Letter To Forest Service

Bluff Mountain Outfitters, Inc.
152 Bridge St
Hot Springs, NC 28743
November 29, 2010

Michael Hutchins
U.S.F.S Appalachian Ranger District
Pisgah National Forest
30E Highway 19E Bypass      
Burnsville, NC   28714

Dear Mr. Hutchins:
I have been working with David Mcfee developing bike trails on Rich Mountain as the recreation component of the Shad Line Timber Sale. Some opportunities have been discovered that would tie the whole system together alleviating David’s fear of an underused “orphan trail” being created. It is my understanding that the unit has not been closed and could still be modified. David has also led me to believe that you are currently reviewing the use classification of trails in the district. This project would greatly enhance recreation possibilities in Hot Springs.

Opportunity
To create a mountain bike loop that would begin in the town of Hot Springs, NC. It would use a system of trails and roads already in existence, and would only require the construction of a short section (300 yards +-) of new bike/hike trail. The plan also proposes extension of the River Ridge Trail (#281). River Ridge would remain hike only. The town would have a new recreation opportunity. The trails in question would be a large draw to the mountain bike community which in turn would bring much needed tourism dollars to this outdoor recreation based town.

Scope of project

1. Open a trail from the Rich Mountain Fire Tower to the Round Top Ridge Trail. An abandoned trail exists on the ridge to the south of the tower. We would use this trail and then build a 300 yard section of new trail connecting the fire tower to Round Top Ridge without the use of the Appalachian Trail. The topography is gentle at the site of the new construction. The abandoned trail is still visible on many maps including Trails Illustrated #782.
2. Re-designate Round Top (Tr. #295) from hike to hike/bike. This is the only trail that is suitable for mixed use that currently enters the town; all other options either cross private land or are connected to the Appalachian Trail.
3. Open a connector from the Rich Mountain Fire Tower to the start of the proposed Shad Line project trail using the abandoned State Line Trail. This trail can be found on USFS modified topographical maps.
4. Build the Shad Line Trail using existing forest roads tying the fire tower to the start of the Jack’s Branch Trail (Tr. # 299). This trail was approved as the recreation component of the Shad Line timber sale.
5. Re-designate Jacks Branch Trail (Tr. # 299) from hike to hike/bike.
6. Extend the River Ridge Trail (Tr. # 281) crossing Murray Branch with a small footbridge. This trail would be hike only. It would greatly enhance River Ridge and reduce user conflict on lower Jack’s Branch. There is a system of very old skid roads that leads to a very suitable crossing location. The Hot Springs Mountain Club has funds that could be used for this bridge project.
7. Closure of the Golden Ridge Bike Trail (Tr. # 294). It was ill conceived and is a maintenance nightmare. The closure of this trail could create seven miles of newly designated linear wildlife opening. The roads comprising this trail have no thru-connections and are located in parts of the forest that serve as prime grouse and turkey habitat.

CURRENT INFRASTRUCTURE

1. Parking and bathrooms exist at the Murray Branch Picnic Area. These are located on River Road (SR #1304) at the terminus of the Jack’s Branch Trail.
2. The Rich Mountain Fire Tower already provides stunning views to the few visitors who find their way to it. According to Carolina Connections 2010 it is slated to receive economic stimulus money for renovations. An abandoned kiosk is at the site, and there is room for a trailhead parking area. The road to the tower terminates in a loop.
3. The kiosk from the Golden Ridge Trail would be available for use.
4. River Road (SR #1304) has been listed for years in brochures as a bicycle route. It is also listed on websites such as Trails.com for this purpose. This road would serve as a connection for the two trails.
5. Hot Springs, North Carolina is located at the terminus of the Round Top Ridge Trail. It has a full service campground with natural hot mineral baths, restaurants, lodging, shops and parking. The principle livelihood of this town is outdoor recreation based tourism.
6. Rocky Bluff and Silvermine Campgrounds. These underused U.S. Forest Service campgrounds would benefit from increased overnight stays.
7. The numerous Forest Service Roads and Trails that have already been stated in the proposal. The cornerstone of this plan is that very little new construction is required.

BENEFITS

1. When the project is complete, there will be a new outdoor recreation opportunity in Hot Springs, NC with a positive economic impact to this small tourist town. Hot Springs will have two single track bike trails starting at the same location. This would be the draw that would put Hot Springs on the map as a mountain bike destination.
2. It would provide a route for the French Broad River Festival’s bike race. This festival attracts thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year.
3. The construction of new trails primarily when needed to connect existing roads or trails is stated as a mission of the Forest Plan (Forest Plan, pages III-73, 74, and 83), and the environmental assessment for the Shadline project states; “The designation of trails may have positive impacts within the Polecat Analysis Area by developing a manageable trail system within the area and preventing unauthorized trails.” The thru-traffic on the Polecat Road was stated to be the cause for abandoning its management as a linear wildlife grass/forb habitat in 1995. The Jack’s Branch Trail would connect FSR# 422 to FSR# 468 bypassing the upper sections of FSR# 468. This has the possibility of reducing stress on wildlife on FSR# 468.
4. The closure of the Golden Ridge Trail would create 7 miles of new linear wildlife grass/forb habitat in an area without the possibility of unauthorized thru –traffic.
5. As a permitted outfitter we would offer shuttle services to the Rich Mountain Tower generating user fee revenue for the U.S. Forest Service.
6. Jack’s Branch and Round Top Ridge Trails would have new user groups committed to their maintenance.
7. Cyclists would use the existing restaurants and facilities that are already established in the Town of Hot Springs and the increase in tourism may provide new economic opportunities.

CLOSING

This is an opportune time to initiate this proposal. I currently have the volunteers to build and clear the trails including certified Sawyers. The Forest Service is in the process of re assessing trail use in the district, the Rich Mountain Tower has been awarded stimulus money for a rehab, and in these trying economic times the town is in need of additional revenue. The trails stated in this proposal are underused with sections of the Jack’s Branch Trail even disappearing from lack of maintenance. I am currently working to form a coalition of groups such as; Pisgah Southern Off Road Bicycle Association, Northeast Tennessee Mountain Bike Association, Hot Springs Mountain Club, Hot Springs Tourism Association, and Madison Tourism Development
Authority. The purpose of this coalition is to help with building, maintenance, and advertising of this trail system. The positive response from these groups has been very encouraging.

Sincerely,
Wayne Crosby
President