Laserfiche WebLink
<br />001119 <br /> <br />., <br /> <br />use of the river are effectively controlling the numbers of people <br />although not without some problems. The Forest Service operates under <br />a strict set of standards that has caused the commercial outfitters to <br /> <br />seek a larger allocation of trips for individuals. Individuals are <br />not pleased by the prospect of being "closed out" and wi 11 undoubtedly <br />attempt to work out their difference with the Forest Service. Overuse <br />nevertheless has not become a major problem on the Chattooga. Forest <br />Service management policies have seen to that. <br /> <br />- IMPOSING RIVER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON LAND FORMALLY MANAGED FOR TIMBER <br />ONLY... <br /> <br />T!J:;s'l <br />The Chattooga is one of the finest examples of a river that benefitted <br />from designation even though much of its adjacent lands had been dedicated <br /> <br />as National Forest since 1935. Except for a few clusters of private <br /> <br /> <br />homes the river corridor was relatively undeveloped. Both the Forest <br /> <br />Service and conservation groups agree however that the river was being <br /> <br /> <br />abused before designation. Trash and refuse was left on the banks, soil <br /> <br /> <br />erosion was common because of vehicles and indiscriminate camping. <br /> <br />Trees were often cut to make clearings and overall the area was not what <br /> <br />it is today. <br /> <br />Clearly there was a need for rules and restrictions. After the Forest <br />Service closed the old logging roads in the river corridor, local opposition <br />arose. Up until that point the designation was relatively uncontroversial. <br />Local people ,had traditionally used the river for fishing. They were <br />suddently cut off. Use of recreation vehicles also was stopped. Non- <br /> <br />-16- <br />