size of the parkotal planned size of the parkotal park 9,641acres9,641acres 9,641 acres

SURVEYSURVEY SURVEYSURVEY SURVEY

Gorges State Park Master Plan

PUBLIC WORKSHOPS AND SURVEY RESPONSESPUBLIC WORKSHOPS AND SURVEY RESPONSESPUBLIC WORKSHOPS AND SURVEY RESPONSES

PUBLIC WORKSHOPS AND SURVEY RESPONSESPUBLIC WORKSHOPS AND SURVEY RESPONSES

FAVORITE CHARACTERISTICS/FACILITIES

Waterfalls: 15

Wilderness/Natural Areas: 14

Hiking/Trails: 10

Views/Overlooks: 6

Rugged Terrain/Topography: 4

Isolation/Remoteness: 4

Rivers/Streams: 4

Camping: 3

Flora/Rare Plants: 3 Wildlife: 3

Webb Lowe Place: 1

Windy Falls: 1

Biodiversity: 1 Parking: 1 River Trail: 1

Auger Hole Road: 1

Natural Beauty: 1

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE?

Note:()=numberoftimesthiscommentwasrepeated.

Complete Wintergreen Falls Trail.

Close Auger Hole Road permanently and grass it. (2)

Close Grassy Ridge Road permanently and grass it. Better trails network.

Stop erosion of trails. (2)

Safer in/out on highway.

More access to interior via roads. (4)

Open up Auger Hole Road.

Open trails to Rainbow and Stairway Falls and others. (2)

More foot trails with trail head parking. (4)

Create loop trails. (6)

Additional parking.

Accessible trails for handicapped, seniors. (2)

Restrict motorized vehicles to parking area.

Minimum environmental impact/minimal development. (5) Interpretive exhibits. Add better trail signage. (3) Do more trail maintenance.

Convert old roads to trails.

Convince Wildlife Resources to open another road (Brewer’s?) for hunters.

Improved access off park land for access to hunting land.

No paved roads.

All needed facilities should be on the perimeter of the park.

An interpretive exhibit beginning with an interactive/hands on mobile display that can be set up at the park on a schedule during fair weather and with a back up site at the

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

GP office facility for inclement weather.

Paved permanent entrance and parking. Avoid old roads for trails where possible. Picnic/rest areas.

Trails using natural materials; i.e.: seating out of stumps.

Native plant life identification

“Please do not add access except to the fringes – the “front country”. Keep the “back country” primitive.

WHAT ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES/FACILITIES WOULD YOU PARTICIPATE IN IF AVAILABLE?

Comprehensive trail network with trail signs & paint blazes, where appropriate. (4) Guided Nature tours /Hikes – announced in advance/scheduled. (3) Welcome Center.

No new activities or facilities. Better parking on the perimeter. I will likely be involved with educational groups accessing the area.

“If a one-way road were developed along the Duke roads, which have to be maintained and kept open anyway, it would be possible for my young family and their grandparent to enjoy the heart of the park. A one-way gravel road from the park entrance off of Hwy 281 S. down Grassy and out Frozen Creek is a viable option.” Waterfall viewing.

“I would like a good connecting trail to the Horsepasture River – better hiking. Trails to overlooks would be great. I favor concepts 1 & 3 because paving the steep part 0f Grassy Ridge Rd. will heal some of the problems with this steep road and get people into the middle of the park where they could park (in a lot) and hike.”

Camping/designated campsites. (3) None. (3)

“Would hike frequently in Park if trails were opened. Would also like to see Auger Hole Road opened to public (hikers, fishers). Walking trails and picnic areas. (2)

Facilities oriented toward natural recreation, less toward vehicles and development. Cabins, trailer camping, drive thru park while maintaining wild setting. More education programs on wildlife, plants and trees, geology, local history, etc. “Vehicle access to interior. As day hikers, we are limited to 6-8 miles roundtrip; depending on the terrain and the time of year. Thus, much of the park is not presently accessible to the average day hikers.” More loop trails. Orienteering.

Add lookout tower on Grassy Ridge Road where the old helicopter pad was.

OTHER COMMENTS

-There should be a fee system for out of state visitors. -This park should be managed as a place primarily for hikers, with no motor vehicles. All parking should be on paved state highways and not inside the park. There should not be any restaurants, visitor centers or developed destination facilities. Motor homes, travel trailers, etc. Should have their needs met by private enterprise outside the park.

Gorges State Park Master Plan --

-The more facilities the worse! I realize that the public demands at least some “access”, but please keep automobile needs to a minimum and keep them away from more wild and remote and sensitive areas. Keep horse and bike trails likewise to a minimum - We don’t need another Dupont State Forest with its excessive “access” trails! No ORV’s of course. A short nature trail would be OK. Low impact, narrow hiking trails are OK. Keep bikes and horses off 90% of the walking trails! Auger Hole Rd. should not be an access road for autos (except hunters in deer rifle season as per agreement). Handicap access does not require opening Auger Hole to cars – let auto access be kept away from all ecologically sensitive areas (riparian areas, remote streams & ravines.

-Risk is a part of wilderness areas – limiting access because of risk would be a shame considering the many beautiful features in the park.

-No vehicles, no paved roads, no bikes, no horses, primitive camping only. Make it a wilderness state park.

-Do not open the Auger Hole Rd. or Grassy Ridge Rd. to vehicular traffic. Keep this area remote. Enforce firearm restrictions. There are plenty of developed areas in the county. This area should not become developed. It should remain rugged and difficult to get into.

-Do not increase vehicular access. Minimize equestrian trails and restrict usage on other trails. Close Auger Hole Rd. to vehicles.

-Limit development to park edges. Protect rare species and preserve wildlife habitat. Maintain primitive character of park. Discourage overuse.

-It is important that rare plants be protected. We have indicated four locations where impacts may be caused by trampling. I am presuming that the waterfall viewing area will not provide access to grottos below where tropical ferns exist.

-Please take into account the majority of the public will not physically be able to park @ 281 S. of Frozen Creek and get down to the majority of the park. This is a STATE PARK!! I ask that you not be led by a “Very Vocal Minority” who would have you close out the people who cannot take 2-3 days to hike and/or not physically able to do that.

-Secure alternative access to gamelands. If it is a better route than Auger Hole Road, use AH Rd. will shift to the new route and AH Rd. can become entirely foot/bike trail even though it is nominally available to hunters.

-Any chance of access to Great Falls on the adjoining Wilds property. Please restrain or eliminate bikes and horses on trails. I would favor minimum maintenance on Auger Hole Road.

-Keep it wild! Limit development so as not to destroy the wild nature of the park. If horse travel is permitted, keep the horses limited to trails and roads that are not steep. This is a park that should be minimally developed because of the rough steep terrain.

-Save the “recreation facilities” such as ball fields, swimming pools, horse center for terrain more suited to these things – save this beautiful Gorges area for a more wilderness experience that will not destroy its unique ecology. Work out something with the National Forest Service to make the waterfalls on the Horsepasture River SAFELY accessible to visitors to Gorges State Park. Provide properly designed and built hiking trails to the waterfalls

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

in the park, including Wintergreen, Paw-Paw and Lower Bearwallow, to allow safe entrance to these areas while protecting the fragile ecology. (People will, and already are, hiking to these areas, so trying to keep them out by not providing trails will only encourage bushwhacking and damage to the areas). No roads, other than the existing Auger Hole Road, should be built into the further reaches of the park. Maintain the unique ecology and terrain of the park without adding a lot of “recreational” facilities and other buildings, etc.. Any such facilities should be on the perimeter of the park.

-Acquire additional access off Flat Creek Road, US 64 (to get to falls on Bearwallow Creek) from Wilds Camp (to Toxaway Creek). Also believe the state should purchase the missing piece from McNeely. Area southwest of Horsepasture River and Hwy 281 is the best spot for public facilities near the River, flat, easily accessible by road.

-Please do not destroy the natural, wilderness beauty of the park by creating roads and other “access” facilities that devastate the very thing the park should preserve.

-Conservation orientation, wilderness orientation.

-The Park should be devoted to helping people experience and interact with nature. The park should promote learning about wildlife, plants and environment by providing low impact trails and walkways and camping areas.

-I would like to see the Auger Hole Road open to the Toxaway River, at least, and to Turkey Pen Gap as a wish. Plus I would like to see Grassy Ridge Road open to Luth Ridge, at least, and to Turkey Pen Gap, as a wish. As is, access only from the perimeter excludes 99% of the public from the interior of the park. (These two roads have to be maintained anyway for Duke Power access to their towers and/or for emergency/rescue)

-Gorges offers the potential for an outstanding wilderness facility – keep it and plan for people who want to hike, camp and fish – keep motorized vehicles of all kinds out of the park in order to preserve the wilderness charm and nature of this great park.

-Protect it! But allow it to be used.

-Other than hiking trails and parking in peripheral areas, I would like to see as little development as possible.

-I would like to see this area kept as pristine and natural as possible with limited access by car, but very accessible by foot. The falls along the Horsepasture should be maintained along with the trails leading to them.

-Keep park natural and primitive for foot traffic only. Do not put a lot of trails in. Do not pave roads.

-Close all roads and limit access to the interior of the park by foot traffic only.

Leave all areas in a natural state. Where possible, acquire adjacent land which is not in a natural state for visitor facilities, such as a visitor center, parking, and ranger residences, to avoid developing parkland which is now in a natural state. Develop new trails only to prevent further deterioration of steep banks and other damaged areas. Control erosion on old existing roads as they are converted to trails. Work with adjacent landowners, including Highlands Ranger district and The Wilds, to improve management of their outstanding scenic areas such as the Horsepasture River and Great

Gorges State Park Master Plan --

Falls on Toxaway Creek.

-I would like to see the main entrance on Hwy 281 rather than Hwy 64. -Acquire access to view 4 falls on Toxaway Creek. Trail from main entrance to Foothills Trail and to falls on Horsepasture River although not in park. Eliminate Auger Hole Road as trail (boring). Prefer main entrance on Highway 64.

-As residents of this area, we strongly feel that the best access to the park is from Rt. 281 vs. Rt. 64. The concern is the volume of traffic on Rt. 64 that already exists and safety.

-Park access: Feel the use of Rte.281 for main park access is crucial! Rte. 64 is already congested with tourist, normal and heavy equipment traffic. Entry and egress on such a busy and high speed road is dangerous and inefficient.

-We would like to see the main entrance to the park off SR.281 rather than US 64. We think that by doing so, the entrance would be in a much more natural and picturesque setting, and more accessible to vehicular traffic. If the entrance were located on US 64, it could cause much more traffic congestion and result in a much more serious safety concern for both the local residents as well as the visitors.

-We would prefer the entrance to Gorges State Park be on 281 S. There is so much traffic on 64 and with the new RV park the traffic will increase over the years. Turning into the park from 64 will just create more congestion. Thank you for listening.

-I have reviewed the various options for the state park, and have a couple of opinions I wanted to share: Concept #1: Good because no additional land needed for purchase. But, the new paved road would impact a lot of the land, and would go over what looks like very steep terrain. I wonder about maintenance, construction costs, and environmental impact of such a road. Concept #2: Like this one much better, even if more land is needed for the entrance on 64. But, I believe this would be more recognizable for the majority of NC residents. Plus, not nearly as much land is impacted by paved roads with this concept. Concept #3: Don’t really like this plan: requires additional land purchase and a lot of paved roads. Concept #4: My favorite plan, but probably the most idealistic. Requires a good bit of land purchase (on both ends of the park), but not nearly as much environmental impact. In general, I vote for the least environmental impact as possible, while giving people access to some of the pristine areas. If the purpose of a park is to preserve nature, while allowing the public access to enjoy some of its features, I’d hate to see so much of the pristine land paved over with roads. I haven’ t had a chance to visit the park yet, but plan to soon. I have been to the area before, and am confident that this park will soon be one of the most spectacular parks in the state (it probably already is). Thanks for allowing us to voice our opinions, and please keep us updated on the progress.

-Please make the entrance on #281.

-Would like to see the entrance off of 281.

-Please leave the Turtleback area as an “at your own risk” area. We do not want any more crowds there. The current “crowd” is ok. Please do not promote the park and say there is then too much use we need to develop

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

more. Thanks.

-PLEASE – Rt. 64 is such a busy highway with access to the RV park at Lake Toxaway, building supply trucks, dump trucks, grocery supplies and Scenic Hwy tourist traffic that access to Gorges would be much better from Route 281.

-I would like to see a walkable bridge or cable over rivers on Auger Hole Rd. trail where you could hike all the way to Turkey Pen Gap.

MISC. COMMENTS FROM ROSMAN MEETING

1.On a composite map in Foothills area, the area labeled cemetery is on the opposite side of the trail.

2.Fishing.

3.Equestrian Trails.

4.Fisherman can’t use Auger Hole, but hunters can. Fisherman should be able to use Auger Hole.

5.Bikers, horses, hunters to be provided for.

6.Access to Toxaway River.

7.Limited access – one weekend/month - could the Auger Hole Road be opened on a scheduled basis?

8.Look for color.

9.Shuttle 1 hour or 0.5 hour.

10.Parking a concern.

11.Separate day use and weekend use parking.

12.Horsepasture River – control access to waterfalls.

MISC. COMMENTS FROM PAC MEETING (held 11/13/01 at park office)

1.Duke access – state agreement.

2.How big a vehicle needs to get in.

3.Seniors access down Auger Hole.

4.Larger RV to be excluded from “Tent & Trailer”.

5.Access (main) preferred from 281, 64 believed to be a “headache” for DOT upgrade? PAC believes people will find the park because it is the visitor’s intended destination.

6.Open road from Grassy Ridge through Indian Camp and out Auger Hole Road.

7.Not necessarily for development. Development being structures & such. PAC is for access.

8.Look at handicap access.

9.“Wild” part of park important to maintain/keep.

10.Land & Water Conservation Fund – water buffers

11.Scheduled tours.

12.If road is cut through park is split into 2. Discourages animal migration.

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan

WORKSHOP & SURVEY PWORKSHOP SURVEY PWORKSHOP & SURVEY PWORKSHOP SURVEY PWORKSHOP & SURVEY PARAR ARAR ARTICIPTICIP TICIPTICIP TICIPANTSANTS ANTSANTS ANTS

GORGES STATE PARK PUBLIC WORKSHOP - NOVEMBER 13, 2001 CASHIERS LIBRARY

NAMEADDRESSPHONE

Mike Bircher

NO.EMAIL ADDRESSCARD

206 Lower Glady Fork Rd, Candler NC28715828.665.9286 keac@bellsouth.net

Dwayne Stutzman 12 Maplewood Road, Asheville NC

Sherman Runions

PO Box 1414, Cashiers NC 28717828.743.5380 srunions@gte.net yes

Ted Snyder PO Box 40, Walhalla SC 29691 864.638.3680 tedsnyder@carol.net yes

Steve Henson 1544 S. Main Street, Waynesville NC 28786828.452.9712 shenson@primeline.com

GORGES STATE PARK MISC. COMMENTS

NAMEADDRESSPHONE NO.EMAIL ADDRESSCARD

Pat Thomson 73 Tip Top Rd., Brevard NC 28712 828.884.4527 pathomson@aol.com Yes

David Bair

Larry Ragsdale (PAC)

504 King's Ridge, Asheville NC 28804828.658.0247 davidhair@aol.com Yes

27 Ugedaliyvi Ct., Brevard NC 28712828.883.4733 eagle1@citcom.net Yes

Eddie Lance (PAC) 1148 Whitmire Rd., Brevard NC 28712828.884.3168 eklance@yahoo.com Yes

Curtis Holladay 53 Maple Forest Rd., Fairview NC 28730828.628.9479 caholady@bellsouth.net Yes

Ellsworth Boyer 41 Indian Camp Mountain Rd., Rosman NC828.883.2639 Yes

John Soldati 14 Beaumont Dr., Hendersonville NC 28739828.698.1150 Yes

Rick Pangle (PAC)

PO Box 1114, Rosman NC 28772 828.884.6731 rpangle@citcom.net Yes

Misha Lazer 595 Old Toll Rd., Asheville NC 28804828.259.9729 mishalazer@aol.com Yes

James C. Plyer 718 East Mondo Road, Statesville NC 28677704.528.6684 Yes

Brien Peterrin 66 Yellow Mountain Rd., Cashiers NC 28717800.443.0694 Yes

G. Murphy Young 249 W. Club Blvd., Lake Toxaway NC 28747828.966.4345

David & Ann Burchfield 231 W. Club Blvd., Lake Toxaway NC 28747828.883.8165

Yes

Yes

Patricia Webb 143 Fairway Dr., Lake Toxaway NC 28747828.884.2805 prwebbsite@citcom.com Yes

Terry Pietsch

One Mills Creek Dr., Lake Toxaway NC 828.883.3846 peachee@citcom.com

David Trufant 2500 Morgan Mill Rd., Brevard NC 28712828.884.6834

Gordon & Beverly Nash 17 Club Colony Lane, Lake Toxaway NC828.883.8108

Pete Elder 155 Fairway, Lake Toxaway NC 28712828.877.5815

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes Mac Mayhew macm@vnet.net

Mr.& Mrs. Joe T. Smith Toxaway Villas Chalet 2, Lake Toxaway NC828.883.3758

Ann Sullivan 390 Harvey Gosnell Rd, Campobello SC864-468-4664

Email

Yes

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

GORGES STATE PARK

PUBLIC WORKSHOP - NOVEMBER 12, 2001

ROSMAN HIGH SCHOOL

NAMEADDRESSPHONE NO.EMAIL ADDRESSCARD

Bill & Shiri Thomas (PAC)

PO Box 272, Cedar Mountain NC 28718828.885.8229 billthomas@citcon.net Yes

Bill Ertel 1000 Wilds Ridge Rd., Brevard NC828.966.9557 bill.ertel@wilds.org

Bo & JoAnn McCall

Bob Hoxit (PAC)

PO Box 362, Lake Toxaway NC 828.966.4838 mccallj@co.buncombe.nc.us Yes

Rt. 2 Box 401, Lake Toxaway NC 28147828.966.4300

Brian Johnson 42 Cheestoonana Way, Brevard NC828.884.3388 johnson1@citcom.net Yes

Dan Pittillo 675 Cane Creek Rd., Sylva NC 28779828.293.9661 pittillo@email.wcu.edu Yes

Dennis Stewart 925 Hannah Ford Rd., Brevard NC 28712828.883.2854

Dick & Kathy Fudge 537 Connestee Trail, Brevard NC 828.884.7845 HOTFUDGE@citcom.net

Doug Harris (Harris Architects) 300 E North Broad Street, Brevard NC828.883.5535 harrisarch@citcomm.net

Gary Allison 73 Tip Top Road, Brevard, NC 28712828.883.8869

Gary Williams Wilds Camp, Brevard NC 828.884.7811

Harrison Metzger

Times-News, PO Box 490, Hendersonville 828.692.0505 ex2255 harrison.metzger@hendersonvillenews.com

Jim & Martha LeGere 309 Yona Ct., Brevard NC 828.883.5845 marthle@hotmail.com Yes

John & Pam Neale 401 Still Branch Rd., Brevard NC 828.885.7292 jbneale@brinet.com Yes

John Fitzgerald 188 Turtle Rock Hwy, Flat Rock NC 28731828.685.2897 suejack@binet.com Yes

Kathy McDeed PO Box 657, Westminster SC 29693864.647.8804 watchdog@scfw.org

Ken Woodward 25 Indigo Way, Hendersonville NC 28739828.687.6025 woodwardken@hotmail.com Yes

Larry Hall HCR 71, Box 160-K, Rosman NC 828.884.6565

Leigh Wills PO Box 32, Brevard NC 28712 828.883.8156

Mark R. Burrows PO Box 1654, Brevard NC 28712 828.884.3205

Mary Jo Padgett 334 Third Ave W, Hendersonville NC828.697.9557 mjpadgett@ioa.com

Mike Ivey 4098 Tilley Creek Rd., Cullowhee NC828.293.5891 mill17926@wcu.edu Yes

Parker Platt 33 West Main St. Brevard NC 828.884.2393 parker_apare@citcom.net

R.H. Denton 580 Deerlake Road 828.966.4885

Rebecca Sewell PO Box 1000, Pisgah Forest NC 28763828.884.3974 rsew@citcomm.net

Roy Alexander 2538 Jeff St., Charlotte NC 704.532.9819 sueroy@prodigy.net Yes

Sammy Breeder PO Box 1193, Rosman NC 828.877.6243

Speed Rogers (PAC) 251 Purple Finch Lane, Brevard NC 28712828.883.3048 Yes

Steve Pagano, Jr. PO Box 285, Spencerport NY 14589718.281.4307 Yes

Tim & Peggy Hansen 406 Probart St., Brevard NC 828.883.3583 tphansen@citcom.net

Wes & Sylvia Jensen 219 Maple Hill Dr., Flat Rock NC 28731828.696.7985 WJENSEN@binet.com Yes

Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan

SUMMARSUMMAR SUMMARSUMMAR SUMMARY OF LAY OF LAY OF LAY OF LAY OF LAWSWS WSWS WS GUIDINGPGUIDINGP GUIDINGPGUIDINGP GUIDING PARK MANAGEMENTARK ARK MANAGEMENTARK ARK

STST STAA AA A TE LEGAL MANDATE MANDA MANDATESTES TESTES TES

North Carolina ConstitutionCarolina ConstitutionNorth Carolina ConstitutionCarolina Constitution

Article XIV, Section 5 of the North Carolina Constitution sets overall policy by broadly defining the conservation and protection of natural resources and the acquisition of such resources as a proper function of government. The amendment reads in part as follows:

ItshallbethepolicyofthisStatetoconserveandprotectitslands andwatersforthebenefitofallitscitizenry,andtothisenditshall beaproperfunctionoftheStateofNorthCarolinaanditspolitical subdivisiontoacquireandpreservepark,recreation,andscenic areas,tocontrolandlimitthepollutionofourairandwater,to controlexcessivenoise,andineveryotherappropriatewayto preserveasapartofthecommonheritageofthisstateitsforests, wetlands,estuaries,beaches,historicalsites,openland,and placesofbeauty.

State Parks ActParks ActState Parks ActParks Act

The State Parks Act (G.S. 113-44.7 through 113-44.14) sets forth a mission statement for the state parks system. It states that the system functions to preserve and manage representative examples of significant biologic, geologic, scenic, archaeologic, and recreational resources, and that park lands are to be used by the people of the state and their visitors and descendants in order to promote understanding of and pride in the state’s natural heritage.

Powers and Duties of the Department of Environment, Health, and NaturalPowers and Duties of the Department of Environment, Natural ResourcesResources ResourcesResources Resources

This act authorizes the Department to make investigations of the resources of the state and to take such measures as it may deem best suited to promote the conservation and development of such resources. The Act also authorizes the Department to care for state forests and parks and other recreational areas now owned, or to be acquired by, the state. (G.S. 113-8)

State Nature and Historic PreserNature Historic PreserState Nature and Historic PreserNature Historic Preser ve Dedication Actve Dedication Actve Dedication Actve Dedication Act Act

The General Assembly in 1973 passed the State Nature and Historic Preserve Dedication Act to “prescribe the conditions and procedures under which properties may be specifically dedicated for the purposes enumerated by Article 14, Section 5 of the North Carolina Constitution (Conservation of Natural Resources)” (G.S. 143260.6 to 143-260.10). A three-fifths majority of the General Assembly is required to

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

add or remove land from a state nature and historic preserve. Gorges State Park is a component of the State Nature and Historic Preserve.

North Carolina Environmental Policy Act of 1971

North Carolina Policy of 1971North Carolina Environmental Policy Act of 1971North Carolina Policy of 1971of

Recognizing the profound influence that man’s activity has on the natural environment, the General Assembly passed the Environmental Policy Act “to assure that an environment of high quality will be maintained for the health and well-being of all...”

The Act declares that:

It shall be the continuing policy of the State of North Carolina to conserve and protect its natural resources and to create and maintainconditionsunderwhichmanandnaturecanexistinproductive harmony. Further,itshallbethepolicyoftheStatetoseek,forallits citizens safe, healthful, productive, and aesthetically pleasing surroundings;toattainthewidestpossiblerangeofbeneficialusesof theenvironmentwithoutdegradation,risktohealthorsafety;andto preserve the important historic and cultural elements of our commoninheritance.(G.S.113A-3)

While there are other General Statutes that concern the state parks system and the environment, the above-described statutes, along with Article XIV, Section 5, of the North Carolina Constitution, largely define the purposes of the state parks system and serve to guide the operation of state park system units.

FEDERALLAFEDERALLA FEDERALLAFEDERALLA FEDERAL LAWSWS WSWS WS

Land and WLand and WLand and WLand and WLand and WaterConseraterConser aterConseraterConser ater Conser vation Fund Act of 1965vation Fund of 1965vation Fund Act of 1965vation Fund of 1965

The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (PL 88-578) offers protection and places restrictions on fund-assisted outdoor recreation areas. By virtue of receiving Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant assistance, most of the state parks system, including Gorges State Park, is subject to LWCF rules and regulations. Property acquired or developed in whole or in part with LWCF assistance cannot be converted to other than public outdoor recreation use without federal approval. A conversion may only take place if approved by the secretary of the Interior, and only then if replacement property of equal fair market value and reasonably equivalent usefulness and location is provided.

LWCF requirements include: programming, operating and maintaining areas in a manner that encourages public participation; maintaining the property so it appears attractive and inviting to the public; maintaining property, facilities and equipment to provide for public safety; keeping facilities, roads, trails and other improvements in reasonable repair throughout their lifetime to prevent undue deterioration and

Gorges State Park Master Plan -- February 2003

encourage public use; keeping the park and facilities open for use at reasonable hours and times; and making future development meet LWCF rules and regulations. State and federal inspectors to ensure compliance with LWCF requirements.

STST STST STAA AA ATEPOLICIESTEPOLICIES TEPOLICIESTEPOLICIES TE POLICIES

State Parks System Mission StatementSystem StatementState Parks System Mission StatementSystem Statement

TheNorthCarolinastateparkssystemexistsfortheenjoyment, education,healthandinspirationofallourcitizensandvisitors. Themissionofthestateparkssystemistoconserveandprotect representativeexamplesofthenaturalbeauty,ecologicalfeatures andrecreationresourcesofstatewidesignificance;toprovide outdoorrecreationalopportunitiesinasafeandhealthyenvironment;andtoprovideenvironmentaleducationopportunitiesthat promotestewardshipofthestate’snaturalheritage.

While the mission statement itself has no legal authority, it was written to concisely express the reasons for the system’s existence. These purposes are legally mandated by many sources, including the North Carolina Constitution and state statutes, some of which have been highlighted above.

MASTER PLAN WEBSITEMASTER PLAN WEBSITEMASTER PLAN WEBSITEMASTER PLAN WEBSITEMASTER PLAN WEBSITE

Gorges State Park Master Plan

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Gorges State Park Master Plan

Gorges State Park Master Plan