Forestry treatments would aim to restore and maintain species diversity, increase the amount of young forest habitat, and maintain and improve existing wildlife openings. The many proposed silvicultural treatments include a shelterwood regeneration method cut on 406 acres divided between 19 mixed hardwood stands, clearcutting two white pine plantations totaling 10 acres with the intent to restore a native cover type, applying commercial thinning treatments to nine stands totaling 201 acres and stand improvement treatments on 40 stands totaling 294 treated acres. An additional 142 acres would receive crown touch release with vine control treatments and 6 acres with no commercial value would be slashed down for restoration with an appropriate cover type. 

The Forest Service is accepting comments on the proposed project through Dec. 13. Email comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Those unable to respond by email can mail hard copy comments to Steverson Moffat, Planning Team Leader, Nantahala National Forest, 123 Woodland Drive, Murphy, N.C. 28906. Write “Nantahala Mountains Project” in the subject line or on the envelope. For more information about the proposal, contact 828.837.5152.