Comments sought on A.T. campsite construction
Fifteen new tent sites could go in along the Appalachian Trail on its route through the Standing Indian Basin in Macon County, pending public input to the U.S. Forest Service.
This section of the A.T., referred to as Bettys Creek Gap, is popular with backpackers due to the gentle slopes provided by old forest roads in the vicinity, but there are currently no designated camping sites. Backpackers camp wherever they want, causing resource damage. Management sees creation of designated sites as a way to prevent such damage.
Under the proposal, up to 15 sites would be designated using perimeter logs on both sites of the trail but outside of the wilderness boundary. The project would use a combination of hand tools and power tools.
Comments on the project must be received by July 8 to be considered. Submit them to comments-southern-north-carolina-nantahala-nantahala.fs.fed.us; 828.524.6441; or Thomas Saylors, Recreation Program Manager, Nantahala Ranger District, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin N.C. 28734.
