Bluff Mountain Campaign

BLUE RIDGE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE LEAGUE
PO Box 88  ~ Glendale Springs, North Carolina  28629     ~     Phone
(336) 982-2691 ~ Fax  (336) 982-2954 ~ Email:   BREDL@skybest.com

October 2, 1997

USDA Forest Service
PO Box 128
Hot Springs, NC 28743

COMMENTS ON THE SUPPLEMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
BLUFF MOUNTAIN TIMBER SALE

Compartments 44, 45, and 46 Madison County, North Carolina

Most of Bluff Mountain has been undisturbed since the 1930's. It is a recovering ecosystem which is on the way to becoming a mature habitat. It now provides the large acreage required by interior forest birds. Bear populations require the high quality habitat present on Bluff. The 4,680 foot peak provides and unbroken region which would be destroyed by future logging. Long-term habitat preservation for these species can be assured only on public lands. Brook trout and other sensitive species now thrive on the Bluff.

The newspapers recently carried stories about a landmark agreement on Bluff Mountain between timber industry, environmentalists, and state officials. But the proposed new alternative issued August 29, 1997 will only reduce timber sale acreage in 1998; the Forest Service's plans for Bluff do not rule out future timber sales. If this sale proceeds, new timber harvest objectives would continue under the existing forest plan. All harvest methods would be allowed and none prohibited, including clearcuts. The Supervisor outlines a minimum of 92 acres to be harvested for timber in all three compartments on Bluff, but no maximum. The agreement lists areas to be dropped from consideration in 1998 but contains no assurances about 1999 and beyond. And the 1998 schedule for the Bluff timber sale may be maintained at the expense of thorough investigation and comparison of the alternatives including the no-cut option.

On October 29, 1996 Secretary Jonathan Howes of NC DEHNR recommended that the USFS proceed with an Environmental Impact Statement for the Bluff Mountain timber sale. The reduction in timber volumes outlined in the new preferred alternative does not address the long-term consequences of continuing to operate under the existing forest plan. I understand that revision of the existing forest plan is two to four years away. If this is so, Bluff Mountain may be considered for new timber sales for at least two to four more years. The environmental impact of 200-300 acres of timber cutting over four years will have a cumulative effect similar to the original one-year sale. The National Environmental Policy Act prohibits segmenting of large projects into a series of smaller projects in order to avoid full compliance with the intent of the law. What are the US Forest Service's goals for timber harvesting on Bluff for 1998-2001? What are the US Forest Service's goals for timber harvesting on Bluff through 2008? The staged cutting of Bluff Mountain should undergo a full EIS

The Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, Inc. has had a chapter in Madison County for over a decade. We have worked since that time to preserve the natural environment, to promote good stewardship of the land, to protect public health, and to ensure full public debate. Last year we petitioned the USFS to put Bluff Mountain off limits to future logging. We did not participate in, nor do we concur with the negotiated recommendations of May 29. Furthermore, no residents of the community where logging is proposed were at the table during the negotiations facilitated by the USFS. The reductions in public scoping occurring under the issuance of this Supplement to the EA should not be allowed in this sale or any subsequent sales.

We recommend the Forest Service should do the following:

(1) Halt all timber-cutting and road-building in Compartment 44, 45, and 46 planned for 1998,

(2) Complete a full Environmental Impact Statement on Bluff before timber sales proceed including a full scoping process and a complete inventory of endangered and threatened species. This would set the stage for rezoning of the mountain for no cutting when the Forest Plan is revised, and

(3) Re-zone Bluff Mountain for no logging or road building.

This mountain is a centerpiece for the future of this region. Let it return undisturbed to its natural state. No further logging should occur on either side of the mountain. Preserve the Bluff in its entirety. Make an exception for an exceptional place.

Respectfully submitted,



Louis Zeller
Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League

bluff-ea.com/2-10-97